Former Coronation Street star Kimberly Hart-Simpson has been applauded by her former co-stars and fans as she shared some great news about her work. The actress is probably best known for playing Nicky Wheatley in the ITV soap.
But away from appearing on-screen, Kimberly is actually a keen volunteer, a businesswoman and a dab hand at upcycling clothes. The 35-year-old, who first appeared on the Corrie cobbles in June 2020 when sex worker Nicky struck up a friendship with school teacher Daniel Osbourne, set up Hart-Work in 2018.
All the items from her sustainable brand are handmade by the former soap star herself and previously, speaking to the Manchester Evening News and other press, Kimberly said it was buying the cheapest sewing machine she could find, which she 'put on an Argos card because I couldn’t afford it outright', that she credits to saving her mental health.
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Kimberly also does a lot of work with and for the British Heart Foundation including volunteering at one of their Manchester stores. But this week, in a big move, she was announced as the charity's first retail ambassador. In 2017 Kimberly’s sister Emma was diagnosed with dilated cardiomyopathy, a chronic heart condition which affects the size, shape and thickness of the heart.
Sharing the news on Instagram alongside a video, Kimberly wrote: "Announcement! I am thrilled to reveal that I am the FIRST EVER Retail Ambassador for @the_bhf. I am so excited for this collaboration. I will be supporting the #ReuseRevolution and inspiring others to donate, shop, and volunteer with us."
She added: "I have made no secret of my love for a bargain, sustainability but most importantly that money going into help save lives…. This is my proudest role and achievement to date and I promise to keep pushing all of above!"
Elle Mulvaney, who plays Amy Barlow in Corrie, quickly responded, writing: "Yessssss," alongside a string of clapping emoji. The ITV soap's Max Turner actor Paddy Bever replied: "yes!! so chuffed for you." Jack James Ryan, who played Jacob Hay, said: "Proud of you stargir."
Former Corrie star Bhavna Limbachia wrote: "Huge congratulations. Super chuffed for you." Hollyoaks' Chelsee Healey commented: "Amazing girl." While former Channel 4 soap star Daisy Wood-Davis added: "This is amazing! What a woman."
And Kimberly's fans and followers were also quick to heap their praise. @sugaringdonuts19 said: "Well done Kimberly. You will be a great ambassador for this charity." @kittyfromoxfam wrote: "Amazing work Kimberly."
@micks.ms15 commented: "Good on you Ms Kimberly, lovely lady supporting a great cause, have heart disease myself and support it wherever I can so thank you." @p_newcombe shared: "Fantastic Ambassador with a huge heart much love." @lauraaa_diva added: "I absolutely love this, well done."
Allison Swaine-Hughes, the British Heart Foudnation's retail director, said: "Kimberly has been such a fantastic supporter of the British Heart Foundation and I couldn’t think of anyone better suited to be our first ever retail ambassador for the charity. Our shops raise millions of pounds every year to help fund lifesaving research to support people like Emma and Kimberly’s family.
"We’re really excited for Kimberly to get stuck in by going behind the scenes of our amazing shops and inspiring the nation to shop, donate and volunteer with us."
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