Stars get their woollies out for Bobble Day!

A host of celebrities are backing Age UK's Bobble Day today (Friday 10 February) - the annual fundraising event which urges Brits to dig out their brightest winter woollies and dress them with fluffy Age UK bobbles to raise funds to help keep older people warm and well in winter.

Famous faces taking part in this year's Bobble Day, which is part of Age UK's Spread the Warmth campaign, include actress Joanna Lumley, 007 favourite Roger Moore, lifestyle guru Jo Wood, model and actress Charlotte De Carle, model and Made In Chelsea star Funda Onal, and model Julian Okines.

An added dose of glamour comes from actress Roxanne Pallett (pictured above), most famous for her role in Emmerdale and more recently Waterloo Road, who is sure to set temperatures soaring and raise awareness of the event by posing with some bespoke knitwear from Grannies, Inc. and Age UK bobbles.

Roxanne Pallett said: 'I was raised by my grandma and have a real respect for her generation. I'd love for us all to go that extra mile to help older people this winter, especially now with the freezing temperatures.

'Something as simple as buying fluffy bobbles from one of Age UK's shops, or buying the official Bobble Day hat, will help raise funds to help older people. So go on, wrap up warm in your brightest woollies, pin on your Age UK bobble, and help spread that warm and fuzzy feeling this winter.'

Roger Moore is 'Bobble-O-Seven'

When Roger Moore was a young aspiring actor, he supplemented his income by modelling knitwear and Michael Caine later dubbed him ‘the big knit'. Roger commented: 'This "big knit" now supports Age UK's Bobble Day and I'll be urging everyone to wear their favourite knitwear on February 10th: you too could look as debonair, suave and sophisticated as me - Bobble-O-Seven! But more importantly, you will also be helping to save lives by supporting Age UK's Spread the Warmth campaign.'

Joanna Lumley is also lending her support to Bobble Day. She said: 'Please join me in making a donation to Age UK to help older people who are suffering from the cold this winter. It's a hugely important cause: let's Spread the Warmth together.'

Over 200 older people die needlessly every day in winter

Bobble Day aims to highlight the plight of people in later life during times like the recent cold snap, as over 200 older people die needlessly every day in winter because of the effects of cold weather.

Age UK's Bobble Day is part of the Charity's annual Spread the Warmth campaign, which aims to make winter warmer for 360,000 older people by providing information, advice and practical services. These include getting warm and nutritious meals to older people, helping to keep homes warm and giving free information and advice 365 days a year.

Paul Farthing, Fundraising Director at Age UK, said: 'Bobble Day is definitely a chance to have fun by wearing warming fashion items and finishing off woolly outfits with a colourful Age UK bobble, but there is a serious issue at its heart. February is often one of the coldest months of the year and many older people will be suffering. By getting involved in Bobble Day you can help us change this.'

Get your bobbles out for Bobble Day!

Mini bobbles in vibrant pink, yellow and orange are available from Age UK's shops up and down the country for a suggested £1 donation. Alternatively, the official Bobble Day hat, which has been knitted by a UK granny from 100 per cent merino wool, is available from knitwear label Grannies, Inc. - costing £35, with £8 going directly to Age UK's Spread the Warmth campaign.  

There are lots of ways to help Age UK Spread the Warmth this winter. People can find out more and make a donation simply by calling 0800 169 87 87 or visiting www.ageuk.org.uk/bobbleday. Alternatively, they can show their support for Bobble Day by turning their Facebook profile picture all woolly with the new Knit Me app at http://on.fb.me/knitmeapp.