What’s big, round, orange and furry?

Nell McAndrew, Penny Smith and June Whitfield back Age UK's Bobble Day on Friday 11th February 2011.

Celebrities are lining up to back the fluffiest, brightest and newest awareness day in town - Age UK's Bobble Day on Friday 11th February. The Charity is calling on people of all ages to buy and wear a bright orange bobble for the day, or even dress entirely in orange! Although taking part should be fun, the day will mark the shocking fact that during the winter over 250 older people die needlessly every day in the UK as a result of the cold *. All funds raised will go towards Age UK's Spread the Warmth campaign, helping over 350,000 older people live safer, healthier, more fulfilling lives this winter.

Nell McAndrew, Penny Smith and June Whitfield have already been spotted modelling their exclusive bobbles (photos available). People can get their hands on the limited edition fluffy orange delights for a suggested donation of just £1 when they hit Age UK shops on high streets across the country from mid-January. And those who miss out on buying the bobble itself needn't panic - they can make their own using Age UK instructions available at www.spreadthewarmth.org.uk/bobbleday, or simply wear something orange in their outfit for the day at work or school and make a donation to Age UK.

Penny Smith, TV presenter and Age UK Ambassador, said: 'I'm very excited to be showing off my new accessory! Each time I wear my bobble I know that I'm remembering the 250 older people that die needlessly every day in winter due to the cold, and I'd urge everyone to buy or make a bobble or wear something orange in your outfit on 11th February. It's great to be able to support such an important cause in a fun way whilst knowing that your time and money will make a real difference to vulnerable older people during the cold winter months.'

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, Fundraising Director at Age UK, said: 'In this day and age in the UK it is unacceptable that 250 people in later life die needlessly each day in winter because of the cold - but with your help we can work to change this. There are some simple and practical ways to tackle the tragedy happening every winter on our doorsteps, and your generosity will help to fund these.

'Join us for Bobble Day on 11th February by wearing something orange like one of our limited edition bobbles and making a donation to Age UK - you will be helping those who are suffering needlessly and will be raising awareness of the issue so that more people take action to break the ice for older people this winter.'

For free information and advice, older people and their families can call Age UK Advice on 0800 169 65 65, where they can also find details of their nearest Age UK and order a free copy of ‘Winter Wrapped Up' - a guide sponsored by British Gas. Alternatively they can visit www.spreadthewarmth.org.uk.

- ENDS -

For more Bobble Day information and pictures, or to speak to an older person affected by the cold weather, please call Sarah Milsom in the Age UK Media Team on 020 8765 7251 or email media@ageuk.org.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

Notes to Editors

Age UK works in partnership with Age Scotland, Age Cymru and Age NI. 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 inspired by the belief that it can improve the lives of people in later life. It celebrates ageing and believes it presents unprecedented opportunities and challenges at home and abroad. Age UK will challenge ageist prejudice in society, provide services that address market failures and support the public and private sectors to design age-friendly products and services. It will support people to remain in their own homes through campaigning and practical services and its Information and Advice service will offer millions of people support on a range of issues from claiming benefits to staying fit and healthy.

Age UK will fund biomedical research that helps tackle the ill health and poor quality of life that are too common as people age. Working with over 350 partners across the country, Age UK helps influence local decisions and delivers the most appropriate services. Its network of 475+ shops will act as a focal point for the local community, providing information and help with local services. Age UK works across the globe as well as in the UK, with its international partner, Help Age International, championing older people's rights and needs and as an active member of the DEC.

Media contact: Sarah Milsom
Telephone: 020 8765 7251
Out-of-hours: 07071 243 243