Team Wigan & Leigh, a collaborative partnership of local institutions, businesses, and community organisations across the Wigan and Leigh borough, has won the Fundraiser Award at the BBC Radio Manchester Make a Difference Awards. The recognition comes after an outstanding first year of fundraising, during which the team raised and donated over £200,000 for local charities.
Launched in 2024, the team is united by a common goal: to raise vital funds for key charities serving the borough, some including Wigan & Leigh Hospice, The Brick, and Daffodils Dreams CIC. Last year, over 12 major fundraising events, volunteers contributed more than 2,961 hours, completing physical challenges, hosting community events, and rallying widespread support.
“Wigan Council are immensely proud to have been part of this incredible journey with Team Wigan and Leigh. To be recognised as BBC Radio Manchester’s Fundraiser of the Year is a true honour, and it reflects the passion, dedication, and teamwork that make this group so special. The collaboration and sheer commitment of everyone involved is what sets Team Wigan and Leigh apart, and we are delighted to share in this success with such an inspiring team. This award is a testament to what can be achieved when people come together with a shared purpose of raising much needed funds for the many amazing local charities we support in the borough, we couldn’t be prouder.”
The recognition comes after standout achievements such as the National Three Peaks Challenge in 2024, and a full-year programme of events in 2025 including the Kendal Ultra challenge, Haigh Hall family hike, and a borough-wide Christmas hamper appeal.
Louise Brown, Vice Principal of Wigan & Leigh College, added: “We are incredibly proud to be part of Team Wigan & Leigh. To be shortlisted from over 150 nominations and go on to win this prestigious award reflects the passion and collaboration of everyone involved. This truly embodies our college’s ethos of making a real difference beyond the classroom.”
Team Wigan & Leigh’s partnership includes organisations such as Wigan Council, Wigan & Leigh College, Wrightington Wigan & Leigh NHS Trust, Wigan Warriors, Wigan Athletic FC, Leigh Leopards, Greenmount Projects, JJH Building Contractors, and other local stakeholders.
Throughout 2025, the group has been working towards an ambitious £150,000 fundraising target, hosting a packed calendar of events, including the 100km Kendal Ultra challenge and a series of inclusive community activities across the borough. Many of these events have already taken place, bringing people together and further strengthening community connections while raising vital funds for local causes.
