Extreme Bobbling grips the nation for Bobble Day

Extreme Bobbling grips the nation for Age UK's Bobble Day

- Extreme Bobbler leads the way to inspire support for older people -

To mark Age UK's first ever Bobble Day (Friday 11th February), a bright orange diver has risked life and limb to show his support for the Charity by making a giant orange bobble surrounded by a school of sharks (pictured above). Age UK hopes that as many people as possible will either join the Extreme Bobbling craze, buy or make an orange bobble and wear it for the day, or think of another way to help turn the nation orange today to highlight the 250 older people who die needlessly every day in winter as a result of the cold*.

Whether you're an adrenaline junkie inspired by the fearless shark diver to take extreme bobbling to the next level, or more of a backstage-bobbler determined to show your support by baking a carrot cake topped with orange icing for your colleagues, everyone is being encouraged to get involved.

Photos of your bobbling adventures, be they skydiving whilst eagerly making your very own bobble or taking the plunge by wearing an outrageous orange outfit at your office or school, can be shared at www.ageuk.org.uk/bobbleday, where you can also find instructions on how to make a bobble. Donations can be made to Age UK by visiting www.ageuk.org.uk/bobbleday or calling 0800 169 87 87. Alternatively, people can pop into a local Age UK shop on high streets across the country to buy a limited edition bobble for a suggested donation of £1 (while stocks last).

Nell McAndrew, model and Age UK Ambassador, said: "I'm not sure I'm ready to hop into the shark tank, but I shall be wearing my fluffy orange bobble with pride. So come on, go orange and show us what you've been doing to support Bobble Day! Have fun but remember that each time you wear your bobble or go orange in some way you will be remembering the 250 older people that die needlessly every day in winter due to the cold. Let's all get involved and help make a difference to vulnerable older people across the UK - and who knows, perhaps Extreme Bobbling could be the next big thing!"

Other celebrities already spotted out and about modelling their bright orange bobbles include actresses Barbara Windsor, June Whitfield and Helen Mirren; TV presenter Penny Smith; Christopher Biggins; and Coronation Street stars Malcolm Hebden (Norris Cole) and Julie Hesmondhalgh (Hayley Cropper).

Bobble Day is part of Age UK's Spread the Warmth campaign. Too many older people are suffering and dying needlessly in winter due to lack of warmth, so Age UK created Spread the Warmth to help tackle the issue. The Charity and its local and national partners are making winter warmer by providing information, advice and practical services to help older people keep warm and well in the colder winter months. Our partners offer a variety of services to help with heating, health and human contact including things like helping to claim benefits, getting warm and nutritious meals to older people, and helping to keep homes warm.

Paul Farthing, Director of Fundraising at Age UK, said: "Our Spread The Warmth campaign has been running throughout the winter months to draw attention to the danger that the cold weather can bring to thousands of older people. This is our first Bobble Day and we're urging people to have fun, get involved, and help highlight the serious issue of older people's welfare to as many people as possible. Funds raised by Bobble Day will go towards the life-changing work we do in winter."

"If you've not yet had a chance to buy your bobble from one of the Age UK shops, you can make a donation to the work we're doing by logging on to www.ageuk.org.uk/bobbleday."

- ENDS -

For more Bobble Day information, pictures of celebrities with their bobbles, additional pictures of the Extreme Bobblers, an interview with Paul Farthing, or to speak to an older person affected by the cold weather, please call Jacqueline Culleton or George Ames on 020 7403 2230 or email Jacqueline@forster.co.uk / George@forster.co.uk

*Aggregate of figures for 65 and over excess winter death statistics, from ONS (England and Wales), GROS (Scotland), and NISRA (Northern Ireland), 2009/2010

 Download Extreme Bobbling image 1

 Download Extreme Bobbling image 2

Notes to Editors

Photo credit: Jamie Oliver

Age UK

For media enquiries relating to Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland please contact the appropriate national office: Age Scotland on 0131 668 8055, Age Cymru on 029 2043 1562 and Age NI on 028 9024 5729.

Age UK is the new force combining Age Concern and Help the Aged, dedicated to improving later life.

We provide free information, advice and support to over five million people; commercial products and services to over one million customers; and research and campaign on the issues that matter to people in later life. Our work focuses on five key areas: money matters, health and well being, home and care, work and training and leisure and lifestyle. We work with our national partners, Age Scotland, Age Cymru and Age NI (together the Age UK Family), our local Age UK partners in England and local Age Concerns. We also work internationally for people in later life as a member of the DEC and with our sister charity Help Age International.

Age UK is a charitable company limited by guarantee and registered in England (registered charity number 1128267 and company number 6825798). Age Concern England and Help the Aged (both registered charities), and their trading and other associated companies merged on the 1st April 2009. Together they have formed the Age UK Group ("we"). Charitable services are offered through Age UK and commercial products are offered by the Charity's trading companies, which donate their net profits to Age UK (the Charity).

The Sea Life London Aquarium

The Sea Life London Aquarium is situated in the heart of the capital on the South Bank of the River Thames. The Sea Life London Aquarium's amazing Rainforests of the World area is an immersive steamy jungle experience with tropical temperatures and humidity, eerie mists and distinctive sounds of the rainforest. The rare Cuban Crocodiles will join a host of other creatures including Poison Arrow Frogs and Piranha Fish where guests will be able to learn more about these fascinating creatures through family friendly talks.

As well as the exciting Rainforests of the World, the SEA LIFE London Aquarium is home to thousands of marine creatures from every part of the world including 46 sharks, and boasts some breathtaking features including a stunning tropical glass tunnel walkway and a nerve testing Shark Walk finale, plus an ongoing programme of interactive family friendly activities.

Open 7 days a week 10am with last entry at 5pm. Visit www.sealife.co.uk/london or call 0871 663 1678 for general enquiries.