Millions across the UK will tune in this week to the Daily Mirror Pride of Britain Awards with P&O Cruises, a two-hour extravaganza celebrating ordinary people with extraordinary stories. Co-hosts Carol Vorderman and Ashley Banjo led the star-studded event, which took place at London’s Grosvenor House Hotel on Monday 20th October 2025.
Among the unforgettable moments, humanitarian aid hero Sally Becker received the Lifetime Achievement award after evacuating hundreds of children from war zones over 30 years. Joined on stage by Maja Kazazic, a child she had saved from Bosnia, Becker moved Vorderman to tears. “Sally is one of the most loving people you could ever possibly wish to meet,” said Vorderman.
Luke Mortimer, 12, who had all four limbs amputated after contracting meningitis and septicemia, was awarded the Child of Courage. He was surprised by Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson, who appeared in his hotel room with room service. Johnson praised Luke’s fundraising for other children with amputations. Vorderman noted the funny moment: “All of us were going to Luke, ‘How big is The Rock?’”
Georgie Hyslop, 17, received the Good Morning Britain Young Fundraiser award for raising over £55,000 for charity despite battling a rare bone cancer. Hollywood star Margot Robbie surprised her with the award and invited Georgie and her family to the premiere of her latest film. Vorderman described the moment as “absolutely lovely.”
Joanne Harris was handed the ITV Fundraiser award for providing knitted breast prosthetics to cancer patients. Gavin and Stacey stars Ruth Jones and Joanna Page presented the award. Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer described the winners as “the very best of our country.”
