A teenager who was mercilessly bullied because she is albino has triumphed over her tormentors, launching a new career as a fashion model.
Sarah Wright was terrorised by fellow students throughout her school years, and rarely went a day without being called a “freak” and having stones and drink cans thrown at her.
She was also the victim of relentless cyber-bullying, which left her self-esteem at an all-time low.
“I didn’t feel like a person, only a condition,” Sarah says. “My mother told me one day my chance to shine would come but I didn’t believe her.”
Sarah left school at 16 and slowly began to regain her confidence. At her mum’s insistence, she entered the UK’s Alternative Model of the Year contest and won. She has now been signed by a major modelling agency and is looking forward to a great career in fashion.
“I’ve proved my bullies wrong,” Sarah says. “For years they made my life hell. Now I no longer feel the need to hide. I’m proud of who I am.”
Sarah Wright, with her Alternative Model of the Year crown, and as a child.
Sarah says learning how to use makeup transformed her life and boosted her self-esteem.
Sarah says she is thrilled she has proved her bullies wrong.
Sarah on the catwalk at the finals of the Alternative Model of the Year contest.
Alternative models have been growing in popularity in recent years. Jillian Mercado, who is wheelchair-bound, appears in the latest Diesel fashion campaign.
Moffy, who has cross-eyes, is another alternative model who has shot to fame recently. Photographed by Tyrone LeBon for POP magazine.
Debbie van der Putten, who has one arm, is having success as a high fashion model.
Kelly Knox for Think New.
Double amputee Aimee Mullins is a L’Oreal spokesmodel.
Transgender model Isis King for American Apparel.
Faye Povey doesn’t let her crutches stop her from modelling.
Jenna Talackova has made it as a fashion model after being disqualified from Miss Universe because she was born male.
Transgender model Carmen Carerra in a risque ad for La Femme fragrance.
Sophie Morgan models from her wheelchair.
Holly Greenhow, 7, has cerebral palsy and is a model for Mini Boden.
Valentina Guerrero, who has Down syndrome, modelling for DC Kids swimwear.
Seb White, who has Down syndrome, modelling pyjamas for JoJo Maman Bebe.
Six-year-old Ryan Langston (far left) has Down syndrome and models for US Target.
Ryan has also modelled for US department store Nordstrom.
Five-year-old Natalia Goleniowski (right) also has Down syndrome but models for Frugi.
Ella Kinder, a child model with Down syndrome. Photo by Carrie at photographybycarrieperez.com.
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