It is a great honour to be asked to take part in this year's Pride of Britain Awards;
an awards ceremony that has now become a highlight of our national calendar.
Nine years on, the awards are bigger and more popular than ever, their enduring
success illustrating that we as a country take the greatest pride in those who show
the courage to go beyond the call of duty, the dedication to support and tend for
loved ones and families, and the inspiration to transform communities.
I have met many such extraordinary people while travelling around the country and
I know that they rarely get the recognition they deserve.
So that is why I applaud Pride of Britain for celebrating the achievements of the
very best in our country.
A country of extraordinary people serving others, mostly behind the scenes, often
in quiet and unreported acts. People making brave and difficult decisions where
it would have been easier to do nothing or choose an easier path.
What we must learn from all those who achievements are celebrated at the Pride of
Britain Awards is that there is nothing wrong with our country that cannot be solved
by what is best in our country.
We draw strength from the true pride of Britain, not the pride of fame or power,
but pride in the British people who give of themselves, whose qualities of character
are the shining threads in the fabric of our society.
My father taught me that as individuals we all leave our mark for good or ill. That
irrespective of wealth or birth, all of us can be great because all of us can do
our best.
Listening to the stories of ordinary people making extraordinary day-to-day sacrifices
to improve the lives of others around them gives us all hope for the future.
It encourages us all to be a bit braver in our own lives. When we witness the courage
shown by people who walk towards the unknown and change a whole course of events
with hope of very little reward it opens our eyes to the possibilities of what we
might become as a nation.
It is the behaviour and personal determination of these people that makes this country
the special place it is.
The last twelve months have challenged us as a nation, but we have risen to that
challenge.
Whether it is the bravery of the men and women from our Armed Forces, security services
and police who work above and beyond the call of duty to protect us from the threat
of terrorism.
Whether it is the professionalism, courage and tireless hard work of the emergency
services and ordinary members of the public for their heroic efforts in battling
the flood waters that have afflicted communities across the UK.
In every aspect of life, people making a huge impact on the lives of their fellow
men and women and their communities every day.
The reason I am so proud to be British is because of the qualities highlighted by
the Pride of Britain Awards, qualities we can all not only admire in the winners
but aspire to in our own daily lives.
So thank you to everyone who has contributed to these awards, and, in particular,
many congratulations to the winners.
Your country is very proud of everything you do.
