BOXER Anthony Joshua met young heroes on the Who Cares Wins red carpet and said: “These kids are the real champions.”
Brit heavyweight AJ, 33, posed with brave heart transplant girl Beatrix Archbold, two, and Young Hero nominee Harry Byrne.
Dan CharityAnthony Joshua posed with brave Beatrix Archbold, who was saved by the cardiologists at Newcastle’s Freeman Hospital[/caption]
Holding Beatrix — saved by the cardiologists at Newcastle’s Freeman Hospital, in the Best Team category — he said: “These kids are a ten out of ten.
“They’re a knockout. I had a hard day of boxing but then I came here and I’m so glad I did. I’ve met some inspirational people. We don’t realise how much they do for us until we’re in their hands.”
Joshua was joined by a galaxy of stars including Gary Lineker, Christine Lampard, Kate Garraway, Piers Morgan and Love Island stars Ekin-Su Culculoglu and Zara McDermott.
Yet the real stars were the nominees, from the doctor who has dedicated his career to treating the homeless to a 26-year volunteer at a children’s ward.
Host Davina McCall summed it up, saying: “The big names here tonight are nothing, because we’ve all come here to celebrate these special people, the health heroes. I think you don’t go into the NHS or become a volunteer unless you are a selfless loving person. They do that day in, day out, without any congratulations or love or thanks. I think that’s why it’s important.”
Many stars had their own reasons to thank the NHS.
Match of the Day host Lineker, whose son George spent seven months in hospital with blood cancer as a baby, said: “We’ll be eternally grateful to the staff who have given him the chance in life. It’s great to be here and pay respects.”
Paralympic swimming champion Ellie Simmonds said: “I have dwarfism, I’ve gone to hospital once every year to have check-ups.
“Lots of family members have used the NHS and we wouldn’t be where we are today without them.”
Victoria’s Secret model Leomie Anderson said: “It’s so important to be here tonight.
“These people do a lot of work behind the scenes.” Presenter Denise van Outen added: “It’s about celebrating them.”
Actress Emily Atack said: “It’s important to recognise what these people do for us.”
Joey Essex said he was excited to see who would win the Caroline Flack Mental Health Hero. He said: “”It’s really important that we keep talking about it.”
Nadiya Bychkova, who arrived arm-in-arm with fellow Strictly pro and boyfriend Kai Widdrington, said: “Whenever my daughter is unwell, the NHS takes incredible care of her.”
Comic Katherine Ryan got one of the night’s biggest cheers as she handed out the best midwife award to workers who see new mums at their “sweariest and sweatiest.”
Later, mum-of-three Katherine said: “If I could do anything in life that could bring me true satisfaction it would be midwifery, I love midwives. I’ve always had great midwives.”
Additional reporting: Lynsey Hope, Clare O’Reilly, Margaret Hussey, Eleanor Sharples, Alice Fuller, Amir Razavi, Ellie Henman and Emma Pietras.
Doug Seeburg/News Group Newspapers LtdEmily Atack showed off her amazing figure in a pink dress for the Who Cares Wins Awards[/caption]
Louis Wood News Group Newspapers LtdKate Garraway was among the A-listers who attended the Who Cares Wins awards[/caption]
Zara opted for an off-white silk gown
Paralympic swimming champion Ellie Simmonds said ‘we wouldn’t be where we are today without the NHS’
Victoria’s Secret model Leomie Anderson said: ‘It’s so important to be here tonight’
Doug Seeburg/News Group Newspapers LtdEkin-Su looked incredible in a black gown on the red carpet[/caption]
PAJoey Essex said he was excited to see who would win the Caroline Flack Mental Health Hero[/caption]
Doug Seeburg/News Group Newspapers LtdNadiya Bychkova arrived arm-in-arm with fellow Strictly pro and boyfriend Kai Widdrington[/caption]