The new face of beauty pageants

Gina Broadhust is a mum of two and runs her own business, Just Shutters. At 47, she decided to take part in Ms Great Britain.She was spurred on by her sister, Lara, who sadly lost her husband Andy to brain cancer, and told Gina to take every opportunity that life throws at you.

Says Gina: “My views on pageants were outdated and inaccurate. What I have found is an inspiring, thriving community of empowered and supportive women, who spend their time working hard on their personal development, raising money for charity and championing issues that they are passionate about. Yes there are crowns and gowns, lashes and heels, but the reality is that the woman you are, and the impact you have, is far more important than the way you look. Ms Great Britain is inclusive and diverse and I am proud to compete.” The competition has three age categories, with no upper age limit.

She has been sponsored by OwningYourMenopause.com. Gina says: “I feel it is imperative that women in midlife experiencing symptoms of perimenopause/menopause keep their bodies moving and their minds healthy. This amazing online community has helped me to do just that with workouts, sleep advice, nutrition and wellbeing all covered. I had a rough time with perimenopause and I battled to get the correct treatment over a number of years, but this was resolved at the start of 2023 shortly before I had the opportunity to compete in Ms Great Britain. Now I am on a mission to ‘Live for Now’ and squeeze every drop of fun that I can out of life.

“I want women in midlife to realise they are still vibrant, powerful and beautiful and they need to grab life with both hands.”