Teen Beats Illness To Enter Beauty Contest
First Published in the South Wales Argus| 9th November 2007.
Getting to the finals of a beauty contest would be a dream come true for any teenage girl - but for 17-year-old Kovi Dunbar it was an extra special moment.
Kovi, of Cwmbran, has always wanted to be a model but when she was diagnosed with Bell's Palsey two years ago, a condition which causes one side of the face to droop, she feared her dreams would never become a reality.
Now, not only has Kovi been three months without suffering any symptoms, she has also been chosen to represent Wales in three beauty contests.
Mum, Cynthia Langeveldt, said: "I didn't tell Kovi I was entering her for the competitions because I thought it would be a nice surprise.
"The Bell's Palsy has been really difficult for her to deal with. She's having to resit her GCSE year because she has been in and out of hospital.
"Entering her into the competition was my way of thanking her."
Kovi said: "I was very surprised to find out that I made it to the finals and was really shocked to find out I'd made it through in all three."
Originally from Zimbabwe, Kovi has only lived in Wales for 18 months, but she still feels really proud to be representing Wales.
Kovi is all set for the Miss Teen Britain finals on November 18, but is still trying to raise funds to get to the Miss Teen UK Finals on November 23 and the Miss Teen Commonwealth final in July.
Mrs Langeveldt is calling for local businesses to come forward and sponsor Kovi to raise the £680 she needs to get to the competitions and to help buy costumes for the Commonwealth competition.
If you can help, contact Cynthia Lang at langie123@yahoo.com|