Kimberly Hart-Simpson announced as BHF’s first Retail Ambassador
Coronation Street actress and entrepreneur, Kimberly Hart-Simpson, has been announced as the British Heart Foundation’s first Retail Ambassador.
Kimberly has been a supporter of the BHF for many years, championing shopping preloved, upcycling clothes, as well as volunteering in her local British Heart Foundation shop in Manchester. 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.
Kimberly Hart-Simpson said: “I am over the moon to be the British Heart Foundation’s first ever Retail Ambassador. When my sister became unwell, it changed her life, and mine. Because of Emma’s experience, I knew I wanted to use my platform to shout about the amazing work of the charity and it has also driven me to continue volunteering and shopping preloved.”
A recent survey, conducted by the BHF, found that a quarter of the nation’s wardrobes contain no preloved items, prompting the charity to urge the nation to join its Reuse Revolution by shopping and donating preloved this spring. The survey also found that just over two in five (42%) respondents believed the proportion of preloved in their wardrobes has increased1 over the last few years and Kimberly wants to ensure this trend continues.
Kimberly added: “If you know me already, you’ll know I’m passionate about shopping preloved and I want to get the nation to fall in love with it as much as me. Not only is the work of the BHF important to help fund lifesaving research which will impact people like my sister, but it’s a more sustainable way to shop and help our money stretch that little bit further. And that’s why this role is so important, I get to talk about the things I love and help raise money for the BHF who do so much to support families like mine.”
The British Heart Foundation announced Kimberly as the charity’s first Retail Ambassador at an exclusive event in London, hosted by DJ and presenter Yinka Bokinni. The evening, attended by press and influencers, included a panel discussion with speakers including Chair of My Wardrobe HQ Jane Shepherdson, writer and sustainability shopkeeper Tiffanie Darke and BHF’s Retail Director Allison Swaine-Hughes.
The retail ambassador role will see familiar faces, celebrities and influencers help the BHF raise as much money as possible through its shops, which helps fund lifesaving research into heart and circulatory diseases.
Allison Swaine-Hughes, Retail Director at the British Heart Foundation (BHF) 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.”
