Nationwide search for the UK’s green hidden heroes

In the run up to WWF’s Earth Hour - taking place on Saturday 28 March 2015 - WWF and People’s Postcode Lottery have today launched a nationwide search to find inspirational people who are making a real difference for our planet.

The Earth Hour ‘Hidden Heroes’ competition www.wwf.org.uk/hiddenheroes invites people within their local community to nominate themselves or others who have gone the extra mile to help create a greener, more sustainable future.

There are three categories for the competition; young superstars (under 25s), workplace wonders, and community champions - with high profile WWF supporters Alistair McGowan, Graeme Le Saux and YouTuber Lex Croucher each championing a category. They will be presenting an award to the winners, along with a £500 prize thanks to support from players of People’s Postcode Lottery, at a special ceremony on 27th January to mark the 60 day countdown to Earth Hour 2015.

WWF ambassador, Alistair McGowan, said: “There are so many incredible people who care about our world and who are doing incredible things to protect it. Earth Hour’s ‘Hidden Heroes’ competition is helping to celebrate their efforts. If you know anyone who’s inspiring others to be greener and who is creating a more sustainable future for us all, please, please nominate them as a ‘Hidden Hero’ so that they can get the recognition they deserve!”

After the success of Earth Hour’s ‘Hidden Heroes’ in 2013, which received over 150 entries from across the country, this year’s competition is being run as a partnership between WWF-UK and People’s Postcode Lottery - a charity lottery where players play with their postcodes to win cash prizes while raising money for charities and good causes local to them.

Clara Govier, Head of Charities at People’s Postcode Lottery, said: “We are delighted that our players support Earth Hour’s ‘Hidden Heroes’ competition to help celebrate those individuals achieving positive change for the environment – we strongly encourage all those working to drive forward environmental change to come forward and tell their story”.

WWF’s Earth Hour is an opportunity for everyone to show they care about the planet, but ‘Hidden Heroes’ is looking to recognise those who are already going above and beyond. They may have raised awareness of green issues in their community, campaigned for better recycling facilities at work, fundraised to install solar panels in a local school, or simply encouraged family and friends to reduce their own energy usage. The winners’ stories will be showcased as part of the Earth Hour UK campaign, to highlight the difference individuals can make in helping protect our brilliant planet.

Joining the judging panel for this year is Simon Jakeman, a firefighter from Surrey whose sustainable rooftop garden and dedication to making Surbiton Fire Station London’s greenest fire station helped him win the ‘Hidden Hero’ workplace award in 2013. Simon, who has continued to act as an ambassador for Earth Hour, said: ‘For me, the honour of receiving a ‘Hidden Hero’ award was a great way to pass the message on and inspire others to do their bit too. It’s a brilliant way to bring about change from the roots up.’

To enter the competition, simply complete the online entry form at wwf.org.uk/hiddenheroes, with details of your nominated ‘Hidden Hero’. The competition closes at 11.59pm on Monday 1st December and winners will be publically announced at the end of January. To nominate you must be 16 or over. Full Terms and Conditions can be found at: wwf.org.uk/hiddenheroes