Living Legends from all over the UK were invited to Windsor Castle
today to receive an award from Her Majesty the Queen at the 17th
annual Help the Aged Living Legends awards ceremony. This year’s
event was very special, being one of a series of celebrations
to mark the Queen’s 80th birthday.
The Help the Aged Living Legends Awards, in association with
BT, was hosted by Michael Parkinson, and followed a national search
by Help the Aged for outstanding individuals and organisations
who have proved that age need not be a barrier to living life
to the full. The award categories included Local Hero, Achievement
in Sport, Campaigner of the Year, Business for Age, Research into
Ageing and Helping Unite Generations (Hug).
The winner of the Hall of Fame Award, in the gift of Help the
Aged, was Sir Roger Moore who is someone who has contributed greatly
to society though his vocational and voluntary work.
Over the years, Sir Roger Moore has carried
out tireless work with several causes including UNICEF,
deaf and blind people, Overseas Aid, Scope, the Variety
Club of Great Britain and Help the Aged.
Cherie
Blair with a Living Legends award winner and Sir Roger.
Photo
© Ed McManus
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Presented to a public figure over the age of 60 who has actively
served as an inspiration either through their voluntary work or
everyday life, the Hall of Fame award has previously been held
by Cilla Black OBE, Nelson Mandela, June Whitfield CBE, Barbara
Windsor MBE, Dame Thora Hird OBE and Lord Attenborough CBE.
Sir Roger Moore said: "I am delighted and honoured to have
received the Help the Aged Hall of Fame award at this years Living
Legends award ceremony.
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Sir Roger Moore's tireless charity work was
recognised at the Help the Aged Living Legends awards, where
he was presented with the prestigious Hall of Fame award
for a public figure over the age of 60 who has actively
served as an inspiration.
Photo
© Ed McManus |
"In my career I have portrayed a number of heroes on screen.
However, in my work as a UNICEF Ambassador over the last 15 years
I have realised only too well just how much we depend on volunteers
- and it is the volunteers who are the true heroes of this world.
I was particularly humbled to stand amongst a number of real life
heroes who were being recognised at this award ceremony for their
work in helping improve the life of disadvantaged older people."
A host of celebrities attended the ceremony including Cilla Black,
June Whitfield and Myleene Klass, who wanted to pay tribute to
the invaluable contribution older people make and recognise the
unsung heroes in the UK today.Mike Lake, Director General of Help
the Aged, said: 'I am delighted that Her Majesty chose to support
the Help the Aged Living Legends awards 2006. Each year Help the
Aged recognises older people who have made contributions to society
and the community judged to be exceptional regardless of their
age. They have proved that age need not be a barrier to taking
a full and active role in their chosen interest.'
Caroline Waters, Director BT People and Policy, the award scheme
sponsors, said: 'We are very proud to be involved in the Living
Legends awards. The awards underline what we have believed for
a long time that older people have the experience, skills and
commitment invaluable in today’s society. 'Every category
holds amazing stories of personal achievements that are truly
inspirational. All the finalists wholeheartedly deserve the recognition
offered by these awards. The winners are all very special and
we are delighted that they have received such a prestigious accolade.'
Photos © Ed McManus
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