Each year Beacon awards prizes to individuals who have made exceptional contributions to charitable causes or to organisations that benefit the public and have transformed other people’s lives through their gifts of time, skills and money.  Previous winners have included Jamie Oliver, Sir Bob Geldof, Zac Goldsmith and other celebrities, but the real stars are members of the general public. They not only embody the new culture of responsibility that the Government is trying to promote through the Big Society but are also extraordinary role models who inspire and encourage others to make their own contribution towards building resilient, inclusive communities.

It is the only scheme of its kind in the UK and is unique as it recognises, equally, the good work done by major donors as well as the man in the street who is inspired to go to extraordinary lengths to support a cause that moves him.

Find out more at www.beaconfellowship.org.uk