Pride of Britain winners

Last updated: 17 Jul 2006

Get the full list of 2005 winners, including who you voted for in the special GMTV Carer of the Year category

The Prime Minister, the Prince of Wales and former US president Bill Clinton led tributes to Britain's unsung heroes at the Daily Mirror's Pride Of Britain awards held in London on October 10th.

Tony Blair attended the gala event at London Television Centre with wife Cherie. The Prince and Mr Clinton delivered video messages to some of the night's inspirational winners.

Mr and Mrs Blair were joined on the red carpet by stars from music, film and television, including Victoria Beckham, Charlotte Church and Sir Bob Geldof.

Sharon and Ozzy Osbourne with daughter Kelly, Sir Cliff Richard, Gordon Ramsay, Sarah Ferguson and Yoko Ono were among other stars at the awards, which are now in their seventh year.

It was the night when more than 100 stars from the world of show business, sport and politics united to salute the real people of the year. Among them were Catherine Zeta Jones and Michael Douglas, Dame Shirley Bassey, the Duchess of York, Angelica Houston, Jamie Oliver, Dame Kelly Holmes, David Walliams, Matt Lucas.

Hosted by Carol Vorderman, with Christopher Eccleston telling the winners' real-life stories, it was a night packed full of real-life drama, heart-warming surprises and plenty of humour.

Ant and Dec took to the skies in a Royal Navy helicopter to literally drop in on a courageous child at their home to tell them they have won an award before whisking them away to the ceremony.

Other superstars who sprung amazing surprises on winners were David Beckham - who help made a young girl's dream come true - and Catherine Zeta Jones and Michael Douglas, who gave a brave fire-fighter the shock of his life, in front of his mates at his fire station in Wales.

Exceptional people

Receiving the awards was an array of truly exceptional people, from all walks of life, from all over the UK, who share one thing in common - they are an inspiration to others.

They have all done something quite exceptional - ranging from acts of remarkable courage, performed against the odds and displayed unbelievable compassion or devotion to outstanding personal achievement.

Prince Charles said: "These remarkable awards remind us of the compassion, decency and courage which still exists in every corner of the land."

Prime Minister Tony Blair said it's a chance to "celebrate what's best about our country".

The distinguished panel of judges - included Metropolitan Police Commissioner Sir Ian Blair, singer Ms Dynamite, Daily Mirror Editor Richard Wallace, the UK's Chief Nursing Officer Chris Beasley, Olympic rower James Cracknell, GMTV's Fiona Phillips and prominent heart surgeon Prof Sir Magdi Yacoub - winners were chosen from a shortlist of nominations from thousands of Daily Mirror readers and GMTV viewers.

The winners:

Carer of the Year

Asmaret Tesfazghi is the winner of the Carer of the Year award as voted for by GMTV viewers , to find out more about Asmaret and the other GMTV finalists, click on the links.

Child of courage

Hope Farrelly: Eight-year-old Hope became Britain's youngest midwife when she delivered her baby brother at home. Mum Melissa didn't even realise she was pregnant and thought the pains were food poisoning.
Cameron Weir: When his parents' car spun off the road and plunged into a canal, Cameron didn't hesitate to save the lives of his younger brother and sister who were trapped in the wreck. Risking his own life, the 12-year-old returned to the submerged car three times to rescue his siblings.
Shae Thomas: While out shopping, Shae became the unsuspecting victim of a petrol bomb attack, resulting in horrific burns to her head and upper body. She spent five weeks on life support, has since undergone three skin grafts and is left with permanent scarring. But less than a year later, the brave seven-year-old has returned to school and is determined to be treated just like her friends.

Outstanding act of bravery

Tony Baker: Fireman Tony halted an armed robbery at his local supermarket in Monmouthshire. He goaded two of the robbers in to chasing him, even though they were armed with a baseball bat and a gun. Thanks to Tony, the gang were later jailed for a total of 43 years.
Julia O'Connor: Julia risked her life to stop a man's frenzied knife attack on his ex-girlfriend. Five-foot-tall Julia grabbed the woman, who had been stabbed 24 times, from his grip and then fought the attacker until he fled. The man was eventually jailed for eight years.

Prince's trust young achiever

Mark Johnson: Five and a half years ago, Mark was living on the streets of London begging for money to fuel his drug and alcohol addiction. Thanks to help from the Princes Trust, the 34-year-old has since set up his own successful tree surgery business, Treewise. Keen to help others, Mark now employs others who have faced difficulties in their own lives.

Teacher of the year:

Liz Owens: Pioneering head teacher Liz took over South London's failing Charles Dickens Primary School in 1998 and decided to take control of school meals. Working with the Food Commission and Soil Association, she revolutionised the menu ensuring highly nutritious, fresh meals. Liz also introduced a pioneering new literacy programme, producing tremendous results. Seven years later, the school has been transformed into one of the best in the area.

British gas neighbour of the year:

Lesley Pullman: Brave Lesley took on a gang of yobs terrorising her street and won. Despite receiving death threats, the multiple sclerosis sufferer collated evidence and stood up in court to secure ASBOs against the ringleaders. Overnight she split up the group and now works as a link between the council and the police, giving witness support. She has also set up the Witness Support Fund charity which offers financial help to those suffering from anti-social neighbours.

Special award:

Liz Carnell: Liz launched the successful charity Bullying Online in 1999, following her own son's misery at the hands of bullies. The organisation offers an email service providing practical advice and information ? over 300,000 people visit the site each year with up to four suicidal children a day contacting the charity for help.

Special award:

Jane Tomlinson: Terminal cancer suffer Jane has raised more than £1m for charity after four years of gruelling fundraising. The superwoman has completed three London Marathons, three London Triathlons, two half Ironman triathlons and cycled from John O'Groats to Land's End. Last year she completed a 2,500-mile Rome to Home tandem, and finished the full Ironman in Florida - becoming the first terminally-ill person to attempt, never mind complete, the challenge.

Outstanding contribution:

Richard Curtis: Make Poverty History, Live8 and Comic Relief are just a few of the ideas Richard has made reality, impacting on the lives of millions all around the globe.

Lifetime achievement:

Richard Carr-Gomm: The retired Major is founder of the Abbeyfield Society, the Carr-Gomm Society and the Morpeth Society. He has devoted his life to providing help and accommodation for the lonely both in Britain and abroad. Working with the most marginalised people in society, Richard shows how one man can make a difference.

Beyond the call of duty: