Colin Powell
A grateful patient who underwent lifesaving heart surgery at Royal Stoke University Hospital celebrated his 60th birthday by raising more than £4,000 for the ward that cared for him.
Colin Powell asked friends and family to forgo birthday gifts and instead donate to Ward 223, the cardiac ward at the Royal Stoke University Hospital. The incredible generosity of his guests at a birthday party resulted in a donation of £4,035 for UHNM Charity, which will be used directly by the ward to enhance patient care and support staff.
Colin’s journey began three years ago when he suffered a heart attack. Amid the pressures of the Covid-19 pandemic, he was transferred to Stoke where he was told he needed a triple heart bypass.
“When they told me I needed a triple heart bypass, it was a shock,” Colin recalled. “At first, I thought I could just get back to work, but you have to put trust in the team.”
His surgery was performed the day after the Queen’s funeral by Consultant Cardiac Surgeon Mr Abid, who has been at UHNM for more than 22 years. Colin’s experience on Ward 223 left a profound impact.
“Mr Abid and the staff explained everything clearly, treated me with respect and looked after me so well. I had complete confidence in them,” Colin said. “The professionalism, the friendliness and even the humour from the staff made a difficult time much easier.”
It was this outstanding level of care that inspired Colin to give back. “For my 60th birthday I asked people, instead of giving presents, to donate to Ward 223. We managed to raise £4,035, and I’m very proud of that. The money goes straight to the ward for equipment and patient care and it really makes a difference.”
Mr Abid emphasised the critical importance of such donations. “The NHS provides core care, but donations help us buy extra equipment and improve treatment for future patients. Fundraising like Colin’s is extremely important.”
He also highlighted the team effort behind successful patient outcomes. “We’ve achieved some of the best surgical outcomes in the country, but that’s down to the whole team — not just the surgeons. Two years after his surgery, seeing Colin well and smiling is the best reward for our work.”
The funds raised by Colin will be allocated directly to Ward 223 through UHNM Charity, paying for state-of-the-art medical equipment, enhanced training for staff and additional comforts for patients undergoing treatment.
“We are so touched by Colin’s fantastic fundraising efforts,” said Lisa Thomson, UHNM Charity Director. “His story is a powerful testament to the dedication of our cardiac team and shows how charitable support can directly enhance the care we provide. We are incredibly grateful to him and his friends and family for their generous donation.”
Colin’s final message to the team was simple and heartfelt: “I’m lucky to still be here, and that’s thanks to Ward 223. From the bottom of my heart, thank you.”
Colin Powell has been nominated in the Charity Champion or Volunteer of the Year category of the Your Heroes Awards.
Nathan Walton
A Staffordshire businessman has personally raised around £400,000 for charity over the past three decades.
As part of a fundraising team he has raised more than £1.5 million.
Nathan Walton, the CEO of Insurance Connections, volunteered for the Samaritans for several years followed by challenges in aid of Mencap which took him around the world to compete in cycling challenge from Egypt and the Great Wall of China to Rio de Janeiro.
Since then the 57-year-old has participated in various charity campaigns, with a key focus on fundraising for the Douglas Macmillan Hospice and The Donna Louise – both close to Nathan’s heart.
His challenges have included two Tower-to-Tower, Paris to London, challenges raising more than £400,000. In 2017 he and a friend lived in smart car for a week in The Potteries Shopping Centre.
He walked the Thames path in 2022. In 2023 he completed the Marathon Des Sables, a 250km ultra-marathon in the Sahara Desert.
Over the past two decades he has helped the Donna Louise Trust as a corporate donor, volunteer, trustee and Director of Fundraising
This month he is going out of his comfort zone as a contestant in the Strictly Knot Dancing event at the King’s Hall in Stoke to raise money for the Dougie Mac.
Nathan has been nominated in the Charity Champion or Volunteer of the Year category of the Your Heroes Awards.
As Nathan’s nominator said: “I feel Nathan’s wonderful dedication to helping charity should be recognised. He should be very proud of his dedication and commitment to helping people and local charities.”
Nathan said: “I have a never-ending passion to do what I can for others. I love physical challenges and pushing myself and despite having plenty of injuries and illnesses along the way, including breaking my leg in four places and getting salmonella, I am always looking for the next way of raising money for charity.
“What I do gives me a real sense of purpose and I can assure you that many of the venues and places might sound exotic but they really are done in very demanding environments. I think I’ve taken part in enough based in hot climates, perhaps I should be looking at somewhere like the Arctic for my next one?
“But seriously, it makes me really happy to know that I can do my bit in making other people’s lives a bit better.”
Russell Rushton
The husband of a neurosurgery patient has raised £1,450 for UHNM Charity to thank staff who were involved in his wife’s care.
