Personal trainer

The winners moved celebrities, politicians and stars to tears with their stories of courage, bravery and brilliance at the Daily Mirror Pride of Britain Awards

It has been celebrating the very best of everything British for more than quarter of a century. And once again it was the children of courage and incredible stories of bravery in adversity which moved a host of celebrities, actors and sport stars to tears at the 26th Daily Mirror Pride of Britain awards, with P&O Cruises.

The Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer was there with his wife Victoria to pay tribute to the long line of unsung heroes as they received the recognition they so richly deserve. At just 12 years old, Luke Mortimer typified what the night is all about when he received his Child of Courage trophy.

Luke had all his limbs amputated after contracting meningococcal meningitis septicaemia in 2019. Yet still he thought of others. The audience at the Grosvenor House Hotel gave him a huge round of applause as they heard how he had donated thousands for children with disabilities, through his extraordinary fundraising activities.

READ MORE: Pride of Britain Awards 2025: Amy Dowden and GK Barry lead the red carpet glam

In 2024, he climbed Pen-y-ghent with his mum Christine and brother Harry, 15, meeting his dad Adam and a team of 19 who were climbing the National Three Peaks and Yorkshire Three Peaks. They raised almost £20,000 to help fund prosthetics for Luke and help other child amputees. He told his loved ones that we should all “concentrate on the future” as he set about helping others.

His favourite TV stars Ant and Dec sent a special message to Luke, who told host Carol Vorderman of his motto when life was tough: “Hope for a good time and try and make it happen.”

His dad Adam added: “We are massively proud of him, he takes everything in his slightly smaller stride.”

Marcus Skeet, 17, became the first person in the UK to run from Land’s End to John O’Groats as he fought back from a suicide attempt at the age of 15. He had obsessive compulsive disorder, and became a carer for his dad, who was diagnosed with early onset dementia.

Marcus admitted: “It shattered my heart.” After his suicide attempt, it was a ‘miracle’ that he had survived. Known as ‘the Hull Man’, with 350,000 followers on social media, he watched cars go by as he got caught in a rainstorm, with 790 miles to go in his epic run.

Marooned in a layby, soaked through, he still became a record breaker, raising £164,560 for mental health charity Mind, with his dad there to see him at the end. “I will remember that for the rest of my life,” said Marcus.

His incredible feat took a combination of supreme dedication and endurance and he joked: “I hate running.” Dr. Sarah Hughes, CEO at Mind paid tribute, saying: “His story reads like a film script, courage, loss, hope, and relentless determination.

“But Marcus isn’t a character; he’s a real-life hero.” Pub landlord comedian Al Murray revealed he had been inspired by Marcus to raise money for Mind. Looking for donors in the audience, he said: “Whether you are an actor or a rock star, you cannot fail to be moved by this night.”

Personal trainer Javeno McLean, 40, met his heroes as his work for the disabled, ill and elderly was recognised with the P&O Cruises Inspiration award.

Former world champion heavyweight David Haye joined legends of the ring Frank Bruno and Barry McGuigan to hand over the coveted trophy. They heard how Javeno has been offering free fitness sessions to the needy at his J7 Gym in Manchester.

At 16, he offered to train a boy in a wheelchair who was struggling in the gym. Since then, Javeno has been devoted to creating a friendly and inclusive gym space for all. He told the judges: “When you include people you empower them.”

Haye said it was an ‘honour’ to be chosen to give him the award. On a night of awe-inspiring stories, PCs Yasmin Whitfield, Cameron King and Inspector Moloy Campbell were recognised for their extraordinary bravery.

They answered an emergency call on an ‘ordinary’ working day which almost turned out to be their last. By the time they confronted sword attacker Marcus Arduini Monzo in Hainault, East London on April 20,2024, he had already killed Daniel Anjorin, 14.

Despite having no Taser or pepper spray, Pc King drew his baton and stood between the killer and Yasmin, who suffered horrific slash injuries.

