The project commemorates the men and boys who lost their lives in the biggest mining disaster in British history 100 years ago.

The National Lottery Awards reward and recognise the inspirational impact of National Lottery funded projects across all sections of society. National Lottery players raise more than £35million for good causes throughout the UK every week. 

Over 900 good causes from across the UK were nominated in this year’s Awards. Aber Valley Centenary project, based in Senghenydd, near Caerphilly, South Wales, has made it through to the final seven in the Best Heritage Project category, with a coveted National Lottery Awards trophy and a £2,000 cash prize  up for grabs if they get the highest number of public votes in their category. 

Aber Valley Centenary is appealing for public support as it bids to make it all the way to the star-studded awards ceremony in September which will be shown on BBC One.

Carol Bowen, Trustee of the Aber Valley Centenary project, says: “Senghenydd will never forget the past, but we live for the future. We're delighted and honoured to have reached the finals of The National Lottery Awards. It’s been a long pathway preparing for the centenary commemorations this October, and Lottery money has helped us develop the project. From the centenary garden and museum to the memorial chosen by the community, young and old, this funding has helped us recognise the sacrifice of the 521 men and boys who gave their lives for Old King Coal.

“It’s easy to vote, so please support us, as it would be a fantastic reward to receive national recognition for all the work of the volunteers and the community who have been behind us all the way. ”

To vote for Aber Valley Centenary Project call 0844 836 9691 or log on to the Lottery Good Causes website.

TV star and actor John Barrowman, presenter of The National Lottery Awards, said: “National Lottery funding helps transform communities and changes lives for the better. National Lottery players should be proud that their contribution to good causes makes such a positive difference to arts, sport, heritage, community and voluntary groups across the UK.

“I would urge everyone to get behind Aber Valley Centenary and do their bit to ensure they get national recognition for their invaluable contribution to society.”

Jackie O’Sullivan of National Lottery Good Causes, added: “We have been overwhelmed by the number and standard of entries for the National Lottery Awards.  Each week National Lottery players raise over £35 million for good causes. The impact of National Lottery funding at the heart of communities cannot be over-estimated.

“The 49 good causes competing for public votes are just a snapshot of the life-changing influence of National Lottery funding. Now for the hard part, every one of the nominees is a winner in their own right but it is up to you, the public, to get behind your good cause and make sure they pick up the top prize.”

There are seven nominees in seven categories in the Awards, reflecting the main areas of Lottery funding: arts, sport, heritage, health, environment, education and voluntary/charity. 

Voting for The National Lottery Awards starts at 9am on Wednesday 19 June and ends at midnight on Wednesday 24 July. You can vote at the awards page of the Lottery Good Causes site and follow voting on twitter: #NLAwards

Notes to editors

Aber Valley Centenary received nearly £50,000 of National Lottery funding from Heritage Lottery Fund. Calls cost no more than 5p from a BT landline. Calls from other networks may vary, calls from mobiles could cost considerably more. Callers are advised to check with their telephone network provider to be certain of the cost. No profit will be made from the cost of the phone vote by The National Lottery. All voting will be independently adjudicated and verified by Electoral Reform Services

Further information

Jackie Aplin, The National Lottery Awards on 029 2067 8278/ 07917 791 873 or jackie.aplin@lotterygoodcauses.org.uk