The Big Issue founder, John Bird has been named as the 2005/6 recipient of the acclaimed Beacon Prize for Creative Giving and joins the ranks of previous winners such as Sir Bob Geldof, Jamie Oliver and environmentalist, Zac Goldsmith who have all been recognised for their charitable work through what has become known as the 'Nobel Prize of the charity world', first coined by Chancellor Gordon Brown.

John is one of the 16 recipients of the 2005/6 Prize, all of whom were chosen for their exceptional philanthropic contribution through the giving of their time, money and skills in order to benefit specific charitable causes.  

Chair of the Beacon Fellowship Charitable Trust, Martyn Lewis notes: "For 15 years, John, through The Big Issue has radicalised the way homelessness is viewed, challenging misconceptions about the causes of homelessness and bringing into sharp contrast the ability of disadvantaged people to effectively help themselves.   John's dedication to the struggle against the root causes of homelessness has enabled tens of thousands of people, not only in the UK, but across the globe, to rebuild their lives". 

Bird founded The Big Issue in 1991 as a way of encouraging and supporting homeless people to gain a level of independence and income, placing the emphasis on self-support.  Today, The Big Issue sells up to 450,000 copies each week in Britain, facilitating thousands into secure accommodation and getting back into work.

Also named as 2005/6 Beacon Prize winners are Paul and Diana Lamplugh who are recognised for their work through the Suzy Lamplugh Trust, created after the disappearence of their daughter in 1986, working to establish a greater awareness of personal safety whilst addressing the issues of violence and agression in society at large; Vivien Duffield, philanthopist and arts patron who through the Clore Foundation has pledged more than £11 million to charitable causes and  the 'Angel of Nagpur', Leah Pattison, whose life has been devoted to working with lepers in central India.

The Prize Ceremony will take place in November 2006 when the winners will be inaugurated as Beacon Fellows, a community of Beacon Prize winners who together, champion charitable causes across the globe and nurture a wider culture of giving in the UK.  The ceremony will also see the overall Beacon Prize winner announced, receiving £30,000 to donate the charitable cause of their choice.

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For further information on the Beacon Prize, winners' biographies and photos of the 2005/6 award recipients or on The Beacon Fellowship Charitable Trust contact Victoria Walsh on 020 7861 8568 or email vwalsh@bell-pottinger.co.uk or Fintan Nicholls on 0207 203 8295 or email fintan.nicholls@beaconfellowship.org.uk