Britain is full of ordinary people doing extraordinary things, and they deserve to be celebrated.
So if you know someone who is selfless, brave, inspiring or courageous, there is still time to nominate them for a Pride of Britain award. Here are just some of the exceptional people who have been put forward this year...
JAVENO McLEAN - personal trainer to disabled
Javeno Mclean has been giving free personal training sessions to disabled and elderly people since he was 16 years old. Now, 37, he says he’s helped thousands of people including stroke survivors, people with cancer, dementia, MS and down syndrome.
The dad-of-two describes his nomination as emotional. “I put so much into it every single day of my life,” he says. At first Javeno trained people in the park but six years ago he opened his own gym J7 Community Health Centre in Manchester, where he puts together a unique session based on their ability and what they can do, rather than what they can’t.
“I feel blessed,” he says. “The fact that these wonderful people have chosen me [to help] means I can’t fail. I’ve got to give them the tools to make their life better, it’s not like your typical PT session.” Javeno works a 90-hour week running his gym and training clients, but still throws himself into organising many fundraising events, including a barbell challenge that raised over £20,000 for a girl with a brain injury, and recently performing 1,700 press ups in an hour to raise £6,000 for a child with cerebral palsy. “I’m always going to do it because people need it,” he says. “That’s what I’ve always believed.”
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MAYA AMANGELDIYEVA - free shop trailblazer
Maya Amangeldiyeva is on a mission to make sure every high street in Britain has a ‘free shop’. A place where struggling families, or people in need, can go to pick up good quality clothes, appliances, furnishings or amenities without judgement, and totally without cost.
The 35-year-old, originally from Turkmenistan, opened her first location, Maya’s Free Shop in Herne Bay, Kent, back in December. The idea came after she turned to social media to find clothes for the many Ukrainian refugees she had been helping, and was inundated with garments.
Free shop pioneer Maya Amangeldiyeva (standing)
Tunde Olasupo and Nicola DaleyMaya, who also runs a food bank at her community cafe, says: “I have enough clothes to dress up the whole UK now. I can supply them with beds, mattresses, knives, forks, carpets, curtains, beds, bedside tables, fridges, washing machines…I have everything, and its free.”
The mum-of-two plans to open two more shops soon - in Margate and Isle of Sheppey - and works around the clock alongside her team of volunteers to ensure every person that crosses her path is helped. “We will never say we will do it, we say we are doing it. Wherever it costs,” she explains.
Maya, who takes no payment for her work, recently sent five lorries of supplies to the Turkey-Syria border after the earthquake. Maya hopes her Pride of Britain nomination will help her to help more people. “It’s not one day, it’s every day. We run the food bank until 11 or 12 at night. The stories I hear from people…the struggle is so big.”
NICOLA DALEY & TUNDE OLASUPO - child support champions
When Nicola Daley gave birth to twins Princess and Kingsley in April 2019 it should have been a happy time for her and fiancé Tunde Olasupo. However, the couple soon realised their son was not in good health. “Baby Kingsley wasn’t feeding well, and because we already had kids we knew that he shouldn’t have been reacting like that. We knew something was wrong,” says Tunde, 32, who has three other children, and one on the way.
Tragically, due to a series of failings by the hospital their beautiful child passed away just 10 days later, and a coroner ruled this was because he had developed meningitis and sepsis. The heartbroken parents incredibly found the strength to channel their grief into helping others. In 2020 they opened The Believe Achieve Centre in Farmouth, Bolton, which serves to support children in the community.
Tunde explains: “We wanted to help other children and other families in our community and also to give children the life that Kingsley could never have. Since we’ve opened our doors, we’ve actually supported over seven and a half thousand people, we call it the centre that never sleeps.”
Mirror backs awardsIt acts as a safe haven for local kids, offering dance, sport and computing classes, as well as hundreds of free meals each week, and a food bank on site. Tunde and Nicola, 32, have also established a counselling service at the centre for children, and qualified nurse visits weekly.
How to nominate a hero
You can nominate anyone of any age for a Pride of Britain Award. It may be for a single act of incredible courage, a long-lasting battle against the odds, or for inspirational campaigning. Please choose what you feel to be the most suitable category from the list. Don’t worry if you’re not sure – some nominees may fit in more than one category, so the Pride of Britain team will make sure they are considered for the most appropriate award.
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Winners will be chosen by the Pride of Britain judging panel, from a shortlist produced by the Pride of Britain research team, who will consider every public nomination received. Nominate now at prideofbritain.com/nominate.
Categories:
TSB COMMUNITY HERO AWARD
For someone who goes to remarkable lengths to help those around them to lead their best life.
ITV FUNDRAISER OF THE YEAR
For tireless and inspirational charity fundraising, aged 18 and over.
GOOD MORNING BRITAIN YOUNG FUNDRAISER OF THE YEAR
To reward a young person aged 17 or under for inspirational charity work.
THIS MORNING EMERGENCY SERVICES AWARD
For police, paramedics, ambulance, fire 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 in danger.
CHILD/TEENAGER OF COURAGE
For battling against the odds to help others, or putting themselves at risk to save someone who is in danger.
LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT
To recognise far-reaching achievement, possibly on a national or international scale.
SPECIAL RECOGNITION
For achievements not covered in other categories, such as inspiring carers, campaigners and those in armed forces.
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