Our Pride of Britain newsletter brings you awards news and inspiring stories - don't miss out! Sign me up Thank you for subscribing We have more newsletters Show me See our privacy notice Invalid Email

Carol Vorderman has seen dozens of Pride of Britain Awards handed out since she hosted the very first ceremony in 1999.

And she has welled up as inspiring stories of everyday heroes moved the gathered stars to tears.

But this year one winner was so close to home she was the one struggling to keep going, as she came face to face with a doctor who saved her life.

War surgeon Dr David Nott won a Special Recognition award by Sir Tom Jones for his work in the world's most dangerous places, risking his life to save others in Afghanistan, Iraq and Syria.

But during his work in the UK, he was the doctor on hand to save Carol's life when she was rushed to hospital with sepsis 12 years ago.

(Image: Adam Gerrard/Daily Mirror) (Image: Adam Gerrard/Daily Mirror)

She said: "Not many people know this but I was rushed into hospital 12 years ago.

“I looked into the eyes of this man, thank the Lord - because I was a matter of hours from death from sepsis.

“David was there in A&E and whisked me off and gave me drugs for a long time to calm me down and he did a very, very long operation on me and I just want to say thank you.”

Bursting into tears she threw her arms around the brilliant surgeon. And with tears still streaming down her face, she joked “Can someone else do the next bit, please?”

(Image: Phil Coburn/Daily Mirror)

(Image: Adam Gerrard/Daily Mirror)

Video Loading Video Unavailable Click to play Tap to play The video will start in 8 Cancel Play now

Dr Nott had received the largest and longest standing ovation of the night after guests at the Daily Mirror's Pride of Britain Awards, in partnership with TSB, heard about his 23 years of volunteering.

Every year over that time Dr Nott has taken several months’ unpaid leave from his NHS job in London to work as a volunteer for aid agencies including Médecins Sans Frontières, the Red Cross and Syria Relief.

He has carried out lifesaving operations on victims of conflict and catastrophe in Bosnia, Afghanistan, Sierra Leone, Liberia, Ivory Coast, Chad, Darfur, Yemen, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Haiti, Iraq, Pakistan, Libya, Syria, Central African Republic, Gaza and Nepal.

(Image: Phil Coburn/Daily Mirror)

In Aleppo, scene of the most devastating civilian and child injuries in the Syrian conflict, he worked in a makeshift hospital saving lives as barrel bombs rained down.

The world’s most experienced conflict surgeon has operated with makeshift instruments, by torchlight, and in constant fear for his own life.

He has refused to stop operating when IS fanatics burst into his theatre in Syria, and when he was ordered to leave a hospital in the Gaza Strip which was due to be targeted by an air strike.

His work has brought him to the attention of the Queen too - and he told how sh was able to look after him a little when it all became too much.

David mentioned how he could not speak to Her Majesty about his experience in Aleppo after she voiced her concerns about his safety and started welling up.

(Image: Channel 4)

He recalled: “Suddenly she realised there was something not right with this man so she beckoned over the courtiers who brought over the corgis and for 15 minutes she talked to me about dogs, her life.

"She was just wonderfully humanitarian.”

Dr Nott's award was presented by Sir Tom Jones. The singing legend told him: "When they asked me to come along to present you with this award I couldn't believe my luck.

"I've seen you on the TV and the radio, you are just incredible for what you do and what you continue to do.

"I was bowled over. I couldn't think of anyone else in the world I would rather give this award to."

Sir Tom had been emotional himself on the red carpet, as he paid tribute to late wife Linda.

Video Loading Video Unavailable Click to play Tap to play The video will start in 8 Cancel Play now

ITN news anchor and seasoned war correspondent Mark Austin praised Mr Nott saying: "When you truly examine what David does it is astonishing.

"He is a hero, a true example to us all, going into completely hostile environments when others are coming out.

"The pool of people in his field is minute and he is at the very top.

"He is a credit to his profession and we should all be immensely proud of him."

Carol's reunion with her doctor was just one emotional moment on a night when celebrities know tissues are going to be needed, and which is sure to leave some ITV viewers in tears when the show is aired at 8pm on Tuesday 1 November.

Sir Cliff Richard returned to the limelight, and declared the inspirational winners had put the turmoil of the past two years, when he endured a child sex abuse investigation before being cleared, firmly behind him.

(Image: Phil Harris/Daily Mirror)

Sir Cliff said: “I found it really, really inspiring to be here. I’ve had a couple of bad years.

“What I’ve seen tonight absolutely destroys everything I’ve been through for two years.”

Sir Cliff joined Dame Joan Collins on stage to give a Special Recognition award to Simon McDermott and his dad Ted, who went viral as they raised awareness of dementia with their carpool karaoke style videos.

Prince Charles, who recognised this year's Prince's Trust winner, and Prime Minister Theresa May, who presented Professor Stephen Hawking with a lifetime achievement award, were the two biggest names in attendance.

(Image: Phil Harris/Daily Mirror) (Image: John Alevroyiannis/Daily Mirror)

But it was the winners who held the room spellbound as their heroic stories were told.

And there was laughter too - Prof Hawking, via his computer, telling Mrs May: "I deal with very difficult mathematical questions every day but please don’t ask me to help with Brexit.”

Young Fundraiser Rhea Kara raised a further £30,000 for research into Rett Syndrome when two of her paintings were auctioned, Simon Cowell and One Direction's Louis Tomlinson generously shelling out £15,000 each.

The stars got dressed up for a dazzling red carpet show at London's Grosvenor House, but Cheryl stayed away - and Kimberley Walsh appeared to confirm her best friend Cheryl was expecting.

But newlywed Olympic heroes Laura and Jason Kenny, who were joined at the Awards by a host of Olympic and Paralympic team mates, had no time for talk of babies just yet.

Host Carol asked them: “Will we hear the pitter-patter of tiny bicycles?”

But Laura replied simply: “You sound like Jason’s mum!”