One water founder honoured as Greatest Living Briton 2007

Duncan Goose, founder of charity Global Ethics was voted the winner in the ‘Campaigner category’ at the first ever Greatest Living Britons 2007 ceremony. Duncan beat off tough competition from other campaigners including Kierra Box (Hands up) and Shami Chakrabarti (Liberty).

Duncan Goose was chosen by a high profile panel of judges that included Lord Sebastian Coe, screenwriter Richard Curtis, television presenter Kelly Osbourne and designer Kelly Hoppen.

He set up Global Ethics in 2004, with the primary remit of raising funds for projects in developing countries. The first step was to launch a bottled water brand called One which donates 100% of it's profits to fund the development of unique roundabout powered PlayPump water pumping systems in Africa.

Within three years 31 PlayPumps have been funded providing clean, safe drinking water for at least 77,500 people. This year sales are expected to top £1 million – allowing a PlayPump to be built every fortnight. Duncan has ambitious plans for the future and is looking to develop other like-for-like initiatives.

Duncan was in great company as other winners included the Queen as ‘Greatest Living Briton’, Dame Helen Mirren in the Film category, David Beckham received the Global Achievement Award, graffiti artist Banksy in the Arts category, Ricky Gervais in the TV award, Amy Winehouse took the award for Music, Giles Deacon came top in the Fashion category and Sir Ranulph Fiennes won in the Sports category.

The ceremony, produced by ITV1 in association with The Sun newspaper and Marks & Spencer, was hosted by Kate Thornton. A number of celebrities and dignitaries attended the event, including Gordon Brown, Geri Halliwell, Myleene Klass and Bob Geldof.

Duncan Goose, founder and managing director of Global Ethics and ‘One’ said: “I’m astounded – this award is testament to all the people who have chosen to buy ‘One’ over another brand of bottled water. It’s a simple choice and when you drink a bottle of One, you enable Africa to drink too.”

Guy Freeman, ITV`s controller of music and events, said: "The Great Britons 2007 was a fantastic ceremony extolling all that is so great about the United Kingdom."