Pride of Britain viewers were left deeply emotional just moments into watching the nation celebrate the efforts of inspirational Brits on Thursday night on ITV.
The annual Daily Mirror Pride of Britain Awards, which have taken place since 1999 in association with The Prince’s Trust, is considered one of the most heartwarming nights of the year.
Every year, celebrities, politicians and sports icons come together to celebrate the bravery and selflessness of the winners.
Carol Vorderman and Ashley Banjo returned to co-host the star-studded event at London’s Grosvenor House and the first award of the night was given to a Birmingham schoolgirl who inspired medics with her courage after a horrific cot fire.
Elizabeth Soffe won the Child of Courage award after she suffered life changing injuries when she was caught in the fire aged just six months old while living in Qatar.
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."
The eight-year-old went on to raise over £200,000 after running a marathon in 26 days for medics who saved her life at Birmingham's Children's Hospital.
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 Elizabeth on her ‘inspirational’ resilience.
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.”
One wrote: “In tears already & it's only just started,” as another said: “Only starting & I am in bits already.”
This year's winners also included a teenager who saved the lives of a young boy and her father before coming close to being swept to her death in a river and brave police officers wounded in a frenzied knife attack.
The awards ceremony also honoured a sailor who led a four-hour mission to save 27 men from a burning ship in towering seas and a schoolboy who tackles endurance challenges on his walking frame to raise money for charity.
Listen to the Pride Of Britain: Life Changing Stories podcast here.
