An avid football supporter who generated more than £260,000 for charity through the sale of samosas. A mother who plunged into the ocean to rescue a 10-year-old boy from drowning. And a brave five-year-old girl who exhibited remarkable resilience in rebuilding her life after losing both legs.
These are just a few of the inspirational individuals recognized at the 2024 Pride of Britain Awards. Selected from a large pool of nominations from the public, these everyday heroes were acknowledged at a glamorous ceremony in London co-hosted by Ashley Banjo and Carol Vorderman.
A heartwarming surprise awaited the winners. P&O Cruises, the new primary sponsor of the Pride of Britain Awards, generously provided each of the 12 honorees with a cruise vacation – an opportunity to create lasting memories with their families.
We spoke with three honorees who embarked on a 14-night Caribbean voyage aboard Britannia, exploring eight tropical islands and enjoying top-notch entertainment.
Aiyla Mota, Young Hero
Shortly before her fourth birthday, Aiyla Mota fell ill with what appeared to be a common childhood infection. Within a few days, the infection progressed to sepsis, resulting in multiple organ failure and necessitating the amputation of both her legs and five fingers to save her life.
Now at the age of five, Aiyla has made a remarkable recovery. Her bravery and optimism have astounded those around her, earning her a Pride of Britain Award and making her one of the youngest recipients ever.
Her mother, Eulanda, 28, from Middlesex, proudly states, “Aiyla has always had a lively personality, and despite her challenges, she has not lost her spark. In fact, she is even more spirited, confident, and vivacious than before. She’s like Aiyla multiplied by 100!”
“My grandmother says it’s as if she realizes she has been given a second chance at life and is making the most of it.”
After receiving her award from P&O Cruises, Aiyla and her family set off to the Caribbean, accompanied by Aiyla’s grandmother, Trisha, and Eulanda’s partner, Louis. They savored the offerings of Britannia’s 27 dining venues and bars, eight live entertainment spots, and four swimming pools.
“The cruise was an amazing vacation, and I am incredibly thankful to P&O Cruises for this wonderful opportunity,” Eulanda expresses. “It was our first cruise experience, and we were not quite sure what to expect.
“One surprising aspect was that at times, you forgot you were on a ship because there was so much to do.
“Aiyla particularly enjoyed the kids’ club, the entertainment, and staying up late! During our island visits, she loved the beaches and exploring the rainforest.
“For me, the visit to Barbados was particularly special. My paternal grandparents hailed from there, but I had never visited before. Stepping onto the island, I felt incredibly blessed to be there and to connect with my family’s roots. It was a profound experience for me.”
Emily Greenwood, Exemplary Courage
Emily Greenwood was taking a winter stroll along her local Cornish beach with her disabled son, Isaac, when an unexpected incident unfolded before them.
A 10-year-old boy surfing on a bodyboard got caught in a riptide and was swiftly pulled out to sea. His mother screamed in terror as her partner attempted to assist but was also swept into the strong current.
Without hesitation, Emily, 53, a mother of three, secured Isaac’s wheelchair in a safe spot on the beach at Holywell Bay before plunging into the frigid water. Confronting freezing temperatures and powerful waves, she swam 400 meters to reach the distressed individuals.
“The boy kept shouting, ‘We’re going to die,’” Emily recounts. “I reassured them, ‘Stay calm and follow my lead.’”
Using the bodyboard as a makeshift floatation device, she guided them back to shore, driven by pure adrenaline.
Her bravery was recognized