Pride, tears but always laughter
This week, the Pride of Britain Awards reached their 20th year and I’m pleased to say that I’ve been to nearly all of them.
What always comes across, amid the tales of exceptional courage and sacrifice, is the humour. Many of the winners choose to make light of their own misfortune, such as teenager Jack Carroll, who a few years ago put on a hilarious stand-up comedy act about his cerebral palsy.
At the very first one, I hosted a table and introduced Sir Bobby Charlton to Labour minister Mo Mowlam who was picking up an Outstanding Contribution award.
Mo, wearing one of her wigs to hide the effects of her cancer treatment, shook Bobby’s hand and said, “Thank **** for that. Finally there’s someone on the table with less hair than me”.
Bobby was left puzzled while I was left snorting my own snot. Priceless woman. Priceless awards. Watch this year’s on ITV next Tuesday.