Fundraiser Katie Cutler tops list of 2015’s inspirational people

Woman who helped raise more than £300k for disabled mugging victim tops Discovery Channel list after inspiring the most people this year

• The global show of solidarity in response to Paris terrorist attacks chosen from list as the moment that inspired the most people in 2015, while Queen Elizabeth II becoming the longest serving British Monarch and Victory in Europe (VE) Day 70th anniversary commemorations also feature
• Four men who foiled a terrorist attack on train in France are close second in list of inspirational people, while astronaut Tim Peake ranks third
• Discovery Channel launches #MYWBpledge initiative, encouraging viewers to broaden their horizons

A survey commissioned by Discovery Channel today revealed Katie Cutler as having inspired the most people in 2015 after her internet appeal raised more than £300,000 for Alan Barnes, a disabled man who was mugged outside his home in January. The world’s response to the Paris terror attacks was the moment that inspired the most people over the past year.

The results, compiled from a YouGov study of 2,000 GB adults, also saw losing weight named as the British public’s most common pledge for 2016, with 35% resolving to do this for the coming year. The findings coincide with the launch of Discovery Channel’s #MYWBpledge initiative, where viewers are given the opportunity to share how they intend to expand their horizons in the year ahead.

When asked to select from a list of the people who had inspired them in 2015, the poll revealed that more than a quarter (26%) of British adults feel personally inspired by Katie Cutler, from Gateshead, following her decision to set up an online fundraising campaign for Alan Barnes, which received donations from across the world. She has since received a British Empire Medal in the Queen’s Birthday Honours list.

Chris Norman, Anthony Sadler, Spencer Stone and Alek Skarlatos came second on Discovery Channel’s top ten inspirational people poll of 2015 for their bravery in stopping a heavily armed gunman attack a train in France. All four received France’s highest honour, the Légion d’honneur, for their courage in stopping the attack.

Third on the list was Tim Peake, who became only the seventh British-born person in space when he blasted off to the International Space Station on Tuesday December 15. Gary Neville and Ryan Giggs rank fourth in terms of the number of people they have inspired for their decision to allow homeless people to stay in the Manchester hotel they are currently renovating during the winter.

The survey also revealed the moments which have inspired the public in the past year, with the global show of solidarity in response to the Paris terrorist attacks topping the list, with 42% expressing their feelings of inspiration. Secondly, with 37%, was the moment when more than 50 people helped to lift a double-decker bus off a cyclist, after an accident in London. Third (27%) was Queen Elizabeth II becoming the longest serving British Monarch, while fourth (23%) was the makers of Star Wars allowing terminally ill Daniel Fleetwood, from Texas, to watch the new film early – he died just days after seeing it.

Graham Lafferty, Head of Discovery Channel UK & Ireland said: “2015 has been full of amazing achievements, actions and inspirational moments, from Tim Peake going into space to the historic Paris climate agreement. In 2016 we’re encouraging the nation to share their own pledges through our#MYWBpledge initiative. We want to know how people are planning to make their world bigger next year, no matter how big or small their pledge might be.”

As part of the study, Discovery Channel revealed losing weight as the UK’s most common pledge for 2016. Getting fit came second, travelling more third, and getting a new job fourth. Drinking less alcohol or stopping totally, completed the top five.

The research is released to coincide with Discovery Channel’s #MYWBpledge campaign which encourages viewers across the UK to share how they plan to broaden their horizons in 2016. To submit a #MYWBpledge or to find out more visit www.discoveryuk.com or @DiscoveryUK.