Celebrities including Peter Andre and Strictly Come Dancing's Kristina Rihanoff have dusted off their superhero finery to encourage everyone in Exeter to head to their local Post Office to buy its Be A Hero badge to raise money for BBC Children in Need.
Last year, The Post Office raised more than £1.3 million for BBC Children in Need, and Exeter City's Post Office was one of the biggest fundraisers. This year staff are asking people to show their support once more, by picking up a badge and being a hero for BBC Children in Need. The charity currently funds more than 30 projects across Devon, to the value of more than £1.5 million.
Alana Renner, spokesperson for the Post Office, added: "The Post Office has been delighted to support BBC Children in Need for a number of years. With help from the staff at branches like Exeter City who really go the extra mile, we're immensely proud to have been BBC Children in Need's top fundraising corporate partner in 2013, raising £1.3million. We are hoping to raise even more this year through our Be a Hero badges."
Peter and Kristina are joined by Xtra Factor host Sarah-Jane Crawford, rugby's Ben Cohen and choreographer Louie Spence the group are calling upon Exeter to 'Be A Hero' and don their finest superhero fancy dress for the charity, which is revving up for its annual appeal show later this year.
Two bespoke designs of the 'Be A Hero' badge are now on sale at the Post Office, priced at £1 each. 100% of proceeds from the sales will go directly to BBC Children in Need as the Post Office aim for their biggest year of fundraising ever.
Sarah-Jane Crawford said: "Wearing the badge is a simple way to be a real hero and show your support to help disadvantaged young people right here in the UK. I've picked the silver glitter one -we all love a bit of sparkle!"
Speaking of the superhero themed photo-shoot, Peter Andre said: "I think everyone dreams of being a superhero as a kid, so to get the chance to do it properly with the cape and the wind machine was something special! Fun aside, it's all for a great cause. Having seen first-hand the great work that BBC Children in Need do, we're all hoping that everyone will be a hero and show their support."
Ben Cohen added: "It's great fun for a great cause. Whether you're at school, in the office, or even on the playing field, dig out the spandex, buy a badge and let everyone know that you're being a hero for BBC Children in Need."
A far cry from her usual dance floor attire, Kristina Rihanoff joked: "It's not the heels and sequins that I'm used to, but I could certainly find use for my cape on the dance floor. Maybe we could just add some rhinestones for a little sparkle!"
Louis Spence said: "I've worn some pretty unusual outfits in my career, so I'm not averse to a bit of fancy dress! The superheroes are great fun and it's been a pleasure to be involved. I want to see everyone else in their capes and badges, let's make it something special!"
The badges are on sale now in Post Office branches throughout the UK and online at postofficeshop.co.uk. All proceeds will go to BBC Children in Need, guaranteeing that every penny received will be delivered directly to project for disadvantaged children and young people across the UK.
