"I Want To Break The Stereotype", Says Eastbourne Finalist For Miss International UK

A young woman in Eastbourne is representing the town in the Miss International UK 2021 beauty pageant.

Imogen Sands, who's 21, wants to break the stereotype and assumptions that surround the beauty pageant world.

The pageant journey has very much helped build Imogen's confidence by pushing her to reach out to people. She said she used to be shy and self conscious about her glasses, her body and just being different.

That all changed after entering the pageant, which meant she had to try and get 'appearances' with local people and organisations. Although this has been difficult during the pandemic, it's still meant she's had to put herself out there and meet new people.

Speaking to More Radio, she said:

"I think people still have the same image of a girl walking on stage in a swimsuit, thin, with perfect hair. Now, our pageants are really not like that, it's about getting to know the person, what they do and who they are.

"There's so many different body types! I've met so many women just starting pageantry. Some women are in Miss Voluptuous pageants that celebrate curves. 

"I just think some people don't necessarily think they're a good thing to get into, but it's really helped with my confidence.

Imogen's pageant platform is polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).

She was diagnosed with the condition when she was nineteen years old, and thinks that not many people know about. Those diagnosed with PCOS have various symptoms, if any at all. Some of the main symptoms include irregular periods and having difficulty getting pregnant, if at all.

According to the NHS, the condition is thought to affect about 1 in every 10 women in the UK. It's also been associated with an increased risk of developing health problems in later life, such as type 2 diabetes and high cholesterol levels.

Imogen plans to do a 'groyne run' next month (May) to raise money for Verity, a charity that works to raise awareness of the syndrome, along with organising events, conferences and supporting those who've been diagnosed with PCOS.

Imogen explained what she plans to do:

"In May I'm going to run from Holywell to Eastbourne Pier and then turn around and run back on the beach, climbing over each groyne.

"I'll be doing this with my dad, tackling around 36 groynes.

"The point is to tackle hurdles, not be by yourself or alone, but always there to help others and tackle something that's really hard."

Click here to donate to Imogen's fundraiser.