A mum who inspired and motivated her daughter to open a low fee dance school has been nominated for Croydon Champions Parent of the Year.
Marion McGarvey of Christian Fields, Norbury, was nominated for the award by her daughter Hayley Rea.
The 23-year-old runs the Aim High Dance Academy for 180 children in Croydon, Lambeth and Merton, but said she could not maintain the smooth running of the school without the help of her mum.
On her nomination form Hayley wrote, "As well as supporting me through the challenging times, mum also completes all the dance schools administration and volunteers at every event we host.
"She washes and irons every dancers costumes before a show and flyers to help market the school."
Miss McGarvey who is also mum to Hayley's twin Adam, was a single parent who couldn't afford to send her daughter to dance classes, but she still ensured Hayley followed her dream.
Hayley said: "Even though I could not afford to attend dance classes, mum helped me realise no passion or talent should be limited due to lack of money.
"She pushed me to aspire and achieve through dance and it was through her inspiration I set up these low fee community dance classes, so dance is accessible and affordable toe everyone in the community."
The 50-year-old who works as a secretary in Marylebone, didn't know she had been nominated until she was contacted by the Croydon Guardian.
Thrilled by the nomination, Miss McGarvey said: "I am over the moon. Hayley is a credit to me, she has worked so, so hard I am so proud of her.
"I've just been a shoulder to lean on and adviser her when this has happened or that has happened. I've just supported her as best I can, that's what you do when you are a mum.
"You love your child and strive to support them as much as you can. The nomination is lovely, I am so excited for November."
Every week we feature some of Croydon's heroes on this page and we want your nominations. All nominees will be shortlisted and invited to an awards ceremony in November.
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