Best-Selling Author Crowned Local Hero 2019 Champion

• Local Hero 2019 champion, Ben Kane, raises £10k for Park in the Past CIC and gains a top prize of £1,000

• Over £160k raised for local charities and community groups across the UK through Local Hero 2019
• 453 fundraisers representing 209 local charities and community groups took part
• £5000 in prizes distributed to the groups represented by the top-20 fundraisers

453 fundraisers have raised over £160,000 for 209 local charities and community groups from across the UK through Localgiving’s annual fundraiser competition Local Hero.

This year’s competition was won by the Sunday Times Best-Selling author, Ben Kane. Ben, a specialist in historical-fiction, used the competition to bring his passion for the Roman Empire to life.

Ben Kane walked the length of Hadrian's wall in full centurion attire, accompanied by his 12 year old son. The author secured an incredible 218 unique donations for his walk, raising over £10k including £1000 in prize money for Park in the Past CIC.

Each year Local Hero highlights the huge difference that individual fundraisers can make. During the competition fundraisers set challenges ranging from Marathon running to sky-diving, and compete to top the Local Hero leaderboard and secure prize money for their chosen charity or community group.

Overall £5,000 in prizes have been awarded to the causes supported by the Top 20 fundraisers.

All of this year’s Local Hero prize winners can be found here: https://localgiving.org/localhero#leaderboard

Local Hero Champion 2019, Ben Kane, said: "I've been interested in the idea of Park in the Past ever since hearing about it.The idea of a living Roman museum, the likes of which does not exist in the UK, is absolutely thrilling, and I intend to do everything in my power to make sure it becomes a reality. I really enjoyed taking part in the Local Hero competition and I hope that the money raised in April will go a long way to achieving this dream".

Park in the Past said: “Localgiving and their superb initiative Local Hero has made a really big difference to our heritage project, Park in the Past. Sunday Times Award winning author Ben Kane has walked Hadrian's Wall with his 12 year old son Ferdia to highlight what we are aiming to achieve on our 120 acre site in North Wales creating a huge amount of interest and money in the process.

The funds from Local Hero will make a big impact this year as we continue building a full size Roman fort and Celtic village using authentic construction techniques and materials. Ben is a real life hero having raised tens of thousands of pounds to date. His boundless enthusiasm and determination with the help of the Localgiving team will enable us to turn our vision into a extraordinary reality for everyone to enjoy as they step back to a land lost in time!"

Chris Dormer, Managing Director of Localgiving said: “It has been amazing to see a record breaking number of individuals taking part in our annual Local Hero competition and raising an incredible £160,000 for local charities and community groups in the UK. The campaign helps to raise awareness about the fantastic work going on in communities across the UK and it has been brilliant to see so many people supporting a local cause”.

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For more information please contact:

Lewis Garland, Communications Manager - lewis.garland@localgiving.org

About Localgiving

Localgiving is the UK’s leading membership and support network for local charities and community groups. It aims to empower grassroots organisations to fundraise online, connect with supporters and take control of their financial future. In addition, it provides advocacy for the local voluntary sector and works to secure third party funding for its members. It provides free training opportunities, fundraising resources and regular incentivised giving campaigns to help groups raise funds online.