Meet Tameside’s finalists of the Greater Manchester Health and Care Champion Awards

The shortlist for the only Greater Manchester-wide awards recognising the outstanding contributions from the NHS whole health and care workforce, has announced its 2025 inspiring finalists.

Now in its sixth year, the awards are organised by NHS Greater Manchester and have received a record-breaking number of nominations. These celebrate the incredible individuals and teams who work tirelessly on the frontlines and behind-the-scenes to improve the health and wellbeing of others.

This year, nearly 700 nominations were received from over 140 organisations, each highlighting an extraordinary story from our employed and unwaged workforce.

Tameside are proud to announce their finalists are:

• Clive and Sue Green have been shortlisted in the Community Champion category for their compassionate leadership of the Pulmonary Fibrosis Support Group. Pulmonary fibrosis is a lung disease that causes scarring and makes breathing difficult. Clive and Sue have built a welcoming, supportive community for more than 300 members worldwide; including patients, families, and carers. They organise regular meetings, social events, and offer hot meals during the colder months to support those living with pulmonary fibrosis helping to foster friendships with others who understand what they’re going through.
• Jay Clarke, a youth worker apprentice at Tameside Metropolitan Borough Council, has been shortlisted for Learner of the Year for her outstanding support of vulnerable children and young people. By redesigning resources using relatable language and references, Jay made them more engaging and accessible. She also introduced practical touches, like offering fidget toys to ease anxiety. Drawing on her own lived experience, Jay has built strong partnerships with local organisations to create lasting, meaningful change in her community.
• Callie Harrop, head of community services at Willow Wood Hospice, is a Rising Star finalist for her leadership in improving patient care and strengthening the viability of services. Since taking on her role, she has improved access to care, built stronger partnerships across teams to support more coordinated services, and expanded support for carers. Having recently completed a leadership apprenticeship, Callie draws on her learning to encourage innovation and growth within her team.

Visit the GM Health and Care Champion Awards webpage to view the full shortlist. All shortlisted nominations will be considered by a judging panel and the winners announced at a special sponsored event in July.  

Mark Fisher, Chief Executive, NHS Greater Manchester said: “The awards continue to be an exceptional opportunity to recognise the dedication and passion of our health and care workforce across Greater Manchester. The awards are a great reminder of the all the inspirational work our staff and local health and care organisations are doing to support our communities and the health and wellbeing of our residents.

“Congratulations to those shortlisted this year, and I look forward to celebrating alongside you at the ceremony.”

Andy Burnham, Mayor of Greater Manchester said: “It’s fantastic to see the Greater Manchester Health and Care Champion Awards are back again for their sixth year. The variety of individuals and teams shortlisted across Greater Manchester is outstanding - from a hospital planting trees, charities helping the homeless, personal training to support mental health, and a sexual health team addressing health inequalities.

“I’m really pleased that they are getting the recognition they deserve, and I’m proud to celebrate those who are making a difference.”