A KIDDERMINSTER woman has been chosen to take part in a national inspiration pageant.

Toni Palmer-Young, 21, will compete in the Miss Inspiration UK 2015 finals taking place in Newport, Wales, in March.

Although Miss Palmer-Young is originally from Kidderminster, she will be representing Cardiff where she is currently studying for a degree in Events Management.

The pageant aims to promote and celebrate the beauty of each contestant individually and Toni will be competing against other girls from around the UK.

Miss Palmer-Young said: “I chose to enter the competition as one of my closest friends has competed in beauty pageants, so I’ve always been around them. When she won Beauty of Wales last year, it gave me the confidence and I thought why not give it a go?

“I applied online and had to send two photographs of myself in. Within a couple of hours I had an email saying they were offering me a place straight in the final, with the title of Miss Cardiff Inspiration, due to me living and studying in the area.

“I was ecstatic.”

During the final, which takes place on Saturday, March 21, the rounds include a choreographed opening number, an interview, fashion wear, evening wear and an optional swimwear round.

Each year the pageant chooses a charity for each contestant to raise money for and this year the director has chosen Ayla-Maes Three Steps Forward.

Ayla-Mae is suffering with a condition called spastic quadriplegic cerebral palsy. This condition means that she will probably not be able to walk and will need constant care for the rest of her life. Donations and more information can be found at www.gofundme.com/5fm48g

She added: “My aim for the competition is to help Ayla-Mae. But it is also to inspire others to go for gold and do what they dream to do. My biggest dream in life is to be remembered for making a difference and helping people.

“By making that impact that can help people and change things in this world. Seeing that I have made someone happy is the best achievement that I could ever have.

“My friends and family are supporting me so much. I sometimes think my mother is more excited than me.

“If I won the pageant, words cannot describe how I would feel. It would be fantastic as it means I am one step further in to helping and inspiring others to live their life and never letting anyone stop you doing what you wish to do.”

You can follow Toni’s journey by searching ‘Toni Marie Palmer-Young - Miss Cardiff Inspiration 2014/2015’ on Facebook. She is currently organising a 48 hour sponsored silence.