FORVIA HELLA Customer Services Manager, Simone Brooks, swapped calls for the cha-cha, dancing her way to second place overall at Strictly Banbury 2025 and claiming first place in the group freestyle performance, set to SIX the Musical.
The annual event, hosted at The Mill Arts Centre in Banbury, raised funds for Help for Heroes and saw Brooks take to the stage on both Friday and Saturday night. She not only wowed the judges and audience but has so far raised more than £2,000 for the military charity.
Brook’s standout performance was the result of months of hard work and determination. Training for 11 hours a week, she dedicated herself to perfecting two technically demanding routines, the Foxtrot and the Salsa, as well as an energetic group number that lit up the auditorium.
Experience for Brooks
“It has been an incredible experience and something I have always wanted to do,” said Brooks. “To be able to raise money for such a worthy cause while doing something completely out of my comfort zone has been amazing. I am so grateful for all the support.”
HELLA UK colleagues gathered to support Brooks, showcasing the company’s strong community spirit. Based in Banbury, HELLA supplies OE-quality parts, advanced diagnostics, and technical training, trusted by workshops and distributors worldwide.
“We are incredibly proud of Simone and everything she’s achieved,” said Neil Grant, Managing Director at HELLA UK. “Her commitment to the training and fundraising, has been truly inspiring. It is a fantastic example of the passion and drive we value so highly at HELLA, whether it is supporting customers, colleagues or the wider community.”
Donations to Brook’s fundraising page can still be made by following this link.
