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TEEN beauty pageant hopeful Kathryn Bland hopes to be on top of the world this summer. Kathryn, from Chapel House, Newcastle, is in the running to represent Great Britain at Miss Universe 2017. The 19-year-old will be one of 40 girls taking part in the worldfamous finals in South Wales – and she’s gunning to be Britain’s main girl. The determined business and psychology student has never taken part in a pageant before, but is delighted to have made it through to the last stage. Kathryn said: “I’m so excited to have been chosen out of all the girls that applied. This is a huge adventure for me and a lot of fun. It’s definitely going to be a learning curve.
“Before applying, I realised that life is too short – if you never try, you’ll never know.”
The final will be a three-day event running from July 13-15. If successful, Kathryn will represent GB at Miss Universe in Manila in the Philippines.
The GB final will begin with a day of empowerment, followed by a celebration dinner with family and friends, before the finalists take on a catwalk show in front of a panel of judges.
In the run-up to the final, Kathryn will be taking part in a series of challenges and events to raise money for Strongbones, a charity which helps children with bone disease.
The event will also support Sheroes Hangout initiative, which helps women who have been the victim of acid attacks.
The winner of Miss Universe will be invited on a visit to India to meet these women personally, in addition to representing the UK at an exotic overseas location later in the year.
Kathryn said: “Being only 19 I’m the baby of the group, but we all get on so well and I’ve got such a great support system.”
Although no prizes have been confirmed yet, there will be three awards under the Not In Vain campaign run by Miss Universe Great Britain.
There will be an award for the finalist who raises the most money for charity, an award for the most inspiring finalist who shows dedication to empowering women, and a business bursary to a finalist who, like Kathryn, wishes to enter the world of business.
Around 90 countries take part in the Miss Universe event with the crown currently belonging to 2016 winner, 27-year-old Jamie-Lee Faulker, from Sheffield.