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Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
Lifestyle
Sarah Lumley

More than one in five Brits say mums are their heroes - while just 12% name dads

More than a fifth of Brits (22%) claim their mum is their hero – almost double the amount who said the same of their dad (12%), according to research.

When asked to pick their real-life superhero, seven in ten named a person who they said was always there for them when needed – including best friends, teachers, and even their local lollipop men and women.

Other heroic attributes named by the 2,000 adults polled include selflessness (55%), kindness (33%) – and being so modest and unassuming, they don't even realise the positive impact they have on people's lives (34%).

And lucky Brits don't just have one person they feel fits the bill of “everyday hero” – on average, they named three people they consider to be heroic in day-to-day life.

The research was conducted by Babybel to launch its “My Hero is...” Red Nose Day campaign, in partnership with Comic Relief 2023 – offering fundraising inspiration on all of its packaging.

The cheese brand has teamed up with Diversity member, Jordan Banjo, who took to the streets of London to perform everyday heroic acts – dressed in an iconic superhero cape.

Jordan Banjo took to the streets in superhero attire to ask Londoners who their real-life heroes are (SWNS)

The dancer and TV personality said: “For me, my mum is my hero – she’s someone who inspires me every day.

“She works seven days-a-week as my manager, Diversity’s manager, running a community dance school, and working with charities – but always has time for my brother, sister, and myself, and anyone who could ever need her.

“I feel genuinely inspired from speaking to so many people as part of Babybel’s Red Nose Day campaign, hearing about the heroes around us.”

Speaking to the public about their true heroes, it came to fruition that real heroes definitely don’t wear capes.

A spokesman for Babybel said: “There has been a huge shift in what we perceive a hero to be in recent years, and it’s great to see modern day superpowers include kindness and the empowerment of others.

“This year we have partnered with Comic Relief for its 23rd year, to celebrate those everyday acts of kindness that can really help those in need.

“We’ve all known someone who has faced up to an illness with bravery, or stood up for someone when necessary – those are the real heroes.”

More than three-quarters (77%) of those polled said they would also like to follow in their hero’s footsteps and be led by their example.

Just over half (55%) have been inspired to be more confident by the person they consider heroic, and 46% have been moved to do better for others.

Six in ten agree the definition of a hero has changed in recent years – moving away from superheroes and celebrities, and shifting more to the everyday person.

And more than two-thirds (68%) also believe everyday heroes are modest and don’t want recognition, according to the OnePoll.com results.

Babybel's spokesman added: “It’s easy for small acts to be overlooked or overshadowed by grand gestures.

“But it’s great to see people wanting to shine a spotlight on the everyday heroes around them, and see how they, too, can be heroes this Red Nose Day – just by being kind, selfless, and listening to others.”

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