A big-hearted Wigan businessman who has helped raise hundreds of thousands of pounds for charity will be honoured with a Believe Star alongside two of the borough’s bands.
Mike Sharkey, a leading figure behind the Team Wigan and Leigh fundraising initiative, will receive the recognition together with local music favourites The Lathums and Lottery Winners.
Mike is managing director of Greenmount Projects and one of the founders of Team Wigan and Leigh, a collaboration of businesses and community organisations dedicated to raising money for good causes.
Through large-scale charity walks and challenges, the group has helped generate hundreds of thousands of pounds for organisations including Wigan and Leigh Hospice, Daffodils Dreams CIC and The Brick.
The borough’s thriving music scene will also be recognised with Believe Stars for Wigan band The Lathums and Lottery Winners from Leigh.
Both bands have enjoyed huge success in recent years, releasing number one albums and gaining national and international recognition. The Lathums released their third studio album Matter Does Not Define in 2025, while Lottery Winners are preparing for homecoming headline shows at the Progress with Unity Stadium at Leigh Sports Village in May.
