Meet… Mrs Endeavour

Despite her initial reluctance, Zoe agreed to take her daughter to a pageant. But on the day of the event, stage fright got the best of her little one. “She refused to go on stage!” Zoe laughs. “Since we had already paid for her spot, someone suggested, ‘Why don’t you give it a go?’”

Zoe took a chance and stepped onto the stage herself. From that moment in 2018, she was hooked. “It wasn’t just about the pageantry—it was the community around it. I’ve made incredible friendships that I truly treasure.”

Since then, Zoe has been an active participant in the Endeavour UK pageant system. She first competed in 2022, winning the Directors’ Choice title and was named Endeavour UK Champion the year after. This year, Zoe claimed the prestigious title of Mrs Endeavour UK 2024/25, winning the 31-44 age category. “Winning this title felt incredible,” she beams. “It’s the culmination of three years of hard work and dedication to the system.”

Zoe’s 2024 handover was shared with “the teal army” (Endeavour Royalty and finalists) and the family of Emma Gregory, her best friend and fellow Endeavour Queen who sadly passed away last year.

The Endeavour UK pageant aims to be fully inclusive, welcoming individuals of all genders, backgrounds, and abilities. “Some pageants still don’t allow people to compete if they’re married or have children—Endeavour isn’t like that,” Zoe explains. “In the past, pageants were about a certain demographic with a certain dress size, but that’s not the case anymore. Endeavour UK has curvy categories, as well as options for those who want to compete by age. It’s about opening the industry to everyone.”

“For me, pageantry has nothing to do with conventional beauty standards,” she continues. “Endeavour UK shattered all the preconceptions I had. I meet people in these pageants who inspire me in ways that have nothing to do with how they look.”

While the friendships Zoe has formed through pageantry have been her favourite part, she’s also discovered a newfound sense of self-confidence. “Before this, I had very little confidence. I would never have imagined myself as a titleholder. I used to constantly compare myself to others, but the support from this community has helped me see the good in myself. It’s taught me to believe in who I am.”

A unique aspect of the Endeavour UK pageant is its focus on personal stories—contestants are encouraged to share what they’ve overcome in their lives. “Sometimes it’s about simple challenges, and other times, people go really deep. I’ve shared my own struggles with body dysmorphia,” Zoe reveals. “I used to be a dancer, and I was always thin, but after having three children, I’m now a size 16. I didn’t want my daughter to feel like she had to worry about her body, so I knew I had to work on becoming comfortable in my own skin.”

“IT WASN’T JUST ABOUT THE PAGEANTRY – IT WAS THE COMMUNITY AROUND IT. I’VE MADE INCREDIBLE FRIENDSHIPS THAT I TRULY TREASURE.”

Zoe’s experience on stage has been transformative. “I remember a previous pageant where I had the choice to compete in swimwear or sportswear. While others wore swimsuits, I went up in track pants and a t-shirt because I didn’t feel comfortable. But seeing women of all shapes and sizes—some with C-section scars, others with colostomy bags—competing with confidence inspired me. So this year, after my speech, I stepped out in swimwear.”

In addition to its inclusivity, the Endeavour system is rooted in charity. The pageant is organised by Streetz CIC, a Warrington-based charity supporting homeless and vulnerable young people, particularly those aged 16-23. “Streetz helps young people from disadvantaged backgrounds and provides resources for those in supported housing,” Zoe explains. “We fundraise to help them with things like safety boots for apprenticeships, emergency sanitary packs, clothing – basic human necessities.”

Zoe during her fundraising skydive: Black Knights Skydiving Centre

Contestants are encouraged to fundraise in any way that feels comfortable for them, from sponsored events to community projects. The participant who contributes the most wins the prestigious Overall Charity Crown. Zoe has raised over £520 for Sam’s Diamonds Cancer Charity, by doing a Sponsored Skydive.

“For me, supporting small businesses has been a big part of my platform,” Zoe adds. “My parents own Leedam’s Pharmacy in Colne, so I’m passionate about promoting local enterprises. During Christmas, I like to volunteer with gift-wrapping in local stores to raise money for Streetz.”

If you’d like to get involved, get in touch via Zoe’s Mrs Endeavour Facebook page. Looking ahead, the next Endeavour UK pageant is set for September 6th and 7th, 2025, in Warrington. If you’re thinking about taking part, now’s the time to dust off that sparkly dress and start practicing your walk. For more information, visit the official Endeavour UK website.