Eilish McGuinness, Chief Executive officer, The National Lottery Heritage Fund, said: “Our heritage is incredibly diverse, from archaeology under our feet to the historic parks and buildings we love, from precious memories and collections to sweeping landscapes and rare wildlife.
“At the root of each part of our heritage are people. People who believe in the value of heritage, who dedicate their lives to preserving and enriching it for all to enjoy, people who are game changers for heritage.
“The creation of a stunning ‘Heritage Tree’ installation at Whitby Abbey honours seven of those extraordinary Game Changers and beautifully symbolises the deep roots and ever-growing impact of each, reflecting our shared ambition to strengthen heritage. It’s thanks to players of The National Lottery over the last 30 years, and those to come, that our shared heritage will be valued, cared for and sustained for everyone, now and in the future.”
To mark the 30th anniversary of the first draw in 1994, The National Lottery is celebrating 30 inspirational people – Game Changers – who have achieved amazing things across the UK in the last 30 years, with the help of National Lottery funding.
The Game Changers were nominated by members of the public and selected by a panel composed of members of The National Lottery family and partners.
They were selected as examples of inspiring, tenacious and committed individuals who developed and delivered National Lottery funded projects to preserve heritage and enhance science and the environment.
National Lottery funding from The National Lottery Heritage Fund helped them to make heritage stronger and more financially resilient, benefiting communities and economies throughout the UK.
28 Game Changers will be revealed in September and October at four installations which will focus on an area of National Lottery funding including, the arts & film, heritage, sport and community.
The final two Game Changers will be announced on The National Lottery’s New Year’s Eve Big Bash scheduled for broadcast on ITV on 31 December.
For 30 years, money raised by National Lottery players has helped fund thousands of projects that value, care for and sustain the UK’s heritage for everyone.
Since 1994, more than £8.6bn has been awarded by The National Lottery Heritage Fund to support thousands of projects – like those of the Game Changers.
Between 1996 – 2000, English Heritage received more than £3.7m of National Lottery funding from The National Lottery Heritage fund for the restoration and protection of the natural beauty and historic character of Whitby Headland, including the conservation of the standing remains of the abbey.
