Meet the Sheffield cancer survivor that’s raising a huge amount for charity by entering beauty pageant
Leonie Rowen has raised more than £300 this year for cancer research
A Sheffield cancer survivor says she is stepping out of her comfort zone by taking part in a beauty pageant as it is what makes her feel most alive.
Leonie Rowen, who grew up at Firth Park in Sheffield before moving to Kimberworth in Rotherham, lost her step-dad to brain cancer in 2012 when she was just 15-years-old, and was herself diagnosed with thyroid cancer in 2020 at the age of 23.
Now she’s entering Miss GB South Yorkshire to raise money for cancer research in an effort to support the people and families that are being impacted.
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Leonie, who has been in remission since 2021, claims the experience of surviving cancer has made her more outgoing and confident in her everyday life.
She told The Star: “My grandma Anna, who passed away four years ago, was my biggest fan. She always wanted me to go into modelling, but I never had the confidence at the time. I was too anxious.
“Then when I was diagnosed with thyroid cancer, I was laying in bed thinking about just how short life is, and how I want to try and embrace every opportunity.
“I have made it my mission since getting well to try and do things that are outside my comfort zone as it makes me feel most alive.”
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Earlier this year, Leonie, who recently celebrated her 29th birthday, raised £110 for cancer research in April, by filming herself doing a 30 second plank each day that month.
“I’ve realised I really like setting myself challenges to raise money for charity, help other people and just be appreciative of everything life has to offer.”
Leonie, who works as an assistant office manager for Sheffield Mencap and Gateway, a charity supporting those with learning disabilities and autism, adds that the people she works with also inspire her everyday and make her feel confident.
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She said: “I will continue to raise money for cancer research as I owe it my life. Being diagnosed with cancer scared my anxiety away and now I only have life to look forward to.”
Alongside preparing for her beauty pageant, Leonie says she’s currently in the middle of another big challenge where she’s recording herself doing a minute plank, 20 sit ups and as many lunges and donkey kicks.
“I’m the type of person who's never really been mega into the gym. But I’m starting to really enjoy it. I like making videos as I think it allows people to get more involved with the fundraiser in a fun way,” she added.
Leonie has so far raised more than £300 for cancer research this year, including just over £200 this month ahead of the Miss GB South Yorkshire Pageant.
The event will take place on Sunday, 19th July 2026 at the Aston Hall Hotel in Sheffield.
You can support Leonie’s fundraiser by donating to her page here.