Surviving Winter campaign launch

George has been at the centre of an exciting new campaign to help end pensioners' fuel poverty this winter.

He and charity bosses came up with the idea for the Surviving Winter campaign that was recently launched locally by former World of Sport presenter Dickie Davies.

The simple idea is for those who receive their Winter Fuel Allowance but don't need it can now donate it or any amount to the initiative and it will go to those in need during the cold months.

Organisers are hoping to raise £1m to help pensioners living in fuel poverty across the country.

Locally, the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Community Foundation, which is running the scheme, is targeting a fundraising total of £100,000.

The Hampshire figures show that more than 67,000 people across the county were living in fuel poverty in 2008, with 825 dying between 2005 and 2008 because of the bitterly cold temperatures.

George said of the scheme: “There are a lot of people out there who need this money.

“If people are dying in winter because of excess cold and we get this money to the right places, to the people who need it most, then we are going to make a real difference.

“Even if we can take 1,000 people out of fuel poverty across the county then it will be a very worthwhile campaign and I’m confident we can do that."

If you want to give your Winter Fuel Allowance or make a donation to the campaign contact Toni Shaw at the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Community Foundation, by emailing toni@hantscf.org.uk.

Or the link http://www.communityfoundations.org.uk/

Photo: George at the National Launch of Surviving Winter Campaign recently in Parliament with Director-General of Saga Dr Ros Altmann, Agony Aunt Denise Robertson, Dickie Davies and Martin Lewis.