Simone is a Hucknall Hero for keeping people active during coronavirus lockdown

Coun Phil and Kevin Rostance, who created Hucknall Heroes, had the honour of presenting Simone Witherden with her certificate, chocolates and her unique Hucknall Heroes face covering.

Simone is the founder of the Believe Academy in Hucknall which remained open and active throughout lockdown, offering support to local schools and continuing her dance classes over the internet via zoom.

This has not only helped her students physically but also mentally through these extremely challenging times.

Simone offered free online covid support journals, which went viral online, and has never stopped checking in on the wellbeing of all of those in her studio, embodying Hucknall Heroes ethos of ‘going above and beyond’.

She has supported families who have been through great loss and tragedies, and during a time when many have faced financial pressures and uncertainties Simone has helped ensure that all of her students can continue to do what they love no matter what.

Simone received a huge number of nominations from the local community, with one describing what she has done as a ‘life-line’.

Coun Rostance said: “I’m really pleased that Simone has been nominated as a Hucknall Hero.

"What she has been doing over the pandemic has been incredibly important to a lot of people, and on behalf of our community, I want to say congratulations.

" You really are a Hucknall Hero. ”

Simone said: “I am extremely humbled by this award and want to thank those who nominated me and for everyone who took the time to send in such incredibly kind words.

"To my family, your love and support and prayers keep me going. I am part of an amazing team at Believe, I could never have done all we do on my own.

“Dance has always been a passion, one that was so generously passed on by my mum, who was my teacher and inspiration, and I really love the people in my community.

“Dance and life skills training are ways to bring some live, light and kindness to others.”

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