From buses to big hearts, Inspector takes national award

Local man Chris Liddle, an Inspector from Stagecoach, has been honoured with the top prize in the ‘We Support Communities’ category at the Stagecoach Excellence Awards 2026.

For more than nine years, Chris has gone above and beyond his day-to-day role, dedicating his time to supporting local organisations and charities. During this period, he has raised and donated more than £5,000 to a range of cancer charities, while also spearheading annual initiatives to collect and deliver Easter eggs and Christmas gifts to children on the ward at Hospitals in Tameside and Oldham.

Chris travelled to London last week to attend the awards ceremony, where he was presented with the accolade. Speaking afterwards, he said: “It’s been an honour and an absolute pleasure to bring the community together through donations. Working in partnership with local Tesco branches and their store champions, we’ve been able to bring smiles to children’s faces during some very difficult times. I won’t stop here.”

His efforts are already continuing, with this year’s Christmas appeal well underway. Chris has so far collected more than 400 toys and raised over £1,000, contributions that are set to make a significant difference to families and young patients.

Since receiving the award, Chris has been inundated with messages of support and praise. One message read: “I am so proud of you for all the work you do with local hospitals and poorly children. Their little faces light up when they see Father ‘Chris’tmas, it really does make your heart melt.”

Richard Greaves, Stagecoach Depot Operations Manager, was also on hand to congratulate Chris on his award.