Maryelen Loughran is a 15-yo British teenager who has been selected as one of the 50 finalists for the Miss Teen Princess UK competition. She has no hand, severe arthritis, four kidneys and a rare digestive ailment. Are you inspired or worried?

I am inspired. are you worried she will get hurt? she will hopefully win the comppetition, like all of us she will die. so leave her the fuck alone

I'm neither inspired nor worried. I already knew that someone with medical problems can still be a great person. I already believe that these kinds of contests are negative forces in our society -- I don't think this particular instance makes them any worse or better.

'Miss teen princess UK' Good god.

But good for her if she's happy.

I have nothing against the handicap person, I've worked with them for over 10 years, but I don't think this might be a good fix for her.

Surprised is how I feel.

Wonder what the criteria are.

Very cool! As someone missing a few body parts, I appreciate her ability to take pride in show she is. It feels like this sort of story helps to normalize all of is gimps. Onward and upward!

Inspired and confused.

I'm more worried about there being a Miss Teen Princess competition than anything alse.

I live here, and I've never heard of that competition. Could you give a source, please?

PS: Ah, I found an item on it in the Crawley News. lol. It is hardly of national importance. But in any event, having a disabled contestant is good, because it shows that the criteria used were not simply those of conventional glamour, which is a good thing IMO.

I'm inspired. But more worried. Had she been normal like any other girl, probably she could've won the Miss. Universe title.
Why... Well Yes. She of course is Miss.Universe now. That's the beauty of her confidence, mind and heart :)

I don't care about these superficial competitions, but I guess I am pleased that a handicapped person has been accepted, yes. In a world filled with plastic, blonde, OTT beauty queens and princesses it is great to see a less-than perfect person taking part!

I am inspired. Look at how beautiful she is.
http://news.ninemsn.com.au/slideshow_ajax.aspx?sectionid=9016&sectionname=slideshowajax&subsectionid=152498&subsectionname=teenprincess

A little confused. Do you have a link?

i am not inspired or worried but i am very surprised.this british teenager doesnt have ginger hair and a hump on her back by any chance.........

Hi all My name Is Maryelen Loughran and i am the girl you are all talking about. I am now 18 and have not ferthered my modeling. Thank you to all of those who gave me positive support and to those who never then all i can say is that i came 3rd in the competion so i must have done something right. I hope i can be a positive role modle for other disabled people all over the world and to reasure people that different is beautiful you dont get noticed by been the same as evryone else. I am now in my 3rd year at college to become a Teach Assitant :) Thank you all. :) :) :) :)