Prime Minister Andy Burnham welcomed Pride of Britain Award winners to a special reception at Downing Street today, praising them as the "best bit of Britain" and revealing he will run the Great North Run next year for men's suicide prevention charity Andy's Man Club.
The charity's founders, Elaine Roberts and her son-in-law Luke Ambler, were among the winners invited to celebrate at the Prime Minister's residence after Monday night's Daily Mirror Pride of Britain Awards in partnership with P&O Cruises at London's Grosvenor House Hotel.
Burnham hails winners as 'real stars'
Mr Burnham, who presented Roberts and Ambler with a Special Recognition award on stage, said: "Forget celebrities, the real stars were on the stage." Describing the winners as "down to earth, full of humour," he continued: "The best bit of Britain is the people. If we get Britain pulling together, in the same direction, we'll be unstoppable."
A self-described "massive fan" of Andy's Man Club, the Prime Minister told The Mirror: "I have followed their progress over many years and I do feel a real connection with them - and not just because my name is Andy." He added: "To present them with an award last night was brilliant. And to say to Elaine and Luke, 'you've changed so many lives, saved lives, in the name of the son and brother-in-law that you lost' - it's just an amazing thing for people to do."
Charity's growth and impact
Andy's Man Club was launched by Roberts and Ambler after her son, Andy, took his own life in 2016, aged just 23. The charity provides a simple, barrier-free space for men to have "a brew and a chat," and it has grown from one group meeting with nine men in Halifax, West Yorkshire, to more than 360 community groups across England, Scotland and Wales, alongside online sessions.
Luke Ambler said: "The Prime Minister told us that he's running the Great North Run next year for Andy's Man Club and it's a real wow moment for us. Who better to have on board than the leader of the country?"
Mr Burnham said: "The debate about mental health has changed in this country about a decade ago, with people being more open, but there was still a real lack of places to go and support. Andy's Man Club is a place in the community to open up with people who were in a similar position and talk in a way without judgment or stigma."
Winners share their stories
The charity also helped Special Recognition winner Esther Ghey's father, Peter Spooner, who turned to them for support following the murder of her daughter, Brianna. Esther, who has campaigned for stricter online safety regulations and improved youth mental health support, said of her award: "This is for Brianna. I like to think she'd be proud of us. I like to think of her looking down on us."
Heart surgeon Asif Hasan, honoured with a Lifetime Achievement award after 36 years and over 400 transplants, said: "As a 12 year old boy, growing up in Pakistan, I never imagined for one moment that I'd be meeting the Prime Minister. It's a real privilege to be here."
Child of Courage winner Kirsty Waugh, 12, who has raised nearly £250,000 for research after being diagnosed with a benign brain tumour, said she was "totally starstruck" meeting the Prime Minister. Fellow winner Zac Howells, 13, who steered his mum's car to safety when she passed out at the wheel, got Mr Burnham to sign his scrapbook with the message: "Dear Zac, You are the pride of Wales and the pride of Britain."
Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government Angela Rayner, who spoke with Zac and his mum Nicola Crump, said: "We're in good hands if the next generation is anything like Zac."
Mr Burnham concluded: "These guys are the epitome of hope. They filled the room with hope last night and they fill the country when it's broadcast on ITV. They give you hope in tough times. What it shows though, is the British public have not changed. They're still as brilliant as they ever were, and this country is full of people who will make a sacrifice in a heartbeat, even if it puts themselves at risk, or will turn private grief to public good. That's who we are."
The Daily Mirror Pride of Britain Awards will air on Thursday 22 October at 8pm on ITV1 and ITVX.
