An individual passionate about football raised more than £260,000 for charity through the sale of samosas. A mother displayed bravery by rescuing a 10-year-old boy from drowning in the sea. Additionally, a five-year-old girl showed remarkable courage in overcoming the loss of both legs.
These outstanding individuals were recognized at the 2024 Pride of Britain Awards after being selected from a large pool of public nominations. The event, held in London and hosted by Ashley Banjo and Carol Vorderman, honored these everyday heroes.
During the ceremony, a surprise announcement was made by P&O Cruises, the new primary sponsor of the Pride of Britain Awards. Each of the 12 winners received a cruise holiday as a gift, providing them with an opportunity to create lasting memories with their families.
Three of the award recipients embarked on a 14-night Caribbean voyage aboard the Britannia cruise ship, exploring eight picturesque islands and enjoying top-notch entertainment.
Aiyla Mota, recognized for her exceptional courage as a Child of Courage
Aiyla Mota fell critically ill with sepsis shortly before her fourth birthday, leading to the amputation of both her legs and five fingers to save her life. Despite this, Aiyla, now five, has displayed incredible resilience and positivity, earning her a Pride of Britain Award as one of the youngest recipients.
Eulanda, Aiyla’s proud mother from Middlesex, shared, “Aiyla has maintained her bubbly personality throughout her ordeal, displaying even more confidence and cheerfulness. It’s as if she’s Aiyla multiplied by 100!”
Following the award presentation by P&O Cruises, Aiyla and her family embarked on a Caribbean cruise, relishing the ship’s numerous amenities and exploring the various island destinations.
Eulanda expressed her gratitude, saying, “The cruise was a fantastic experience, and we are thankful to P&O Cruises for this amazing opportunity. It was our first cruise, and we were pleasantly surprised by the plethora of activities on board.”
Emily Greenwood, honored for her outstanding bravery
While on a winter beach walk with her disabled son, Emily Greenwood witnessed a dramatic incident where a 10-year-old boy and his rescuer were caught in a riptide. Without hesitation, Emily dove into the sea, swam 400 meters, and successfully guided them back to safety.
Her courageous act earned her a Pride of Britain Award and a Caribbean cruise prize, where she enjoyed a memorable vacation with her family, including her disabled son, Isaac.
Reflecting on the cruise experience, Emily shared, “It was a dream holiday for us, as none of us had been on a cruise before. The crew’s exceptional service, especially accommodating Isaac’s dietary needs, made the trip truly special.”
Manny Singh Kang, ITV Fundraiser of the Year
Manny Singh Kang, a devoted Wolverhampton Wanderers fan, raised over £260,000 for Dementia UK through innovative fundraising initiatives like selling samosas outside the football club. His philanthropic efforts earned him a Caribbean cruise courtesy of P&O Cruises.
Accompanied by his family, Manny enjoyed the cruise, highlighting the breathtaking views of the Caribbean islands and the exceptional service provided by the Britannia crew.
“The cruise experience was magnificent, with stunning views of the sunrise and sunset over the sea. Each island we visited was uniquely beautiful, creating lasting memories for all of us,” Manny shared.
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