The Shackleton Foundation is thrilled to announce today (30.6.2014) that Lorraine Kelly is joining as an Ambassador.

Lorraine Kelly is a television presenter and journalist best-known for presenting morning television shows. Lorraine currently presents her self-titled television programme on ITV every week day.

Upon joining the Shackleton Foundation Lorraine said “I am delighted to become a Shackleton Foundation Ambassador. Shackleton has always been my absolute hero. His leadership skills and sheer strength of character led to his astonishing achievement of saving the lives of all his men against all the odds. Inspired by the spirit of Shackleton, the charity improves the lives of disadvantaged young people, which is something I have always been passionate about. I am looking forward to being on board!”

Lorraine joins Anton Oliver to become the Shackleton Foundation’s second ambassador. Anton Oliver is a former All Blacks player and captain, earning 53 caps for his country and playing for 13 years.

Commenting on the appointment Bill Shipton, the Foundation’s chairman, said “I am absolutely delighted that Lorraine Kelly has agreed to be a Shackleton Foundation Ambassador at an important time for us – we are preparing to celebrate the centenary of Sir Ernest Shackleton’s Endurance expedition to Antarctica which set off in 1914.”

Founded in 2007, by descendants of the original Nimrod expedition, the Shackleton Foundation celebrates the legacy of the great man in a 21st century context.

The Shackleton Foundation provides a unique solution to the varied problems of today’s disadvantaged youth. They do this by providing seed-funding to social entrepreneurs with innovative projects that make a positive impact to the lives of young people. People prepared to take a risk to help others less fortunate themselves – truly in the spirit of Shackleton.

ENDS

NOTES TO EDITORS

The Shackleton Foundation:

• seeks to help disadvantaged and socially marginalised young people. It does this by supporting aspiring Leaders and social entrepreneurs who exemplify the spirit of Shackleton with seed-funding to make their ideas a reality. In particular the charity’s trustees, who review applications for potential funding, are looking for leadership, innovation, enterprise, inspiration, ambition, endurance and courage in the applications. Each grant recipient is mentored by a trustee to ensure that their inspirational ideas really will make a significant difference to the lives of disadvantaged young people.
• likes to support Leaders with high risk, but high potential projects. The Leaders that are awarded funding by the Shackleton Foundation are often considered too risky or too early in the endeavour for other funders, and often struggle to gain funding from traditional sources.

Web: www. shackletonfoundation.org/

Twitter: @ShackletonF

Facebook: /ShackletonFoundation

For further information please contact

Laura Pedley | laura.pedley@shackletonfoundation.org