City Hospital Patient Honoured for Nearly 50 Years of Youth Work | Latest news

• Mark Greenhalgh, a City Hospital patient, has been awarded a British Empire Medal (BEM) for nearly 50 years of supporting young people across Nottinghamshire through the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award.

  His lifelong commitment to youth work began as a teenager after being encouraged by a youth worker, and has since helped countless young people build confidence, skills, and self-belief.

  Now being cared for at City Hospital, Mark hopes his story and recognition will inspire others to volunteer and support young people in their communities.

A Nottingham University Hospital NHS Trust (NUH) patient’s lifelong dedication to youth work has been recognised in the King’s New Year’s Honours List.  

Mark Greenhalgh, a 65-year-old youth work coordinator, has been awarded the British Empire Medal (BEM) for almost 50 years of supporting young people across Nottinghamshire to take part in the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award (DofE).  

Born in Manchester, Mark moved to Nottingham at the age of 10. He mentions his grandfather, a minister who also led youth work, as an early influence, showing that a commitment to helping others runs through his family.  

Reflecting on his journey, whilst being cared for at City Hospital, Mr Greenhalgh said: “I was a bit of a tearaway myself, hot-headed and got in trouble with the police.   

“Back in 1978, a youth worker encouraged me to help with a trip away for some young people, and I never looked back.”  

From the age of 17, Mark spent his weekends running expeditions for younger participants. He rose through the ranks of the Boys’ Brigade and later became Head of Event Tracking for Boys Brigade, Nottingham Battalion for a period.   

He was subsequently approached by a minister who asked for his help organising DofE events for Radcliffe-on-Trent Methodist Church Youth Club. The open group supports young people across Nottingham to take part in activities such as the DofE that might otherwise be inaccessible to them.  

Due to the success of the charity, the group is now looking to open its own DofE centre for young people across Nottingham.  

Mark said:  “Experiences like the DofE and informal youth work help young people become active adults in their communities. Timid youngsters suddenly gain confidence and develop self-respect. Seeing a young person achieve a Bronze, Silver, or Gold DofE Award is incredibly rewarding.”  

This year, 1,157 people have received honours for exceptional achievements, with a particular focus on those who have championed their communities.  

Mr Greenhalgh was admitted to City Hospital shortly before Christmas after experiencing breathing difficulties. Less than a week later, he was diagnosed with terminal lung cancer. He is currently being cared for by staff on Hogarth Ward. He said: “It’s a good ward, and the staff here are great.”  

Pictured with his wife of 44 years, Hilary Greenhalgh, Mark added:  
“If it wasn’t for that volunteer 50 years ago at the Boys’ Brigade who saw something in me, I wouldn’t be doing this.  

“I’m a bit embarrassed by the attention, because community work like this takes so many people. But if a bit of publicity inspires more people to help young people, then that’s okay.  

“I sometimes think, why should I receive this honour when so many of us are doing the same thing? This award is f or the youth worker who inspired me 50 years ago and for the rest of my team.”  

Anyone can nominate someone like Mark for an honour. If you know someone who has achieved remarkable things worthy of recognition, visit the government website to find out more about how to put them forward