A Retford woman who has spent years raising awareness of breast cancer, supporting local communities and championing mental health has been recognised on the national stage after securing a Top 10 finish at Ms Great Britain 2026.

Charlotte Lister, 39, made history in July by becoming the first-ever Ms Nottinghamshire GB, then finished ninth overall at the national finals at the Athena in Leicester, while reaching the top three for the Impact Over Image award.

Alongside her professional roles as project coordinator for North Notts BID, based in Worksop, and CSR and partnerships manager for the Crown Bawtry Collection, Charlotte has dedicated much of her time to fundraising, volunteering and community campaigns across Bassetlaw, Nottinghamshire and South Yorkshire.

Her latest achievement marks a remarkable personal comeback.

Charlotte Lister of Retford competes in the Ms Great Britain 2026 pageant.

placeholder image — Charlotte Lister of Retford competes in the Ms Great Britain 2026 pageant.

In 2024, Charlotte competed at the Ms Great Britain finals just weeks after a serious illness abroad left her hospitalised with colitis and complications affecting her liver.

Despite still being in recovery, she achieved a Top 15 finish, placing 14th nationally.

Two years later, she returned to the competition, improving her placing by five positions and securing a coveted spot in the national Top 10.

However, it is her recognition in the Impact Over Image category that she says means the most.

Charlotte has been instrumental in expanding breast cancer awareness campaigns across the region, including All in Pink and the creative Bend and Check initiative.

Her efforts have helped raise more than £26,000 for breast cancer causes, while more than 1,400 bras have been collected for reuse and recycling, including donations supporting women affected by domestic abuse.

Closer to home, Charlotte has supported the Turn It Pink campaign across Bassetlaw, working alongside Aurora Wellbeing Centres to encourage local businesses to support breast cancer awareness.

Charlotte also volunteers with Nottinghamshire Wildlife Trust at Idle Valley Nature Reserve and is project lead for Doncaster’s Baton of Hope Tour in September 2027, a national suicide prevention initiative close to her heart, following the loss of her cousin to suicide.

Charlotte said: “When I found out I’d finished ninth overall and reached the top three for Impact Over Image, I was absolutely over the moon.

“In 2024, I’d been through one of the most difficult periods of my life. Finishing 14th that year felt like an achievement in itself, but to return two years later and finish ninth is something I’m incredibly proud of.

“I’ve been lucky enough to work with some incredible charities, businesses and volunteers who have helped turn some of my slightly crazy ideas into campaigns that genuinely make a difference, and that’s what really matters.”

Charlotte believes pageantry can be a powerful platform for positive change and hopes her achievements will encourage others to get involved in their communities.

She added: “Being the first-ever Ms Nottinghamshire GB is something I’m incredibly proud of, and I’ve always wanted to use that title to shine a spotlight on the wonderful people, charities and organisations we have across Nottinghamshire.

“To be recognised nationally for the impact of that work is a huge honour, but none of it would be possible without the people who support these campaigns.

“There are so many people behind the scenes who deserve recognition too.”

With her reign continuing into 2027, Charlotte is already planning further charity initiatives and awareness campaigns.