Essex mum named finalist in Britain’s Morning Hero search

Kim Reeves, of Braintree, could take home the title in Tiptree’s Raise a Toast to Britain’s Morning Heroes competition, which celebrates individuals who bring positivity and community spirit to the start of each day.

Ms Reeves was nominated by her daughter Orli Collins for her more than ten years of service running the breakfast club at Lyon's Hall Primary School.

Ms Collins said: "I nominated my mum, Kim, because I couldn't think of anyone more deserving.

"She's past retirement age and lives with arthritis, yet still gets up at the crack of dawn to make sure the children start their day with a yummy breakfast and a smile.

"She's been doing it for over ten years, even treating them to a Friday fry-up.

"The children adore her, and she adores them right back.

"She does it simply because she cares and doesn't want any child to miss out.

"I'm incredibly proud of her, and I feel so lucky to be one of only two people in the world who get to call her Mum."

Despite arthritis and being past retirement age, Ms Reeves continues to arrive as early as 6am to prepare a welcoming environment for children.

Some of the pupils attend the club just to spend time with her.

Ms Reeves said: "I was completely surprised when my daughter told me she'd nominated me, let alone that I'd been chosen as a finalist.

"I've been running the breakfast club for over ten years, and I absolutely love it.

"Seeing the children's happy faces every morning and knowing I'm helping to give them a positive start to their day makes the early starts so worthwhile.

"The support and appreciation from the parents mean so much too.

"When the time comes for me to retire, I hope to carry on running the breakfast club for as long as I possibly can because it's such a special part of my life.

"I never expected any recognition, so this really does mean the world to me."

The winner will be crowned in November and will enjoy a special Tiptree experience, including a farm and factory tour, a visit to Tiptree's flagship tea room and an overnight stay and breakfast at Marquis Suffolk, along with a year's supply of Tiptree marmalade, strawberry jam and tomato ketchup.

Liz Millin, marketing manager at Tiptree, said: "Kim's story is a wonderful example of what it means to be a Morning Hero."

Public voting is open until midnight on November 10.

To vote for Kim or find out more about the other finalists, visit tiptree.com/pages/breakfast-hero.