Four outstanding volunteers and community leaders have been formally presented with Bolton’s highest civic honour.
The four latest recipients of the Bolton Civic Medal were welcomed to a special reception in the Mayor’s Parlour yesterday evening.
Khadija Patel, Stephen Tonge, Ryan Yates, and Jimmy Hark were joined by family and friends as they collected their awards.
As founder and lead of KRIMMZ Girls Youth Club, Khadija Patel has created a safe, inclusive space where girls can enjoy sport, build confidence, and grow as leaders.
Khadija also supports families through the cost-of-living crisis, volunteers in bereavement support, and serves as Female Muslim Chaplain at Royal Bolton Hospital.
Stephen Tonge has been integral within the Kearsley community for over 25 years.
He helped to build Stoneclough Community Centre, has supported local schools, churches and coffee mornings, and has been involved in the creation of several community events.
Stephen is co-founder of Kearsley Youth Brass Band, giving free instruments and tuition to local children, and has helped the band achieve the Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service.
After serving in the armed forces, Ryan Yates turned his own battle with PTSD into a mission to help others.
Ryan founded Veterans Army CIC, supporting ex-service personnel and their families with mental health, addiction, homelessness, and employment.
He has personally helped deliver millions of pounds’ worth of medical aid into war-torn Ukraine, and here at home volunteers with the Bolton Sea Cadets.
As a personal trainer, gym co-founder and leader of Nob End Run Club, Jimmy Hark has created free, welcoming spaces where people of all ages and abilities can get active and make lasting friendships.
Many say Jimmy has helped them through some of the hardest periods of their lives – rebuilding confidence, improving mental health, overcoming addiction, and even inspiring new careers in fitness.
The Mayor of Bolton, Cllr David Chadwick, said:
“Bolton’s volunteer and community sector is the envy of towns and cities across the UK.
“Events like this are an important reminder of how lucky we are to have so many kind-hearted and generous residents who give their time to help others.
“As Mayor, it was my great honour to formally present the Bolton Civic Medal to this cohort of worthy recipients.”
Recipients are chosen from a wide range of nominations by an independent panel.
The annual celebration was reintroduced in 2024, to honour outstanding contributions to life in Bolton.