Russell Rushton, aged 71, from Cheddleton, raised the money for Ward 228 at Royal Stoke University Hospital after his wife Jane received care from the ward after being diagnosed with a brain tumour in June 2024.
Jane was operated on in August 2024 by consultant neurosurgeon Howard Brydon before receiving care from the critical care unit, ward 228 and ward 227 then continuing her care at Haywood Hospital in Burslem.
Russell raised money through the sale of Christmas Santas and Robins which had been crocheted by Santa’s helpers, Tracy and Jayne. In addition, the Wetley Rocks Male Voice Choir, where Russell is a member, made a donation from the proceeds of their Christmas concert.
Russell said: “The staff have been absolutely terrific. This shows Jane was in great care and was shown love in the process. The team are like our new family.
“Jane was also held back as she had a case of pneumonia. Despite the setbacks, Jane battled through this with dedication and the support from the amazing team around her.”
Russell visited Royal Stoke to present his cheque to staff on ward 228.
Senior staff nurse Tammie Latham said: “It’s not just the recognition we have towards our patients, it’s also the relationships that we build.
“Without UHNM Charity, funding for things such as new equipment to help improve patient experience during their stay with us wouldn’t be possible.”
Russell Rushton has been nominated in the Charity Champion or Volunteer category of the Your Heroes Awards.
Neil Harding
A former patient from University Hospitals of North Midlands NHS Trust completed a two-week fundraising trek to Everest base camp to say thank you for his care.
Neil Harding, aged 58, was part of a six-person team that scaled the 17,598 feet to base camp to raise funds for cancer services at UHNM.
Neil, a former member of the armed forces and avid walker from Stoke-on-Trent, chose to fundraise for UHNM Charity to thank staff for their ‘fast and efficient’ care.
He said: “I’ve completed the trek to Everest base camp before and it’s a great life experience. But I think whilst you’re doing a life experience, it’s good to benefit others.
“The treatment I received at UHNM was fast and efficient. Following on from my illness the staff were very supportive and I can still contact them any time should I need to. I feel like I’m repaying some of the hard work by UHNM.
“Whilst I’m still fit and able t, I want to be able to continue raising money for charity as well as help others to achieve their goals regardless of their age or ability.
“The motto for my walking group is ‘rest is rust’ and I encourage others to just take one step further every time.
“After spending many years in the military I never thought I was going to be old or injured, but your health does deteriorate and things creep up on you. UHNM Charity is a great cause, which could benefit yourself in the future.
“It’s a pleasure to do this climb now I am able to do so and am already making plans to do it again next year.”
Neil Harding has been nominated in the Charity Champion or Volunteer of the Year category of the Your Heroes Awards.
Jamie Palmer
Jamie Palmer has gone from sleeping rough on the streets of Stoke-on-Trent to becoming a peer mentor who helps others out of homelessness and addiction.
Just six years ago he had lost his home, his health and his hope after experiencing addiction, personal loss and isolation.
In 2019 he went to Concrete, part of Honeycomb Group, where he was given a safe place to stay and the tailored support he needed to rebuild his life.
With determination and resilience he has turned things around, breaking free from addiction and beginning the long journey to recovery and independence.
His journey from homelessness and addiction to dedicated volunteer and peer mentor is now inspiring others.
Through his volunteering, Jamie has made a profound impact. He has helped men who were once withdrawn and distrustful to open up and engage.
He encourages individuals to take part in mentoring themselves, planting seeds of hope for the future.
His ability to build trust has transformed the experiences of people who felt written off by society.
Importantly, volunteering has also had a transformative impact on Jamie himself.
He describes gaining confidence, self-worth and purpose, calling the peer mentor role a turning point in his recovery.
Jamie has been nominated in the Charity Champion or Volunteer of the Year category of the Your Heroes Awards by Rachel Lawton at Honeycomb Group.
She said: “What makes Jamie exceptional is his decision not to stop. Instead of simply moving on, he chose to give back to the community that supported him, volunteering as a peer mentor to help others who are now facing the same struggles he once knew so well.
“He dedicates his time to supporting men living in Concrete’s 24/7 male scheme, many of whom are experiencing homelessness, substance misuse and complex trauma.
“Jamie shares his own lived experience openly and honestly, helping customers see that recovery and stability are possible. His presence brings empathy, encouragement and credibility — qualities that can only come from someone who has walked the same path.
“Today, Jamie is living independently, decorating his own home, paying his bills and enjoying the freedom he once thought he had lost forever. Yet he still chooses to give back every week, proving that lived experience is one of the most powerful tools in tackling homelessness.
“His courage, generosity and commitment to helping others make him an outstanding role model and a truly deserving nominee for Volunteer of the Year.”
Gareth Copley-Jones
A leading sports photographer ran a backyard marathon in North Staffordshire that raised more than £17,000 for the Motor Neurone Disease Association.
