Pride of Manchester is returning this year to celebrate and reward the most inspirational people from across our region.
After being impacted by Covid-19 restrictions in 2020 and 2021, the MEN Pride of Manchester Awards, in partnership with TSB, will be back this year with a red carpet celebration attended by some of our region’s biggest stars.
Coronation Street actress Kym Marsh is set to host the awards for the fourth consecutive year in her home city - a job which she describes as a ‘pleasure’.
“Last year’s awards were very different, it wasn’t the big grand celebration that it normally is but it was still wonderful to be able to be there and credit these people despite the fact we had just been in lockdown," Kym, 45, said.
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“To be hosting for the fourth year running is brilliant, it’s always a pleasure to honour the people of Manchester and give them the credit they deserve.
“The stories are always so outstanding - they’re ordinary people doing extraordinary things. It’s very uplifting and heartwarming, obviously there are some tears along the way, but a lot of the stories are super inspiring.
“I think when you’re constantly reading about so many bad things going on in the world right now, it makes a great change to hear of the good things and that’s why these awards are so special to me.”
The actress and TV presenter from Wigan, who played Michelle Connor in the soap, says she loves being part of Manchester.
“There’s lots of things to love about Manchester, but it’s the people more than anything," Kym said.
“I spend a lot of time travelling with the job that I do and I meet people from all over the place. But I just love Mancunians, they seem to have that camaraderie, strength and time for each other and that’s what makes it so special. I love being a part of the city.”
Amongst the many memorable nominees, finalists and winners Kym has seen over the last four years, she was particularly proud to honour the heroes of the devastating Manchester Arena bombing.
“When we honoured those around the Manchester Arena bombing that was fantastic. The whole of Manchester pulled together and supported each other during that time,” she said.
“It didn’t matter if you were a United fan or City, it made no difference as the whole city lent a hand to one another and fought back together - it gave me goosebumps.”
Kym called on people to nominate anyone they know who deserves an award.
“You should consider nominating anybody of any age who has inspired you, anyone you think has gone over and above, who has been brave or has battled through something and still gone the extra mile to help others," she said.
“I think if you class them as a hero, then they definitely deserve to be nominated and put forward.”
2021 was a year of highs and lows for the Morning Live presenter.
She married her husband Scott Ratcliff and both of her children got engaged, but she also learned the sad news of her father’s terminal prostate cancer diagnosis.
Asked who she would nominate for an award herself, Kym said her dad Dave.
“My dad is battling cancer at the moment, he has incurable cancer now and that was news that we received last year,” she said.
“Yet he still goes out of his way to help us as a family or other people, he doesn’t ever see anybody stuck in a situation without helping them.
“Not long after he had been told his cancer was terminal, he wanted to do a film with me for Morning Live to raise awareness and reach out to men to urge them to get checked.
“Despite the fact that he was still coming to terms with his own diagnosis and his own pain, he wanted to do that. I think he is so inspirational and he’s my hero.”
Having just performed on the opening night of her stage show Fatal Attraction in Brighton, Kim said she cannot wait to bring the show to Manchester.
“It has been a long time since I did anything in the theatre in Manchester so it will be great to get out there again,” she said.
“I know that a lot of my friends and family are going to be coming along for support and it will be wonderful.”
Nominations for the MEN Pride of Manchester Awards, in partnership with TSB, are now open.
You can nominate online by clicking here .
The closing date for nominations is Friday, March 18.
