Latest news with #PrideofBritain
Daily Mirror
13-06-2025
- Business
- Daily Mirror
Farmer who didn't let blindness stand in way of his dreams nominated for award
Happy animals and caring founders are at heart of The Inclusive Farm where they are making a career in agriculture possible and accessible for people with disabilities A farmer who refused to let blindness stand in the way of his dreams has been nominated for the new P&O Cruises Inspiration Award at Pride of Britain. Mike Duxbury, whose motto is 'I can't change the world, but I can change my world' is the driving force behind The Inclusive Farm. Working with his partner and co-founder Ness Shillito, 58, The Inclusive Farm is the only working livestock farm to be designed and built by a blind person and it welcomes people of all backgrounds and disabilities. 'The world is full of people who are in need of a better future,' says Mike, 57, who lost his sight at age six from infantile glaucoma. 'And this project is being done by somebody who experiences the day-to-day struggle like the people who come to the farm.' Mike is among thousands of public nominations for the Daily Mirror Pride of Britain Awards with P&O Cruises, which celebrate the nation's unsung heroes. After meeting online, Mike and Ness wanted to make a job in agriculture more accessible for all disabled people. 'When I tell people how I met Ness – I said I was just looking for a new set of tyres for my car,' he laughs. 'Because, although I'm totally blind, I still have a real passion for cars.' Mike hasn't let anything stand in his way. 'From the age of seven I wanted to be a farmer, and that dream came true for me,' he says. 'There are many people who love animals and would like to work with them but never get the choice, now I use my knowledge of agriculture and diversity to help others and tell them 'never give up on your dreams.'' Every week students come to spend time at Inclusive Farm – and people from all over the world get in touch, because what Mike has created has never been done before. 'We also let schools and individuals come and get hands on. So, if you're visually impaired or totally blind, you will leave here knowing what a pig, sheep, or cow looks like.' READ MORE: Brave mums fighting scandal 'bigger than thalidomide' land Pride of Britain nomination Mike knows what it's like to feel rejected by society. 'I went through a period myself in the late 20s where I made over 500 job applications and got not a single reply,' he admits. It made him more determined than ever to help people like him. 'I see so many people who are so talented and have so much to give and are left on the scrapheap. We had one lad come through the farm,' he recalls. 'He was very quiet and didn't want to do the farm. After two years he was one of our supervisor trainees.' The couple started with a self-funded one-acre plot, of a ragwort-riddled bare field, in Steppingley, Bedfordshire, and transformed it into a working farm with pigs, sheep, goats, chickens, ducks, rabbits, guinea pigs and even cows. 'I'm a livestock farmer but my main passion is pigs,' says Mike. 'My pigs are so well looked after, they love rolling over to get their bellies tickled. Somebody once said to me, 'Mike, if you had time to give them cocoa at night, you would.' 'Also, happy animals are safe animals. I am very aware of health and safety risks. And my system and method might be slightly different, but we get the same result.' He explains some of the ways he's adapted his farm, saying: 'I keep younger animals so I don't have big cattle on the farm. Each pen has a fence that's different to feel. So I know with one touch where I am on the farm. 'I use electric vehicles so I can hear and take instruction without the noise of a diesel engine over the top. 'And I also have textures on the floor, so when I'm carrying a bale of hay, my feet tell me that I'm getting close to where the pens are – simple things like that.' Having now been gifted a second, larger site in Aberdeenshire, where the couple are based, Mike completely designed the new farm himself - making it purpose built for people with disabilities. 'The builders think it's hilarious that a blind man has designed the building!' laughs Mike. 'But it's little things like there's no steps in the building, and it was flooring that deadens disorientating acoustics, and sliding doors for people in wheelchairs.' Mirror reader Mike says: 'I like to read the Daily Mirror online – so it's my newspaper. And if we win this award, I would dedicate it to all the people and companies who've shown us so much kindness and support.' Do you know an amazing person who has made a difference to the world? If you do, please consider nominating them for a Pride of Britain award. How to nominate Extraordinary people like Mike have been at the heart of Pride of Britain over the past 26 years. The new P&O Cruises Inspiration Award will celebrate a remarkable individual or group who inspires everyone around them, or the wider world, with their positive spirit and awe-inspiring journey to achieve, or overcome adversity. They may deserve recognition for an extraordinary reaction to a defining or pivotal moment, or perhaps their actions have had an extraordinary impact. You can nominate now at where there is a full list of categories. The Pride of Britain team will consider every nomination, before compiling a shortlist for the judging panel.
