There’s a very special reason to raise a glass at The Queens in Blackpool this week, as one of its much-loved team members prepares to take centre stage on national television as a Pride of Britain Award winner.
Elaine Oakey, 53, who works at the Amber Taverns pub, has been named the winner of the prestigious P&O Cruises Inspiration Award at the 2026 Pride of Britain Awards, recognising more than a decade of extraordinary dedication to helping young amputees discover the joy of football, build confidence and achieve dreams they may once have thought impossible. And while customers and colleagues at The Queens know Elaine as a familiar, friendly face behind the bar, away from the pub she has been quietly transforming the lives of young people across the country.
Her remarkable journey began with her son Jamie, who was born without a foot and the lower part of his right leg. Football-mad from an early age, Jamie faced heartbreak when, aged just five, he was told he could not play competitive matches with his team because of his prosthetic leg. Determined that her son should have the same opportunities as other children, Elaine refused to accept that football was out of reach.
After discovering the England Amputee Football Association (EAFA), she learned there was no dedicated junior programme, leaving children to train alongside adults. Rather than accept the situation, she set about changing it. Today, Elaine is Head of EAFA Juniors and Head of Safeguarding, volunteering her time to organise training camps, support families, mentor young players and raise the funds needed to give children with limb differences the opportunity to enjoy the sport they love.
The programme now runs eight junior camps a year, creating opportunities for youngsters to make friends, develop their skills, grow in confidence and, for some, go on to represent their country and the impact has been life-changing for her own family too. Jamie, now 23, has gone on to play amputee football for Everton and England, representing his country on the international stage.
Elaine’s generosity doesn’t stop at football. Alongside her work at The Queens and her voluntary commitments, she also finds time to prepare and deliver Sunday roast dinners to around 30 vulnerable or isolated people in her local community. It’s an extraordinary commitment to helping others, and one that has now earned her recognition at one of the country’s most celebrated awards ceremonies.
Danny Grant, operator of The Queens, said, “We are absolutely bursting with pride for Elaine! We all know what a lovely, caring and hardworking person she is, but to see her recognised on a national stage for everything she does is just incredible.
“Elaine is one of those people who always puts others first. What started as a mum wanting her son to have the chance to play football has grown into something that has changed the lives of so many children and families.
“She’s never been someone to make a fuss about what she does, which makes this award even more special. We’re lucky to have her as part of our team, and I know everyone at The Queens, from her colleagues to our regular customers, will be cheering her on. Elaine, we’re so proud of you. You really are an inspiration, and this recognition couldn’t be more deserved!”
The Pride of Britain Awards celebrate extraordinary people whose courage, kindness, dedication and selflessness make a lasting difference to the lives of others.
Elaine’s P&O Cruises Inspiration Award recognises the remarkable impact she has made through the England Amputee Football Association, helping ensure that children with limb differences have the opportunity to play, belong and achieve.
Elaine’s story will be featured when the Pride of Britain Awards are broadcast on ITV on Thursday 22 October at 8pm, and at The Queens in Blackpool, there will be no shortage of people raising a glass to their very own Pride of Britain winner.