Mark King, 46, was recognised for his vital work with the Expert Patients Programme Community Interest Company (EPP CIC) and was awarded a certificate by Hazel Blears, MP for Salford.

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He said: "I first got involved with EPP CIC about six years ago, I had recently been diagnosed with a long-term condition I was very depressed and I thought my useful working life was over.

"The course was a revelation, it showed me that my life wasn't over – I could still do all the things I wanted to do, I just needed to do them at a slower pace.

"The course really boosted my self-esteem and so I decided to take it to the next level and become a tutor.

"That boosted my confidence even more and it's been great meeting and helping so many people through the courses.

"I am now an accredited assessor and I have done my lead tutor training which means I will soon be training the trainers."

The award winner's event was also attended by Paralympic swimmer and medal winner Heather Fredrickson who gave an inspiring speech to the invited audience describing her own journey to becoming a top Paralympic athlete.

Simon Knighton, Chief Executive of EPP CIC, said: "The free courses offered by EPP are run by people living with long-term health conditions for people living with long-term health conditions and NAME has made a massive contribution to the important work we are doing.

"We would encourage anyone living with a long-term health condition or those caring for people who may have a long-term condition to get in touch and find out more about what could be a life-changing programme."