Gareth Copley-Jones, from Clayton, works at some of the world’s leading sports events including taking photos for the England cricket team and has a book out next year chronicling his 20 years of following them around the world.
The 45-year-old is also a running fanatic, so when it came to a challenge to raise money for charity that was the obvious choice.
His plan was to run 100 miles in 24 hours, running a 4.1 mile loop every hour for 24 hours – almost four marathons back-to-back in one day.
Gareth completed his first backyard marathon by himself in Silverdale Country Park two years ago. This time he was joined throughout the day and night by a number of keen runners, friends and members of the community.
The team ran more than 700 miles between them, climbing the equivalent of Ben Nevis twice.
Gareth has been nominated as a Charity Champion or Volunteer of the Year in the Your Heroes Awards by Kelly Bloor.
She said: “Nobody would have completed it without Gareth’s support and unwavering belief in them, and during the event he did not stop reminding everyone why they were running, even at 4am at minus two degrees!
“He volunteers his own time to coach fellow running enthusiasts locally and has set up Newcastle-under-Lyme Junior Park Run. He is a local hero to all that know him.”
Gareth said: “I love running and when I thought about undertaking a challenge I wanted it to include running, but I wanted a really big challenge – and completing 100 miles in a day is certainly that!
“I think word got out after the last one two years ago, as I must have been joined by 30 or 40 people at the start, and the spirit of the running community really helped to get me around the park.
“It takes quite a bit of discipline to complete it all with regards to timings and getting nutrition in but we were obviously doing it for a great cause and that really spurred us on.”
Adam Whitehouse
Adam Whitehouse ran 100km on Stoke-on-Trent’s Centenary Day to raise money for the Dougie Mac – and has vowed to run 100km every month until he has raised the £56,000 needed to keep the hospice operating for one day.
His fundraising total currently stands at around £14,000, including pledges from businesses that joined him along the route which took in all six Stoke-on-Trent towns and Newcastle-under-Lyme.
Adam, the founder of Newcastle-under-Lyme based TMT First, took almost 14 hours to complete his ultra marathon.
He said: “I’d never run more than a marathon before. I knew it would be hard but it was for a good cause.
“I want to raise enough to keep the Dougie Mac open for one day. There isn’t another organisation in this area that supports so many people. Until you need them you just don’t know how valuable they are.
“I was born in the same year as the Dougie Mac first opened and I’ve experienced lots of people having to use its services. It’s just an amazing place and it works with young people as well as adults now too.
“Running 100Kkm was inspired by our city being 100 this year and I’m going to keep doing 100km per month.”
Adam has been nominated in the Charity Champion or Volunteer of the Year category of the Your Heroes Awards.
He said: “I’m surprised to have been nominated. I definitely don’t do it for the press. I’m doing it to raise awareness for the Dougie Mac, but it’s very nice that somebody has recognised the fundraising.
“There are so many people in our city that do amazing things and there are so many businesses and business people that support the work of the Dougie Mac.
“Local businesses have raised more than £1 million for the Dougie Mac and it’s great that we can be part of that and show other businesses and business people that they can do something to help. It’s amazing what the people of Stoke-on-Trent do for the Dougie Mac.”
Leigh Burnham and Chris Powell
Leigh Burnham and Chris Powell climbed up and down Snowdon three times on one of the hottest days of the year to raise money for charity.
The friends, who both work at WR Davies Nissan in Stafford, set off from home at 11.30pm to start their first ascent at 2am.
They completed the 25 mile trek 15 hours later.
They have already raised around £1,200 for Childhood Cancer Parents Alliance, with sponsorship continuing to come in.
“It’s a great cause and a local charity to the car dealership where we both work,” said Leigh, aged 39.
“Neither of us have ever done anything like this before so we found it challenging but we’re glad we’ve done it. It feels like a real achievement.
“I don’t normally walk to the shop never mind up and down mountains on one of the hottest days of the year.”
It was Chris, aged 49, who is sales manager at the dealership, who came up with the idea for the challenge.
Tey have been calling their trek Three Peaks in One as it was their own version of the Three Peaks Challenge.
Leigh and Chris have been nominated in the Charity Champion or Volunteer of the Year category of the Your Heroes Awards.
Eileen Colclough
Eileen Colclough is out at all times of day and in all weathers to rescue the stray and feral cat population of Stoke-on-Trent.
The 43-year-old, from Bucknall, has already rescued more than 100 cats in the first half of 2025.
Everything is self-funded or paid for by Eileen’s own fundraising through her Eyes Cats Facebook page, which has more than 700 members and documents her work.
It all started five years ago, when Eileen paid for vet’s treatment for someone else’s cat shortly after losing her own pet dog.
Another cat arrived on her doorstep shortly afterwards, then a litter of feral cats and she was hooked.
“It started off with just me and now there are two of us plus some friends who help me out when I need it,” she said.
