The Surviving Winter campaign started in 2010 as a way to pass on Winter Fuel Payments from people who felt they didn’t need them, to others who were vulnerable in the local community. The campaign is now in its 7th year and has successfully raised £5.5 million and helped over 80,000 people across the UK – which has the highest rates of fuel poverty and excess winter deaths in Europe.

This year’s campaign will support Charity Link and Age UK Leicester Shire & Rutland in their work to protect those who are most vulnerable from the effects of the winter months across Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland.

Bishop of Leicester Martyn Snow commented: "Many people in the UK, both the elderly and families, really struggle in cold weather. The Surviving Winter appeal is a small but important step towards helping them."