Emma today helped the fight to save lives this winter in Wolverhampton North East by signing up to the Age UK Winter Pledge. Last year over 24,000 people aged over 65 across the UK died unnecessarily during the winter. In the West Midlands there were 3300 excess winter deaths last year.

 The pledge is part of Age UK’s annual Spread the Warmth campaign. The charity provides information, advice and practical services to help older people keep warm and well in the colder months.

Emma said ”I fully support the work of Age UK and I was appalled to learn that so many older people still lose their lives through the winter months. Behind these figures are deeper problems such as fuel poverty and poor quality housing, issues that have a serious impact on vulnerable elderly people.

“By signing the Age UK pledge, I hope to highlight the work of the charity and the very important concerns that they are raising.”

December 2011