Oldham volunteers honoured with royal invitation to Christmas community carol service at Coronation Street

Four local volunteers were among just 100 people from across Greater Manchester to receive a personal invitation from The Royal Foundation at Kensington Palace to attend an exclusive Christmas Community Carol Service held at the ITV Coronation Street studios.

Representing the local charity Defibrillators Save Lives were:

Scott Woodhead, Owner of Sports Physio UK and Co-Founder/Chairman of Defibrillators Save Lives, along with Pat Highley 

Charlie Woodhead, (Scott's Son), Year 7 student at Crompton House CofE School, Shaw and Defibrillators Save Lives Heart Hero

Sarah Hince, Practice Partner, Advanced Nurse Practitioner and Defibrillators Save Lives Trustee

Tomas Hince, (Sarah's Son), Year 8 student at Crompton House CofE School, Shaw and Defibrillators Save Lives Heart Hero

All four were selected for their significant voluntary contributions to improving cardiac safety across the borough, where the charity continues to install, support and monitor public-access defibrillators.

The event forms part of Princess Catherine’s Westminster Abbey Carol Service, which will be broadcast nationally on ITV later this month on Christmas Eve.

Guests were welcomed into the Coronation Street studio for an evening of entertainment, gratitude and reflection.

During the service, performances were given by the RAF Cadets and readings were delivered by cast members from Coronation Street.

Attendees also heard words of recognition from Diane Hawkins, Lord Lieutenant of Greater Manchester, with the event hosted by the High Sheriff of Greater Manchester, Eamonn O’Neal, who guided the evening with warmth and humour.

Following the indoor service, guests were invited to step onto the famous cobbles, where further carols were sung, and attendees were given the rare chance to explore behind the scenes of the world’s longest-running soap opera.

Walking away from this evening, in their hands, were individual letters to them from Her Royal Highness, The Princess of Wales, something to truly treasure for the rest of their lives.

In true fashion, the Defibrillators Save Lives team could not resist checking the set’s on-screen defibrillator, located next to the medical centre familiar to millions of viewers.

To their delight, the device was confirmed to be real, fully in date and in service, reassurance that even fictional Weatherfield upholds real-world lifesaving standards.

Speaking after the event, Scott said: “To be invited on behalf of our charity was a genuine honour.

"Standing on the cobbles with my son Charlie, alongside Sarah and Tomas, made it a moment we will never forget.

“This recognition is not just for us, but for every Heart Hero, every volunteer, and everyone in Oldham who supports the mission of Defibrillators Save Lives.”

The charity continues its mission across Shaw, Crompton, Royton and wider Oldham, promoting public access defibrillators, community CPR and AED training, and volunteer guardianship.

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