Elaine Oakey's amputee football work wins Pride of Britain

What happened?

Elaine Oakey, 53, from Blackpool, won the P&O Cruises Inspiration Award at the 2026 Pride of Britain Awards.

Her son Jamie, now 23, was born without a foot and without the lower part of his right leg. When he was five, he was told he could train with his team but not play in matches.

How did she help young amputees?

Oakey discovered amputee football. At the time, children trained only alongside adults. She lobbied the England Amputee Football Association (EAFA) to start a junior team.

More than a decade later, she volunteers as Head of EAFA Juniors and Head of Safeguarding. She also coaches, mentors and raises money. The juniors began with weekend camps in Cheshire and Blackpool.

“Now we run eight camps a year,” she said.

Many young players arrive believing they will never play football again, she said.

Jamie now plays for Everton and England. He is due to play at the Amputee World Cup in Mexico in November.

What else does she do?

Every Sunday, Oakey cooks a roast dinner. She delivers it to about 30 vulnerable or isolated people in her community.

She pays for her work with money from cleaning and from her job in a local pub. Her husband, David, died in 2019.

Why does it matter?

Sport gives children confidence, friends and exercise. A junior pathway means young amputees can play with other children like them, instead of being left on the sidelines.

See every 2026 Pride of Britain winner and regional finalist.