EXCLUSIVE: Andy Burnham writes for the Daily Mirror about how the Pride of Britain awards are ‘a celebration of our country and of the hard work and sacrifice of some incredible men and women’
‘Some of the award winners are ordinary people who responded to terrifying situations with humbling courage and selflessness,’ Andy Burnham writes(Image: Victoria Jones/Shutterstock)
In the era of “doomscrolling”, it’s hard at times to be hopeful. It sometimes feels the world has changed beyond recognition. But then, right on cue, along comes the annual antidote to the algorithms: Pride of Britain.
Every year, this special moment in the national calendar reminds us that the people of this country haven’t changed. They are still as great as they always were.
Pride of Britain is a celebration of our country and of the hard work and sacrifice of some incredible men and women. A chance to honour the quiet work that sometimes goes unrecognised but changes people’s lives. And it’s a moment to be inspired to do something more to make our own communities better places.
Some of the award winners are ordinary people who responded to terrifying situations with humbling courage and selflessness. Dr Eli Prior helped and comforted other passengers after a train crash, working alongside emergency services even though she was badly injured herself.
Andrew Franks was the volunteer security guard at Heaton Park synagogue when it was attacked by a terrorist with a knife. He was also seriously injured when he tackled the terrorist, giving worshippers life-saving time to barricade the doors.
Others have worked tirelessly for years to make people’s lives better. Asif Hasan is a children’s heart surgeon who has performed around 400 transplants over the last 30 years. He’s saved hundreds of sick children’s lives and trained countless other surgeons here and around the world.
Two award winners I’m particularly moved by are Elaine Roberts and Luke Ambler. They set up Andy’s Man Club after losing Andy, Elaine’s son and Luke’s brother-in-law, to suicide ten years ago. I have seen first-hand the incredible work they do. During the Makerfield by-election, one of their groups was meeting in the same place as my campaign HQ. I had a great chat with the volunteers and I am in no doubt that the work they do saves lives every week. Men’s mental health is one of the biggest issues of our time. By providing a place where men can go to talk without judgement, they’ve turned a tragedy into a chance to help others.
All the people who are being honoured at this year’s Pride of Britain awards have been through difficult times. They’ve been in situations where they were scared or things went wrong. But they are living proof that resilience means tough times don’t have the last word, especially when we care for those around us. That’s what makes them heroes. I want to congratulate everyone who will be honoured tomorrow evening. It is your night and the whole country is applauding.
The true beauty of the Pride of Britain awards is that they show how everyone has the potential to do great things and to make Britain a better place. They remind us that our country’s greatest strength is its people. And that, when we pull together as one, Britain is unbeatable.
