EastEnders’ Diane Parish was visibly overcome with emotion as she paid tribute to one of the winners at the Pride of Britain awards 2021.
Gee Walker was being honoured for her work with the Anthony Walker Foundation, which she set up following the racist murder of her son Anthony Walker in 2005.
She had received the special recognition award for her work in combatting racism and offering a space for people to feel safe after suffering racial abuse.
As Gee is a huge EastEnders fan, her award was presented to her by Danny Dyer, Diane and Rudolph Walker.
Danny started off by telling her: ‘Gee, honestly its an honour to stand on stage with someone as important, and brilliant, and powerful as you and just thank you for everything you’ve done and what you continue doing.’
Diane thanked Gee on stage, fighting back tears as she added: ‘Your capacity to take pain and turn pain into hope and action is an inspiration for every single one of us.
‘It doesn’t matter what colour, creed, gender we are, you are an inspiration. All I can do is salute you, thank you Gee.’
Following Diane’s moving words, Rudolph then joked: ‘Wow. Can I start with a kiss?’, before planting a peck on Gee’s cheek as she smiled.
He cheekily continued: ‘And I realised that her surname is Walker… and my name is Walker too.’
Anthony had been 18 when he was killed in a racist attack in Merseyside when he was fatally struck in the head with an ice axe.
Gee had set up the foundation in memory of Anthony and in the last five years has worked with nearly 40,000 young people through educational and outreach programmes in schools.
Its victim support services have also helped nearly 10,000 people who have experienced hate crime and helped volunteers to build safer, stronger communities.
She said of her award: ‘When I found out about my award I was truly shocked and overwhelmed but told my children that if they thought I was worthy then maybe I am. They are my one true pride.
‘I have watched the Pride of Britain Awards for many years and never thought it would be me on stage one day. I am overjoyed to be recognised.’
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