The newest star on Wigan's Believe Square has been unveiled in honour of a businessman and charity fund-raiser

A Wigan businessman involved in raising nearly £1m for good causes has been recognised with a star on Believe Square.

Mike Sharkey runs Ashton-based Greenmount Projects and is the driving force behind Team Wigan and Leigh, a collaboration between a number of organisations and businesses which supports charities in the borough.

His efforts have been formally recognised with the borough’s top honour - a star on Believe Square, in Wigan town centre, featuring his name and the words “community fund-raiser”.

It sits alongside stars honouring well-known names such as rugby league legend Sir Billy Boston, Olympic athlete Jenny Meadows, actor Sir Ian McKellen and Trish Green, founder of homelessness and anti-poverty charity The Brick.

Mr Sharkey’s star was unveiled in a ceremony attended by his family, friends, councillors and representatives of Wigan and Leigh Hospice, The Brick and Daffodils Dreams.

He said it was “unbelievable” when he received a phone call last year from Wigan Council’s then-leader David Molyneux informing him he would be nominated for the honour.

Mr Sharkey said: “I do take this award for all the charity organisations we work with and collaborate with, along with Greenmount Projects, all the staff, and Team Wigan and Leigh.

“Nonetheless, it's an absolutely fantastic achievement for us to celebrate, and what a great, brilliant super borough to be involved in for the last 57 years.

“To be fair, I think it's something that, charity work with Mum, has been in our veins in our family. I just think it's natural for me to be in a position I am, as CEO and owner of Greenmount Projects, to be able to contribute and to support charities in our borough, inspire young people, their health and well-being, and, more importantly, our institutions get support and collaboration from the college, the council, WWL and then some of our charities.

“We all work together. It doesn't seem like it's a competition anymore, it's not about us or them. It's a collective contribution to ensuring that we get the best out of our borough and the residents that live here.”

He said he didn’t “feel worthy” of his name appearing in the walk of fame alongside the “outstanding residents” who have already been honoured.

Team Wigan and Leigh is a collaboration of businesses and institutions, including Wigan Council, Wigan and Leigh College and Wrightington, Wigan and Leigh Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, which raises money throughout year for three of the borough’s most treasured charities - Wigan and Leigh Hospice, The Brick and Daffodils Dreams CIC.

It started six years ago and holds a host of fund-raising challenges and events, including a golf day and mixer at Haigh Woodland Park, the Three Peaks Challenge, a Bonkers Bingo event and the Wigan 5k.

Thousands of pounds have poured in for the charities and it is hoped Team Wigan and Leigh will pass £1m next year.

Council leader Coun Nazia Rehman: "Mike has built a successful business rooted in community values, but what makes him particularly special is the way he uses that success to bring people together and create opportunities to support others.

“Mike is also one of the driving forces behind Team Wigan and Leigh, a remarkable partnership of businesses and organisations that has raised hundreds of thousands of pounds for charities and community causes."