SATURDAYS’ STAR CROWNS HEADSMART TOP OF NATIONAL LOTTERY AWARDS CHARTS

1 September 2017

Rochelle Humes surprises charity with a major award.

HeadSmart, run by the Brain Tumour Charity, were ‘all fired up’ after learning from Saturdays’ singer Rochelle Humes they had been voted the UK’s favourite National Lottery funded health project.

The TV presenter and singer visited the organisation to break the news they will pick up a National Lottery Award in the annual search for the UK’s most popular Lottery-funded good causes.

They, beat off competition from 1,300 entries to win £5,000 cash prize and an iconic National Lottery Awards trophy and will have its work celebrated on a special BBC One show to be broadcast on the 27th September.

HeadSmart is reducing diagnosis times of childhood brain tumours by informing and empowering parents, teenagers and healthcare professionals to recognise the signs and symptoms. Early diagnosis of brain tumours can save lives and reduce long-term disabilities.

Mum of two, Rochelle surprised staff and volunteers with the news of their success.

She said

“HeadSmart is a truly fantastic charity that has really made a difference in helping to reduce the diagnosis time of brain tumours in the young, which has had lifesaving consequences.

“The awareness campaign is so important and has helped many families across the UK. National Lottery players should be proud to have funded this project and I’m so pleased that they have won this deserved award.

“My children are my world and their health is an absolute priority. This campaign is a real asset to parents everywhere to help them spot the early signs of serious illness.”

Hayley Epps, Communications and Marketing Manager at The Brain Tumour Charity added:

“Brain tumours kill more children and people under 40 in the UK than any other form of cancer.

“HeadSmart has two aims: to save lives and reduce long-term disability by bringing down diagnosis times. A key part of that is to make sure more parents and healthcare professionals are aware of the warning signs of a brain tumour in children.

“This award means so much to us as a charity, and the money will help us continue to drive down diagnosis time and save lives.”

The winners of the National Lottery Awards are decided by the public - 7345 people voted for HeadSmart to win Best Health project.

You can see more about the impact of HeadSmart on a special BBC One show on Wednesday 27 September, which will profile the seven winners of this year's National Lottery Awards.

National Lottery players raise £30 million a week for arts, sport, heritage and community good causes.

ENDS.

For further information please contact The National Lottery Awards:

Annabel Flood on 0207 211 3927 / 07753119390

annabel.flood@lotterygoodcauses.org.uk