My mum died at 62 but I’m competing in Ms Great Britain – I’ve been a carer for 14 years so glamming up felt strange
AN EX-CARER is a Ms Great Britain finalist at the age of 62 – and she says she hopes to honour her mum who died at the same age of ovarian cancer.
Deborah Robbins Giles, 62, says following the tragic death of her mum, Pauline Robbins, in 1995, she spent 14 years as a carer for her elderly relatives.
Deborah says it wasn’t glamorous – so when she saw the Ms Great Britain pageant was taking applications, she decided to go for it with support from husband Paul Robbins Giles, 64.
After being accepted last year, but sadly not being able to compete due to ill health, she was taken on as a finalist again this year and hopes to beat the competition and take home the title.
Deborah, a retired ambulance dispatcher, from Dudley, West Midlands, said: “I’m loving the glam as I was a carer for 14 years so glam was the last thing on my mind while looking after older people.
“I was only in my thirties when my mum passed away – I’m an only child and my mum really was my best friend, it was a terrible experience.
“When I was in my teens we used to watch it on the TV, if she’s looking down she’ll be over the moon whether I’m in the top three or not.
“That’s why I’m doing it, really this is for my mum – people say it’s so inspirational,” she explained.
Deborah first entered the beauty pageant in 2023 after spotting an advert which suggested older women could also enter.
She decided to take the leap after caring for others – wanting to put herself first and experience some glamour.
Deborah says she was also influenced to enter by the pageants fundraising ties to Cancer Research – a cause she says is close to her heart.
Sadly, after developing the “100-day cough” last year she was unable to compete but she applied again and was accepted this year.
Now she says she’s focusing on raising money for charities associated with the competition – Cancer Research, Alex’s Wish and Bowel Babe.
Deborah says it’s been a “different world” allowing her to focus on herself and build her confidence – and she reckons all older ladies should enter.
“All older ladies should put in for it really,” Deborah said.
“It builds your confidence, it was a completely different world for me to get on a nice dress and get my hair done.
“When you’re caring for two old people you put your life on hold, you don’t matter so much – there’s a pecking order and you’re right at the bottom of it.
“It’s allowed me to focus on myself, because I’m raising funds it’s a double bonus for me.”
Pageant tips for first time contestants
Here are some tips to consider before applying for a beauty competition:
- Find the right pageant for you
- Do your research
- Use social media to promote yourself
- Get talking to previous title holders for advice
- Consider the requirements of the winning title
- Consider the prize package
- Don’t compare yourself, play to your strengths
- Find sponsors