TV and sports stars will step out in style tonight to honour the achievements of Manchester region's unsung heroes for an evening to celebrate those who have done truly extraordinary things.
The MEN's Pride of Manchester Awards is being hosted tonight by former Corrie star Kym Marsh with a host of famous faces from TV, sport and the music industry to present awards to people who have gone the extra mile to make a difference.
Her former soap star colleague will join her for the event with Lucy Fallon, Katie McGlynn, Anthony Cotton, and Chris Bisson and ex Emmerdale's Natalie Anderson.
A host of TV and radio presenters are also expected to put in an appearance with Mel B, Fleur East, Vernon Kay, Paige Turley and Finn Tapp, Moira Stuart and Denise Welsh.
Sportspeople Viv Anderson, Ricky Hatton, Becky Adlington OBE, Dame Sarah Storey, Neil Fachie and Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham.
Kym Marsh said of the winners: “It's such a thrill to be back in Manchester for a full live awards show for the first time since 2019. The winners are amazing - they really embody all the qualities that make us so proud to be from this incredible city. They are so selfless and courageous, and of course the kids will melt your heart. I can't wait to meet them all.”
This year’s awe-inspiring winners include: a lifetime achievement award for Professor Tony Redmond, 70, OBE, who has led the UK’s response to humanitarian disasters for more than 30 years, activist and campaigner Professor Erinma Bell, 57, MBE who has devoted her life to protecting young people from violent crime and 9-year-old Pixiebelle Sykes who has battled through more than three years of chemotherapy and inspired others to donate funds for her local hospital.
Others to receive awards include super mum Lydia Ina who fostered more than 300 children, incredible young fundraisers Ruben and Elena Evans-Gullen, firefighter Mark Palmer who helped those with suicide loss after losing his own daughter and 999 heroes PC Simon Toft and PC Alicia Snowden, 46 and 31, tackled a violent man armed with a meat cleaver who was terrorising a GP surgery.
Jane Gregory, 51, will be honoured for having helped thousands of women escape domestic abuse, and brave teen Liam Preece whose YouTube channel supports fellow cancer sufferers.
Tracey and Phil Payton, 53 and 55, also received praise for their inspirational ‘End of Treatment’ bells which patients ring to celebrate milestones or completion of their cancer therapy.
Previously, some Pride of Manchester winners have gone on to be recognised on the national stage at the Daily Mirror Pride of Britain Awards, in partnership with TSB, which is aired on ITV in the Autumn.
Since the first Pride of Britain in 1999, royalty, prime ministers, and hundreds of leading figures from show business, sport, politics, and the arts have all taken part.
Rachel Price TSB Regional Senior Manager added: "At TSB we are delighted to once again be partnering with The Pride of Manchester Awards, to recognise and celebrate the outstanding achievements of all these everyday heroes."
The MEN Pride of Manchester Awards, in partnership with TSB, will premiere on YouTube at 7pm on Tuesday 17 th May youtube.com/prideofbritainawards
