I’m 62 but I’m in the final round to become Ms Great Britain – age is just a number
A 62-YEAR-OLD woman who is in the final round to become Ms Great Britain says age is just a number as she wows judges.
Deborah Robbins-Giles, from Dudley, West Mids, is competing against six other women in a bid to raise money for charity.
The retired control room worker for West Midlands Ambulance Service will take to the stage in October after her husband submitted pictures of her.
Deborah will appear in the Ms Great Britain Classic category for women aged 45 and over.
Self-proclaimed “lady of leisure” Deborah said “life doesn’t finish at 60” and she hopes to be crowned while raising thousands of pounds for Cancer Research UK.
A charity close to her heart since losing her mum to ovarian cancer, Deborah said it’s what’s “pushing me forward” to carry on with the pageant.
She said: “For my poor mum it was too late when she went – she just went down really quickly.
“I’d love other ladies to put in for it really because it is great, you meet nice people and it’s just good for yourself – life doesn’t finish at 60.
“I’m going to enjoy all aspects of [the pageant]. I’m going to enjoy the charity side and the publicity.”
Deborah, who has five labradoodles, plans to walk 100 miles in May to raise £1,000.
She has already raised nearly £300 for the charity with five months still to go until she appears in Leicester for the final.
Having written a book last year, Deborah said she will also donate 50 per cent of sales to Dementia UK.
When asked what inspired her to take part in Ms Great Britain, she said: “I’m doing it for all of us ‘older’ ladies out there.
“Perhaps ladies who have been careers like I was for a decade and a half and mainly I’m doing it for my beloved mum.
“My mum sadly passed away just a year older than I am now.”
Finalists will appear in a swimwear and a day-wear category before taking part in an interview segment and ending the evening in a gown.
Deborah will appear alongside Margaret Murray Rankin, 80, Gina Broadhurst, 46, Karen Murray, 52, Anita Summan, 47, Angela Taylor, 48, and Rose Giovino, 67.