Community · Stockton-on-Tees, County Durham, England, UK
Michael McWilliams wins Pride of Britain regional award
What does the Harvey McWilliams Foundation do?
Michael McWilliams won ITV Tyne Tees' 2026 Pride of Britain Regional Fundraiser of the Year award. He and his wife, Kelly, run the Harvey McWilliams Foundation in memory of their son, who died in 2021 aged 18. The charity gives football boots, kits and winter jackets to young people who struggle to afford them, and runs a boot library.
What happened?
Michael McWilliams won ITV Tyne Tees’ Pride of Britain Regional Fundraiser of the Year award for 2026. ITV presenter Amy Lea surprised him with the award. As a regional winner, he was invited to the national ceremony in London.
Why did he start the charity?
Michael’s son Harvey died by suicide in 2021, aged 18. Harvey loved football. He supported Sunderland and never missed a home game. He played for several local teams and was once scouted by Darlington FC.
Growing up, Harvey often gave away football boots. After his death, his brother Luke suggested donating boots in his memory. That idea became the Harvey McWilliams Foundation. His family say Harvey’s generous nature inspired them.
What does the foundation do?
Michael and his wife, Kelly, run the charity. It provides football kits, boots and winter jackets to children and young adults in the region who may struggle to afford them.
It also runs a “boot library”. Children can trade in their boots for a bigger pair as their feet grow.
What did the judge say?
The guest judge was Kieran Reilly, an Olympic BMX medallist. He praised Michael for turning “such an unfortunate loss” into something for the whole community. He also noted how football supports mental health, because it combines exercise and a social life.
Where to get support
If you are struggling, you can call Samaritans free on 116 123 in the UK and Ireland, at any time. In an emergency, call 999.
See every 2026 Pride of Britain winner and regional finalist.
Sources & reporting notes
We checked ITV News Tyne Tees' winner announcement of 11 September 2026. ITV tags the story Stockton but does not give the family's town, so our location is approximate. The report does not say how many young people the charity has helped. We follow Samaritans' guidance for reporting on suicide.
- ITV News Tyne Tees · 11 September 2026
Announces McWilliams as the regional winner and describes the charity, with comments from judge Kieran Reilly.
Have a correction or a confirmed update? Contact our editorial team.
Common questions
- What is a boot library?
- The Harvey McWilliams Foundation lets children trade in their football boots for a bigger pair as their feet grow.
- Who else was shortlisted in the Tyne Tees region?
- ITV's other nominees were Mark and Lisa Rutherford and Caroline Curry of the Chloe & Liam Together Forever Trust, Heather Hill of Forever Eight, and Sam Tanfield of Contemporary Community Choirs.
