Miss World, Miss Wales and Miss UK visit Cancer Research Wales laboratory on national tour
Cancer Research Wales was delighted to host Miss World (Opal Suchata Chuangsri), Miss UK (Cancer Research Wales ambassador Millie-Mae Adams), and Miss Wales (Helena Hawke) at one of our funded laboratories at the University Hospital of Wales

Their visit was part of a global ‘Beauty With a Purpose’ tour, which shines a spotlight on humanitarian causes and celebrates scientific progress in cancer research.
The guests explored laboratories in the Cancer and Genetics department at the School of Medicine of Cardiff University. Led by Professor Alan Parker, they met with researchers and learned about cutting-edge developments in cancer diagnostics and treatment.
Touring the UK
The Cardiff visit was one of several UK stops for Miss World, who also visited The Myton Hospices in Coventry and The Christie Foundation in Manchester.
Miss World, Opal Suchata Chuangsri, said:
“Visiting Cancer Research Wales was something I had been looking forward to, and it surpassed my expectations. The dedication I witnessed and the breakthroughs being made represent hope, not just for people in Wales, but for communities around the world. It’s a powerful reminder that when science and purpose come together, lives can be saved. I’m grateful for the warm welcome and the time they took to share their work and research with us.”
Miss UK, Millie-Mae Adams, said:
“As a Cancer Research Wales ambassador, it was a very important day having Miss World visit the labs. Showing the charity's inspiring mission to combat cancer through funded research on a global platform through Miss World is something I could only have dreamed of! Cancer affects all of us in some way, and Cancer Research Wales is working tirelessly to lessen its effect. I’m proud to be a Cancer Research Wales ambassador and appreciated Miss World visiting and supporting our work.”
Advances in virology
Professor Alan Parker, who led the tour, is developing new ways to treat cancer using viruses. Using advanced processes, the viruses are engineered to attack cancer cells and produce anti-cancer drugs inside the tumour. This approach holds huge promise and the first clinical trial using the viruses has already begun.
Dr Peter Henley, Research Funding Manager at Cancer Research Wales, said:
“It was a pleasure to host Miss World, Miss UK and Miss Wales in our funded laboratories. Although all of our research funding stays in Wales, breakthroughs in cancer diagnostics and treatments can benefit patients everywhere. This lab tour was a great opportunity to share Cancer Research Wales’s work to a global audience - thank you to Opal, Millie-Mae and Helena for taking the time to visit us.”