Dame Kelly Holmes sends Eckington athlete inspiring video

If there's one person you want to receive a message of support from during tough times it's your childhood hero - and that's exactly what Derbyshire's Tilly Simpson got.
By The Newsroom
Published 22nd May 2017, 16:01 BST
Updated 4th Jun 2017, 21:40 BST

The teenage long distance talent has been battling injuries including a broken leg last year and a hip injury this year as she looks to take huge strides forward in her career.

And she received a huge boost when her inspiration Dame Kelly Holmes sent her a supportive message as she tries to fulfil her dream of becoming an Olympic champion. The 16-year-old from Eckington School said: “My role medal is Dame Kelly Holmes and that double gold at Athens 2004 were amazing.

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“My auntie comments on Twitter a lot always tagging Kelly Holmes in anything sport related she sees. So Kelly went on my auntie’s profile, and her header picture is one of me and my sister with Jess Ennis-Hill, and her bio says she supports me and my sister on our sporting journey.

“Kelly researched my name and saw my times and my injuries. So she wanted to send me a video to tell me to keep going and that there is light at the end of the tunnel.”

Simpson will receive support from The Nottingham Building Society, who are teaming up with charity SportsAid to support 50 local athletes on their journey with their ‘time to shine’.

Nottingham Building Society and Harrison Murray teamed up with SportsAid in 2013 to help future sports stars get their time to shine. Visit thenottingham.com to find out more.

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