Disabled Hastings model signed by Kate Moss' stepmother's agency

Elesha Turner aims to break the mould and get minority models into the mainstream media after recovering from a form of bone cancer in 2013.

The 22-year-old needs crutches to get around but has been signed by Inger Moss’ agency in Brighton, MK Model Management.

Elesha said it was an amazing feeling to get signed but there is more to do to change the industry’s perspective.

“I think that people sometimes aren’t willing to break outside the mould and that is the thing with the fashion industry,” she said.

“I went to see a show at London Fashion Week which was incredible as the designers were willing to break the boundaries of design but not with the models they use, which is a real missed opportunity.

“It’s an opportunity to create something different, with the wheelchair or crutches but they don’t.”

After being diagnosed with parosteal osteosarcoma, doctors replaced almost all of the bones in the former Helenswood student’s leg with titanium but the surgery means she now relies on a crutch.

Elesha was introduced to the Brighton-based MK by Models of Diversity, making her one of the first disabled fashion models to be represented by a UK agency.

Inger Moss was quick to sign Elesha as she wants to change the way disabilities are seen by the media.

“I don’t think a disability should come in the way of being on our books,” she said.

“The mainstream media needs to reflect the world and needs to see a little bit wider.

“We live in a world full of diversity and we need to try to represent everybody.”

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