A new mother has won the title of Miss Newcastle Great Britain 2026, just months after giving birth to her baby girl. Rebecca Dobson, 26, competed in the regional final while breastfeeding her five-month-old daughter Florence.
Victory in Tynemouth
Rebecca was crowned during the regional final at the Exchange 1856 in Tynemouth on Sunday, June 21. She will now advance to the final of Miss Great Britain 2026, scheduled for October in Leicester. The accolade came as a surprise to the new mom, who said she felt empowered seeing her daughter in the audience.
"I couldn't believe it," Rebecca told ChronicleLive. "I felt more empowered than ever, especially being able to look into the audience and see my daughter there. I wanted to show that motherhood doesn't define you."
Breastfeeding During Competition
Rebecca, from Trimdon Grange, County Durham, breastfed Florence throughout the event. She brought her baby to rehearsals, interviews, and between rounds. "The girls couldn't believe the fact I took my baby into the rehearsals. My baby was on my hip the whole duration. I took my baby into the interview with me. In between rounds I was running out and feeding her," she said.
Even after being crowned, Rebecca prioritized her daughter. "I was supposed to go for a photo shoot straight after I was crowned. However I was sitting on the stage breastfeeding Florence instead," she added.
Inspiring Other Mothers
Rebecca hopes her journey inspires others. "I showed the other girls that it doesn't matter what you're going through or what you've gone through, if you have that determination you can do it. I just hope that it's inspired one person not to give up on their dream," she said.
Her daughter Florence will accompany her to the Miss Great Britain finals. "I'm a single mam that breastfeeds and I'm breaking stereotypes. She's my reason for breaking boundaries, my reminder that I really can do anything," Rebecca said.
Pageant Journey
Rebecca began competing in pageants in 2021 after being asked to model for a boutique in Darlington. She entered Miss Winter Wonderland in Shildon and won the title. "From then on I caught the bug. I love how empowering it is for women," she said.
She has since competed in pageants across the UK and the USA, using her platform to raise awareness about struggles women face daily. She calls her advocacy "dealing with the D's" — depression, domestic violence, disability, despoilment, displacement, distance, dependency, and death.
"Each one carries its own weight which sadly affects millions daily. I've lived these struggles. I've faced the darkness of depression, the wounds of domestic violence and the pain of loss. But I've also learned that we are not defined by our D's, we are defined by our determination to rise," she said.
Overcoming Postnatal Challenges
Rebecca had a difficult birth with Florence and was on the verge of postnatal depression. With support from her family, she decided to enter the pageant for herself. "I needed something for me. I needed to be able to say this is Rebecca time. I said do I dip my toes back in or am I a mam now?" she recalled.
"I'm a single mam but I have a family that are a village and an extended family through church," she added. Several mothers have contacted her since her win, saying she inspired them to enter pageants or reignite their passions.
Looking Ahead
Rebecca, who supports St Alban's Church in Trimdon Grange, is preparing for the Miss Great Britain finals. "I'm honoured to be able to compete in the Miss GB finals. It's the oldest and most prestigious pageant in UK history," she said.
"I know the nerves will hit nearer the time but right now I'm just enjoying the lead up with continuing my charity work, using my platform for positivity and looking for sponsors to help along the way!"
