The achievements of young fundraisers were recognised at The Sunday Mirror’s Pride of Britain awards which aired on ITV last night.
The national awards ceremony focuses on the achievements of people in the country who have had a positive impact on the lives of others.
Among the winners were a number of children, teens and young adults who have battled adversity, saved lives and raised money:
Child of Courage – Elizabeth Soffe
Eight-year-old Elizabeth Soffe won the award for her charity run which raised £202,00 for the hospital that saved her life.
When Elizabeth was six months old, she suffered burns to 70% of her body after a faulty air conditioner set her cot on fire.
She was treated by Birmingham Children’s Hospital, who she raised the money for and is now an ambassador for The Scar Free Foundation.
Head of finance and operations at Scar Free, Amanda McKechnie, 32, from Kent, said: “Elizabeth is the most kind, beautiful and inspirational person I have ever met in my entire life.
“I am so proud that she is our Ambassador, supporting our mission and helping us all understand the true and real problems of living with scarring.”
Good Morning Britain’s Young Fundraiser of the Year – Tobias Weller
Tobias Weller, 11, was diagnosed with cerebral palsy and autism at the age of three, leaving his family unsure as to whether he would be able to walk independently.
After attending Paces School in Sheffield, Tobias began to walk with a frame and has since walked marathons and raised £158,00 for causes including Sheffield Children’s Hospital and his school.
Mrs Ruth Liu, 42, head teacher at Paces School said: “Tobias has demonstrated that he is extremely determined and hard working.
”He was able to fight to overcome difficulties that he faced on a daily basis.
“We were all extremely proud of Tobias for winning this award but not just for winning the award, for everything he’s achieved really over the last couple of years.
“It’s been incredible to watch and really lovely to be a part of.”
Teenager of Courage – Lucy Montgomery
The teenager from Armagh in Northern Ireland received the award after saving two people from drowning.
Lucy Montgomery, 15, rescued her eight-year-old family friend Mathieu and her own father Graham, who can’t swim, when they were swept away by river currents.
The pair were dragged out by the water while paddle-boarding in the Charente River in France during a holiday in July last year.
Prince’s Trust Young Achiever of the Year – Alex Anderson
Alex Anderson, 22, from Newport was rejected from the RAF in 2017 due to his Asperger diagnosis.
He spent 1,000 hours of his time supporting veterans, the elderly and young people across Gwent.
He is now a logistics supplier at RAF Odiham in Hampshire.
Other winners of the night included:
- Special Recognition – 3 Dads Walking
- Lifetime Achievement – Jill Allen-King
- TSB Community Hero – Michelle Dornelly
- Outstanding Bravery – David Groves and Alex Harvey
England women’s football team, The Lionesses were also honoured with an Inspiration Award for their performance in the 2022 Euro’s.
You can learn more about Pride of Britain and the winners here.
