When IVF pioneer Lord Robert Winston, British track heroine Denise Lewis and Falklands
veteran Simon Weston met in February to select the winners, they all agreed it was
one of their toughest tasks yet. Along with the other judges, Sir Richard Branson,
This Morning presenters Richard Madeley and Judy Finnigan and The Mirror's agony
aunt Dr Miriam Stoppard, they were overwhelmed by the extraordinary stories of courage,
determination and personal triumph.
The panel was locked in an animated debate for hours as they discussed the merits
of the men, women and children who had been nominated in their thousands by Mirror
readers and GMTV's This Morning Show. Citations also came in from the emergency
services, charities and voluntary organisations.
While the criteria was simple - each nominee must have done something to inspire
us all - the judges found the reality almost impossible.
Denise summed up the mood saying: "Everyone who has been nominated is a winner because
each nomination means someone out there is grateful for an act of courage or kindness
that has been carried out.
"Hearing so many positive and uplifting stories in a world where cynicism and negativity
dominate has given me a wonderful feelgood factor."
Richard and Judy were both overwhelmed by the heart-warming stories of courageous
children who had shown a wisdom beyond their years to save lives or refused to give
in to illness or adversity.
Judy said: "All the stories were quite extraordinary and it was desperately difficult
to select just a handful."
Sitting around a massive oak table at Sir Richard's West London home, our panel
- chaired by Mirror editor Piers Morgan - struggled to reach a shortlist. Categories
ranged from Outstanding Bravery and Fundraiser of the Year to Good Neighbour, Teacher
of the Year and a Young Achiever award set up with The Prince's Trust.
Lord Winston said: "How can you decide that someone who goes into a fire to save
a life is braver than someone who plunges into icy water to save a life?"
Sir Richard and Mirror columnist Miriam have been on the panel since Pride of Britain
was launched three years ago. Both continue to be impressed with the standard of
readers' nominations and Sir Richard said: "Every year it gets harder and harder
to go through the thousands of very deserving cases.
"The standard gets higher which makes our job more and more impossible."
And Miriam added: "These people are great role models for all of us. The children in particular show qualities of stoicism, selflessness and great courage which puts many adults to shame."
Simon Weston was moved by stories of those who had battled back from the brink of despair. He said: "We have all seen celebrities pick up awards at the Baftas and Brits but these are real awards for real people.
"That's the great thing about Pride of Britain - it's about real life."
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