DIAMONDS ARE FOREVER AT PAGEANT
WHEN Victoria Letheby turned 27, she thought her pageant career was over.
Then she discovered the Miss Classic Diamond competition, which allows older entrants.
The now 31-year-old Ormeau-based bookkeeper has made it to the grand final of the national competition, which will be held in Brisbane next month.
“I found out about the competition through a modelling site and applied for it last year,” she said.
“Unlike other pageants that have rules like you can’t be married, can’t be over 27 or have to be a certain height, this competition is about your confidence and what you’re doing for charity.
“It doesn't matter about your size, colour, religion, background, marital status, everyone from all over Australia can enter.
“I don’t think there’s anything like this in the world.”
Ms Letheby said she chose her charity – Cure Brain Cancer – in memory of her mother who passed away last year.
“Mum was diagnosed in July 2016, had an operation in August and was given a maximum of 12 months to live,” she said.
“She had headaches earlier in the year and had always suffered from migraines so didn’t think anything of it. It’s not until my dad took her to the hospital to get an X-ray that they realised how bad it was ... she passed away on ANZAC day.
“I told my dad I was entering this competition for her and he cried. My mum and dad had a fairy tale life: mum asked dad out, they went out on a Friday, again on Saturday and got engaged on Sunday.
“My mum was always there for me in everything I did ... I know she’ll be there watching me from heaven.”
At the Grand Final, national finalists will have to make a speech about their chosen charity.
“I don’t like public speaking but I’m so passionate about this charity,” Ms Letheby said.
“I’m going to keep fundraising after the competition ends. I want to raise $100,000 by the end of the year.”