British stars including Russell Brand, Simon Cowell, Sir Tom Jones and Susan Boyle joined Charles, Prince of Wales to honor the country's heroes at the Pride of Britain Awards on Monday, November 8.
The celebrities took a backseat at the London ceremony as the spotlight was cast on "ordinary people" who have overcome adversity or demonstrated exceptional bravery. Welsh singer Jones handed an award to Allison John, a 32 year old who has battled the odds to become a doctor after becoming the first Briton to have every major organ transplanted.
Meanwhile, funnyman Brand gave a trophy to teacher Rachel Dixon, who formed an award-winning samba band at her East London school, while singer Cheryl Cole honored eight-year-old Kelsey Trevett, who launched a campaign for disabled youngsters after losing his sight to cancer.
Prince Charles took the stage at the British capital's Grosvenor House to heap praise on all the winners, who he hailed as inspirations. He told the crowd, "Every year, the Pride of Britain Awards offer us a glimpse into the lives of seemingly ordinary people who, behind the scenes, are quietly putting the great into Great Britain."
"Their extraordinary courage and inspirational acts leave us profoundly humble, lifting the spirits of our nation and reminding us of the lasting differences we can make to other people's lives."
The celebrities took a backseat at the London ceremony as the spotlight was cast on "ordinary people" who have overcome adversity or demonstrated exceptional bravery. Welsh singer Jones handed an award to Allison John, a 32 year old who has battled the odds to become a doctor after becoming the first Briton to have every major organ transplanted.
Meanwhile, funnyman Brand gave a trophy to teacher Rachel Dixon, who formed an award-winning samba band at her East London school, while singer Cheryl Cole honored eight-year-old Kelsey Trevett, who launched a campaign for disabled youngsters after losing his sight to cancer.
Prince Charles took the stage at the British capital's Grosvenor House to heap praise on all the winners, who he hailed as inspirations. He told the crowd, "Every year, the Pride of Britain Awards offer us a glimpse into the lives of seemingly ordinary people who, behind the scenes, are quietly putting the great into Great Britain."
"Their extraordinary courage and inspirational acts leave us profoundly humble, lifting the spirits of our nation and reminding us of the lasting differences we can make to other people's lives."