And the 2016 winners are...
28 November 2016
Everyone nominated for a Pride of Britain Award has an extraordinary story, which has helped to inspire and encourage others. We take a look at the well-deserved winners of 2016
Billy Muir
TSB Community Partner Award
Celebrated as Britain’s hardest-working man, Billy carries out 20 jobs to keep his remote Orkney island community going, almost single-handed: “It feels absolutely amazing to win this, thank you to TSB. I’ve never had a night like this.”
Francesca Brown
Prince’s Trust Young Achiever Award
Francesca overcame personal issues, including depression, to set up a football programme for girls helping them deal with self-esteem, bullying and body image problems: “The girls inspire me to do what I do, just seeing their faces coming off the pitch is incredible.”
Nikki Christou
Child of Courage
The schoolgirl with a potentially life-threatening condition has shown others how to cope with chronic illness, becoming a social-media star in the process: “I just take every day as it comes and I just think it's important to make the best out of a bad situation.”
Dylan Graves
Child of Courage
Dylan risked his own life to push his friend out of the way of a runaway car, taking the worst of the impact himself: “It feels incredible – I am so excited to get this award. I didn’t really know what it was but now I do.”
Karen Johnson
Special Recognition
Told her two young sons would die from a rare condition, Karen, a nurse from Rochdale, raised £250,000 in a year to help fund research into a cure: “You always have time – some people choose to go to the gym at night, I choose to fundraise.”
Rhea Kara
Good Morning Britain Young Fundraiser
This young artist painted a picture a day for 100 days to raise thousands of pounds for research into children with incurable conditions: “All I want is for them to find a cure and I won’t be truly proud of myself until they do so.”
David Nott
Special Recognition
The extraordinary war surgeon has risked his own life to save others operating in the world’s most dangerous places, including Afghanistan, Iraq and Syria: “The awards are very important because it may just encourage other doctors to go out there to give aid.”
Tilly Sawford
Child of Courage
Tilly has survived against the odds, inspiring thousands, by enduring 500 operations after suffering 86% burns when she was a young child: “I’m a big fan of the Pride of Britain awards because I get to meet celebrities and I get my courage from my friends.
London’s Air Ambulance team
This Morning Emergency Services Award
The Community Ambassador for North East England Area, area performance manager Ivor has been key in getting the North network ready for the launch of Pick and Protect – sharing ideas, supporting training, and preparing scenario exercises. “I am so proud to work for TSB,” he says. “I’m inspired to do great things.”
Ben Smith
ITV Fundraiser
A victim of bullying a school, Ben ran 401 marathons in 401 days to raise more than £250,000 for anti-bullying charities: “Surprise is an understatement. Walking and seeing all these sporting heroes of mine clapping me was overwhelming.”
William Edwards
Outstanding Bravery Award
William suffered serious injuries, risking his own life to rescue a terrified pensioner trapped in a burning car: “I don’t consider myself as a hero, I just did what I feel other people should do.”
Simon and Ted McDermott
Special Recognition
This dementia sufferer and his son have inspired millions with their infectious and viral Carpool Karaoke videos, raising more than £130,000 for charity: “The awards are important because it recognises normal people. I think these days society is a lot about fluff and there’s not any depth to it.”
The Groves family
Special Recognition
The Groves family forced the Government to change the law on drug-driving after their daughter Lillian was killed by a speeding driver high on cannabis. “It is an honour to be recognised but it is bittersweet for me and Gary. It is the way forward – something needed to be done.”
Professor Stephen Hawking
Lifetime Achievement Award
The legendary scientist has battled a devastating illness for 50 years to change the way we think about the world. However, on the night he begged Theresa May not to ask him to solve the Brexit problem.
Team GB and Paralympics GB
Special Recognition
Britain’s incredible athletes broke all records at both the Rio Olympics and Paralympics. The likes of the Brownlee Brothers and Laura Trott were on hand to accept the award.