Insp Campbell also suffered a slash wound to his hand after he confronted Monzo in a car park and ran at him, baton drawn. Other officers were able to deploy their Tasers and subdue the killer. PC King ‘stood between Yas and Monzo’, who ran off, before being cornered by cops. He said: “I remember just thinking, I can’t let him finish her off’. I put myself between Yas and him. I thought ‘we’re going to die in this alleyway.'” Insp Campbell admitted: “When I challenged Mr Monzo, I knew it may be the last decision I would ever make.” Monzo was later jailed for life with a minimum term of 40 years. In 2016, footy coach Asha Ali Rage 46, set up her community club, determined to use sport to protect youngsters from gangs. The aptly named Dream Chasers FC in Small Heath, Birmingham has since become a vital hub for her local community.

Asha received her award from England’s ‘Golden Gloves’ World Cup keeper Mary Earps who has done so much to raise the profile of sport for women; Asha’s Special Recognition Award was for “changing the lives” of the young stars of the future. Leanne Pero MBE, 30, won another recognition award for The Movement Factory community dance company which she founded when she was just 15. Londoner Leanne, who survived breast cancer, also started Black Women Rising, a cancer support group that has raised more than £1m to fund support and advice. She said of surviving cancer: “The worst part was finishing treatment.” Teenager of Courage winner Eagling Zach, 14, who has cerebral palsy and epilepsy, also donated to the Epilepsy Society by walking laps of his garden in the 2020 lockdown. After trolls bombarded him with flashing images to try to trigger a seizure, he campaigned for legislation to protect people with epilepsy online. Zach’s Law was introduced across England, Wales and Northern Ireland in Sept., 2023, making it a criminal offence, with a maximum five-year jail term, to troll anyone with epilepsy to deliberately cause a seizure. Zach has now launched a petition to ‘make a difference’ and try to ensure public transport is more accessible for disabled people. For Sally Becker, 63, helping those most in need in society has been her life’s work.

She first went to Bosnia in 1993 to help the victims of war. Tasked with taking aid to a hospital, she found herself evacuating sick and injured children in an old Bedford van.

She has now spent more than three decades helping children in besieged areas, such as Gaza, Syria, Afghanistan and Ukraine.

In 2016, she founded Save a Child, providing medical treatment for kids in conflict areas. And she launched a mobile tele-medicine programme connecting local doctors with paediatric specialists. She said: “We have saved thousands of children.”

Georgie Hyslop, 15, was thrilled to be made the Good Morning Britain Fundraiser of the year. In 2023, when Georgie, then 15, was diagnosed with Ewing sarcoma, a rare cancer in the bones, she donated her tissue to Cancer Research. She raised more than £55,000 for hospitals and charities.

Through 14 rounds of chemo and 33 of radiation, Georgie gave cards with encouraging messages, known as “pocket hugs”, to fellow patients, and dressed up as Spider-Man to cheer up a four-year-old patient having radiotherapy.

Georgie, 17, from Ardrossan, Ayrshire, went into remission in July 2024, but the cancer returned earlier this year. She said: “I have lots of fundraising planned and lots to look forward to.”

Set up by three music teachers at an additional needs school in 1995, the Ups & Downs theatre group in Hamilton, Lanarkshire, is for young people with Down’s syndrome as well as their families.

Now led by Lorna Leggatt, whose son Ellis, 26, has been a member since he was five, Ups & Downs offers inclusive activities, including music, dance and drama, to around 70 members, who have Down’s syndrome or a sibling with the condition. Audiences leave their shows ‘deeply moved’.

Fellow PoB winner Harry Byrne lost his mother on Christmas Day; her death caused Harry, then 11, to descend into mental health problems, addiction and homelessness. Harry, 24, was helped by local homelessness charity St Basil’s and discovered The King’s Trust Get Started in Outdoor Leadership programme, landing a job in Coventry.

Now supporting young people facing difficulties, through outdoor activities, he hopes to run his own therapy-based coaching service. Harry said: “I didn’t have many role models or access to the support I needed when I was younger. I’m passionate about getting up every morning and providing just that for the next generation.”

RAF hero John Nichol, 61, the navigator from North Shields, North Tyneside who was shot down and captured in Iraq during the first gulf war of 1990, has attended every single one of the Pride of Britain’s 26 award nights. A good friend of the late awards founder Peter Willis, he said: “I was next to Gary Barlow on that first night and had to give him my hankie. I think there is only me and Carol Vorderman who have been to every one.

“Nobody knew what to expect, but it has become the best of the lot.”

Pictures: Rowan Griffiths, Adam Gerrard, Andy Stenning.

