Born to Britsh-Pakistani parents, 15-year-old Londoner Sarah Francis has been nominated for the 'Young Philanthropist' of the year award and a Beacon Fellowship for raising over £12,000 for Afghan Refugees. Lord Amir Bhatia has also been nominated in the 'Leadership' category for his role in countering social deprivation and exclusion in the UK and Internationally.

Twleve other philanthropists from a group as diverse as Carol Wiggins, an enterprising unemployed mother, who helped transform her local community to Niall Quinn, International Irish footballer, who donated the £500,000 proceeds of his testimonial match to charity,and two social entrepreneurs who are helping African farmers improve their quality of life, have been also beem nominated to receive a major The Beacon Prize 2003.

Beacon is a new charitable initiative which is raising the profile of giving in the UK while actively acknowledging and rewarding exceptional philanthropic acts by individuals.

All the winners of the inaugural Beacon Prize 2003 have been selected by an expert panel of judges from an overwhelming response of 765 nominations. The final fourteen winners were chosen for their exceptional charitable efforts and because they are an inspiration for others to give of their time, money or expertise.

The full list of Beacon Prize winners 2003 is: -

• Professor David Morley Lifetime Achievement
• Lord Bhatia of Hampton Leadership
• Carol Wiggins Leadership
• Dr Martin Fisher & Nick Moon Creative Giving
• Tom Hunter Creative Giving
• Jason Maude Start Up
• Dame Stephanie Shirley Start Up
• David Constantine Courage
• Zac Goldsmith Young Philanthropist
• Sarah Francis Young Philanthropist
• Niall Quinn Judge's Special Prize
• John Profumo Judge's Special Prize
• Sir J Paul Getty Judge's Special Posthumous Prize

The winners will be invited to attend a ceremony in the New Year at No. 11 Downing Street, hosted by the Rt. Hon Gordon Brown, MP, Chancellor of the Exchequer. Here the winners will be presented with their prizes and the overall winner, who will receive a £20,000 donation for their charity, will also be announced.

In addition, they will be invited to become the first Beacon Fellows, who will help to shape the future of the charity and be an inspiration to other philanthropists.

Commenting on the announcement of the winner, Beacon's Chief Executive, Emily Stonor, said: "The Beacon Prize is not about winners and losers. It's about celebrating and recognising people from whom we can all learn. We all have something to give - each and every one of us is capable of making a difference."

David Charters, Chair of Trustees, stated "In an age of cynicism, disengagement and increasing indifference these nominations show that many extraordinary people are working tirelessly and successfully to make a positive difference to society. We are still a nation of true philanthropists, reflecting our long and rich history of charitable activity."

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