“The first cat I picked up was five years ago. I’d lost my dog the week before and I’d never had a cat myself before then. I could see something was wrong so I took her to the vet and they wanted to put her to sleep. Because of what I’d just been through with my dog I couldn’t do that to someone else’s cat.”
Eileen paid for pneumonia treatment for the three-year-old cat.
“From there another cat turned up that looked like it had been shot in the middle of the forehead. I got him treated and he’s since moved in.
“Then there were some kittens that I couldn’t get a rescue centre to take on. There was no way I was putting kittens back out on the streets. That’s where it all started.”
After rescuing cats and kittens Eileen pays for medical treatment and then tries to find new homes, either directly or through rescue centres.
She has been nominated in the Charity Champion or Volunteer of the Year category of the Your Heroes Awards by Suzanne Andrews.
Suzanne said: “Eileen is out in all weathers, in areas with lots of feral cats and responding to the public trapping feral cats, having them neutered and either releasing them or finding homes if they are suitable for rehoming.
“She also gets them treated for parasites, injuries and illnesses where necessary. All of this is on an entirely voluntary basis, relying on donated food and money from donations and tombolas, raffles etc.
“I cannot stress enough how much this lady does with the help of friends and well-wishers. She never says no and goes out of her way to help any cat reported to her which is in need.
“This is a service which is greatly needed in the city of Stoke-on-Trent. I never realised the extent of the problem until I heard about her. She is a true hero.”
Eileen added: “I’ve never done this to be noticed but it’s nice to know that you’re noticed, that people can see what you’re doing. Being nominated like this gives you a sense of pride.”
Tomasz Putynkowski
After arriving in the UK from Poland 18 years ago, the support that Tomasz Putynkowski received then is now being reciprocated.
Giving something back to the community is something Tomasz, aged 41, holds dear. Based in Fenton, he is a direrctor at JMT Accountancy Ltd and uses his financial know-how to help a number of charities and businesses across the region.
Alongside his charity work, Tomasz is active in mentoring businesspeople, in particular start-ups.
He works with Be Inspired, a University of Staffordshire initiative that provides graduates with the practical skills and a financial springboard to help new and developing businesses.
Tomasz is using his financial acumen to assist two local CICs – he is the Treasurer at Staffordshire Adults Autistic Society and has been offering financial advice to Ardour Housing. He is an Advisory Council Member at Staffordshire Chambers of Commerce.
Tomasz said: “I really enjoy using my accountancy experience to help and support others. I actively participate in organising events and raising awareness and I am always willing to step out of my comfort zone too – whether it’s speaking at public events or volunteering.
“I use my professional expertise to benefit charitable organisations and feel that in recent years this has been increasingly important and necessary. I know just how difficult the world of finance can be for companies, charities and individuals – but if I can help, I will. It’s how I was raised, and I feel it is only right to help others after I received so much help myself.”
Tomasz Putynkowski has been nominated in the Charity Champion or Volunteer of the Year category of the Your Heroes Awards 2025.
Dean Chapman
When people see Dean Chapman cleaning road signs or play areas around his home city of Stoke-on-Trent they assume he works for the city council – but he is actually a volunteer.
The 49-year-old, who has his own window cleaning company, spends hours of his free time cleaning in public areas around the city. He also cleans the windows at The Macari Centre homeless charity and Bethel Church for free and helps Bethel Church with their community meals for people with learning difficulties.
He often finds himself running errands for elderly people on his window cleaning round.
Dean recently cleaned a children’s play area in Blurton for free and will often go on litter picks on Sunday mornings.
He started his free civic cleaning around 18 months ago, slotting it in whenever he has time to spare between his paid work.
Dean, from Lightwood, said: “I must have cleaned about 150 road signs around Stoke-on-Trent so far. I’m just really proud of Stoke-on-Trent and want it to look the best it can for visitors and people who live here.
“I get really good feedback. When people see what I’m doing they assume I’m being paid by the city council but I’m doing it off my own back.
“I’m taking pride in my area and helping other people. I enjoy it really. We’ve already got a lot of volunteers in Stoke-on-Trent but just think how much of a difference we could make if more people did this.”
Dean has two grown-up children and will sometimes take his three-year-old granddaughter out with him on his cleaning missions.
He has been nominated in the Charity Champion or Volunteer of the Year category of the Your Heroes Awards by Councillor Lilian Dodd, former Lord Mayor of Stoke-on-Trent.
Dean added: “I was really pleased but also surprised when I found out that Councillor Dodd had put me forward for the Your Heroes Awards.
“It’s really nice of her but it’s also a bit of a shock. Being recognised in this way is massive for me. It makes you realise that you must be doing something right.”
Alongside his cleaning Dean records YouTube videos encouraging people to visit Stoke-on-Trent and find out more about its history.