* Watch the Daily Mirror Pride of Britain Awards with P&O Cruises on Thursday October 23 at 8pm on ITV1.

READ MORE: Helen Flanagan’s heartbreak as ‘rubbish’ co-parenting ruins Christmas plansREAD MORE: Kate Garraway responds to Tom Daley’s viral side-eye moment on Celebrity TraitorsREAD MORE: Lydia Bright’s poignant foster care connection as she celebrates Pride of Britain kids

Personal trainer Elbi Henshaw, 23, decided to move to Dubai with financial help from her parents after she began to find the United Kingdom “depressing”, but was in for a nasty surprise

A personal trainer, fed up with the “miserable” UK lifestyle, relocated to Dubai only to find herself working six days a week to afford life in the UAE city.

Elbi Henshaw, 23, made the move in January after holidaying there and realising how “depressing” her life was back in the UK.

Having previously worked in Saudi Arabia, Elbi, from Barnet, North London, she decided to give Dubai a try. With financial assistance from her parents, she secured full-time work at a gym.

Despite being settled and thriving in Dubai – a hotspot for British influencers due to its beautiful weather, stunning views and luxury nightlife – she admits missing UK pubs and pub culture eight months into her move.

Living in Dubai comes with its own challenges, including the high cost of living, with yoghurt costing £12 and coffee starting from £7. Elbi describes it as a “dog eat dog” lifestyle where people work six-day weeks and take on extra work to make ends meet, reports the Manchester Evening News.

READ MORE: Two best friends vanish at school – 8 years later a fire reveals horrifying truthREAD MORE: Kate Middleton leaves Donald Trump stunned as he makes three-word remark at Windsor

While Elbi now loves her location, she admits she “didn’t like it at first” as it can feel “lonely” trying to establish a social circle in such a high-intensity environment.

Reflecting on her decision, Elbi said: “In the UK, I was so depressed and miserable and everyone is so sedentary – I wanted a more active lifestyle. Out here, everyone is happier and active and they all want to be the best versions of themselves.

“I work full time but it’s hard not to just spend all your money – you’d need about £5k a month here to live comfortably. But you can pick up extra work quite quickly – at the moment I work six days but I’ll probably end up working seven. Paying no tax is a perk but the cost of living out here is so expensive that it ends up the same as in the UK. But here, you get the sun and a much better lifestyle – although I miss the pubs.”

Elbi relocated to Dubai in January – initially residing in a studio flat before moving into shared accommodation with two other young women. After joining a local running club, she struck up a conversation with someone who put her in touch with a gym manager and landed her first Dubai role as a personal trainer.

She was instantly bowled over by the sheer amount the city had to offer – from fine dining at upmarket restaurants to browsing the renowned Dubai Mall. Given she was making the move solo, Elbi admitted the initial months proved challenging whilst getting established and sorting out the necessary paperwork and banking arrangements.

She quickly recognised the “fast paced and non-stop lifestyle” – with residents frequently clocking up lengthy working weeks to afford living in the glamorous destination beloved by A-listers.

Elbi explained: “The rent is more expensive than the UK and you have to pay big deposits on things like apartments and cars. Clothing is more expensive too – and coffee is like £7 minimum, sometimes as much as £10 a cup. I’d say the average salary for a normal person here is like £3,000 a month but you want more like £5,000 to live comfortably if you want to go out for meals, and buy new clothes.

“I try to work, work, work so that I can enjoy Dubai – there’s lots of group chats and apps for companies to advertise weekend work.” However, she revealed it doesn’t amount to significantly more in total than life in the UK – where you pay taxes – apart from Dubai’s incredible views and climate.

Eight months on, she’s absolutely adoring her new life there, grafting as a personal trainer at an upmarket gym frequented by “high end clients”. Now she’s established friendships and has no immediate intentions to head back.

She explained: “You have to put your ego aside and put yourself out there – I messaged other women out of the blue inviting them for coffee.”

Elbi revealed she adores Dubai’s pristine condition – as “everywhere is spotless” and “it makes you realise how dirty the UK is.” During her downtime from work, Elbi enjoys strolling around the air-conditioned shopping centre and visiting Dubai’s incredibly luxurious cinemas.

She fills her leisure time at the pool – beach clubs including Summersalt, adored by celebrities like Molly-Mae Hague and Kady McDermott, plus Twiggy club, favoured by Paris Hilton.

