The Daily Mirror Pride of Britain Awards brought together some of the very best for a special night, honouring the nation's unsung heroes. Hosted by Carol Vorderman and Ashley Banjo at Grosvenor House, the annual event saw A-listers, sporting stars and soap actors celebrate the country's real-life superheroes.
The climax of the night came when cardiac surgeon Dr Asif Hasan was joined on stage by the children he saved as he collected the Lifetime Achievement Award. Celebrities including footballer Jack Grealish, the stars of Strictly Come Dancing, actress Celia Imrie, astronaut Tim Peake, and TV stars Sam Thompson and Pete Wicks were on hand to present prizes to some of the UK's most deserving winners.
Emotional Moments and Inspiring Winners
Footballer Jack Grealish presented Child of Courage Zac Howells with his award. Grealish said: "The whole night is so inspirational. I just said that I wouldn't have known what to do in that situation and yet he was just 12 years old and saved his mum. Footballers are classed as heroes but honestly, these are the real heroes. They do so much and it is only right that they get this recognition, that was really special."
Prime Minister Andy Burnham presented Andy's Man Club's founders, Elaine Roberts and her son-in-law Luke Ambler, with a Special Recognition award. Speaking of all the winners, Burnham said: "Forget celebrities, the real stars were on the stage. The best bit of Britain is the people. If we get Britain pulling together, in the same direction, we'll be unstoppable."
Young Heroes and Fundraisers Honoured
Child of Courage winner Kirsty Waugh was honoured for raising £250,000 for cancer charities after being diagnosed with a brain tumour at just 10 years old. She said: "I still cannot quite believe all this is happening. It is crazy because I did not expect it. I decided after the diagnosis that I could either get on with my life or go into a sulk." Amber Davies said it was her "greatest honour" to present Kirsty her award, whilst Danny Jones said he was inspired by "icon" Kirsty.
Dr Eli Prior received the Special Recognition award. The GP and mum of two was sitting in the front carriage of a train when it ploughed into a stationary train at around 50mph near Bedford. She was one of the first to call 999, then worked alongside emergency services to triage passengers and even refused an ambulance for herself, insisting it went to someone else.
Gregor Corse was named Young Fundraiser, having raised £75,000 for charity by doing walks 'aroon the hoose' to help other children. He started wearing uniforms, including a policeman's and a fireman's, before local businesses sponsored him to wear their logos.
More Awards and Recognition
Barry Walden, 85, from Hull won ITV Fundraiser of The Year after fundraising for 65 years with Three Blind Mice, raising half a million. When asked what keeps him going, he said: "What keeps me going is singing! It's good for your health, there's no prescription charges."
Denise Lewis was one of 13 selected to be part of the judging panel. She was seen backstage chatting to TV star Rob Rinder, who presented Andrew Franks with his award. Andrew threw himself at the knife-wielding Heaton Park synagogue attacker on Yom Kippur.
Astronaut Tim Peake and Celebrity Traitors star Jerry Hall presented the King's Trust Young Achiever Award to Brandon Hulcoop. Blind from birth, Brandon faced immense difficulty entering the workforce, being continuously rejected due to lack of experience or employers' inability to see past his disability. Frustrated by the lack of accessibility in everyday life, he envisioned starting a business to solve these challenges.
Memorable Presentations and Final Words
Kirsty was thrilled to be presented with her award by McFly star Danny Jones and Legally Blonde star Amber Davies. Amber said: "Kirsty captured the hearts of everyone. It will remain one of my most cherished memories and to be part of your story was the greatest honour," and Danny added: "She has been described as an icon. To think of other children when you are going through what she was going through is the biggest thing for me."
The stars of Strictly Come Dancing were there to present the This Morning Local Hero award to Florence Coke. She said on stage: "I wasn't expecting this at all, because whatever I was doing all this years, was just love. It brings me joy. I get up at 4am every morning. And before I open my shop I always pray."
The Daily Mirror Pride of Britain Awards will be broadcast on Thursday at 8pm on ITV and ITVX.
