09 May 2023 , 21:57
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Tackling a machete thug, or battling unimaginable grief while helping others are just some of the heroic actions which will be honoured tonight.
Ordinary folk who became extraordinary in times of crisis will be among those recognised at the Pride of Manchester Awards.
Coronation Street star Kym Marsh, who will host the glittering event at the city’s Kimpton Clocktower Hotel, said: “I love hosting these awards and feel very honoured to have been asked again. You meet so many inspirational people, and getting to listen to their stories, and be inspired by them, is a special privilege.”
Famous faces expected include Manchester Utd and England football star Harry Maguire, Former Corrie actress Helen Flanagan, and Happy Mondays frontman Shaun Ryder. Here are just three of the amazing winners...
Special Recognition - Figen Murray
When Figen’s son Martyn Hett, 29, was murdered at the Manchester Arena bombing in 2017, she vowed she would live positively, despite her grief.
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Figen, a mum-of-five and former counsellor who lives in south Manchester, is now the force behind Martyn’s Law, which aims to boost anti-terrorist security measures and prevent further atrocities.
Martyn’s death led to crusade (PA)Martyn’s Law requires venues with a capacity of more than 100 people to improve security against the threat of terrorism, have a clear plan in place and train staff to Government guidelines.
Figen says: “Had Martyn’s Law been in place that night, we now know that precious lives would have been saved.
“Martyn’s Law isn’t going to stop terrorism, but common sense security and making sure venues do all they can to keep people safe, could mean fewer suffer what I and the families of Manchester have had to endure.”
The Government said in December that Martyn’s Law would be introduced, with legislation due this spring.
Figen with OBE (PA)
Figen with her partner Stuart (Steve Reigate Daily Express)Now a grandmother, Figen also visits schools, colleges and universities to talk about radicalisation, her own experiences and the power of forgiveness. She has spoken to 22,000 young people across England, encouraging acts of kindness.
She says: “Everyone has a choice in life. I could have chosen to hate, spread anger and negativity and become disillusioned with the world around me. However, I have completely changed my outlook and reason for being.
“Hopefully I will continue to reduce the risk of more adolescents turning to terrorism.”
Emergency Services Award - PC Paul Spinks
PC Paul Spinks tackled a machete-wielding man near a school, preventing a normal day turning to tragedy.
Paul was off duty when he spotted the thug in Salford making threats to members of the public as parents and children started arriving one morning last May.
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PC Paul Spinks (DAILY MIRROR)Despite not being in uniform or wearing protective clothing, he knew he had to act fast. He approached the man and after a struggle managed to disarm him.
Paul said: “The safety of the public was paramount, and I took action to detain the man to prevent injuries.”
Greater Manchester Police added: “Had Paul not acted a member of the public could have been seriously injured.” The machete thug was later jailed.
TSB Community Hero - Florence Coke
Grandmother of seven Florence Coke is simply known as “Mama Flo” to her community in Stockport.
The 68-year-old, who was born in Jamaica, is best known for her Caribbean takeaway where, after coming to the rescue during the pandemic, she makes sure that the vulnerable are fed in the cost of living crisis.
Florence Coke (Manchester Evening News)She says: “I have to help them. People are struggling. I have seen it and heard it. I talk to people secretly.”
Her food, including her signature curry goat, has also been given the thumbs up by footballers Harry Maguire and Kyle Walker. But for Mama Flo, everyone in the community counts.
She says: “When I was a little girl, my dad would feed all the people in the village.”