Manchester bomb survivor and Rochdale grooming scandal whistleblower honoured at NHS Heroes Awards
The awards will be broadcast on ITV at 8.30pm on 21st May.
Last updated 15th May 2018
The Duke of Cambridge has described the NHS as "one of our country's greatest treasures'' in a message hailing the dedication of health workers.
William paid tribute to staff in a video recorded for the NHS Heroes Awards last night, saying they are the "most wonderful thing'' about the service.
The event coincides with the 70th anniversary of the NHS and recognised the heroism of both professionals and members of the public.
One of the sexual health workers who helped lift the lid on the Rochdale grooming scandal was among those to receive an award.
Sara Rowbotham, 50, (pictured below) was given a special recognition honour for years of working with vulnerable children. Her evidence helped lead to the conviction of nine child abusers.
A young survivor of the Manchester Arena bombing received the "young fundraising hero'' award for helping to raise £40,000 for the Royal Manchester Children's hospital, where she was treated for devastating injuries.
Freya Lewis, 15, (pictured above with Kym Marsh) was leaving the Ariana Grande concert when a suicide bomber detonated his device. Her friend Nell Jones was among the 22 killed.
Prince William recorded a special message which was played at the event on Monday night.
He said: "The National Health Service is one of our country's greatest treasures, and something we should all be immensely proud of.
"Perhaps the most wonderful thing about the NHS is its people. The skill, care, and dedication that they provide every day is truly inspirational.
"I would like to pay tribute to every member of NHS staff, and the wonderful volunteers who do so much to support them - we owe you all a huge thank you.''
The ceremony will be broadcast on ITV at 8.30pm on May 21