HLF Trustee Kathy Gee accepted the prestigious accolade of ‘Outstanding Contribution to the Sector’, when she attended the 10th annual award ceremony at 8 Northumberland Avenue, which was hosted by broadcaster and comedienne Sue Perkins.

This is the first time in its 10 year history the awards have recognised an organisation with the ‘Outstanding Contribution to the Sector’ award.  Typically presented to an individual, the judges felt that HLF had made such a significant contribution to the UK’s heritage over the last 18 years it should be acknowledged. 

Accepting the award on behalf of the HLF, Trustee Kathy Gee, said: “This is simply great news. The Heritage Lottery Fund has been privileged to invest in the UK’s heritage for 18 years; from museums and parks to archaeology, the natural environment and our cultural traditions, the impact of Lottery funding has been transforming and to have our ‘outstanding contribution’ recognised like this is wonderful. We’re delighted to receive this award on behalf of the extraordinary people and projects we support all around the UK.”

Introducing the award, judge Matthew Tanner, Director of Brunel's ss Great Britain, said: “Since its inception in 1994, the Heritage lottery Fund has been one of the most dominant forces for good in the heritage sector. It has supported 33,000 projects and awarded £5billion – a truly staggering investment that has had an overwhelming and unprecedented impact on our cultural heritage and the lives of people in every town in the UK.”

Now celebrating its tenth year, the Awards created by The Museums + Heritage Show, recognise projects of excellence ranging from groundbreaking achievements of national institutions to those crafted with limited resources and budget or those championing sustainability.

The awards are judged by a panel of leading sector professionals including: Diane Lees, Director General, Imperial War Museums and Bernard Donoghue, Director, Association of Leading Visitor Attractions (ALVA).