Steph Spyro
Daily Express
She demonstrated empathetic reporting on the humanitarian crisis in Tigray earlier this year when she ventured to the war-torn region in Ethiopia.
The intrepid journalist entered Tigray as a charity worker, instead of a journalist, because of the persecution faced by reporters who fail to toe the government's line.
Her series of articles explored the impact of drought and famine on the region, while holding power to account by highlighting the devastating effects of a recent war.
The region, once fertile, has been reduced to barren wastelands, leaving families struggling to feed their children.
Steph’s reporting, which went on to raise £10,000 for the charity Mary’s Meals, highlighted the urgent need for support to combat the dual crises of conflict and climate change.
She has also been a fierce campaigner in the fight to move 15 gentoo penguins kept in captivity at Sea Life London Aquarium. Housed in a "dungeon" enclosure with no access to natural air or daylight, these penguins can only dive seven feet compared to the 600 feet they would in the wild.
The Express faced legal threats for referring to the animals as “captive”. Spyro has continued to relentlessly expose the exploitation of these animals. Spyro has amassed the support of Chris Packham, Feargal Sharkey, Dale Vince and Peter Egan - alongside two dozen animal welfare charities - in the fight to highlight the unethical conditions the animals live in. Spyro also consistently exposes the ongoing environmental crisis caused by water companies discharging untreated sewage into rivers across the UK.
Despite public outrage, firms have prioritised profits, with executives receiving millions in bonuses while neglecting critical infrastructure upgrades.
The Express’s coverage has sparked widespread debate on the need for better regulation and investment to protect the environment and prevent further pollution of UK rivers.