Royal Docks hero teacher honoured for donating kidney at glittering awards
Ray Coe donated a kidney to Alya Ahmed Ali, a student at Royal Docks Community School where he is a teacher - Credit: Archant
A teacher who donated a kidney to one of his severely ill students has received an award for his selfless act.
Ray Coe, who works at Royal Docks Community School in Custom House, was named Teacher of the Year at the annual Pride of Britain Awards 2014. The awards, which were given out at a glittering ceremony in central London, honour ordinary people who have gone beyond the call of duty.
Ray, 53, donated his kidney to Alya Ahmed Ali, 13, in a selfless act in which he saved the teenager’s life.
He joined Carol Vorderman on stage where he was presented with his Teacher of the Year Award by comedian John Bishop and Jimmy Carr. Ever modest Ray played down his actions, saying it had been the right thing to do.
Special needs co-ordinator Ray was hailed a hero in April by Alya’s father Ahmed Ali who said he was an “amazing man”.
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Alya underwent the kidney transplant in February, is back at school and hopes to work at Great Ormond Street Hospital where she was treated.
The awards are nominated by the public and the winners are from all walks of life, of all ages, and from all over the country.
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