Grenfell Tower fire heroes including neighbours, community members and firefighters received special honours at the Daily Mirror's Pride of Britain Awards 2017.
The ceremony was held at Grosvenor House in London on Monday evening (October 30), The Mirror reports.
Neighbours, firefighters and businesses who fearlessly banded together to offer help and support following the fire that killed an estimated 80 people on June 14 were recognised for their selfless work.
London firefighters who went above and beyond their call of duty and risked their own lives to save those trapped in Grenfell Tower received the This Morning Emergency Services Award at the ceremony.
Grenfell in the news
The award champions ordinary people for their selflessness, courage and astonishing feats.
It took 250 officers 24 hours to extinguish the blaze, the worst fire to break out in London since the Blitz.
Grenfell Tower firefighters
Firefighters from London Fire Brigade saved 65 people from the tower and many remained at the site over the following four days, with some putting in near 24-hour shifts as they dampened pockets of fire and searched the rubble.
Commander Richard Welch, who was one of the first senior officers to arrive at the scene, described how the flames kept spreading as more and more firefighters arrived.
He said: “Initially they had six machines.
"Then they asked for eight, and then 10, and then 15, 20 and 25. Every single person within that building was willing to lose their own life to try to save others.
"Every single person.”
The Pride of Britain Awards ceremony 2017 also recognised the incredible work of neighbours, local businesses and community members whose caring, resourceful and selfless response to the tragedy was described by judges as being "at the very heart of Pride of Britain".
What the judges said
The heroism of the Grenfell firefighters is on an almost unimaginable scale.
To go into those flames, not knowing if the building would collapse, or if you would come out again, with no thought but to try and save as many people as possible, is simply extraordinary.
The people of Grenfell
A Special Recognition category recognised the the people of Grenfell and the wider community who united to offer help, support and shelter to those left bereaved and homeless following the fire.
In the wake of the tragedy people from neighbouring blocks, estates and streets, and from across London, rallied to assist residents of the tower who had lost their homes, possessions, and in some cases were still searching for loved ones.
It was a response that saw people of all ages, races and social classes come together to offer accommodation, food, water and clothes.
Shopkeepers and businesses offered their services for free, and community centres and social clubs opened their doors to evacuated residents.
Churches, mosques and Sikh temples offered shelter to families who had been rescued from the blazing building. Volunteers rallied together to sort and distribute donations.
Boxes of fruit and vegetables were donated from local market stalls. Westway Sports Centre was transformed into a sanctuary, with donations of shoes, baby milk, nappies, soap and blankets. Donations soon spread to cover the entire tennis courts.
The Support for Grenfell Community Hub was set up to offer a range of support, counselling and advice for children, young people, parents and families affected by the Grenfell Tower Fire.
In their community’s hour of greatest need, the community came together to look after each other with love, courage and dignity.
It was a response that inspired the entire nation.
What the judges said
The shining community spirit that came to the fore after the Grenfell fire showed humanity at its very best. Utterly selfless, caring, resourceful and inspirational - these are the qualities at the very heart of Pride of Britain.
The Daily Mirror’s Pride of Britain Awards, in partnership with TSB, honour the nation’s unsung heroes. The awards ceremony is now in its 19th year.
* Don’t miss the Pride of Britain Awards on ITV at 8pm next Tuesday.
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