'Extraordinary' older people to be honoured with Home Instead's Jubilee Purple Plaques

The search is on to find older people who have been living extraordinary lives to award them one of 15 Purple Plaques, as part of home care provider Home Instead's campaign to mark the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee.

Inspired by the blue plaques seen on the homes of important historical figures, Home Instead has launched a Purple Plaque award to celebrate older people in local communities who have led fascinating lives.

The home care provider needs the public's help to nominate older people with amazing stories to tell before the competition's 27 May deadline.

'Ordinary people who have done extraordinary things'

Home Instead has joined forces with Greatest Hits Radio to encourage its listeners to nominate a fascinating older person they know to receive a Purple Plaque.

The plaques will be awarded in time for the Jubilee bank holiday weekend and their stories will be shared on Greatest Hits Radio. Many of the people Home Instead provides care for in their own homes, have lived through Queen Elizabeth’s 70 year reign.

Caroline Woodall, head of marketing at Home Instead UK, said: “Every day we hear amazing stories from across our network. These stories and the Queen’s Jubilee inspired us to do something to celebrate the lives of older people in communities across the UK.

“At 96, the Queen has been a constant in the lives of the majority of people in this country. This campaign allows us to celebrate the Jubilee whilst also celebrating the lives of ordinary people who, like our monarch, have done extraordinary things.

“There couldn’t be a more fitting time to be celebrating old age and our Purple Plaques will leave a lasting legacy; reminding us all that age is no barrier.”

Search for 'True kings and queens of their community'

Greatest Hits Radio will visit 15 winners to recognise and award them with a commemorative Purple Plaque by ‘crowning them the true kings and queens of their community’.

Greatest Hits Radio stated on its website: 'During this Platinum Jubilee, we'd like to not only celebrate the Queen for her contribution to society but also recognise remarkable older people who give so much to their community.

'Do you know someone who has dedicated their lives to a good cause, or who continues to run marathons, bring meals to neighbours, help with the local Scouts group, or someone who is renowned for doing something that little bit extraordinary in the community?'

The deadline for the Purple Plaques competition is 27 May.

To nominate a remarkable older person you know for a commemorative Purple Plaque, complete an online form on the Greatest Hits website.

click here for more details or to contact Home Instead