Yet she admitted Dubai can be challenging as there’s less of a “sense of community” for young people – making romance difficult without relying on dating apps. She explained: “It’s so hard to meet guys, because there’s no authentic meet-ups.

“People don’t stand in the streets around pubs – you have to schedule it in. And it’s hard to date as everyone is so busy 24/7 that you never find the time. I do miss the sense of community and pubs in the UK.

“I love it but I can’t really imagine meeting someone out here and it becoming serious. People come out here who already have a partner or family, and the ones that are single are never looking for anything serious.

“I could see myself building a life here but if I get to 27 and I’m not in a relationship, I’ll move back to the UK as I want to start a family.”

READ MORE: Gadget leaves shoppers ‘feeling more confident without makeup’ now £150 off

Elbi Henshaw, 23, decided to move from London to Dubai after visiting the UAE city for a holiday and falling in love with the lifestyle

A Brit who was fed up with the “miserable” and “sedentary” life in the UK decided to move to Dubai, despite having to work six days a week to afford the “luxurious” lifestyle where a glass of wine costs a minimum of £20. Elbi Henshaw, 23, relocated to Dubai in January after holidaying there and realising how “miserable” life is in the UK.

Having previously worked in Saudi Arabia, she decided to give the famously opulent city in the UAE a go, seeking a change in lifestyle. The personal trainer, originally from Barnet, North London, moved to Dubai with financial assistance from her parents and secured full-time employment at a gym.

Eight months later, she’s settled and thriving in the city, which is a magnet for British influencers due to its beautiful weather, stunning views and luxury nightlife. However, she admits to missing UK pubs and pub culture.

Elbi revealed that it’s not all fun and games as everything is so pricey – with yoghurt costing £12 and coffee starting from £7 – that it becomes a “dog-eat-dog” lifestyle with people working six-day weeks and taking on extra work to make ends meet. Elbi is now fond of her location, but confesses she “didn’t like it at first” because it can feel “lonely” trying to establish a circle of friends in such a high-pressure environment.

Elbi stated: “In the UK, I was so depressed and miserable and everyone is so sedentary – I wanted a more active lifestyle. Out here, everyone is happier and active and they all want to be the best versions of themselves.

“I work full time, but it’s hard not to just spend all your money – you’d need about £5,000 a month here to live comfortably. But you can pick up extra work quite quickly – at the moment I work six days, but I’ll probably end up working seven.

“Paying no tax is a perk, but the cost of living out here is so expensive that it ends up the same as in the UK. But here, you get the sun and a much better lifestyle – although I miss the pubs.”

Elbi relocated to Dubai in January – initially residing in a studio flat before moving into shared accommodation with two other young women. After joining a local running club, she struck up a conversation with someone who put her in touch with a gym manager and landed her first Dubai role as a personal trainer.

She was instantly struck by the sheer amount of activities and attractions the city had to offer – from fine dining at upmarket restaurants to browsing the renowned Dubai Mall. Since she was relocating solo, Elbi admitted the initial months proved challenging whilst getting established and sorting out the necessary paperwork and banking arrangements. She quickly recognised the “fast-paced and non-stop lifestyle”, with residents frequently clocking up lengthy working weeks to fund life in the glamorous destination beloved by A-listers.

Elbi explained: “The rent is more expensive than the UK and you have to pay big deposits on things like apartments and cars. Clothing is more expensive too – and coffee is like £7 minimum, sometimes as much as £10 a cup.

“I’d say the average salary for a normal person here is like £3,000 a month, but you want more like £5,000 to live comfortably if you want to go out for meals and buy new clothes. I try to work, work, work so that I can enjoy Dubai – there are lots of group chats and apps for companies to advertise weekend work.”

However, she revealed it doesn’t amount to significantly more than life in Britain – where you’re liable for taxes – apart from Dubai’s breathtaking scenery and climate. Eight months on, she’s absolutely adoring her existence there, grafting as a personal trainer at an upmarket gymnasium frequented by “high-end clients”. She’s built friendships and has no immediate intentions of returning home.

She explained: “You have to put your ego aside and put yourself out there – I messaged other women out of the blue, inviting them for coffee.”

