Perdita
22-09-2009, 17:42
Wednesday, 7 October 2009, 8:00PM - 9:00PM
Many of the country's biggest stars unite to salute the nation's real-life unsung heroes - the Pride of Britain.
Now in its eleventh year, The Daily Mirror's Pride of Britain Awards 2009, sponsored by the Co-operative, is back and is bigger than ever.
Hosted by Carol Vorderman, the annual event is packed with breathtaking stories of heroism and courage, uplifting and moving moments and hilarious celebrity surprises.
More than 100 stars - ranging from Prince Charles and Prime Minister Gordon Brown to David Beckham, Sir Michael Caine, Simon Cowell and Ant and Dec - pay tribute to our real-life heroes at the glittering occasion at the Grosvenor House in London's Park Lane.
Prince Charles honours a former heroin addict who, after racking up 176 criminal convictions, now saves the lives of young drug abusers, Little Britain's David Walliams and Matt Lucas meet a courageous female fan whose cancer battle stunned the nation and Paul O'Grady joins a plucky 95 year old lady as she attempts to break a world record in abseiling!
Britain's Got Talent winners Diversity join in celebrating the best of British - returning to our screens to open the show with a specially created dance routine.
Nominated by the public, the winners truly deserve recognition. From all walks of life, of all ages, and from all over the country, their achievements are extraordinary, inspiring and a lesson to us all.
Among the heart-warming Child of Courage winners are a four year old girl who was severely burned as she saved her sister from a bath of scalding water and a 12-year old boy whose inspiring speeches on fighting leukaemia are spearheading a £600,000 appeal to help other sick children.
Then there's an extraordinary British scientist who, after leaving school with no qualifications at the age of 15, invented a machine which has saved millions of lives in Britain and worldwide.
And, in a salute to the courage of our armed forces, military heroes range from a brave Marine who rugby-tackled a suicide bomber in Afghanistan to an army officer who, despite losing the use of his legs in a rocket attack in Iraq, raised over £1million by taking part in challenges including the London Marathon, which took him a gruelling two weeks to complete.
Among other celebrities presenting awards, from the worlds of showbusiness, soaps, sport and politics, are Harry Potter stars, Bruce Forsyth, Girls Aloud, Dame Shirley Bassey, Sir Richard Branson, Phillip Schofield, cricket hero Freddie Flintoff, Gordon Ramsay, David Hasselhoff, Louis Walsh, Dannii Minogue and Lenny Henry. Even Dame Vera Lynn - fresh from topping the album charts aged 92 - is there.
Since it started in 1999, Pride of Britain has become the biggest event of its kind in the UK. It is also one of the highest-rated awards shows on British TV. Among A-listers who have taken part are Sir Paul McCartney, President Clinton, Kylie Minogue, Dame Helen Mirren and Ewan McGregor.
Host Carol Vorderman says: "It's always such a great pleasure hosting Pride of Britain. For me, it is the only awards show on TV that really matters because the winners are real people who could not be more deserving.
"Over the past decade, there have been so many heart-warming, inspiring stories of people who have contributed so much to this country. It's a chance for us to celebrate Britain at its best and I'm not surprised it has become the biggest national event of its kind."
HRH Prince Charles, who takes part in Pride of Britain every year, says: "The Pride of Britain Awards are, I believe, a unique way to celebrate the achievements of some truly remarkable people, and hear something of their inspiring and humbling stories.
"These marvellous awards remind all of us that, despite what one might think, throughout this country there are extraordinary people living selfless lives, showing unbelievable courage and caring for their families, neighbours and communities."
David Beckham says: "I'm always delighted to take part in the Pride of Britain Awards. The winners are always amazing, particularly the little children. I think the bravery and courage they show is an example to us all."
Simon Cowell says: "These awards are far superior to the Brits and Baftas. I genuinely believe it's the best award ceremony of the year. It makes you realise exactly what life is about and what people have to overcome."
The winners are selected by a judging committee which this year includes the Prime Minister's wife Sarah Brown, Olympian Dame Kelly Holmes, ITN newsman Mark Austin, Spice Girl Emma Bunton, GMTV's Ben Shephard, Chief Medical Officer Sir Liam Donaldson and Britain's top policeman, Metropolitan Police Commissioner Sir Paul Stephenson.
Carol Vorderman talks about the Awards - by Louise Baty.
It could the most jaw-dropping TV moment of the year.
