Wigan organiser of NHS support event given community prize

Wally Kay put together some of the biggest and noisiest thank-yous to the borough's hospital employees during lockdown.
Wally Kay receiving the Heart of the Community AwardWally Kay receiving the Heart of the Community Award
Wally Kay receiving the Heart of the Community Award

The Haigh resident was behind the two spectacular processions of tractors, trucks and other industrial vehicles past Wigan Infirmary to show gratitude to those on the Covid-19 front line.

Aspull Whelley New Springs ward councillors have now recognised his efforts, which also raised hundreds of pounds for NHS Charities Together, by giving him the Heart of the Community Award.

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Wally said: “The councillors came with the award last week. It was unexpected but nice.

“The procession was something my grandson came up with here.

“We hadn’t been anywhere because of lockdown, the vehicles were just sat and we thought you are socially distanced in a tractor or wagon, so we could have a run for the NHS.

“We had a good turn-out. I think there were about 50 vehicles on the first one we did. They came from all over the place.”

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Wally is no stranger to community work, having previously teamed up with a friend to run the tractor events in Aspull which raised money for causes including Wigan and Leigh Hospice, Joining Jack and Derian House.

Coun Ron Conway said: “We felt we had to recognise Wally when we looked at the scale of what he had achieved and organised.

“He’s put a lot of time and energy into doing this to give something back to the community.”