Two of Suffolk’s most extraordinary people are set for recognition at the star-studded Pride of Britain awards in London this evening.

East Anglian Daily Times: William Pooley from Eyke, near Woodbridge, has made a full recovery since contracting Ebola and is set to be honoured this eveningWilliam Pooley from Eyke, near Woodbridge, has made a full recovery since contracting Ebola and is set to be honoured this evening (Image: Archant)

Will Pooley and Maggie Scorer are attending the special event alongside the likes of Prince Charles, David Beckham, Simon Cowell and Boris Johnson, where some of Britain’s bravest and most giving people will be honoured.

Mr Pooley, of Eyke, was the first Briton to catch the potentially deadly Ebola virus while he was a volunteer nurse in Sierra Leone in August last year, falling ill six weeks after arriving to help sufferers in the west African country.

After making a full recovery he returned to Sierra Leone last October, while he also donated blood plasma to help victims fight the disease. The blood of survivors contains natural antibodies which can help protect against Ebola.

Mr Pooley was awarded an MBE for his work earlier this year and is set to be given the special recognition award by prime minister David Cameron this evening.

Mr Cameron said: “The Ebola outbreak was one of the most devastating epidemics of our generation, but we managed to stop its spread thanks to the hard work of British people who travelled to west Africa.”

Mrs Scorer, of Snape, is nominated for the ITV Fundraiser Award, following her 5,000 mile cycle ride around the British coast while pulling her golden retriever, Oscar, behind her.

The grandmother of eight set off in March with the aim of raising at least £25,000 for Leukaemia & Lymphoma Research and for Stillborn & Neonatal Deaths (Sands).

East Anglian Daily Times: Maggie Scorer celebrates the end of her ride as she crosses the finish line outside the Wentworth Hotel, Aldeburgh. Picture: Steve WallerMaggie Scorer celebrates the end of her ride as she crosses the finish line outside the Wentworth Hotel, Aldeburgh. Picture: Steve Waller (Image: © Stephen Waller)

She chose to support Sands after giving birth to a stillborn baby in 1977, and picked Leukaemia and Lymphoma research after her son-in-law was diagnosed with blood cancer.

Peter Willis, Pride of Britain Awards founder, said: “Many congratulations to Maggie on her achievement. We’re delighted she will join us at the Pride of Britain Awards. It’s going to be a night to remember.”

The awards ceremony will be broadcast on ITV at 8pm on Thursday.