Brits say mums are the real heroes

When we think of heroes it’s perhaps a courageous fireman or a crime-busting super-cop who spring to mind but apparently most Brits see their mums as their number one hero.

That’s according to a new survey out today which says that while the members of the three emergency services have come out top when asked who is a local hero one in four people said their mum is the main heroic figure in their lives.

Fire-fighters, paramedics, doctors and nurses, and police officers certainly have a great deal of respect and rightly so. Over four fifths think our brave firemen and women are true local heroes, with just under two thirds (60%) saying medical staff are the main heroes and half saying local bobbies are the heroes on the street.

But when it comes for a truly inspirational figure our loyalties evidently lie closer to home with one in four saying their mum’s number one with dads only slightly behind with a fifth of the vote.

But this is perhaps not surprising as when it comes to describing what makes a good local hero, it’s not bravery that comes out top.

According to Olympic hero Sally Gunnell, “Mothers play such a vital role in a child’s life. They are role models and have a responsibility to lead by example and act as a hero to each and every child. “The research underlines this, and I hope it reminds the nation of the vital role that mothers play in society.”

Caring is listed as the top trait (85%) by Brits, just ahead of selflessness (83%). Other essential qualities for many heroes include being helpful (50%), passionate (45%) and motivated to do good in the neighbourhood (40%), according to a survey commissioned by HiQ for the launch of a national competition to find the nation’s Local Heroes.

For more information visit: hiqonline.co.uk