14 'outstanding' Manchester individuals celebrated for their work
"Greater Manchester is proud of you", says Mayor Burnham
Outstanding individuals across Greater Manchester have been recognised and rewarded for their outstanding contribution to the health and wellbeing during a very challenging year.
14 awards were given out at The Greater Manchester Health and Care Champion Awards 2021 took place last night (11 November), however due to the pandemic the celebration was held virtually.
Around 200 virtual guests, with friends and family, logged in to hear about the tremendous work of 37 shortlisted candidates who have gone above and beyond during the pandemic.
The event was hosted by Manchester’s very own television presenter, Michelle Ackerley.
This years host said: “I am very excited to be part of an event that recognises and celebrates health care workers who have supported us all during such a challenging year”.
Sarah Price, Chief Officer, Greater Manchester Health and Social Care Partnership said:
“It was great to hear all the stories behind our shortlisted finalists that were nominated for this year’s awards. It was simply wonderful to learn all about the different kinds of occupations and sectors that came together during the pandemic to help care and support the wellbeing of others in Greater Manchester during these unprecedented times. I came away feeling incredibly proud.”
Mayor’s Special Recognition Award
The Mayor of Greater Manchester, Andy Burnham, recorded a message to announce the winner of his Mayor’s Special Recognition Award.
This year it was awarded to Niamh Brophy and the Homeless Palliative Care Service Team at St Ann's Hospice.
The pandemic brought many additional challenges for those experiencing homelessness and those with palliative and end of life care needs too. The team at St Ann’s Hospice reached out and improved the end of care life for homeless people which can be traumatic and often undignified. The service has been successfully reaching people earlier in their illness to improve quality of care.
Mayor of Greater Manchester, Andy Burnham said:
“What a superb night. It was a real honour to support this year’s awards and be part of the judging panel to select the winners - especially choosing the winner of The Mayor's Special Recognition Award.
"What these awards have shown us is that even when we are tested to our limits, like during a pandemic, people come together even more so to help improve the health and wellbeing of others.
Young Champion of the year
Our Young Champion of the year was awarded to fundraising extraordinaire Freddie Xavi, 11.
Freddie, who has raised a staggering £220,000 for Royal Manchester Children’s Hospital, was presented his award by Chair of The Greater Manchester Health and Care Partnership Sir Richard Leese.
He also received a special thank you message from the team at the hospital as well as his favourite Burnley Footballer, Captain Ben Mee.
Freddie’s best friend Hughie was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia last September and began three years of treatment at the Royal Manchester Children's Hospital.
Hughie wanted to say thank you to the medics looking after him, so he signed up for the hospital charity’s fundraising walk.
Sadly, on the day he was too ill to take part, which is when best pal Freddie stepped up.
The 11-year-old set up a fundraising challenge on behalf of his pal, running 2km every day in the 50 days leading up to Christmas.
He completed the final 2km on Christmas morning surrounded by friends, family and strangers cheering him on.
Collaborative Champion Award
The cross working and coming together of different sectors to support our community was recognised by the Collaborative Champion award.
This year’s winners, Flight Crew members from Virgin Atlantic Sue Povey, Mia Povey, Katie Mainwearing, Laura Sutton, Fran Grundy, and Lynette Blythe were grounded during the pandemic and were redeployed to Bolton NHS Foundation Trust.
Putting their customer service skills to good use they took up health care assistant and patient liaison roles, working to enhance patient experience thanks to a collaboration between the Trust and Virgin Atlantic.
This years celebrations showcase the extortionary work that has been happening in Manchester, with Mayor Burnham expressing his pride in the city.
“Without all these people the pandemic would have been more challenging - and our health and social care sector would be struggling. Congratulations to all of our winners – Greater Manchester is proud of you," said Mayor Burnham