Maria Julia Mantilla Garcia - Miss World 2004
People ask how it felt when my name echoed around the arena as the winner of the Miss World 2004. The answer is simply: I was numb.
When I heard Mrs Morley announce the winner as Miss Peru, I stood applauding with the others before realising that I was moments away from achieving my dream. That was the start of the most incredible and fulfilling year of my life. My expectations were high but the reality far exceeded my wildest dreams.
The Miss World Organisation works tirelessly to raise money and support deserving children and environmental projects worldwide. I was determined to maintain this legacy during my reign and to achieve great things through our work for charity. We have travelled to charity events and fundraising activities in Russia, China, the USA and Indonesia. This year alone we have raised more than $12 million for good causes worldwide.
Our efforts range from a charity mountain climb in Tibet, to partnering with the Variety Children's Charity to provide essential water filtration systems to supply more than 60,000 child tsunami victims with fresh water in regions affected by the Asian tsunami.
Climbing in Tibet was a defining moment. The three day trek to the summit of the 6,026 metre Qi-Zi mountain raised money and awareness to help local blind children unable to go to school or play because of responsibilities at home. A good childhood is important and if I have helped by climbing a mountain, then my efforts will have been worthwile.
In September, we travelled to Ireland to launch the first annual 'Have a Heart Ball' in aid of The Heartbeat Trust. In my first visit to Ireland, I had the honour of helping raise more than €160k.
Thanks to the Variety Children's Charity, I fronted the Gold Heart Campaign in Peru to raise thousands of pounds through sales of gold heart badges to support orphans and underprivileged children in my country. Activities included fundraising dinners and visits to orphanages and children's homes in Lima and my hometown of Trujillo.
To all the contestants I have a few words to share with you. You have already taken a great step. To represent your country in a world event is a major achievement for which you should feel proud. You are carrying the aspirations of your country and its culture. You also embody the dreams of many girls.
Many of you must feel nervous but that is only natural.
The best advice I can give is that you should do your best, be yourself and enjoy the experience of a lifetime. The memories you take home from China will remain with you, as will the many new friends you make here.
The best advice I can give is that you should do your best, be yourself and enjoy the experience of a lifetime. The memories you take home from China will remain with you, as will the many new friends you make here.
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