Manchester’s heroes of 2024: amazing people who are making a difference

Manchester is a city built on community, resilience, and the determination to help others.

Every year, its neighbourhoods are home to stories of ordinary people stepping up in extraordinary ways, quietly making a difference and inspiring everyone around them.

In 2024, these efforts stood out more than ever.

From a firefighter dedicating his life to supporting those affected by tragedy, to a young boy transforming his community with grit and determination, these individuals have gone above and beyond.

Their actions have raised hope, broken down barriers, and reminded us all of the power of kindness and connection.

This celebration shines a spotlight on the local heroes whose work and passion have enriched lives across Manchester. Whether through acts of bravery, compassion, or innovation, they remind us that real change begins with people who care. Join us in honouring their incredible contributions as we tell the stories of Manchester’s Heroes of 2024.

Manchester’s Heroes of 2024: Local People Who Made a Difference

Firefighter Aaron Lee

Aaron Lee exemplifies selflessness and resilience through his dedication to the victims of the 2017 Manchester Arena bombing. A firefighter by profession, Aaron has spent years supporting bereaved families, fulfilling a promise he made to stand by them. Through his charity, Manchester Remembers, he has raised £200,000 to provide ongoing support for those affected by the tragedy.

Aaron’s relentless efforts extend beyond large-scale fundraising. One of his proudest moments was presenting £14,000 to Liv’s Trust, a smaller charity close to his heart, which supports young people in need. Whether organising major events or making personal connections, Aaron’s humility and drive inspire everyone he encounters.

His commitment has earned him national recognition, including the prestigious British Citizen Award, yet Aaron remains grounded. Balancing his firefighting duties and charitable work, he says his true motivation is the families and individuals he supports. He has also used his platform to mentor young people facing significant challenges, creating unique opportunities for those in need of hope.

Aaron dreams of expanding Manchester Remembers, growing the annual event into a music festival with 10,000 attendees and raising £1 million for charity. Despite challenges, his passion and dedication embody Manchester’s spirit of compassion and resilience.

Barbara Roberts

Barbara Roberts has dedicated over four decades to rescuing one of Britain’s most iconic yet endangered species: the hedgehog. From her home in Withington, she runs the Withington Hedgehog Care Trust, caring for more than 400 hedgehogs annually. Her work involves treating injured and sick hedgehogs, hand-rearing orphans, and educating the public about their plight.

Barbara’s passion began in her teens, rescuing hedgehogs she found on the road. Over the years, her expertise has grown, and she now tackles complex issues such as metabolic bone disease caused by incorrect diets. She also campaigns against threats like habitat loss, pesticides, and urban development, which have led to a dramatic decline in hedgehog populations.

One of Barbara’s most memorable victories was her role in saving hedgehogs from a cull on Scotland’s Uist islands. Her persistence, including a letter to the Queen, led to the cull being halted and the relocation of many hedgehogs to safe environments.

Her tireless efforts earned her the British Empire Medal, yet Barbara remains focused on her mission. From dawn to late at night, she cares for hedgehogs and advocates for wildlife-friendly practices like creating garden habitats and avoiding harmful pesticides. For Barbara, every hedgehog saved is a victory in the fight to preserve these creatures and the ecosystems they represent.

Catherine D’Albertanson

Catherine D’Albertanson’s Little Green Sock Project has transformed lives in Greater Manchester, providing essential items to over 1,300 children since its launch in 2022. The Stretford-based baby bank redistributes high-quality, pre-loved goods like prams, clothing, and cots to families in need, all while championing sustainability and saving 20 tonnes of items from landfill.

Motivated by her childhood experience of domestic abuse, Catherine sought to create a lifeline for struggling families. Her thoughtful approach ensures every item donated is presented beautifully, restoring dignity to those who receive them. For many parents, receiving these bundles during difficult times has been life-changing.

The charity’s impact goes beyond the practical. It fosters community involvement, with over 300 volunteers contributing 7,000 hours of their time. Catherine’s commitment to helping others shines through her efforts to secure a new home for the charity as its current premises face demolition. She has launched a £200,000 fundraising campaign to ensure the Little Green Sock Project can continue its vital work.

