An Interview with Claire Redgrave of ICL on Supporting Charities Through Miss GB

At ICL, supporting charitable initiatives is an important part of the company’s culture. This is reflected in the work of Claire Redgrave, whose involvement in the Miss Great Britain organisation provides a platform to raise awareness and funds for a range of causes. We sat down with Claire to learn more about her journey, motivations, and the impact of her work. Alongside the pageant’s official charities, Claire supports organisations focused on domestic abuse and neurodiversity, using her experiences to advocate for greater understanding and support. With encouragement from ICL, her efforts have extended beyond individual fundraising to wider team involvement across the business.

How did you first get involved in the Miss Essex/ Miss GB competition?

My sister competed in Miss Great Britain around 10 years ago, which first sparked my interest. At the time, I lacked the confidence to pursue it myself.

I entered a few smaller regional pageants in 2018 and 2019, but always had my sights set on Miss GB. I applied for one of their regional heats, Miss Essex, in early 2020 but COVID put things on hold.

In 2022, I finally had the chance to compete at the Miss London GB heat alongside my sister—she won, and I placed as 1st Runner-Up.

How many years have you been competing, and what has kept you motivated to continue?

I’ve been competing in the Miss Great Britain system for four years, and as Miss Hertfordshire, this will be my fifth time taking part.

After Miss London, I left an emotionally abusive relationship and wasn’t sure I’d return. But in 2023, I realised the platform could be used to raise awareness, so I entered the Miss Kent heat, partnered with a local domestic abuse charity, and won.

Reaching the Miss GB final that year really solidified it for me—I loved the confidence it gave me and the people I met. Since then, I’ve continued competing while growing a platform inspired by my own journey with potential ADHD and Autism.

What inspired you to take part in this competition in the first place?

I used to joke that it was because I hated my prom dress and wanted another excuse to dress up—but that wasn’t the case.

Watching Miss GB in 2016, I was inspired by how confident and self-assured the women on stage were. As a quiet kid who struggled socially and lacked confidence, that really stayed with me.

A big part of Miss GB is its charitable focus—can you tell us about the charities you support?

Miss GB proudly supports Cancer Research UK and A-Sisterhood, with a strong focus on fundraising and awareness. Alongside this, I work closely with neurodivergent charities including S.P.A.C.E., ADD-Vance, the National Autistic Society, and ADHD UK, where I’m also an ambassador.

Why are these causes particularly important to you?

Cancer Research UK is a cause close to many of us, including my own family and friends, which makes supporting it especially meaningful. A-Sisterhood’s work with women’s charities worldwide, including Women’s Aid, also resonates deeply with my own experiences. My involvement with neurodivergent charities comes from my personal journey with ADHD and Autism, and a passion to improve awareness and access to support.

What kind of fundraising or awareness activities have you been involved in?

I’ve taken part in Race for Life events and fundraising challenges for Cancer Research UK, hosted coffee mornings for A-Sisterhood, and spoken on the radio to raise awareness for all the causes I support. I’m also taking part in an abseil at the Francis Crick Institute later this year to continue fundraising efforts. Later this September, with ICLs support, I am hosting a charity fundraising afternoon for Cancer Research UK and A-Sisterhood.

How does the competition platform help you amplify these causes?

Miss Great Britain encourages us to actively promote our causes through its publicity award, which has given me a great platform to raise awareness both in the community and through media opportunities.

How has ICL helped support your chosen charities?

ICL have been incredibly supportive—making charitable donations on my behalf and fully backing my fundraising efforts. They’ve helped me host coffee mornings in the office, supported events like raffles, my fundraising event later this month and always encourage team involvement, which has made a real difference to the impact we’ve been able to have.

How has ICL supported your journey?

ICL have been an incredible support throughout my journey. My team celebrated my Miss Essex win by decorating my desk, and some even came along to support me at my Miss Essex handover this year.

Across the office, there’s always genuine interest in how I’m getting on, and great support for the charity work linked to Miss GB as well as the causes I personally champion. ICL have also kindly sponsored me for 2026 as Miss Hertfordshire and continue to back my fundraising efforts, which I’m really grateful for.

What would it mean to you to win the Miss GB title?

Taking part in Miss Great Britain has given me so much confidence and a voice I never imagined I could have. That voice — and the representation that comes with winning — has the power to make a real difference.

Winning the title would mean everything to the younger me who spent years feeling out of place and unsure of where she belonged — it would be proof of just how far I’ve come.

I still remember sitting in the audience 10 years ago, never imagining how much this pageant would shape my confidence and open doors for me. To win in my final year in the ‘Miss’ age category would feel like a true full-circle moment.

How would you use your Miss GB platform to make a difference?

Since partnering with Miss GB, Cancer Research UK has received over £350,000 in donations raised by finalists — a true reflection of the impact this platform can have. The reach and visibility that come with Miss GB create an incredible opportunity to support meaningful causes and make a real difference.

If I were to win and have the platform that creates, I would use it to be a role model for neurodiverse women and girls. I’m passionate about challenging stereotypes and breaking down the misinformation surrounding Autism and ADHD. Using my voice and the Miss Great Britain title, I would continue to advocate for better support, greater understanding and real change for neurodiverse individuals.

Claire’s journey highlights the value of combining personal commitment with organisational support. As she continues in the Miss GB competition, Claire remains focused on using the platform to support the charities she is passionate about, reflecting both her own values and ICL’s ongoing commitment to giving back.