Aliza Kanerawala, a 20-year-old from Leicester, is using her platform as a Miss England semi-finalist to raise awareness of lung cancer, a cause close to her heart.
When Aliza was just 13, she lost her mother to stage 4 lung cancer, a devastating event that has shaped her mission ever since.
Picture credit: Miss England
Her mother, a non-smoker who led a healthy lifestyle, showed no signs of illness until it was too late. Diagnosed in June 2018, she passed away just five months later, highlighting the need to address the misconceptions around lung cancer—particularly for those who don’t fit the typical profile of a smoker.
“My mum was my role model, my best friend, and my greatest source of comfort,” says Aliza. “Watching her fight so bravely, yet so silently, made me realize how much we need to change the conversation about this disease.”
In honor of her mother’s strength, Aliza created Breathe for Hope, an initiative aimed at raising funds and educating the public about lung cancer, especially among non-smokers. Her goal is to ensure that those affected by the disease are seen and supported.
Now studying film at university while also working as an actor and model, Aliza continues to balance her studies with her advocacy work. She describes everything she does as a tribute to her mother, whose belief in her still drives her forward.
“Everything I do is for my mum,” says Aliza. “Her words, ‘Whatever happens, happens for good,’ are the foundation of everything I stand on.”
Picture: Miss England
Aliza is now competing as a semi-finalist in the Miss England competition, with her focus on the Beauty with a Purposeround. For her, this is more than just a beauty contest; it’s a chance to use her voice to raise awareness about lung cancer and inspire others to turn their pain into purpose.
“Miss England is about standing for something bigger than yourself,” she explains. “For me, it’s about using my platform to help others who’ve faced loss and raise awareness about lung cancer.”
Voting for the semi-finalists begins on September 22nd through the free Miss England app, where supporters can vote once per day. The winners will go on to compete in the grand final in November.
Before the semi-finals, Aliza will also participate in the Sports Round on September 27th at the Football Dome in Aylestone, Leicester. Led by former Royal Marine Lee Stuart, the round will test contestants’ physical strength, adding another layer to Aliza’s journey of resilience.
In the lead-up to the competition, Aliza has launched a fundraising campaign to support lung cancer research. To donate, visit: www.justgiving.com/page/aliza-kanerawala-missengland
“My story is heartbreaking, but it’s also a story of hope,” Aliza says. “I want to turn my mum’s silence into impact—one breath, one voice, and one life at a time.”
