Pride of Britain viewers battle tears as lorry hero John Rastrick honoured

12 October 2023 , 20:13

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Pride of Britain viewers battle tears as lorry hero John Rastrick honoured

Pride of Britain viewers were left fighting back the tears as lorry driver John Rastrick's heroism was honoured.

He accepted the accolade for outstanding bravery after the ‘Knight of the road’ pulled Pari Mistri from a burning vehicle with just 29 seconds to spare before it blew up on the motorway.

After decades on the road, instinct took over and he knew he had just moments to save a life but he insists he’d do it again “in a heartbeat”. Humbly accepting his award, John gave Pari, who wasn’t in attendance, a sweet wave on stage.‌

Lorry driver John Rastrick left viewers overcome with emotion (/ Daily Mirror)

The crowd of celebrities drowned the room in huge cheers and whistles after hearing John’s incredible story, which presenter Carol Vordeman described as something “out of a film” rather than real life. The Repair Shop presenter Jay Blades took an instant liking to hero John, admitting on stage they’d “have a chin-wag” after the show before asking the crowd to give him another standing ovation.

Viewers watching the ceremony tonight said they were 'sobbing' hearing John's incredible story of bravery as one tweeted: "The world's bravest trucker," while another gushed: "Incredible and humble man. John deserves this so much." A third said: "John Rastrick real heroes don't wear capes I salute you sir".

Winners who make the Pride of Britain - and show us that anything is possible

Jay Blades and Katherine Ryan were on hand to dish out his award (David Dyson/Daily Mirror)

Jay said: "People like John remind us of the good deeds which are done by people every day. We should remember them more. Maybe the world would be a better place as a result." Comedian Katherine Ryan, who also presented the award, said that Pride of Britain reminded us that 'there is something extraordinary in all of us".

Pari said after leaving the hospital: "I had no idea of the severity of the accident until much later. I was just looking forward to having dinner with my husband, that's all that was on my mind." Her recollection of the collision had completely gone and she did not know how she came to be lying on the M1.

"I could hear voices and hear stuff, but I couldn't lift my head to look around. I felt like I couldn't speak. I couldn't do anything, I was just lying there," she said. "I was so cold I was thinking, God, if I go might die. don't go and just shivering. The next thing I remember is going into the ambulance and I was thinking, 'Oh my God, if I go to sleep I might die.' Pari said: "That was what was on my mind the whole way."

Watch Pride of Britain Awardslive on ITV at 8pm tonight or stream on ITV X.

Sam Elliott-Gibbs