Pride of Britain viewers were left 'blubbering' and 'in tears' just minutes into the show on Thursday night after a brave cot blaze survivor picked up an award. Schoolgirl Elizabeth Soffe won the Child of Courage award after suffering life changing injuries when she was caught in a fire aged just six months.
The annual Daily Mirror Pride of Britain awards celebrate the efforts of inspirational Brits. They have taken place since 1999 in association with The Prince’s Trust, and is considered one of the most heartwarming nights of the year, bringing celebrities, politicians and sports icons together to celebrate its selfless winners.
Elizabeth Soffe, now eight, suffered the injuries as a baby while living in Qatar. However she has gone on to raise over £200,000 after running a marathon in 26 days for medics who saved her life Birmingham's Children's Hospital.
READ MORE The moment heroic dads who inspired nation after losing daughters receive Pride of Britain award
And as Carol Vorderman and Ashley Banjo returned to co-host the star-studded event at London’s Grosvenor House, the youngster picked up the first award of the night, making viewers very emotional, reports the Mirror.
Elizabeth's dad Liam said: “Her mum went inside and the room was on fire. The cot was on fire. Elizabeth was on fire. That first day, they were very clear with us that she might not survive."
As an aspiring Formula One driver and a big fan of Strictly Come Dancing, Elizabeth discovered she had won the award when she got a message from McLaren driver Daniel Ricciardo and met the Strictly cast on stage at the awards. Pride of Britain viewers at home were left deeply moved by the moment and took to Twitter to praise 'inspirational' Elizabeth.
One wrote: “It’s 6 minutes in, and I’m emotional already. Gosh, these children are SO brave, inspirational and everything in between.”
“I'm already in tears watching the beautiful and brave Elizabeth,” a second said as a third wrote: “Literally blubbering already, Pride Of Britain absolutely amazing.”
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