Daily Mirror
12-06-2025
- General
- Daily Mirror
Dad who is tackling toxic masculinity nominated for Pride of Britain award
Kevin Stoodley founded revolutionary project to help'overlooked' young dads gain confidence and parenting skills has helped over 700 men since launch A father of two who launched a revolutionary project helping young dads in the North East has been nominated for a Pride of Britain Local Hero award. Founded by Kevin Stoodley, North East Young Dads and Lads (NEYDL) in Gateshead, gives social, financial and practical support to fathers under the age of 25 from across the region. Working with just 10-12 young dads when it launched in 2017, the project now helps more than 250 men annually. And Kevin, who originates from Birmingham, says he has made it his life's work to tackle the kind of toxic masculinity promoted by influencer Andrew Tate. The Daily Mirror Pride of Britain Awards with P&O Cruises celebrate the nation's unsung heroes, from children of courage and heroic blue light workers to local heroes such as Kevin. A former youth worker, Kevin, 49, who has a son Sam, 17, and daughter Freya, 22, now lives in Northumberland and says that, after moving to the North East in his twenties and later working on a project supporting young mums, he realised there was little support for young dads in the Gateshead area. He tells The Mirror: ' I started looking into whether the dads could be supported in any way., connecting them with other young dads through WhatsApp groups. ' What was clear was that the young dads were a problem that needed to be fixed but, actually, they needed support too. 'They are being ignored, overlooked by services and unfairly judged. " What I encountered was young men who were really isolated. Often, young dads don't meet other young dads. It's historically the case that being a young parent is something to be derided and caricatured as feckless.' Almost all the young men who access the charity—91 per cent—experience isolation and loneliness. Kevin, who is married to Ancha, 49, realised young dads also needed support in areas such as housing, parenting and relationship skills and mental health. They needed advice around social care and court proceedings. He says: "My son Sam is the same age as the young dads we work with. I see the challenges they go through - like being seen in a negative light - when all they need is support.' He also thinks young dads feel they don't deserve the same support as young mums. "As a first-time parent in my late twenties, I recall having questions for the health visitor or midwife, and not being given that time to ask them or to learn, because the focus was certainly much more on mother—and child,' he says. 'I didn't face the level of stigma that younger dads face now. We live in a world at the moment where there's an awful lot of focus on the negativity about young men, in terms of the landscape, in terms of Andrew Tate, in terms of the response to the recent Netflix series Adolescence, which looks at toxic masculinity in children. "We often encounter young men who historically have been written off because of their lives and their choices, their age and where they live. 'But what we're seeing at NEYDL is that these young men, with the right support, can absolutely flourish and make a positive contribution to their families, their children, but also to society.' Some of the young fathers Kevin has supported have even gone on to work for the project, helping other young dads. The group, which was set up in 2017, offers activities for young dads where they can open up in a non-pressurised environment, as well as offering toddler play sessions that they can bring their kids to. This year, so far, NEYDL, which is a charity, has worked with 250 young dads. In all, the team of 16 employees, plus more than 100 volunteers, have worked face-to-face with 700 plus dads. "We also have an award winning e-learning platform called Digi Dad, which is reaching young men across the country and beyond,' says Kevin. 'What we're trying to do is create cultural change - a real shift in thinking. trying to raise men's sense of self and sense of belonging. So these young men now are more confident to ask for help and to expect a quality of care that they never had before from services.' How to nominate Local heroes have been at the heart of Pride of Britain for the past 26 years .Do you know someone like Kevin who goes the extra mile to change lives inyour community? Nominate them now for a Pride of Britain This Morning Local Hero award is for an individual or group that goes to remarkable lengths to help people around them in their local is a full list of categories on the website, and the Pride of Britain team will consider every nomination, before compiling a shortlist for the judging panel.
