From Victim to Advocate: Corel-Jo Antwhistle’s Journey
Corel-Jo Antwhistle, a 24-year-old resident of Northumberland, recently experienced a terrifying attack in Newcastle city centre that has forever altered her perspective on personal safety. This harrowing event serves not only as a personal challenge but also as her catalyst for advocating for women’s safety.
The Attack That Changed Everything
In November 2022, as the holiday season approached, Corel found herself being followed by a stranger. The man violently kicked her in the legs and stole her mobile phone, leaving her with physical injuries that included a split lip and torn fingernails. The impact of this incident was profound; Corel expressed feeling terrified to go out and questioned her personal safety.
A New Mission: Raising Awareness
Corel, who grew up in South Bank, Middlesbrough, initially took home the title of a finalist in the Miss England competition back in 2022. After taking time off to travel, she has returned to the pageant scene with renewed focus and a clear mission: to highlight the critical issues surrounding women’s safety.
Empowerment Through Advocacy
Recalling her traumatic experience, Corel stated, “I thought a lot about how people are ignorant to women’s safety.” In response to her ordeal, she launched a women’s charity aimed at raising awareness and providing support. Unfortunately, due to funding challenges, the charity, named Think Us, had to close down in 2024. However, the spirit of her mission remains alive as she continues to advocate through her platform.
Life Skills Gained Through Experience
Corel now works in HR and believes her travels have equipped her with valuable life skills that will benefit her in the upcoming Miss England semi-finals. Having reached the top ten in the previous competition, she is determined to leverage this visibility to make a difference.
The Importance of Speaking Up
Corel aims to use the Miss England contest as a platform to shed light on women’s safety issues. “I wanted mine to be about women’s safety,” she remarked, emphasizing her desire to empower young women. She believes that recent events highlight the necessity for increased focus on this critical issue, suggesting there’s still much work to be done.
Looking Ahead: The Future of Advocacy
The semi-finals for Miss England are set for October 3, and the grand finale will be held on November 21 at the Grand Station in Wolverhampton. Corel is excited not just to compete but to be a voice for women’s empowerment and advocate for change. “For me, Miss England is about far more than ‘tinsel and tiaras’,” she declared, emphasizing the importance of using this platform to inspire positive actions.
Through her advocacy, Corel-Jo Antwhistle is determined to foster a safer world for women, proving that even in the face of adversity, one can rise and lead changes in society.
