The winners of the Greater Manchester Health and Care Champion Awards 2025 were announced earlier this month in recognition of those making exceptional contributions in the region.
Almost 700 individuals and teams were nominated across 14 categories, and finalists gathered at a ceremony at Manchester’s Science and Industry Museum hosted by former Blue Peter presenter Mwaksy Mudenda.
Inspiring stories were shared throughout the evening, showcasing the strength, compassion and dedication of those working across health, social care, and community services.
Among the winners was Alex Matvienko who received the Mayor’s special recognition award 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. Named in memory of his friend, Ricky’s Club offers men a place to share experiences, be heard without judgment, and support one another.
Mayor of Greater Manchester Andy Burnham said he was proud to give the award.
‘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,’ he said.
The winner of the award for Green Initiative of the Year went to Bolton NHS Foundation Trust’s IV Therapy at Home Team (pictured).
Since January 2023, the team has switched to using 24-hour Elastomeric devices to administer antibiotics in patients’ homes, reducing the need for multiple daily visits and significantly cutting down on plastic waste, PPE, and travel emissions.
The team has eliminated the use of thousands of plastic syringes, bottles, aprons and gloves, prevented over 5,000 sharps bins from being incinerated, and saved more than 10,000 travel miles – the equivalent of a journey from Bolton to the South Pole.
There were three winners of the lifetime achievement award who have a combined 120 years of service between them.
Coral Higgins won for transforming cancer care across Greater Manchester by pioneering lung health checks, improving early diagnosis and access to cancer screenings for lower income families.
Carol Kavanagh was recognised for her work in urgent care, developing new crisis response services and community hospital-at-home services to support patients in accessing care closer to home.
And 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, chair of NHS Greater Manchester, said the range of nominations was impressive.
‘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,’ he said.
There is a full list of winners and shortlisted finalists at NHS Greater Manchester’s website.
