Dr Mora Scott was today announced the winner of the Scottish category for this year's Beacon Prize. She was chosen by an independent panel of judges after the public nominated her for her outstanding contribution to charity.

Mora was chosen for her work with the charity Children 1st (formerly The Royal Scottish Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Children) to prevent child abuse in Scotland. She has been a voluntary supporter, advocate and fundraiser for the cause for over 70 years.

During her childhood Mora supported the Children's League of Pity.  Later she set up the St Michael's Circle for Children to raise money to help prevent abuse against children. Since the 1930's, first with the RSSPCC and then Children 1st, she has supported families under stress, protected them from cruelty, harm and neglect, helped them recover from abuse and promoted children's rights and interests.

Mora has drawn from her community, two RAF bases, local business, churches, arts and sports organisations to rally support for the fight against child abuse in Scotland, and her fundraising initiatives have significantly raised the charities' profiles and given them the opportunity to make children's lives safer.

Emily Stonor, Chief Executive of Beacon, said "We are very happy that Dr Scott is being recognised for her lifelong commitment to improving children's.  Hers is an inspiring story of dedication and limitless energy channelled into helping others."

Mora added, "I am so pleased to be receiving a Beacon Prize, especially if it encourages just one extra person to take up the cause of helping children and families who are suffering." 

The Beacon Prize celebrates and raises the profile of charitable giving in the UK by giving recognition to those who have made a significant contribution to charity, whether through giving resources, time or specialist skills. Mora is one of the 2004 Beacon Prize winners, who also include Sir Bob Geldof and Jamie Oliver.

ENDS

For further information please contact Jennifer Morgan on 020 7861 8609 or email jmorgan@bell-pottinger.co.uk. or Emily Stonor at Beacon on 020 7849 6550 or email emily.stonor@beaconfellowship.org.uk

Note to Editors

BEACON PRIZE 2004

Dr Mora Scott for her contribution to the welfare of children in Scotland

Prize Category: The Beacon Prize for Scotland

Dr Mora Scott has worked tirelessly for over 70 years to prevent child abuse in Scotland.  Mora has been a lifelong volunteer, advocate and fundraiser for Children 1st and her benevolence and leadership qualities make her an outstanding role model for her community and Scotland. 

In the 1940's, as a GP in a busy town and country practice, Mora saw at first hand the devastating physical and emotional effects of child sexual abuse.  She was motivated to assist the RSSPCC inspector with medical advice concerning several cases of suspected abuse of children in the area.  Mora spoke out about child sexual abuse with tact and courage at a time when others were afraid to do so.

Mora's work first began as a child when she joined the Scottish Children's League of Pity.  Later on she formed the St Michael's Circle for Children to raise money for the League.  As a GP with a young family, she continued her work and soon became district chairman and county president for the League of Pity and then a council member and chairman of the Elgin RSSPCC, the Scottish equivalent of (and precursor to) the NSPCC in England and Wales, which is now known as Children 1st.

Mora's fundraising initiatives for Children 1st have significantly raised its profile and given it the opportunity to make children's environment safer.  The Elgin and Moray Action Groups have been the top community fundraising groups for the charity, raising over £150,000. In 2003 Mora helped establish the Killen Abuse Recovery Project in the Black Isle.  This is the only recovery centre for abused children in the Highlands, helping well over 1,000 children.  Mora has also started a summer camp for disadvantaged children.

Throughout her life Mora has drawn from her community, including local businesses, churches, arts and sports organisations, to rally support for the fight against child abuse in Scotland. As an active advocate for children's rights, she is an example to all of what can be achieved through strong beliefs and the personal commitment of time.

"Her superior leadership qualities have made her an outstanding role model in the community, a woman of benevolence and humility who has never sought any reward for a life dedicated to helping others, especially children." Margaret McKay, Chief Executive, Children 1st

 "I can well remember as a 6 year old, some 54 years ago, being taken to her own home to take part in raising money for Children 1st.  Despite being well into her 80s, Dr Mora Scott still insists on using her considerable energy and influence in support of charities in the Moray area. The hours of commitment that she has spent are renowned. It leaves many a younger person aghast. She is still an excellent example to them all. " Lt. Col. Grenville S Johnston, OBE

Beacon Fellowship Charitable Trust

The Beacon Fellowship Charitable Trust (Beacon) seeks to promote an improved culture of giving, in which it is natural for those who are best able to contribute to charitable and social causes, to use their time, energy, ability and resources for the public good.

The Beacon Prize is an annual awards scheme designed to recognise and showcase individuals who have made exceptional contributions to charitable or social causes.  The winners are likely to have helped create or transform a charity, project or cause through providing leadership, skill, time or money.

www.beaconfellowship.org.uk for press releases and biographies of the winners

Beacon Prize Winners 2004:

• Sir Bob Geldof - Leadership
• Dr Mohammad Amran - Community Builder
• Rosalind Portman - New Initiatives
• Professor Peter Guthrie - Creative Giving
• Bruce Crowther - Creative Giving
• Brigadier Peter Stewart-Richardson - Risk Taking
• Jake Bonsall - Young Philanthropist
• Jamie Oliver - Most Generous Celebrity
• John Studzinsky - Most Generous Business Leader
• Francesca D'Arcy - Most Generous Young Person
• Major Richard Carr-Gomm - Lifetime Achievement
• Sigrid Rausing - Judges' Special Prize
• Dr Frederick Mulder - Judges' Special Prize Ann Cotton - Judges' Special Prize
• Dr Mora Scott - Scotland
• Sir David Rowe-Beddoe - Wales
• Dennis Humble - England
• Niall Fitzduff - Northern Ireland