TV star joins search for Preston heroes

Taslima Ahmad named winner of the Heritage category at the 2020 National Lottery Awards Credit: National Lottery Good Causes

Former EastEnders star and I’m a Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here winner Jacqueline Jossa is encouraging the public to nominate Preston people and projects doing extraordinary things with the help of National Lottery funding.

The National Lottery Awards are the annual search for the UK’s favourite National Lottery funded people and projects.

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This year, actor and TV presenter, Jacqueline Jossa, has joined forces with the National Lottery in the search for inspirational individuals and groups throughout the UK.

Jacqueline, who is known for portraying Lauren Branning in EastEnders from 2010 to 2018, and winning the 19th series of I’m a Celebrity in 2019, is encouraging nominations.

Former EastEnders and I’m a Celeb Star, Jacqueline Jossa, is urging people to nominate inspirational individuals and groups who do extraordinary things in their community with the help of National Lottery funding Credit: National Lottery Good Causes

Jacqueline said: “I really hope lots of people nominate [a local hero] because these people deserve to be celebrated, especially during these challenging times when many need the support more than ever.

“So much National Lottery funding goes to great causes and allows these local heroes to continue their inspirational work within our communities and its thanks to National Lottery players that this can continue.”

Flying the flag for the North West last year was Taslima Ahmad who won the UK-wide Heritage category for her work to keep traditional textile techniques alive with her courses for marginalised women and children during the pandemic.

In 2020 there were almost 5,000 nominations made and, once again, the National Lottery is looking to hear about those who are going the extra mile, doing amazing things and inspiring others. Anyone who has received National Lottery funding is eligible for nomination.

Winners in each category will receive a £3,000 cash prize for their organisation and a coveted National Lottery Awards trophy.

Encompassing all aspects of National Lottery good causes funding, the 2021 National Lottery Awards will recognise outstanding individuals in the following sectors:

Culture, Arts and Film
Heritage
Sport
Community/Charity

There will be a special Young Hero Award for someone under the age of 18 who has gone that extra mile in their organisation. All nominees must work or act for a National Lottery funded organisation or have received National Lottery funding.

Winners of these categories will be chosen by a judging panel made up of members of the National Lottery family and partners.

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In addition, projects from any sector who have received National Lottery funding are eligible to enter The National Lottery Project of the Year category. Sixteen shortlisted finalists will compete in a UK-wide public vote in September to claim this title.

To make your nomination for this year’s National Lottery Awards, tweet @LottoGoodCauses with your suggestions or complete an entry form online. Entries must be received by midnight on Monday 7 June.