Claudette Thompson-Smith

Claudette is fantastic! An inspiration! A rock! And someone who has without anyone realizing made a huge difference to my community and many individuals that live here in Lenton, Nottingham.

You see, Claudette has been involved with the saving of my local swimming pool, gym and community centre. She has, probably more than anyone else, gone the extra mile with her selfless dedication to making The Lenton Centre (TLC) what it is today.

Claudette started as a volunteer and has guided, encouraged and inspired many young and old to get healthy in our gym. And she always does it with a smile and gentle encouragement. She delights in seeing folk feel good about themselves and grow in confidence and well being.

But as well as helping individuals, she has put in hours and hours of extra time, or as I might call it - 'sweat equity', to keeping the facilities (and especially the boiler!!) going, without which the centre would simply not have survived. We still have a swimming pool in Lenton, and not only that but a thriving swimming pool, because of Claudette.

And one final thing, Claudette has also kept the rest of us going! So thank you Claudette! I can't think of a better person to carry the flame! CR