Britain's Got Talent winners Diversity are opening the Pride of Britain Awards with a breathtaking new routine.....and host Carol Vorderman wants them to carry her on stage with them.
"What a spectacular entrance that would make", she says, throwing back her head and erupting with laughter. "But I'm going to have to diet desperately and lose a few pounds before I get the boys to hoist me onto their shoulders!"
Carol has been presenting the biggest awards show for the nation's unsung heroes for more than a decade now. But she says she feels the Daily Mirror's Pride of Britain Awards is going to be extra special this year because it's moved from ITV's studios to the prestigious Grosvenor House in London's Park Lane.
More than 100 stars - including Prince Charles and Prime Minister Gordon Brown, Simon Cowell, Sir Michael Caine, David Beckham, Shirley Bassey and Ant and Dec - are lined up to honour amazing real-life champions at the glittering occasion.
As ever there will be breath-taking stories of heroism and courage. Winners range from a four-year-old girl who was severely burned as she saved her sister from a scalding bath of water to a Marine who rugby tackled a suicide bomber in Afghanistan. Others include a12-year-old boy whose inspiring battle against leukaemia is set to raise £600,000 for sick children and a scientist whose invention has saved millions of lives.
Carol says she's not surprised that Pride of Britain, sponsored by The Co-operative, has become one of the highest rated awards shows on British TV with up to seven million viewers - more than the Brits or Bafta Film Awards.
The former Countdown presenter says: "It's not like Hollywood award shows, with their over-the-top sincerity that we can all suss out as fake. It's genuine and special because it touches our humanity.
"We're all wrapped up in our own daily business but Pride of Britain brings you right back to what it is that makes life special. It reminds you of the point of it all, when everything else is taken away. It has been said that life is not about the number of breaths you take, but the number of moments that take your breath away. I couldn’t agree more.
"The winners are such extraordinary people, the sort of people who make you realise what the essence of our lives should be about.
"I always tell the children of courage to call me 'Auntie Carol' to put them at ease. Of course, we've been going so long, I'm now Auntie Carol to a load of strapping 20 year olds from the early shows!"
She realised that Pride of Britain was something special when she launched the first one back in 1999 at the Dorchester Hotel in London's Park Lane.
"We had all these incredibly famous guests," she says. "There was Mick Hucknall, Richard Branson, Sir Bobby Charlton, Lennox Lewis....and it's become famous as the night Sir Paul McCartney first met Heather Mills.
"The show wasn't televised then and we didn't have films showing each winner's story during the event so I had to read each story out.
"Usually at awards shows, there will be some chatter coming from the back of the but, that night, there was absolute silence as each story was heard.
"There were all these world famous stars sitting at the front with tears rolling down their cheeks, and people further back reaching for their serviettes to dab their eyes. It was an unbelievable atmosphere."
Since then, in the words of Prime Minister Gordon Brown, Pride of Britain has very much become "an institution" and a "highlight of our national calendar." Carol thinks it's the perfect tonic to the credit crunch, gloom and depression.
"Everyone's had a bad time but people are getting through it and realising what's important in life," she says. "That's what Pride of Britain is all about."
Her favourite moment over the years? "There are too many to mention but I loved Paul O'Grady leading hundreds of women in bras from Tower Bridge to the studio last year. They invaded the dinner, towards the end of the Awards, to honour our Fundraiser of the Year Nina Barough. It was hilariously funny and very appropriate. Nina was amazing. She had raised over £50million for breast cancer charities by getting women to do sponsored Moonwalks in bras at night.
"I always love the surprises too and David Beckham has been a great sport when it comes to meeting young fans and telling them they've won a Pride of Britain award.
"Last year, he turned up at a restaurant to invite a lad called Carl Duval to the awards. Carl was incredibly brave. He'd jumped in front of a speeding train to save a woman who'd fallen onto the track.
"But when he saw Becks standing there, he was so surprised, he was lost for words!"
But sometimes it's the stars who end up speechless. Like the time when a young winner snubbed Robbie Williams on stage in front of millions.
She says: "Robbie had come on to present the Child of Courage award to a young fan called Rachel Edwards. She'd been left paralysed after having cancer as a toddler but had made amazing progress and had the most fantastic personality.
"Anyway, she was supposedly in love with Robbie so he came onstage, gave her a kiss and then said: 'Would you like another one?' She gave him a funny look, shook her head and said 'No, I don't think so.' He didn't know what to say."