Daily Mirror
11-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
Our children of courage who are the heart of the Pride of Britain awards
As we launch the search for more remarkable young people, we look back at the past winners who find silver linings in their tough lives and bring a touch of magic to the awards Young Florrie Bark and Jacob Newson faced challenges that would overwhelm most adults. But despite all the difficulties they face in daily life, last year's Pride of Britain winners and their supportive families have devoted themselves to helping others. TikTok sensation Florrie has raised £200,000 with her Bemorefab Children's Cancer Charity, while Jacob The Pilot has raised £168,000 for the hospice that cared for his mum Andrea and the RAF Benevolent Fund, but has set himself a top target of £210,000. Both Florrie and Jacob, 11, also want to care for other cancer survivors., The young flying-mad schoolboy from Leeds has always said he wants to be a fighter pilot when he grows up, but now Jacob says, 'I also want to be a doctor so I can find a cure for cancer. While Florrie, who was diagnosed with a rare form of leukaemia aged just six and had a very poor prognosis, is delighted to be celebrating another birthday. She says proudly, 'I am nine next month.' And she has lots of plans for the future. 'I want to be like Barbie and have lots of jobs – I'll be a cancer nurse like my nurses, and maybe a vet, and a singer.' There's never a dry eye in the house when the stories of bravery and resilience in the face of overwhelming odds are told about the Pride of Britain children. Every child who is nominated for a Pride of Britain award is a winner, but some are truly remarkable – and unforgettable. When last year's winners came back to launch Pride of Britain's nominations last Friday aboard P&O Cruises Brittania, Child of Courage Florrie Bark and Young Fundraiser of the Year Jacob brought the fun with them. Despite having just got over shingles, Florrie made the most of the special day with all the TV cameras, and her infectious giggle could be heard all round the ship. All of the winners were sent on holidays of a lifetime by Pride of Britain partner P&O Cruises, but unfortunately Florrie's gruelling treatment for cancer caused irreparable damage to her lungs, and has meant her trip is delayed. 'They're holding the holiday for us to the Caribbean until after we get the call for Florrie's lung transplant at Great Ormond Street Hospital,' explains dad Andrew Bark, from Corby, Northants. Florrie can't wait to be able to have a normal life again, 'I want to just be doing everything that I want, like everything I used to be able to do. I just want to do everything!' Having already lost her hair a few times after several rounds of chemo, now her hair is coming back curly, although she's brought a long wig for the day which looks just like her old locks. Mum Stacey says, 'After the first round of chemo, Florrie's hair came back white and really straight, and then it came back dark, and this time it's come back curly and I think it's going to stay this time!' While she was in hospital Florrie started posting funny and inspiring content on TikTok, which has won her 330k followers, and many well wishers have helped the family with their sterling fundraising efforts, including Henry Moore who is walking from Manchester to Ibiza in his flip flops. Florrie's dad Andrew says, 'He's on day 65 and passed through Barcelona and has so far raised just over £40,000 with Gift Aid.' Explaining where Be More Fab came from, Florrie says, 'Fab – That's my initials, Florence Ava Bark.' Her older brother Freddie, 11, sits patiently and doesn't seem to mind his sister getting all the attention. Mum Stacey reveals with a laugh, 'Freddie wants to change his middle name to Andrew so that he's a Fab as well. At the moment he's a Fnub!' READ MORE: Pride of Britain launches with huge nationwide hunt for amazing unsung heroes After the awards last year, there was some controversy over where Florrie was planning to display her precious trophy. 'It's in the living room,' she says. 'But I want it in my bedroom! However her dad points out there's no space left. 'I don't know where it would even go!' Young Jacob also has a special shelf in his house for his award. 'I've got a stack of trophies,' says the lively youngster. Jacob's fundraising adventures have taken him and his dad Andy up and down mountains including Ben Nevis and the Yorkshire Three Peaks, and also the highest peak in North Africa and they've walked across the Pyrenees from France to Spain. This year he and his dad Andy plan to ride across Germany. 