Pride of Britain awards: Heroes, tears and inspiration mark 25th anniversary
Emotional moments and incredible surprises highlight Pride of Britain's milestone event
For 25 years, Pride of Britain has delivered unforgettable moments, from emotional reunions to incredible surprises. Tonight’s anniversary awards were no different.
This year’s event featured an inspiring eight-year-old with leukaemia, who motivated celebrities to donate thousands to her charity, and a delighted five-year-old meeting her movie idol, Paddington. The gala, as always, highlighted ordinary people achieving extraordinary feats, often overcoming significant challenges to save lives and improve the world.
The spotlight was on real heroes, with famous faces stepping back. Guests donned silver for the 25th anniversary, and emotional moments began immediately.
Your Pride of Britain 2024 winners 💜🏆@DailyMirror @TSB #prideofbritain pic.twitter.com/OsMWP8d7zV
— Pride of Britain (@PrideOfBritain) October 22, 2024
The night opened with a tribute to former Mirror editor Peter Willis, who passed away in 2021 at 54. He epitomised the values of the awards he founded. Simon Cowell shared a personal tribute, highlighting how Peter’s legacy continues.
The evening celebrated the best of humanity, including a special fundraiser for Florrie Bark. Eight-year-old Florrie, who is battling acute myeloid leukaemia and awaiting a lung transplant, charmed the audience with her laughter and enthusiasm for life. Masked Singer host Joel Dommett and Strictly’s Obi Mabuse presented her Child of Courage award, praising her as one of the most inspirational people they’ve met.
Strictly’s Pete Wicks and Towie star Sam Thompson encouraged celebrities to donate to Florrie’s new charity, MeMoreFab. Florrie’s exuberant rallying cry, “Get all of them! Round them up! Get Duncan Ballantyne! Before he hides,” had everyone laughing. Her efforts led to the Dragon donating £30,000, with over £100,000 raised in total. The charity will provide education and activities like music therapy for children with cancer.
Celebrities reached for tissues when five-year-old Aiyla Mota received the first award. Despite losing her limbs to sepsis, she embraces life with zest, engaging in activities from schoolwork to ice-skating. Dressed as a ballerina, she was joined on stage by Simon Cowell and Paralympic gold medallist Hannah Cockroft, and was thrilled when Paddington Bear presented her Child of Courage award.
Ten-year-old Jacob Newson’s story also inspired. After losing his mum at seven, he raised over £150,000 for the hospice that cared for her. Receiving his Good Morning Britain Fundraiser of the Year award from footballer Jill Scott and adventurer Steve Backshall, Jacob expressed his belief that each step brings him closer to his mum.
Adults also shone, such as Emily Greenwood, who rescued a boy and his father from a rip tide in Cornwall in January 2023. Stripping to her underwear, she swam 200m in freezing water to save them. Prime Minister Keir Starmer presented her with the Outstanding Bravery award, commending her bravery.
Molly Leonard, 26, received The King’s Trust Young Achiever award from James Corden. Living with anorexia since 15, she used mindful crafting to help others with mental health issues, running sessions in schools and her community.
Red carpet glam 🪩💜 @ITV @DailyMirror @TSB #prideofbritain pic.twitter.com/bAmyobLwBO
— Pride of Britain (@PrideOfBritain) October 22, 2024
The awards also honoured Diana Parkes and Hetti Barkworth-Nanton for their work against domestic abuse. After Diana’s daughter and Hetti’s best friend, Joanna Simpson, was killed by her estranged husband in 2010, they founded the Joanna Simpson Foundation to support children affected by domestic abuse.
Carol Vorderman, host since the first ceremony, was moved to tears, joined by Ashley Banjo this year. Other heroes included former lifeboat coxswain Hewitt Clark, 79, who served with the RNLI for 35 years, saving 319 lives, and winning the This Morning Emergency Services award.
The courage of our armed services was also recognised, with former Gurkha Hari Budha Magar, who lost both legs in Afghanistan in 2010. He became the first double above-the-knee amputee to climb Everest in May 2023, receiving a Special Recognition award. Hari was emotional as he reunited with the comrades who rescued him.
Manny Singh Kang, who has raised over £260,000 for Dementia UK since 2018, won the ITV Fundraiser of the Year award. Receiving his award from Oscar-winning actor Jim Broadbent, Manny encouraged others to discard self-doubt and pursue their goals.
What Other Media Are Saying
- The Irish News: The King and Prime Minister honor Daily Mirror’s Pride of Britain Award winners, highlighting their exceptional contributions to society ahead of the 25th anniversary celebration.(read more)
- What to Watch highlights the 25th anniversary of the Pride of Britain Awards, hosted by Carol Vorderman and Ashley Banjo, honoring ordinary heroes with a star-studded ceremony on ITV1. (read more)
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions asked about this news
What is the Pride of Britain Awards?
An annual event celebrating ordinary people who achieve extraordinary feats, often overcoming significant challenges.
Who was Florrie Bark and why was she honored?
An eight-year-old with leukaemia who inspired celebrities to donate over £100,000 to her charity, MeMoreFab.
What did Aiyla Mota achieve?
Despite losing her limbs to sepsis, she embraces life fully and received a Child of Courage award.
Who received the Outstanding Bravery award?
Emily Greenwood, for rescuing a boy and his father from a rip tide in Cornwall.
What is significant about Hari Budha Magar’s achievement?
He became the first double above-the-knee amputee to climb Everest, receiving a Special Recognition award.
