This week it was a great privilege to attend the Daily Mirror Pride of Britain Awards. The event, sponsored by P&O Cruises, celebrates the extraordinary achievements, resilience, spirit and determination of people the length and breadth of the country, and of all ages.
There are categories recognising children of courage, outstanding acts of bravery, inspirational fundraisers and those who go the extra mile to make the world a better place, locally, nationally and even globally. The winners were chosen by a judging panel from tens of thousands of public nominations.
The experience of being in the room for such a powerful and inspiring awards ceremony was nothing short of incredible. The star-studded event saw hosts Carol Vorderman MBE and Ashley Banjo MBE welcome a host of celebrities to the stage to give out awards, from international footballers to the Prime Minister.
Every story showcased on the stage was wonderful, with the recognition richly deserved by individuals who all showed humility in accepting the accolade despite the standing ovation they were receiving from hundreds of people.
Doing Hull proud was Barry Walden, from Hessle, who was crowned ITV Fundraiser of the Year. Barry has spent a lifetime fundraising, using his love of singing to help raise hundreds of thousands of pounds over an amazing six decades.
The 85-year-old has been an inspiration to generations after joining the Society of M.I.C.E (Men in Charitable Endeavour) shortly after it was formed in 1961 by a group of local entertainers. The charitable organisation is based on the Grand Order of Water Rats.
Now, 65 years later, Barry remains dedicated to the cause, supporting various local charities in Hull and East Riding, including local food banks.
The society organises events and concerts, in venues ranging from clubs to residential homes, where their music raises spirits as well as much-needed money for the community.
Barry’s inspiration for music came from his piano-playing mum, who encouraged him to sing. And this man really, really loves singing. He took to the stage in London in front of hundreds of people and spoke with great humour and warmth about his life’s work.
Barry has put his heart and soul into raising money for local causes as the group’s longest-serving member, and the octogenarian has no plans to stop. He said : “I just hope that my influence can influence many of the others to carry on, because it is a smashing thing.
“And as long as people enjoy doing it, we’ll continue. It will never stop.” Indeed, it was difficult to get Barry to stop talking, such was his enthusiasm for everything he does, and he raised plenty of laughs as you’ll see if you watch the ITV broadcast!
Other inspiring stories from the North East, Yorkshire and Humber included a Lifetime Achievement award for Mr Asif Hasan, a world-leading cardiac surgeon who changed the face of life-saving paediatric heart surgery and transplantation in the UK from his base at our Freeman Hospital in Newcastle. He was joined on stage by 19 of his Heart Heroes whose lives he saved, in a powerful moment of high emotion.
Meanwhile, in Yorkshire, Halifax mum and brother-in-law Elaine Roberts and Luke Ambler were given a Special Recognition Award for the important venture Andy’s Man Club, now available nationwide. It’s a male suicide prevention charity that has saved thousands of lives, and it honours the name of Andrew Roberts, who died aged just 23. If you do one thing today, tell the men in your life that this service exists.
Host Carol Vorderman said: “Presenting Pride of Britain is one of the greatest privileges of my life. I’m completely humbled by our winners and their extraordinary stories. They’ve shown incredible courage, kindness and determination, often in circumstances most of us can barely imagine.”
Carnival UK and P&O Cruises president, Paul Ludlow, said: “The Pride of Britain Awards shine a light on the very best, celebrating those individuals whose courage and selflessness inspire us all. Every winner recognised has demonstrated an extraordinary commitment to making a difference, often in the face of significant challenges. Their stories remind us of the power of kindness, resilience and community and the impact one person can have on the lives of many.”
The Daily Mirror Pride of Britain Awards with P&O Cruises is televised on Thursday on ITV1 and ITVX at 8pm. Please watch it and be inspired by so many heartfelt stories of bravery, resilience and determination.
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