A football fan who raised over £260,000 for charity by selling samosas, a mother who saved a 10-year-old boy from drowning, and a five-year-old girl who rebuilt her life after losing both legs are among the inspirational winners celebrated at the 2024 Pride of Britain Awards. Chosen from tens of thousands of public nominations, these everyday heroes were honoured at a glittering London ceremony co-hosted by Ashley Banjo and Carol Vorderman.
P&O Cruises, the new headline partner for the Pride of Britain Awards, gifted each of the 12 winners a cruise holiday. Three heroes experienced a 14-night Caribbean adventure on board Britannia, visiting eight sun-soaked islands and enjoying world-class entertainment.
Aiyla Mota, now five, fell ill with what seemed like a normal childhood infection just before her fourth birthday. It turned into sepsis, causing multiple organ failure and forcing doctors to amputate both her legs and five fingers. Her courage and positivity earned her a Pride of Britain Award, making her one of the youngest-ever winners. Her mother, Eulanda, said: 'Aiyla has always had a bubbly personality, and despite what she’s been through, she’s lost none of that sparkle. In fact, she’s even louder, more confident and bubblier than before.'
Emily Greenwood was enjoying a winter walk along her local Cornish beach with her disabled son, Isaac, when a 10-year-old boy surfing on a bodyboard was caught in a riptide. Emily, 53, pushed Isaac's wheelchair to safety and swam 400 metres to reach the boy and his stepfather, guiding them back to shore. Her bravery earned her a Pride of Britain Award and a Caribbean cruise with Isaac, her daughter Isobel and Isobel's friend Tamar.
Emily said: 'It was the first time any of us had ever been on a cruise, and it was an absolute dream holiday. The crew were incredible, and nothing was too much trouble, especially where Isaac was concerned.' She praised the ability to pre-order meals for Isaac, who has food intolerances linked to his disability.
