South Londoner makes it to Miss England semi-final

A South London girl has made it to the semi-finals of Miss England after coming second in a regional heat.

Constance Iloghalu, from New Cross, qualified for the semi-finals of the contest as runner-up in the Miss London virtual face-off on May 7.

But it was not just her looks which got her through – the only “vital” statistics involved were how much money she had raised for charity.

Constance submitted a video entry with introduction, catwalk and talent.

But she also raised money for the Miss World Beauty with a Purpose charity.

After the semis, which had been scheduled for June 8 but have been postponed during lockdown, the finals had been due in July, followed by Miss World.

The former pupil of St Stephen’s Primary in Deptford and St Ursula’s Convent, Blackheath, said: “I was so happy to get through to the semis – as I worked very hard for it.

“I believe that if I win, it will be a celebration of British women from different ethnic backgrounds.

“It is important to see diversity in ethnicity and body shape, to encourage younger girls. 

“My goal is to help children with special educational needs and eventually create my own charity based on education in developing countries.

“I really believe education is the key out of poverty.”

Constance is a family support worker and contact supervisor, supervising contact between parents and foster children.

She is also studying social sciences at University College London, where she is the elected course representative and a student ambassador.

She volunteers for the Igbo Cultural Support Network as the welfare officer and had started to organise a Youth Development weekend, centred around stimulating team-building activities and personal development when lockdown intervened.

She has also been supporting a domestic violence charity which is appealing for unused toothbrushes and toiletries for women struggling in new homes after fleeing their partners.

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