Ann Marie Harper is 71 years old and has no intention of staying at home.
This grandmother from Prestwick, Scotland, will be the oldest finalist in the 81-year history of Miss Great Britain. On October 16, she will compete in the Ms. Classic category, reserved for women over 45, alongside women 26 years younger. A mother of two and grandmother of three, she is known as “Glamour Gran Ann” among her 57,000 social media followers.
It all began when she was invited to take part in the regional Ayrshire pageant. She told herself that if someone offers you an opportunity like that, you accept it. In June, she walked the runway in fashionwear, eveningwear and swimwear, winning over the judges with her charm. She is also heading to the final with a special talent: ice skating, which earned her a place among the top 16 in the talent award.
But she has another cause: she raises funds for a project that helps people over 50 reduce loneliness. “Getting older doesn’t mean being any less fabulous”, she says.