What a wonderful night!

COMMENDED: l-r Matthew Chambers, David Whaley and Darren Robinson with BBC Breakfast presenter Louise Minchin.

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THE CHRONICLE’s David Whaley was honoured with a prestigious award from North-West media last night.

The 54-year-old managing editor was given the judge’s special award at the O2 North-West Media Awards at the Imperial War Museum in Salford.

David’s award was given for his “Keep Smiling” features in the Chronicle following his diagnosis of throat cancer earlier in the year.

David had already been to the stage to receive a “highly-commended” certificate in the Feature Writer of the Year category.

David, who has been editor since April 2010 was invited back to the stage and talked through his journey by BBC Breakfast presenter Louise Minchin.

And the surprises didn’t end there: the event’s organisers had arranged for Maggie Doyle, head of communications for the Christie hospital, and David’s wife Wendy, to present the award.

“I was completely caught off guard; it was a very pleasant surprise,” said David afterwards.

“I had asked Maggie if she wanted to come to the event with us and was told she was out with a friend. I was completely in the dark.

“I am delighted to win for the newspaper, but really it’s an award for cancer sufferers everywhere, to show that talking about your treatment could and should be part of your journey.”

Maggie told the packed audience that David’s articles - also linked to the Christie website - had had an “amazing” effect on other patients.

“We have had scores of people come in to see the cancer team, clutching a copy of David’s story.

“One man yesterday said he wouldn’t have had the courage to come and get checked had it not been for reading about David’s experience.”

The Chronicle received two more highly commended awards during the evening.

Matthew Chambers was the only print journalist to make the Sports Reporter of the Year shortlist and was praised for his complete and varied coverage of Oldham Athletic.

And Darren Robinson was honoured for the second year in succession in the Photographer of the Year section, with a portfolio including an emotionally-charged image of Phil McClure, father of soldier Lee Rigby who was savagely killed in London in May last year.


David’s “Keep Smiling” articles continue. The next will talk about his trip to North Manchester Hospital on Wednesday for follow-up laser surgery.