Carol reveals that some winners have had such a profound impact on her that she has ended up becoming friends with them and staying in touch over the years. One such winner was super mum Jean Forrest who received her Pride of Britain award in 2000 after fostering more than 600 children.
She says: "Rarely have I met someone with an almost physical aura of goodness and love.
"I'm a Northerner of the old school, so you get on with life and not one for excessive emotion. But I swear
that if you came within 10 yards of Jean, you felt a physical feeling of love. She was exceptional and we stayed in touch."
Another moment she relishes recalling is when Child of Courage Lydia Cross, who had lost her legs to meningitis, got the surprise of her life. She thought her dad was away in Iraq, working as a security consultant, only to turn round and find him right behind her.
Carol says: "I told Lydia to look in the camera and say hello to her dad in Iraq. When she suddenly heard his voice behind her, saying 'hello Lydia', she looked stunned for a second, then swung round, saw him standing right there and rushed over and hugged him. "It was such a joyful moment and very emotional."
She adds: "I actually bumped into Lydia’s family the other day in Bristol, where I now live. It was wonderful seeing them again. They are a lovely family."
Perhaps the hardest challenge for Carol every year is to keep her emotions in check during the show. That's easier said than done with winners such as Liam Fairhurst - a remarkably inspiring youngster who captivated the nation at last year's awards. Tragically, he lost his battle against cancer in June at the age of 14.
Carol says: "Liam was just amazing. Despite having cancer, he had raised money to fund a holiday home for other sick kids.
"He was terribly ill himself at the awards and, yet, he never stopped smiling. He had wonderful stage presence and had everyone, including me, in stitches when he came up to accept his award."
She pauses for a moment and adds: "I'll never forget Liam. He was such a beautiful young man, inside and out."
After 11 years, Carol may be the mistress of hosting Pride of Britain but she still worries whether it will be alright on the night.
"We've got a posh new set this year, as we're holding the event at the Grosvenor House Hotel in Mayfair," she says. "For the first time, the stage has stairs and I'm petrified that, what with my long dress and
high heels, I'm going to go toppling down them.
"Once you get to your mid forties, your eyesight goes so I might have to wear my Edna Everage glasses."
Laughing, she adds: Failing that, we'll get Diversity back on stage and they can just carry me around for the entire night!"
From itv.com
I am usually in floods of tears about the courage and guts so many people have :bow:
Many of the country's biggest stars unite to salute the nation's real-life unsung heroes - the Pride of Britain.
Now in its eleventh year, The Daily Mirror's Pride of Britain Awards 2009, sponsored by the Co-operative, is back and is bigger than ever.
Hosted by Carol Vorderman, the annual event is packed with breathtaking stories of heroism and courage, uplifting and moving moments and hilarious celebrity surprises.
More than 100 stars - ranging from Prince Charles and Prime Minister Gordon Brown to David Beckham, Sir Michael Caine, Simon Cowell and Ant and Dec - pay tribute to our real-life heroes at the glittering occasion at the Grosvenor House in London's Park Lane.
Prince Charles honours a former heroin addict who, after racking up 176 criminal convictions, now saves the lives of young drug abusers, Little Britain's David Walliams and Matt Lucas meet a courageous female fan whose cancer battle stunned the nation and Paul O'Grady joins a plucky 95 year old lady as she attempts to break a world record in abseiling!
Britain's Got Talent winners Diversity join in celebrating the best of British - returning to our screens to open the show with a specially created dance routine.
Nominated by the public, the winners truly deserve recognition. From all walks of life, of all ages, and from all over the country, their achievements are extraordinary, inspiring and a lesson to us all.
Among the heart-warming Child of Courage winners are a four year old girl who was severely burned as she saved her sister from a bath of scalding water and a 12-year old boy whose inspiring speeches on fighting leukaemia are spearheading a £600,000 appeal to help other sick children.
Then there's an extraordinary British scientist who, after leaving school with no qualifications at the age of 15, invented a machine which has saved millions of lives in Britain and worldwide.
And, in a salute to the courage of our armed forces, military heroes range from a brave Marine who rugby-tackled a suicide bomber in Afghanistan to an army officer who, despite losing the use of his legs in a rocket attack in Iraq, raised over £1million by taking part in challenges including the London Marathon, which took him a gruelling two weeks to complete.
