Inspirational David wins GM approval

Greater Manchester Sports Awards 2016 at Lancashire Cricket Club. PIC shows winner David Webb receiving his award.

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HUMBLE David Webb carried off a prestigious Greater Manchester Sports Award to rich acclaim from Oldham's Olympic gold girl.

The 54-year-old, from Royton, collected the Changing Lifestyle Recognition gong on evening of glitz and glamour at The Point, Old Trafford.

He was one seven finalists from the borough who, along with representatives from the other nine local authorities, were aiming to be crowned GM champions.

For David, a welder by trade, and those closest to him, it was a night to remember.

Diagnosed with throat cancer in December, 2013, he required an urgent, life-changing operation in which his larynx was removed.

At the time he drank and smoked, and was also overweight, but 12 months later he returned to work - and low on confidence, decided to get himself fit.

Now, David is 7st lighter and a regular at Royton Leisure Centre. He has also persuaded his work colleagues at Aspull Catering Equipment to take to the treadmill.

After receiving his award from double Paralympic gold-medallist from Rio Kadeena Cox, he said: "I feel really strong and I'm doing good - and this has come as a big shock.

"To anyone thinking about taking up exercise, just give it a go."

Oldham's Nicola White, a member of Great Britain's gold-medal winning hockey team in Rio, said Webb's story should influence others.

She explained: "The mind is the most powerful thing and that is something I have learned over my journey as a hockey player, and David realised that and changed his life around.

"That is the most inspirational thing that anybody can do, change something that had become a habit, all of a sudden, into a new life. That might seem a bit scary, but it's worth it."

"Hopefully other people in the borough will see David and think I can do that."

White was among a galaxy of Team GB Olympic stars among an audience of 600.

She was joined by Rio cycling gold and silver medal-winner Callum Skinner, swimmer Claire Cashmore, a medallist at four different Paralympics, Bianca Walkden, Taekwondo bronze winner from Rio and legendary gymnast Beth Tweddle.

White said: "It's only my second time at the awards, but I enjoy because it's an eye-opener.

"It makes you realise how lucky you are with what you do, how people have helped you a long the way and how special some people are.

"Being an athlete, sometimes you don't see it. You are in a bubble and very focused on one job and that's to win an Olympic gold.

"People who are here have already won their respective boroughs, so come here is a special night."