A personal trainer who was recognised by the Royal Family last year for her work over the pandemic has finally been able to receive her award in person.
Lavina Mehta, who lives in Watford, was honoured with an MBE for services to health and fitness during Covid-19 in particular helping the elderly Asian community.
But because of restrictions, she was unable to be formally recognised for being named in the Queen's Birthday Honours list until this week, when she visited Windsor Castle.
Mrs Mehta, 43, was greeted by Anne, Princess Royal on December 14 who gave her an MBE medal and thanked her for her community work.
During the first lockdown, the mother-of-three broadcast her exercise class live on Zoom, Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube, racking up tens of thousands of views.
In particular, she has targeted her workouts at the elderly and vulnerable population, in a bid to boost their immune systems and combat loneliness.
Mrs Mehta called in help from her 74-year-old mother-in-law to help with the classes for seniors, and her mother-in-law was also able to help with translation.
Related: MBE honour for personal trainer who devoted lockdown to keeping thousands healthy
Mrs Mehta has continued to provide workouts aimed specially at elderly people while her charitable work has continued by becoming an ambassador for Diabetes UK, taking part in Trek 26 for Alzheimer's Society, and the 10,000 step challenge for Brain Tumour Research.
The personal trainer, wellness coach, and speaker said she felt "very blessed and honoured" to receive the MBE adding she just wanted to help people in "unprecedented times".
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