Holiday for heroes: how three Pride of Britain winners enjoyed a fabulous cruise holiday

A football fan who raised over £260,000 for charity by selling samosas. A mother who dived into the sea to save a 10-year-old boy from drowning. And a five-year-old girl whose incredible courage helped her rebuild her life after losing both legs.

These are just three of the inspirational winners celebrated at the 2024 Pride of Britain Awards. Chosen from tens of thousands of public nominations, these everyday heroes were honoured at a glittering London ceremony co-hosted by Ashley Banjo and Carol Vorderman.

Then came an unforgettable surprise. P&O Cruises, the new headline partner for the Pride of Britain Awards, gifted each of the 12 winners a cruise holiday – a chance to share a wonderful, memory-making trip with their families.

We caught up with three heroes who experienced a 14-night Caribbean adventure on board Britannia, visiting eight sun-soaked islands and enjoying world-class entertainment.

Aiyla Mota, Child of Courage

Just before her fourth birthday, Aiyla Mota fell ill with what seemed like a normal childhood infection. Within days, it turned into sepsis, causing multiple organ failure and forcing doctors to amputate both her legs and five fingers to save her life.

Now five, Aiyla has made an extraordinary recovery. Her courage and positivity have amazed everyone around her, earning her a Pride of Britain Award and becoming one of the youngest-ever winners.

Her proud mother, Eulanda, 28, from Middlesex, says: “Aiyla has always had a bubbly personality, and despite what she’s been through, she’s lost none of that sparkle. In fact, she’s even louder, more confident and bubblier than before. She’s like Aiyla times 100!

“My nan says it’s as if she knows she got a second chance at life and is taking full