Among other celebrities presenting awards, from the worlds of showbusiness, soaps, sport and politics, are Harry Potter stars, Bruce Forsyth, Girls Aloud, Dame Shirley Bassey, Sir Richard Branson, Phillip Schofield, cricket hero Freddie Flintoff, Gordon Ramsay, David Hasselhoff, Louis Walsh, Dannii Minogue and Lenny Henry. Even Dame Vera Lynn - fresh from topping the album charts aged 92 - is there.
Since it started in 1999, Pride of Britain has become the biggest event of its kind in the UK. It is also one of the highest-rated awards shows on British TV. Among A-listers who have taken part are Sir Paul McCartney, President Clinton, Kylie Minogue, Dame Helen Mirren and Ewan McGregor.
Host Carol Vorderman says: "It's always such a great pleasure hosting Pride of Britain. For me, it is the only awards show on TV that really matters because the winners are real people who could not be more deserving.
"Over the past decade, there have been so many heart-warming, inspiring stories of people who have contributed so much to this country. It's a chance for us to celebrate Britain at its best and I'm not surprised it has become the biggest national event of its kind."
HRH Prince Charles, who takes part in Pride of Britain every year, says: "The Pride of Britain Awards are, I believe, a unique way to celebrate the achievements of some truly remarkable people, and hear something of their inspiring and humbling stories.
"These marvellous awards remind all of us that, despite what one might think, throughout this country there are extraordinary people living selfless lives, showing unbelievable courage and caring for their families, neighbours and communities."
David Beckham says: "I'm always delighted to take part in the Pride of Britain Awards. The winners are always amazing, particularly the little children. I think the bravery and courage they show is an example to us all."
Simon Cowell says: "These awards are far superior to the Brits and Baftas. I genuinely believe it's the best award ceremony of the year. It makes you realise exactly what life is about and what people have to overcome."
The winners are selected by a judging committee which this year includes the Prime Minister's wife Sarah Brown, Olympian Dame Kelly Holmes, ITN newsman Mark Austin, Spice Girl Emma Bunton, GMTV's Ben Shephard, Chief Medical Officer Sir Liam Donaldson and Britain's top policeman, Metropolitan Police Commissioner Sir Paul Stephenson.
Carol Vorderman talks about the Awards - by Louise Baty.
It could the most jaw-dropping TV moment of the year.
Britain's Got Talent winners Diversity are opening the Pride of Britain Awards with a breathtaking new routine.....and host Carol Vorderman wants them to carry her on stage with them.
"What a spectacular entrance that would make", she says, throwing back her head and erupting with laughter. "But I'm going to have to diet desperately and lose a few pounds before I get the boys to hoist me onto their shoulders!"
Carol has been presenting the biggest awards show for the nation's unsung heroes for more than a decade now. But she says she feels the Daily Mirror's Pride of Britain Awards is going to be extra special this year because it's moved from ITV's studios to the prestigious Grosvenor House in London's Park Lane.
More than 100 stars - including Prince Charles and Prime Minister Gordon Brown, Simon Cowell, Sir Michael Caine, David Beckham, Shirley Bassey and Ant and Dec - are lined up to honour amazing real-life champions at the glittering occasion.
As ever there will be breath-taking stories of heroism and courage. Winners range from a four-year-old girl who was severely burned as she saved her sister from a scalding bath of water to a Marine who rugby tackled a suicide bomber in Afghanistan. Others include a12-year-old boy whose inspiring battle against leukaemia is set to raise £600,000 for sick children and a scientist whose invention has saved millions of lives.
Carol says she's not surprised that Pride of Britain, sponsored by The Co-operative, has become one of the highest rated awards shows on British TV with up to seven million viewers - more than the Brits or Bafta Film Awards.
The former Countdown presenter says: "It's not like Hollywood award shows, with their over-the-top sincerity that we can all suss out as fake. It's genuine and special because it touches our humanity.
"We're all wrapped up in our own daily business but Pride of Britain brings you right back to what it is that makes life special. It reminds you of the point of it all, when everything else is taken away. It has been said that life is not about the number of breaths you take, but the number of moments that take your breath away. I couldn’t agree more.
"The winners are such extraordinary people, the sort of people who make you realise what the essence of our lives should be about.
"I always tell the children of courage to call me 'Auntie Carol' to put them at ease. Of course, we've been going so long, I'm now Auntie Carol to a load of strapping 20 year olds from the early shows!"
She realised that Pride of Britain was something special when she launched the first one back in 1999 at the Dorchester Hotel in London's Park Lane.
"We had all these incredibly famous guests," she says. "There was Mick Hucknall, Richard Branson, Sir Bobby Charlton, Lennox Lewis....and it's become famous as the night Sir Paul McCartney first met Heather Mills.
"The show wasn't televised then and we didn't have films showing each winner's story during the event so I had to read each story out.
"Usually at awards shows, there will be some chatter coming from the back of the but, that night, there was absolute silence as each story was heard.
"There were all these world famous stars sitting at the front with tears rolling down their cheeks, and people further back reaching for their serviettes to dab their eyes. It was an unbelievable atmosphere."
Since then, in the words of Prime Minister Gordon Brown, Pride of Britain has very much become "an institution" and a "highlight of our national calendar." Carol thinks it's the perfect tonic to the credit crunch, gloom and depression.
"Everyone's had a bad time but people are getting through it and realising what's important in life," she says. "That's what Pride of Britain is all about."
Her favourite moment over the years? "There are too many to mention but I loved Paul O'Grady leading hundreds of women in bras from Tower Bridge to the studio last year. They invaded the dinner, towards the end of the Awards, to honour our Fundraiser of the Year Nina Barough. It was hilariously funny and very appropriate. Nina was amazing. She had raised over £50million for breast cancer charities by getting women to do sponsored Moonwalks in bras at night.
"I always love the surprises too and David Beckham has been a great sport when it comes to meeting young fans and telling them they've won a Pride of Britain award.
"Last year, he turned up at a restaurant to invite a lad called Carl Duval to the awards. Carl was incredibly brave. He'd jumped in front of a speeding train to save a woman who'd fallen onto the track.
"But when he saw Becks standing there, he was so surprised, he was lost for words!"
But sometimes it's the stars who end up speechless. Like the time when a young winner snubbed Robbie Williams on stage in front of millions.
She says: "Robbie had come on to present the Child of Courage award to a young fan called Rachel Edwards. She'd been left paralysed after having cancer as a toddler but had made amazing progress and had the most fantastic personality.
"Anyway, she was supposedly in love with Robbie so he came onstage, gave her a kiss and then said: 'Would you like another one?' She gave him a funny look, shook her head and said 'No, I don't think so.' He didn't know what to say."
Carol reveals that some winners have had such a profound impact on her that she has ended up becoming friends with them and staying in touch over the years. One such winner was super mum Jean Forrest who received her Pride of Britain award in 2000 after fostering more than 600 children.
She says: "Rarely have I met someone with an almost physical aura of goodness and love.
"I'm a Northerner of the old school, so you get on with life and not one for excessive emotion. But I swear
that if you came within 10 yards of Jean, you felt a physical feeling of love. She was exceptional and we stayed in touch."
Another moment she relishes recalling is when Child of Courage Lydia Cross, who had lost her legs to meningitis, got the surprise of her life. She thought her dad was away in Iraq, working as a security consultant, only to turn round and find him right behind her.
Carol says: "I told Lydia to look in the camera and say hello to her dad in Iraq. When she suddenly heard his voice behind her, saying 'hello Lydia', she looked stunned for a second, then swung round, saw him standing right there and rushed over and hugged him. "It was such a joyful moment and very emotional."
She adds: "I actually bumped into Lydia’s family the other day in Bristol, where I now live. It was wonderful seeing them again. They are a lovely family."
Perhaps the hardest challenge for Carol every year is to keep her emotions in check during the show. That's easier said than done with winners such as Liam Fairhurst - a remarkably inspiring youngster who captivated the nation at last year's awards. Tragically, he lost his battle against cancer in June at the age of 14.
Carol says: "Liam was just amazing. Despite having cancer, he had raised money to fund a holiday home for other sick kids.
"He was terribly ill himself at the awards and, yet, he never stopped smiling. He had wonderful stage presence and had everyone, including me, in stitches when he came up to accept his award."
She pauses for a moment and adds: "I'll never forget Liam. He was such a beautiful young man, inside and out."
After 11 years, Carol may be the mistress of hosting Pride of Britain but she still worries whether it will be alright on the night.
"We've got a posh new set this year, as we're holding the event at the Grosvenor House Hotel in Mayfair," she says. "For the first time, the stage has stairs and I'm petrified that, what with my long dress and
high heels, I'm going to go toppling down them.
"Once you get to your mid forties, your eyesight goes so I might have to wear my Edna Everage glasses."
Laughing, she adds: Failing that, we'll get Diversity back on stage and they can just carry me around for the entire night!"
From itv.com
I am usually in floods of tears about the courage and guts so many people have :bow: