The wonderful work of people and teams which is making a difference across the region was celebrated in style at the Greater Manchester Health and Care Champion Awards 2025.
Finalists gathered at Manchester’s Science and Industry Museum on Thursday, 10 July, for a sponsored ceremony hosted by former Blue Peter presenter Mwaksy Mudenda.
Almost 700 people and teams were nominated across 14 categories, including Community Champion, Volunteer Champion and the newly introduced Green Initiative of the Year.
Throughout the evening, powerful and inspiring stories were shared, showcasing the strength, compassion and unwavering dedication of those working across health, social care, and community services, both employed and unpaid.
The evening began with a special moment with Chair of NHS Greater Manchester Sir Richard Leese, presenting the Mayor’s Special Recognition Award. This award celebrates a truly exceptional contribution to health and care and was awarded to Alex Matvienko for his work supporting men’s mental health in his local community.
A former professional boxer, Alex now runs a boxing gym in Bolton. After the tragic loss of his friend and coach to suicide, he was inspired to create a safe space for men to come together, talk openly about their mental health, and share his passion for boxing. Named in memory of his friend, Ricky’s Club offers men a place to share experiences, be heard without judgment, and support one another.
Lifetime Achievement Award
The evening concluded with the prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award, sponsored by RLDatix. In a first for the awards, the judging panel made the unique decision to honour all three finalists as winners, ensuring each received their well-deserved moment in the spotlight. With a combined 120 years of service between them, the winners included Coral Higgins, who has transformed cancer care across Greater Manchester. She pioneered lung health checks, improved early diagnosis and improved access to cancer screenings for lower income families.
Carol Kavanagh has been recognised for her work in urgent care, developing new crisis response services and community hospital at home services to support patients access care closer to home. Finally, Julie Flaherty MBE received the award for dedicating 52 years to children’s nursing, contributing to national policy work and taking part in international humanitarian missions.
Sir Richard Leese said:
‘It is always a pleasure to be part of the Greater Manchester Health and Care Champion Awards. It’s a great opportunity to hear of the amazing work that all the shortlisted finalists do across our health and care system every day.
‘This year it has been great to see so many different partners recognised for their contribution to health and care – from boxing clubs in Bolton, to inclusive bakery teams and those working out in the community supporting the homeless. These are exactly the sort of initiatives that are so deserving of recognition.’
Mayor of Greater Manchester, Andy Burnham, said:
Since the first Mayor’s Special Recognition Award was presented six years ago, every year continues to be a fantastic celebration of the incredible people working across health and social care in Greater Manchester.
“This year, I’m proud to recognise Alex, who founded Ricky’s Club in memory of his friend and boxing coach who tragically died by suicide. In a world where men still struggle to talk about their mental health, Ricky’s Club offers a safe, supportive space to open up, connect, and be heard. It’s a powerful reminder that no one should face mental health challenges alone. Congratulations to Alex and all this year’s winners.”
This event is proudly sponsored by Hempsons, Hill Dickinson, Health Innovation Manchester, Manchester Metropolitan University, Metro Moneywise, NHS Professionals, Greater Manchester Primary Care Board, RLDatix, University of Manchester, University of Bolton, and University of Salford.
The winners:
Collaboration Champion
Chris Durkin – North West Community Manager – Intergenerational Music Making
Community Champion
Clive and Sue Green – Group Leaders, Tameside Pulmonary Fibrosis Support Group
Employer/Workplace of the Year
SWAN Primary Care Network
Equalities Champion
Oldham Community Mental Health Champions – Oldham Women’s Chai Project, Pennine Care NHS Foundation Trust
Green Initiative of the Year
IV Therapy Team – Bolton NHS Foundation Trust
Innovation Champion
Caritas Salford
Leadership Champion
Lynzi Shepherd – Assistant Director of Mental Health Commissioning, NHS Greater Manchester
Learner of the Year
Nat Mulley – Student Nurse, University of Salford
Lifetime Achievement Award
- Coral Higgins – Cancer Reform Manager, NHS Greater Manchester
- Carol Kavanagh – Manchester Community Response Lead, Manchester Local Care Organisation
- Julie Flaherty MBE – Children’s Clinical Advisor, Greater Manchester and Eastern Cheshire Strategic Clinical Networks
Mayor’s Recognition Award
Alex Matvienko – Director, Elite Community Hub
People’s Champion
Idowu Morafa – Founder/Director, Across Ummah
Rising Star
Callie Harrop – Head of Community Services, Willow Wood Hospice
Team of the Year
MASH (Manchester Action on Street Health)
Volunteer Champion
David McCallion – Champion, Answer Cancer
Wellbeing Champion
Tyrone Roberts – Chief Nursing Officer, Bolton NHS Foundation Trust
Raffle prizes kindly donated by The Sheridan Suite, Museum of Science and Industry, Benugo Catering, Co-op Live, Royal Exchange Theatre.
See who was on the shortlist for the 2025 awards
