Pride Of Britain

Pride of Britain winners honoured at Downing Street reception.

17:20 02 October 2015

The winners of Pride of Britain were honoured at star-studded ceremony on Monday. Among them is eight year old Bailey Mathews who won the Child of Courage Award who was determined to complete a triathlon despite having cerebral palsy.

 

Prime Minister’s wife Samantha Cameron greeted the winners as they approached Number 10 Downing Street. “The world would not go round without people like you,” she told them. “It is such a lovely thing to get up in the morning and hear all these incredible stories.”

 

Speaking to Bailey, who despite falling twice, completed the children’s triathlon in Castle Howard, North Yorkshire in July, she said: “You’re gorgeous. I want to do a triathlon next year, perhaps you can be my inspiration?”

 

Bailey’s father, Jonathan couldn’t be more proud of his son. He said: “Seeing how people have reacted to his sprit has moved us.”

 

"This is so good for him, it gives him confidence. Sometimes he can get down, when he can’t play football with his mates.

 

"He has those moments. A few weeks ago he wished in a wishing well he could walk the same as his friends.

 

"Moments like that break my heart. He has had the day and the night he deserves.”

 

Another winner was little Amelia Gebruers, the 10-year-old girl who raised £21,000 after her father was diagnosed with terminal brain cancer and her brother, Joshua who was also diagnosed with a life-threatening condition.

 

Lucy said: “Last night Joshua was asking me every hour, ‘Is this actually happening, Mummy?’ Amelia has battled through everything we have been through.

 

“She has helped me, absolutely. I don’t know where she gets her strength from. She inspires me.

“It is hard being here without my husband, but I believe he is still watching over the three of us.”