'I love seeing the sights and traveling,' says Jacob. His dad coughs. Jacob adds quickly, 'And spending time with my dad.' Andy reveals, 'We've raised £110,000 for St Gemma's Hospice who supported us – and still support Jacob. And we're currently at £58,000 for the RAF Benevolent Fund, but the plan is to get that to £100,000.' 'And then I'm retiring,' pipes up Jacob. His exhausted dad unsurprisingly looks slightly relieved. Jacob has sage advice for this year's children who find themselves winning Pride of Britain when it comes to celeb-spotting. 'If you get any opportunities to see anyone, just take it – grab life by the horns.' It's a mantra the 11-year-old lives by as reveals his secret to achieving his challenges. 'My mum,' he says. 'I just think about her every step of the way.' Past winners of Child of Courage Ravi Adelekan, 2023 After life-saving surgery to reduce the size of a non-cancerous tumour on his brain stem in September 2021, the then-eight-year-old Ravi Adelekan from Brighton had to learn to walk and feed himself again. Yet despite this Ravi was determined to help others and set out to raise £250,000 with Ravi's Dream in aid of The Brain Tumour Charity and Brainstrust. Mum Bethan said: 'We listened to The Greatest Showman throughout Ravi's treatment, and he came up with the idea to make a charity single.' Stars including Paloma Faith, Damon Albarn and Jimmy Somerville recorded a charity music video of the song A Million Dreams, which raised £82,000. Ravi continues to have scans to monitor the tumour, and has undergone a number of procedures, but he doesn't let his challenges hold him back. Bethan says: 'Ravi loves encouraging people to believe that no matter what life throws your way, your dreams can still come true.' Emmie Narayn-Nicholas, 2020 Manchester schoolgirl patient Emmie and her family were inspired to provide meals, support and comfort to the families of other seriously ill children. Emmie was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia at 11 years old in 2017, spent 100 days and nights at Royal Manchester Children's Hospital and had two and a half years of treatment before it finished in 2019. While in hospital, Emmie saw how patients' families struggled with being away from home and had to live off snacks and fizzy drinks. That was when she came up with the idea of making wholesome, home-cooked meals for the families. In June 2018, she started Emmie's Kitchen next to Royal Manchester Children's Hospital, which is open to all parents with a child staying at the hospital. Since starting, it has served more than 3,500 people freshly prepared dishes. 'Emmie serves at tables, slices bread and chats with the families,' says mum Eve. 'Many people ask to meet her, the girl behind this brilliant idea, and she takes it all in her stride.' Joe Rowlands, 2018 It was a bright winter's morning when Joe, then 13, and his dad Paul, 51, took their kayak out for a paddle off Anglesey in North Wales. They were about a mile and a half from shore when the kayak started to fill with water and capsize. Paul tried tipping it back over but it wouldn't stay upright. So he told Joe to sit on the upturned vessel as he tried to 'kick it like a float' toward a tiny island, Ynys Dulas. After struggling for 30 minutes, Paul realised their best chance of survival was to swim for managed to reach a cluster of rocks and Joe clambered to safety, but Paul developed hypothermia and passed out. Risking his life, Joe dived into the sea and dragged his unconscious father onto the rocks. He performed CPR until Paul came round. As they huddled together, brave Joe kept his father awake until two and a half hours later, until they were rescued by the RNLI. Paul says, 'He was just a boy but he acted with a maturity, calmness and courage beyond his years.' Bailey Matthews, 2015 Eight-year-old cerebral palsy sufferer Bailey Matthews reminded the world of the true meaning of sport when he pushed away his walking frame and took his first stuttering steps towards a triathlon finishing line Captured on video by a spectator, it was an inspirational moment that went viral and was seen by millions around the world, from his native Nottinghamshire to New Zealand. With dogged determination, and despite falling over twice, Bailey, who was born nine weeks premature, scampered over the line and into the arms of his proud dad. Bailey was last to finish the 100m swim, 4km bike ride and 1.3km run in the Castle Howard Triathlon in North Yorkshire in July, but was roared home by a huge crowd of spectators. Mum Julie has been stunned by the global reaction to Bailey's triathlon feat. She says: 'We never thought the video would go as big as it did. But we have never told Bailey he can't do anything.' Terri Calvesbert, 2004 Terri Calvesbert was just two years old when she was horrifically burned during a fire at her home, started accidentally by her mother's cigarette. Ninety per cent of Terri's body was covered in agonising burns with only the area covered by her wet nappy being spared. She was left with no hair, lips, nose or fingers and just one foot. She will need surgery for the rest of her life. Dad Paul says: 'The doctors told us she nearly died so many times.' But since then, the brave little girl from Ipswich has shown courage beyond her years in coping with the terrible injuries. Paul says: 'She inspires me every day.' Sadly Terri's mum Julie was racked with guilt, and left home a few weeks after the accident. They have not heard from her since. Bubbly Terri has endured many major operations since then but her biggest challenge was starting school. 'I worried how other children would react, but she loved it,' says Paul. How to nominate Amazing young people are at the heart of Pride of Britain, and over the past 26 years, some truly incredible children and teenagers have inspired the nation, despite their tender you know a youngster who deserves an award, like the previous winners on this page, there are two categories where you can nominate Good Morning Britain Young Fundraiser of the Year award is for inspirational fundraisers aged 17 or under. Winners may have overcome immense challenges of their own to raise money, or gone to extraordinary lengths on behalf of Child or Teenager of Courage award is for a young person who has battled the odds to help others, or performed an incredibly courageous act to save someone in Pride of Britain team will consider every nomination, before compiling a shortlist for the judging now at
Daily Mirror
11-06-2025
- Health
- Daily Mirror
Mums fighting scandal 'bigger than thalidomide' up for Pride of Britain award
The Mirror spoke to the two mums at the heart of a campaign for compensation for victims of an epilepsy drug that caused up to 20,000 children to be born with birth defects Two mothers who have been fighting a scandal even bigger than thalidomide say they are 'shocked' to be nominated for a Pride of Britain award. Mums Janet Williams and Emma Murphy have been campaigning for years for compensation for victims of an epilepsy drug that caused up to 20,000 children to be born with birth defects. Among tens of thousands of remarkable individuals and groups who have received nominations, they were delighted to hear they had been nominated by a member of the public. 'It makes all the work we have been doing for the past 12 years worthwhile,' says Janet, 60, from Pilling, Lancashire. 'It's the first time anything like this has happened to be quite truthful with you. Emma and I are both sat here in shock at the news.' The news that they had been put forward for this year's Special Recognition category at Pride of Britain with P&O Cruises was delivered as the two campaigners, Janet and Emma, 44, from Manchester, were on their way to London for a meeting with MPs to get a response to their claim for compensation. They both have epilepsy and were prescribed sodium valproate throughout their pregnancies, having been told by doctors that it was safe to keep taking. The pair set up In-Fact (the Independent Fetal Anti Convulsant Trust) in 2012, to find and support families like theirs. Both have children who have been affected by exposure to the drug. Sodium valproate has been licensed since 1973 to treat epilepsy, but as early as the 1980s reports of babies being born with deformities to mothers taking it began to surface. Up to 20,000 people have been affected by what is now known as foetal valproate spectrum disorder (F.V.S.D) which can result in physical malformations, autism and developmental delays. Their campaign led to a report published in February 2024 by England's patient safety commissioner, Dr Henrietta Hughes, which recommended a compensation scheme for families of children harmed by valproate taken in pregnancy. Hughes has suggested initial payments of £100,000 and described the damage caused by the drug as 'a bigger scandal than thalidomide'. However, their campaign for redress has stalled. Janet says: 'We felt we were at the cusp of a victory but the government kept putting it off.' Now Janet and Emma are expecting action from the government. 'We're hoping about 20 MPs come to the round table meeting so we can talk to them about the Hughes report and get a response. 