A BOLTON-based physiotherapist has joined household names such as Olivia Newton-John, Sam Mendes and Clive Lloyd on the star-studded list of celebrities, academics and community heroes awarded in this year’s New Year’s Honours list.

Dr Sue Greenhalgh, who works for Bolton NHS Foundation Trust, has been awarded the OBE for her contribution to physiotherapy.

She said the honour was “such a wonderful surprise”, adding: “I feel so delighted.

“I’m very proud and humbled. I would like to thank those who have supported this amazing award and the many inspirational people I am fortunate to have worked with.”

Internationally renowned for her expertise and innovation in her field, Dr Greenhalgh was the first Consultant Allied health Professional in the North West.

After studying at Bolton County Grammar School and Manchester Royal School of Physiotherapy, Dr Greenhalgh worked for Bolton hospitals between 1986 and 1990 before joining the NHS trust in 2003 as a consultant physiotherapist.

Dr Greenhalgh specialises in highlighting back pain symptoms which can underlie serious conditions. She has been crucial in raising awareness of cauda equina syndrome which can lead to permanent bladder, bowel and sexual function problems.

Two years ago she joined Manchester Metropolitan University’s Faculty of Health, Psychology and Social care as a clinical fellow and is involved in multiple national and international research projects.

Also receiving recognition in the Honour’s list is Special Constabulary Chief Officer Mike Walmsley, who has been awarded an MBE for his commitment and dedication to the role and inspirational actions.

As well as serving as a police special Mr Walmsley works as a full-time operations manager for Willmott Dixon Construction and is also a trustee of the Birtenshaw charity in Bolton which provides care and education services for children and young adults.

Mr Walmsley said his inspiration comes from his father who served as a Detective Sergeant in the police but sadly died earlier this year.

He added: “I was overwhelmed when I read the letter and couldn’t believe it. My emotions were also mixed with sadness as I wanted to call my dad with the good news. 

“It’s a shame he isn’t here to hear the news but I know he would have been as excited as I am.”

Greater Manchester Libraries' Culture Lead, Subnum Hariff-Khan, from Bolton, has also picked up a British Empire Medal for her services to public libraries.

Ms Hariff-Khan has played a huge role in involving the community in the work of the region's libraries, including campaigns to involve young people in their design and attract more volunteers.

She has also devised and delivering training to Mosque teachers on the importance of creativity and leadership and was a driving force behind the UK's first volunteer-led Islamic lending library in Bolton. 

Further, Ms Hariff Khan is a Trustee of The Reading Agency and on the Diversity Steering Group for Curious Minds.  

The New Year’s Honours also saw dozens of accolades for Greater Manchester residents including a British Empire Medal (BEM) for Dorothy Wood for services to the community in Radcliffe and a knighthood for former Lancashire and West Indies cricket team captain Clive Lloyd.

Other regional winners include four Holocaust survivors ­— Ruth Lachs, Dr Peter Kerer Gisela Feldman and Sonja Sternberg; Dr Joseph Anthony Rafferty, chief executive Merseycare NHS Foundation Trust, for services to suicide prevention; Dr Zahid Mehmood Chauhan, for services to homeless people; Mohamed Ashraf Ali, head of projects at the British Muslim Heritage Centre, for services to community relations; Nicholas Brendan Buckley, founder and chief executive officer of The Mancunian Way, for services to young people and the community in Greater Manchester; and Peter Saville, designer of the iconic Joy Division artwork, who receives a CBE.

They joined famous faces and national figures to receive recognition such as Grease star Olivia Newton-John, who is made a Dame for services to charity, cancer research and entertainment. She said: “I am extremely excited, honoured and grateful beyond words to be included with such an esteemed group of women who have received this distinguished award before me.”

There were knighthoods for James Bond director Sam Mendes for services to drama and politician Ian Duncan Smith ­— architect of the controversial Universal Credit system.

While England’s 2019 cricketing heroes, including Joe Root and Ben Stokes, were also honoured.