An individual passionate about football, who managed to raise more than £260,000 for charity through the sale of samosas. A mother who bravely plunged into the sea to rescue a 10-year-old boy from drowning. And a five-year-old girl who displayed remarkable courage in rebuilding her life after the loss of both legs.
These remarkable individuals were among the winners honored at the 2024 Pride of Britain Awards. Selected from a vast pool of nominations from the public, these everyday heroes were recognized at a prestigious ceremony in London, co-hosted by Ashley Banjo and Carol Vorderman.
The event took an unforgettable turn when P&O Cruises, the new primary sponsor of the Pride of Britain Awards, surprised each of the 12 winners with a cruise vacation – an opportunity to create lasting memories with their families.
We caught up with three of the winners who enjoyed a 14-night Caribbean voyage aboard Britannia, visiting eight picturesque islands and indulging in top-notch entertainment.
Aiyla Mota, Young Hero
At just four years old, Aiyla Mota fell critically ill with what initially appeared to be a common childhood infection. The illness rapidly developed into sepsis, leading to severe organ failure and necessitating the amputation of both her legs and five fingers to save her life.
Now five years old, Aiyla has shown remarkable resilience. Her bravery and optimism have astounded those around her, resulting in her receiving the prestigious Pride of Britain Award and becoming one of the youngest awardees.
Her mother, Eulanda, 28, from Middlesex, proudly shares, “Aiyla has always had a vibrant personality, and despite her challenges, she has not lost her spark. In fact, she is now even more exuberant, confident, and lively than before. She’s like a magnified version of herself!”
“My grandmother believes it’s as though she recognizes she has a second shot at life and is making the most of it.”
Following the award presentation by P&O Cruises, Aiyla and her family embarked on a Caribbean cruise, accompanied by Aiyla’s grandmother, Trisha, and Eulanda’s partner, Louis. They relished exploring Britannia’s myriad dining options, entertainment venues, and swimming pools.
“The cruise was an incredible experience, and I am immensely thankful to P&O Cruises for this amazing opportunity,” expressed Eulanda. “It was our first cruise, and we were unsure of what to expect.
“One surprising aspect was how easy it was to forget we were on a ship due to the plethora of activities available.
“Aiyla particularly enjoyed the kids’ club, the entertainment, and staying up late! During our island visits, she adored the beaches and exploring the rainforest.
“For me, visiting Barbados held special significance. It is the birthplace of my father and grandparents, but I had never been there before. Stepping on its shores, I felt incredibly blessed to be there and to connect with my family’s roots. It was a profound experience.”
Manny Singh Kang, ITV Fundraising Champion
Manny Singh Kang, a dedicated fundraiser, devised a unique method to raise funds for Dementia UK over the past seven years.
In 2018, the lifelong Wolverhampton Wanderers fan conceived the idea of offering homemade samosas outside the club’s stadium on match days in exchange for donations.
Since then, his Samosa Saturdays and various marathon walks, runs, and cycle rides have generated over £260,000 for the charity.
“As a Sikh, community service is a core tenet of our faith,” explained Manny, 52.
“My interest in fundraising for dementia research stemmed from learning about its prevalence and the imperative to support studies into its causes and treatments.”
His exceptional fundraising endeavors earned him a Caribbean cruise courtesy of P&O Cruises, offering a well-deserved respite after countless miles walked and cycled for charitable causes.
Accompanied by his wife, Shabi, his sons, Jeevan and Satnam,