National Lottery Draw Show host and new mum, Jenni Falconer, is calling on people in Wales to nominate local Good Causes for the National Lottery Awards 2012 – the annual search to find the UK’s favourite Lottery-funded projects.

New figures reveal that in the last year alone over £117million of National Lottery Good Causes funding was awarded in Wales. Jenni is encouraging any organisation - big or small - that has received Lottery funding to enter the Awards. 

Jenni says: “National Lottery players raise a staggering £30million every week for Good Causes. An impressive variety of Lottery-funded projects have touched the lives of many in Wales. For example, Lottery funding is supporting war veterans, helping vulnerable children and transforming parks and local sporting facilities. 

“The National Lottery Awards recognise the unsung heroes, selfless volunteers and dedicated workers improving lives with Lottery funding. There are literally thousands of Lottery-funded projects across the UK deserving of recognition. So if you know of a project that is making an outstanding impact in your community, we want to hear from you.”  

The entrants that make it to the finals of The National Lottery Awards will receive national recognition at a star-studded event, broadcast on BBC One, later this year. They will also have a chance to win a £2,000 cash prize.*

Michelle Lenton-Johnson of Bryncynon Strategy, is joining Jenni in encouraging Lottery-funded projects to get involved. The charity’s Green Valley Centre won the Best Environment Project category at the National Lottery Awards 2011. 

Michelle says: “Taking part in The National Lottery Awards last year was a great experience. Receiving national recognition for our work gave all our staff, volunteers and the families we support a real boost – the buzz was amazing! We would definitely encourage other Lottery-funded organisations to get involved no matter how big or small they are. It’s a great opportunity to show the positive difference your project is making with Lottery funding.”

The National Lottery Awards have seven categories - each reflecting an area of Lottery funding: Arts, Education, Environment, Health, Heritage, Sport and Voluntary/Charity.

If you want to see a project from Wales celebrated in this year’s National Lottery Awards, or you are involved with a Lottery-funded project and want to nominate it, visit the National Lottery website to find out more or call 0207 293 2128.  Entries must be received by 12 noon on Monday 12 March 2012.