A Bury nursing associate has received a special recognition award from the Mayor of Greater Manchester.

Matthew Coles, 25, from Elton, is a nursing associate at Tower Family Healthcare in Bury and has worked at the practice since he was 16 years-old, beginning his career as an apprentice receptionist.

He won the Mayor’s Special Recognition Award, which celebrates a unique contribution to health and care, at the Greater Manchester Health and Care Champion Awards 2024 on 11 July.

Matthew said: “I got an email saying that I’d been put forward for an award and was invited to the event.

"I didn’t know that I’d won until I saw my name on the first page of the booklet on the night. It was a lovely surprise.”

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The award was presented by the Mayor of Greater Manchester, Andy Burnham.

Burnham said: “It's been five years since I started presenting my Mayor's Special Recognition Award.

“Every year has been a fantastic celebration of our champions in health and social care here in Greater Manchester.

“This year, I'm proud to present my award to Matthew Coles, whose career journey demonstrates inspirational levels of determination and drive.”

Matthew, a former Bury Church pupil, enjoyed working in his reception role, especially “helping and supporting people.”

After three years, he wanted to progress into a healthcare role and spoke to his line manager who suggested a health care assistant position.

Matthew said: “It gave me a good insight and helped me to understand all the different services that were provided across Bury.”

As his training and career progressed, Matthew spent time on placement in Fairfield Hospital and out in the community with district nurses.

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Speaking about Tower Family Healthcare, he said: “They’ve been brilliant, allowing me to develop, progress and fulfil my potential.

“I’ve got to know a lot of patients and doctors here and built up some good relationships. It’s a nice environment to work and learn in.

“I felt proud to receive this award. It’s nice to be recognised and see that my hard work is paying off.”

The nursing associate is due to start a start a Registered Nurse Degree apprenticeship at Bolton University this year

Mr Burnham added: “Having started his career as an apprentice at just 16 and now enrolled on a nursing degree apprenticeship at the University of Bolton, Matthew is a great example of how organisations should be investing in their talent to support their employees and contribute to the growth of Greater Manchester's economy.”