Worksop: TV personality David Walliams surprises Bailey Matthews with Pride of Britain Award

An inspirational Worksop boy was surprised by TV personality David Walliams after claiming a Daily Mirror Pride of Britain Award.
Bailey Matthews and David WalliamsBailey Matthews and David Walliams
Bailey Matthews and David Walliams

Youngster Bailey Matthews was on a sight-seeing trip to the Tower of London when the Britain’s Got Talent judge, who was dressed as a Queen’s Guard, stepped out of his sentry box to tell him that he had been chosen as a Child of Courage at the annual awards.

The eight-year-old, who has cerebral palsy, was selected by the Pride of Britain judging panel for inspiring millions around the world when he pushed away his walking frame to finish a gruelling triathlon unaided. The video went viral and Bailey appeared on news channels across the country.

Refusing to let his disability stand in his way, Bailey completed the 100 metre swim, 4km bike ride and 1.3km run that makes up the children’s race of a triathlon in North Yorkshire in July.

Bailey Matthews and David WalliamsBailey Matthews and David Walliams
Bailey Matthews and David Walliams

David said: “Bailey is such an inspirational young chap, what he has achieved is nothing short of amazing.

“It was an absolute pleasure to meet him and he genuinely deserves his place up there on the Pride of Britain stage.”

After the initial shock of meeting David, who is also his favourite author, Bailey threw his arms around him and said “thank you”.

He will receive his award in front a star-studded audience at the Pride of Britain ceremony, hosted by Carol Vorderman at the Grosvenor House in London later this month.

David WalliamsDavid Walliams
David Walliams

Pride of Britain, sponsored by Lidl, honours our nation’s unsung heroes. Since it started in 1999, royalty, Prime Ministers and hundreds of celebrities from Hollywood stars to global sporting legends have taken part.

This year Prince Charles and David Cameron will once again be leading the tributes, along with more than a hundred of our most famous faces and national icons.

The Daily Mirror’s Pride of Britain Awards airs on ITV at 8pm on October 1.