A group of the nation's most inspiring individuals have returned from a holiday of a lifetime, celebrating their Pride of Britain awards with a special 14-day Caribbean cruise. The unforgettable trip, sponsored by P&O Cruises to mark the awards' 25th anniversary, saw 15 winners from the 2024 ceremony sail on the flagship liner Britannia last month.
Stories of Courage and Compassion on the High Seas
The cruise brought together an extraordinary collection of people, united by their remarkable contributions and personal resilience. Among them was six-year-old Aiyla Mota, a Child of Courage award winner. Aiyla captured the nation's heart after having both her legs and five fingers amputated to save her life from sepsis. Her mother, Eulanda Griffith, 29, from Hillingdon, London, said the trip provided invaluable connections. "Aiyla met another man with an amputated leg who showed her how he uses his phone to control his cool new prosthetic," she said. "It was nice to see people of all ages there who Aiyla could relate to."
Also on board was Agnes Nesbitt, 88, who came to the UK from Nevis in 1959 as part of the Windrush generation. The former nursing officer, who launched the Born Whilst Sleeping programme at Leicester Royal Infirmary in 1973, was deeply moved as the ship sailed past her childhood home. "Being back on the island where my life began felt like a homecoming," Agnes told The Mirror. "I felt an overwhelming sense of pride, gratitude and connection to my roots."
A Shared Bond of Extraordinary Experiences
The cruise fostered a powerful sense of community among the winners. Emily Greenwood, 53, from Cornwall, who won an Outstanding Bravery Award for saving a boy and a man from a rip current, cherished the camaraderie. "An event like Pride of Britain unites people in a truly unique way," she said. "I really enjoyed spending time with the other winners and didn’t stop smiling for the entire trip."
For Hetti Barkworth-Nanton, 58, from Swindon, the holiday was a rare respite. Awarded a Special Recognition Award for founding the Joanna Simpson Foundation after her best friend's murder, Hetti noted her campaigning had meant sacrificing holidays. "Having this special time away together was priceless and massively appreciated," she said.
Creating Unforgettable Memories
The winners visited stunning destinations including St. Maarten, Antigua, Aruba, Barbados, Jamaica, and Grand Turk. For fundraiser Manny Singh Kang, 52, from Wolverhampton, who raised over £260,000 for Dementia UK, the experience was magical. "I loved the golden sand and blue sea at Grand Turk - what an unforgettable experience," he said.
P&O Cruises offered all 15 winners their choice of cruise to celebrate the milestone anniversary. The other destinations selected by winners included the Canary Islands and the Norwegian Fjords. For Agnes Nesbitt, the journey held profound significance: "I’m in my late eighties now, which makes experiences like this feel incredibly special. At this stage of my life, I really appreciate moments that allow you to reflect, celebrate and be surrounded by the people you love."
