Michelle Tolley Celebrates Pride of Britain Win with Dream Cruise

When Michelle Tolley received a prestigious award at the Daily Mirror’s Pride of Britain Awards, she felt an overwhelming sense of achievement. The 60-year-old campaigner, known for her tireless efforts advocating for over 30,000 individuals infected with HIV and Hepatitis C due to the Infected Blood Scandal, was in for an additional surprise. Alongside fellow advocates Andrew Evans and Jason Evans, she was awarded a Special Recognition Award and a holiday cruise from P&O Cruises.

“It was a moment I will never forget,” Michelle recalled. Initially, she believed the cruise was awarded solely to midwife Agnes Nisbett, who was also recognized that evening. “I was thrilled for her, but then they announced that all of us had won a cruise!”

Michelle’s journey has been marked by decades of health struggles and relentless campaigning. After being infected with Hepatitis C through a blood transfusion following the birth of her first child in 1987, she faced 28 years of fatigue and illness, often dismissed by medical professionals. It was not until a year after her diagnosis that she began treatment.

“I was so angry. I told my husband, Dean, that I needed to channel this anger into something positive,” she said. Michelle went on to manage a support group for fellow patients, partner with the Hepatitis C Trust, and present at the official government inquiry on the scandal.

The couple had not traveled abroad since their wedding in 1984. “I told Dean, I would either go alone or he would have to join me,” Michelle laughed. They booked a cruise to the Canary Islands, which coincided with their upcoming 40th wedding anniversary. “I mentioned to P&O that we might want to renew our vows, and they called back to say they had arranged it for us,” she explained.

Onboard the ship Ventura, Michelle and Dean were treated to a beautiful bouquet of flowers, a framed photo of their ceremony, and special dining experiences. Michelle’s previous cruise experience was limited to a journey she took at the age of nine in 1976. The grandeur of the ship left her in awe.

“The sight of the ship was mind-blowing,” she described. “It felt like Christmas day with all your presents. I had this childish urge to squeal. I just couldn’t believe it.”

During their time at sea, the couple took full advantage of the amenities, relishing gourmet meals, enjoying the cinema and theatre, and exploring the islands of Madeira and the Canary Islands. “At our first stop in Madeira, I was amazed to see so many banana trees. Instead of just wandering, I decided to hire a taxi for a tour, and our driver Manuel offered us a fantastic deal,” she recounted.

The experience was so enjoyable that by the end of the cruise, they immediately booked another trip. They are now looking forward to a Mediterranean cruise, a winter escape to the Caribbean, and an ambitious 108-day round-the-world cruise with P&O Cruises planned for 2027.

After years of dedicated campaigning, Michelle is embracing this exciting new chapter in her life. “If you’ve never been on a cruise, I highly recommend it,” she stated. “The facilities are fantastic, the staff are incredibly welcoming, and the value is exceptional for everything you receive.”

To learn more about booking a holiday with P&O Cruises, visit pocruises.com.