21-year-old India Fenwick of Ponteland was 'thrilled' to learn she had 'received the gold card entry' that named her one of the two girls from the North East to make it to the Miss England Finals on Monday, October 17 in Coventry.
She not only wants to be crowned the winner of the UK's most 'respected title'; she wants to bring to light the positive representation of children and parents affected by birth defects - something that is important to her.
"I was born with an extremely rare eye condition called Microphthalmia," India said.
"It is a condition contracted during pregnancy that can prevent full development of one or more eyes.
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"In my case, luckily it has only affected my left eye which is only 25% smaller than my right, however, I am fully blind in my left eye.
"Growing up, I didn't feel there was any representation of disabilities and eye conditions in the media and I was severely bullied in school and always felt alone in my condition.
"I am hoping as a Miss England finalist will help me build up a platform where I can support and inspire other children and adults suffering from similar conditions."
The competition is noted for emphasizing the importance of charity work and is now a significant part of the competition. India wanted to raise money for a charity close to her heart.
She said: "I am trying to raise money for the MACS society, who supports children and adults suffering from Microphthalmia, Anophthalmia and Coloboma.
"I have created some super cool and funky pieces of Art that show a wide representation of different eye conditions; these prints are available to purchase on my Etsy shop "HopeSocials".
As the competition draws nearer, India reflects on her journey in the contest and feels 'proud' to be the first ever Miss England Finalist to be partially blind.
She adds: "Miss England has been so accepting of my condition and very encouraging, as they put a huge emphasis on charity and community work.
"I was very impressed to see such a diverse and inclusive range of talented, strong, clever, and empowered women to be selected for the final."
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