Through her unwavering dedication, Catherine has built more than a baby bank; she has created a hub of compassion and resilience that empowers families and inspires the community to act.

Steve Hill MBE

Steve Hill is no ordinary primary school teacher. Over the summer, he completed gruelling challenges, including running five marathons across Mongolia’s Gobi Desert and climbing five volcanoes in Guatemala. His efforts raised over £9,200 for the Team Hill Charitable Trust, which supports causes ranging from schools in Uganda to medical assistance in Greater Manchester.

Steve’s challenges pushed him to the limit. In Mongolia, he faced 40°C heat and sand dunes, running alongside wild horses and sleeping in yurts with nomadic families. In Guatemala, he climbed thousands of meters to volcanic summits, enduring tough terrain and high altitudes. Yet, Steve describes these experiences as “magical,” offering moments of awe and connection with people and nature.

Beyond fundraising, Steve inspires others to push boundaries. His students at St Joseph’s RC Primary School are captivated by his stories, learning that perseverance and self-belief can overcome even the toughest challenges.

Recognised as one of the Top 10 Explorers of 2024 by the World Explorers Collective, Steve’s adventures demonstrate that the only limits are the ones we set ourselves. With plans for future challenges, he continues to make a difference both in the classroom and around the globe.

Craig Henderson

Craig Henderson has redefined inclusivity in barbering with his neurodiverse-friendly Bolton barbershop. Catering to children and adults with conditions like autism, ADHD, and Down Syndrome, Craig creates a safe, welcoming environment where clients can feel at ease.

Craig’s innovative approach includes sensory corners with calming features like fish lamps and tablets. He uses quiet clippers and blunt scissors to reduce anxiety and adapts his methods to suit each individual’s needs. His personal connection to this mission stems from his son Ashton, who has a Sensory Processing Disorder.

Craig’s efforts have garnered national recognition, winning the Best Local Salon award at the Creative Head Most Wanted Awards. He has expanded his impact by opening a play centre where neurodiverse children can acclimate to haircuts at their own pace. Craig also plans to launch training programs for barbers to adopt similar inclusive practices.

For Craig, every haircut is about building trust and creating a positive experience. His work has not only transformed the barbering industry but also provided invaluable support for families navigating neurodiversity.

Joseph Adams

At just 21 years old, Joseph Adams has shattered expectations and inspired countless people with his “No Limits” campaign. Born with Down Syndrome, Joseph took on an extraordinary challenge: running ten 10k races in ten European cities over just six days. Starting in Amsterdam and finishing in his hometown of Altrincham, Joseph’s journey raised over £320,000 for the Altrincham FC Foundation to fund disability sports programs.

Joseph’s determination was tested as he ran two 10k races each day in scorching temperatures, yet his resilience shone through. Supported by his family, he completed the challenge with a smile and a playlist of 80s rock anthems that kept him motivated. His effort wasn’t just about raising funds; it was about breaking barriers and showing the world that labels and preconceived limits can be overcome.

A passionate sportsman, Joseph also competes in swimming, rugby, football, and cricket. His campaign has garnered national and international attention, with messages of encouragement from sports stars like Steven Gerrard and Rory McIlroy.

Joseph’s success has inspired the Altrincham FC Foundation to expand its work, spreading his empowering “No Limits” message far and wide.

Joseph’s journey serves as a powerful reminder that determination and belief can lead to extraordinary achievements, making him a role model for people of all abilities.

Roya Rasouli

Roya Rasouli’s journey is one of resilience and transformation. After battling undiagnosed endometriosis for over a decade, Roya turned her pain into purpose by founding FemWear, a Manchester-based fashion brand designed for women with gynaecological and gut health conditions. The brand creates stylish, comfortable clothing that prioritises functionality without compromising on design.

Roya’s struggles with chronic pain and the challenges of working 60-hour weeks inspired her to address a gap in the fashion industry. Each piece in FemWear’s collection is tailored to accommodate the unique needs of women living with conditions like endometriosis, helping them feel confident and empowered.