Elbi expressed her admiration for Dubai’s pristine conditions – as “everywhere is spotless” and “it makes you realise how dirty the UK is”. During her downtime, Elbi enjoys strolling through the air-conditioned shopping centres and visiting Dubai’s incredibly lavish cinemas.

She fills her leisure hours at the swimming pool – exclusive beach clubs like Summersalt, adored by celebrities including Molly-Mae Hague and Kady McDermott, plus Twiggy club, favoured by Paris Hilton.

Nevertheless, she acknowledged Dubai can be challenging as there’s reduced “sense of community” for young people, making romance difficult without relying on dating applications.

She said: “It’s so hard to meet guys, because there are no authentic meet-ups. People don’t stand in the streets around pubs – you have to schedule it in.

“And it’s hard to date as everyone is so busy 24/7 that you never find the time. I do miss the sense of community and pubs in the UK.

“I love it, but I can’t really imagine meeting someone out here and it becoming serious. People come out here who already have a partner or family, and the ones who are single are never looking for anything serious. I could see myself building a life here, but if I get to 27 and I’m not in a relationship, I’ll move back to the UK as I want to start a family.”

Costs in Dubai

Cappuccino 34dh – £6.86

Mince meat 25dh – £5

Strawberries 30/40dh – £6-£8

Fage yoghurt 1L 60dh – £12

Cheapest thing in Zara 130/150dh – £26/30

Glass of wine when out minimum 99dh – £20

With Love Island series 12 just around the corner, here is everything we know so far on the latest series, including ‘confirmed’ islanders, return date and the gorgeous host

It’s confirmed, Love Island will be blessing our TV screens once again for a summer of drama, scandals, and most importantly, love!

The official Love Island Instagram page recently dropped a teaser for the latest season, claiming that it is ‘coming soon’. The teaser displayed a pink printer which printed, “Attention: Love Island is coming soon. Attendance mandatory. Signed, CEO of love, Maya x.”

Fans were sent into a frenzy, with many sharing their hopes and dreams for the new series. One fan commented, “Please bring back the ‘step forward if you fancy’ at the beginning!!”, while another added, “The population has been waiting for this”.

As the first islander has been ‘revealed’, fans are keen to know as much information as possible. So, let’s dive into what we know so far…

Who are this year’s islanders?

Does a personal trainer who is 6 feet and 5 inches tall sound good? Well, that’s how tall Londoner Aaron Buckett is, and he is the first islander who is ‘confirmed’ to join the 2025 series of the popular dating show. Aaron isn’t short on muscles or followers as he boasts hundreds of thousands of fans on Instagram and TikTok.

A source claimed to The Sun: “It’s a fact of life that girls go crazy for a tall lad and Aaron is a man mountain. He’s got great chat too.” They continued, “Aaron is in the mix for this year’s cast but execs are still finalising whether he’ll be in the opening line-up or as a tempting bombshell.” Other islanders are yet to be ‘confirmed’.

When will Love Island return?

Unfortunately, all we know is that Love Island series 12 will be starting ‘soon’, so we all have to sit and wait impatiently. Last year’s series began on Monday 3 June, so we imagine the date won’t differ too much this year.

This year’s Love Island is expected to return to its usual stomping ground in Mallorca, Spain, where islanders will be surrounded by the iconic fire pit, rectangular pool and large kitchen. It is also expected that the terrace and the hideaway will be making a welcome return, as that is where most of the drama goes down.

Who is hosting the series?

It has been confirmed that Maya Jama will be returning, delighting fans. Ever since stepping into the role in 2023, fans have found her to be a perfect fit to host the show.

What channel is Love Island on?

Love Island will be returning to ITV and ITVX.

Who won last year’s Love Island?

Mimii Ngulube and Josh Oyinsan stole the hearts of the nation and were subsequently crowned the winners of the 2024 summer series. The sweet couple made history as the first Black couple ever to win the UK’s franchise.

Sadly, the couple decided to go their separate ways after a few months and announced their split in an emotional statement.

Mimi said: “I know a lot of you gave been wondering about Josh and I and why we haven’t been making appearances. The truth is we have been trying to figure it out since leaving the villa, but unfortunately things aren’t going to work between us right now.”

Like this story? For more of the latest showbiz news and gossip, follow Mirror Celebs on TikTok , Snapchat , Instagram , Twitter , Facebook , YouTube and Threads .