As Head of Estates at a busy hospital trust, Michelle Waddicor has a demanding job.

Responsibility falls on her and her team to make sure that safety is paramount at all times, not least during the recent difficult times of Covid.

Keeping site buildings and surrounding grounds attractive, well maintained and safe for staff, patients and visitors is also part of the role.

So it’s no surprise to colleagues that Michelle is the latest recipient of the highly-prized Who’s Your Hero Award at Tameside and Glossop Integrated Care NHS FT.

They cite her hard work and dedication, and say the level of care and attention she puts into her work is an example to all.

However, Michelle, 40, is a somewhat reluctant hero and believes she is being rewarded for doing a job that she loves with a team she says she is fortunate to lead.

She joined the Trust in June 2020, making the move from a construction company in the private sector. The force of Covid was beginning to be felt and Michelle says it prompted her into action.

She was instrumental in many of the essential changes which the Trust made in response to the pandemic.

She explains: “What I love about the NHS is that you can see immediately the impact your work can make to people.

“Support services generally operate in the background, but teams like mine are vital to the day-to-day smooth running of the hospital.”

Colleagues say staff welfare is always at the front of her mind and she has been the buffer between clinicians and construction contractors enabling works on live wards to go ahead as smoothly as possible.

As part of her work managing the Emergency Department redevelopment she is pulling together hundreds of stakeholders to make sure their voices are heard.

Outside of work, Michelle loves to spend time with her partner Clint and their springer spaniel Charlie, and says they are both huge Formula 1 fans. For her milestone birthday in May, she went to Monaco to watch the grand prix which she says was the best treat ever.

“I’ve recently taken up golf but I’m not very good, and I like baking cakes for family and friends. If I’m honest I’m a bit of a workaholic. I love what I do,” she said.

Michelle was presented with her award by Trust Chief Executive Karen James OBE, who told her despite her reservations and reluctance to seek the limelight, she was a truly worthy winner.

Karen added: “To be nominated by members of your team is the greatest accolade of all.

“We were lucky to be chosen to light the official NHS beacon for HM, The Queen’s recent platinum jubilee and it was Michelle who organised and masterminded what turned out to be a triumph and a night to remember for staff, patients and visitors alike.”