Unsung Heroes of 2025
To recognise and celebrate key workers and community champions across Greater Manchester, we selected three inspiring individuals as our Unsung Heroes of 2025. Each has made a meaningful impact in their community over the past year, and as a thank you, we treated them to premium tickets to our RnB Xmas Ball — a well-deserved night of celebration.
Introducing our three Unsung Heroes of 2025...
Ibukun Adelakun - 300x Ignition
Ibukun Adelakun is the CEO and Founder of Manchester-based community organisation 300x Ignition. We spoke with Ibukun about her work within the community and what she finds most rewarding.
"The most rewarding part of my work is hidden in the daily quiet wins, which involves increasing hope during challenging times, solving problems, supporting families affected by autism and other neurodivergent conditions, runningsessions/events smoothly without needing recognition, bearing in mind that one individual is everyone and knowing my work matters is more than enough!"
With strong roots in Manchester and the local community, she shared her thoughts on what community truly means to her: "a strong sense of connectivity, diversity, inclusion, networking and togetherness deeply influenced creating spaces where everyone feels welcome".
With the city changing at pace and communities growing, Ibukun would like to see Greater Manchester "lead the way as a city-region that balances progress with compassion, embracing innovation while staying rooted in fairness, advocacy, solidarity and care for one another".
Recognised as one of our Unsung Heroes of 2025, she chose to shine a light on those who supported her, saying:
“A big thank you to Louise Dormer, Neighbourhood Officer for Ancoats & Beswick and Clayton & Openshaw, here in Manchester, who put my name forward for this wonderful recognition and opportunity.”
Kerrie Rimmer - MaxTrax
Kerrie Rimmer is the founder of MaxTrax CIC based in Delamere Park, Openshaw. MaxTrax is a non-profit organisation created in memory of her son Max, who sadly passed away at the age of four. Inspired by Max’s love of bikes and the outdoors, Kerrie has raised £336,000 within the local community to build an All Wheel Pump Track, due to open in early 2026.
Kerrie Rimmer said that creating something for the community has been “a rewarding way to bring people together, connect with other incredible grassroots organisations and see the support and love grow through what we’ve delivered in this small pocket of our city. What was once a forgotten area is now firmly on the map within Manchester City Council and beyond — giving young people and families a safe, fun and free space to enjoy physical activity, meet new people and build those all-important friendships.”
She added:
“The loss of Max inspired me to build better tomorrows for children — for Max’s friends, but also for the wider community. Giving them a place to enjoy, have fun and get active, as well as a repair workshop where they can use tools and learn skills they might otherwise not have access to due to hurdles beyond their control.”
When asked what community means to her, Kerrie said:
“Community is everything. Without community, life can be a struggle. It brings friendship, support and encouragement. Some of the best memories are made in communities like MaxTrax — through the projects and events we deliver throughout the year, thanks to the volunteers who are at the heart of what we do. That love and care has grown since losing Max, who everyone adored.”
Looking ahead, Kerrie believes there should be “more grassroots ideas given the chance to flourish and come to life — because it’s the people within communities who know best what’s needed.”
Dave Green - Transport for Greater Manchester
Dave Green has worked in the transport industry since 1988 and is part of Transport for Greater Manchester, overseeing the operations of ten bus stations and interchanges across South Manchester. He supports several interns from Pure Innovations —young people with additional needs who are keen to gain experience within the facilities operations team.
He explained:
“I had a chance meeting with someone from Pure Innovations three years ago, where we talked about the challenges young people with disabilities face when trying to gain work experience. I decided to do whatever I could to help change that within the organisation.”
For Dave, the most rewarding part of his work is “enabling people to get the best out of themselves.” He believes that:
“‘Many minds, one voice’ - in Manchester, community goes beyond just living together. It’s about coming together, supporting each other through good and bad times, and welcoming anyone who wants to be part of our vibrant city.”
Looking to the future, Dave says he would “love to see a continuation of the community integration that Manchester does so well — something I’m incredibly proud of.”
The three Unsung Heroes joined us at the RnB Xmas Ball to celebrate their recognition.
Ibukun Adelakun said:
“I am so lost for words — words cannot express how amazing the Co-op Live RnB Xmas Ball 2025 felt. It was my very first time, and I look forward to many more moments like this. Winning the tickets gave my husband and me the chance to share a special moment together, after celebrating 15 years of marriage this year.”
Dave Green added:
“It was such a great night and very much appreciated.”
Kerrie Rimmer said:
“Well what can I say other than…THANK YOU. I had a ball last night and met some incredible people.”