Her work extends beyond fashion. Roya hosts retreats, leads free outdoor walks, and participates in panel discussions to foster community and raise awareness about women’s health issues. Through these efforts, she encourages open conversations about conditions that are often misunderstood or stigmatised.

With the support of The King’s Trust, Roya received funding and mentorship to grow FemWear. Her work has earned her a nomination for the King’s Trust Young Achiever Award, a recognition of her dedication to improving the lives of women facing similar challenges. Roya’s story is a testament to turning personal adversity into a powerful force for change.

Nicola Orrell

Nicola Orrell’s World Prematurity Day Charity Ball has become a lifeline for families with premature babies. Inspired by her twin grandchildren, Ava and Archie, who were born 15 weeks early, Nicola launched the event to raise funds for NICU facilities and support organisations like Ronald McDonald House Charities UK.

Ava and Archie’s health journey was fraught with challenges, including emergency surgery for Archie. Watching her family navigate this difficult time, Nicola recognised the need for better resources and accommodations for parents with children in neonatal care. Her first charity ball raised £5,000, and the event has since grown exponentially, raising nearly £20,000 last year.

This year, Nicola aims to raise £28,000 through a circus-themed black-tie event featuring live music, a three-course meal, and immersive entertainment. Her efforts not only provide financial support but also celebrate the resilience of NICU families and the medical teams that support them.

Now thriving five-year-olds, Ava and Archie are a living testament to the importance of community and care. Nicola’s work ensures that other families can find hope and support during their most challenging moments.

Thomas from Chadderton

Eight-year-old Thomas from Chadderton is proof that age is no barrier to making a difference. Passionate about improving his neighbourhood, Thomas has been tackling litter and overgrown areas in his community since he was five. Armed with a miniature strimmer and endless enthusiasm, he works to clean up neglected green spaces, transforming them into welcoming areas for all.

Thomas’s efforts have inspired local residents to take pride in their surroundings. His cleanups have encouraged dog walkers and families to reclaim previously overgrown paths. Thomas also dreams of creating a community garden where locals can grow fruit and vegetables.

Despite facing criticism online, Thomas remains determined. Supported by his family, he continues his mission, demonstrating resilience and a genuine love for his community. His work has drawn praise from local council members, who have called him a credit to Oldham.

Thomas’s ambition and determination make him a shining example of how one person—even a child—can inspire positive change.

Carla Horton

Carla Horton has opened doors for SEND (special educational needs and disabilities) students at Oakwood Academy Sixth Form by creating an innovative work experience program. Based at a charity shop in MediaCity, the initiative helps students develop essential life skills, from customer service to handling money, while building their confidence.

Carla’s vision began with a simple goal: to provide students with a taste of the real world. Her partnership with Peel Holdings secured a shop space, initially for six weeks, which has now extended to two years due to the program’s success. Students learn practical retail skills, interact with customers, and gain independence.

Carla’s dedication has not gone unnoticed. She recently won the Silver Award for Teaching Assistant of the Year at the Pearson National Teaching Awards, a testament to her commitment to breaking barriers for SEND students. She also nurtures individual talents, helping students transition into employment and independence.

This initiative has become more than just a work experience program—it’s a community hub that fosters inclusion, builds confidence, and creates lasting opportunities for SEND students. Carla’s work is a powerful reminder of the impact of compassion and creativity in education.

2024 – an amazing year for Manchester

As 2024 draws to a close, it’s clear that this year has been a shining example of the incredible things that can happen when communities come together. From acts of quiet kindness to monumental achievements, Manchester’s people have shown that compassion, resilience, and determination are at the heart of everything they do.

The stories of these remarkable individuals remind us that change starts locally—with ordinary people doing extraordinary things. Their efforts have not only made Manchester a better place but have also inspired us all to look for ways we can make a difference in our own communities.

Here’s to the heroes of 2024—and to a future where their example continues to inspire even more wonderful deeds. Manchester, as always, leads with heart.