'We've waited around 16 months now so it's really time to push on forward. 'And we hope that along with the compensation, one of the results of the meeting is that an amendment will be made to the mental health bill to include the needs of disabled persons, whose disabilities were caused as a result of their mother taking the anticonvulsant drug during pregnancy.' Previous awards in this category have gone to the NHS infected blood scandal, the Post Office and Hillsborough Family Support Group. Last year campaigners Michelle Tolley, Andy Evans and Jason Evans were rewarded for their tireless work on behalf of relatives and victims of the biggest scandal in NHS history, which left 30,000 people infected with HIV and Hepatitis C after being treated with contaminated blood and blood products. In 2023, Alan Bates won the Pride of Britain Special Recognition Award for exposing the truth about the Post Office scandal, and getting justice for sub postmasters whose lives it destroyed, while Margaret Aspinall, who lost her son James at Hillsborough, accepted an award on behalf of all the families in 2013. Do you know a campaign that has gone above and beyond to help others? If you do, please consider nominating them for a Pride of Britain award. How to nominate Campaigns that change the world are at the heart of Pride of Britain, and over the past 26 years, some truly dedicated work by community-minded people have inspired the nation. If you know a campaign that deserves an award, like the previous winners on this page, you can nominate them for: SPECIAL RECOGNITION For achievements not covered in other categories, such as inspiring carers, campaigners and members of armed forces. P&O CRUISES INSPIRATION AWARD Celebrating a remarkable individual or group who inspires everyone around them, or the wider world,with their positive spirit and awe-inspiring journey to achieve, or overcome adversity. They may deserve recognition for an extraordinary reaction to a defining or pivotal moment, or perhaps their actions have had an extraordinary impact. ITV FUNDRAISER OF THE YEAR For tireless and inspirational charity fundraising, open to people aged 18 and over. To reward a young person aged 17 and under for inspirational charity work. THIS MORNING LOCAL HERO For an individual or group that goes to remarkable lengths to help people around them in their local area. LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT To recognise far-reaching achievement, possibly on a national or international scale. EMERGENCY SERVICES AWARD For police, fire, ambulance, paramedics or air, sea or mountain rescue who have gone beyond the call of duty. OUTSTANDING BRAVERY For adults who risk their own safety to help others who are in danger. For battling against the odds to help others, or a courageous act to save someone in danger. For achievements not covered in other categories, such as inspiring carers, campaigners and members of armed forces. Do you know a remarkable person who makes the world a better place? It only takes a minute to nominate them at Don't worry if you're not sure which category to choose – our team reads every nomination and will make sure all nominees are considered for the most appropriate award.
ITV News
09-06-2025
- Entertainment
- ITV News
Pride of Britain 2025: Nominate a local hero to be Granada's Fundraiser of the Year
ITV News' Andy Bonner has the details on how to nominate an unsung hero for the Pride of Britain The Daily Mirror Pride of Britain Awards has been honouring the nation's unsung heroes since 1999, and Granada Reports is now looking for its next Regional Fundraiser of the Year. The Pride of Britain ceremony is one of the biggest events in the showbiz calendar, and a chance to celebrate those who have made a real difference in their community. This year, individuals and groups can be nominated for ITV Granada's Regional Fundraiser of the Year. From the four finalists, one individual winner and a guest will be invited to attend a glitzy awards ceremony in London. Last year, anti-knife crime campaigner Laura Hughes was named Granada's Regional Fundraiser of the Year, after she raised more than £115,000 for bleeding control kits and cabinets by undertaking various charity events and challenges. Laura started fundraising in memory of her brother Colin McGinty, who was murdered in a knife attack in Liverpool in 2001. She said: "I want Colin's name to be on people's lips by getting the young kids to know that knife crime isn't the norm." Nominations can be submitted online here.
