The Medical Director of Wrightington, Wigan and Leigh Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust (WWL) has joined Hollywood royalty and Olympic superstars with his very own honour on Wigan’s Walk of Fame.
Professor Sanjay Arya, OBE, was joined by friends and family at a special event at Wigan’s Town Hall to unveil the Believe Star - the highest accolade awarded to residents or those who have made a difference to the borough – awarded for his contribution and dedication to the people of Wigan.
Prof. Arya, who is also a Consultant Cardiologist at WWL, said: “I am so very grateful to receive this honour. It has been 25 years since I began working at WWL and none of this would be possible without the support of my colleagues and the teams I work with. I promise to continue to serve the people of Wigan for as long as I am able to. They are the best people I have met throughout my career, and it is a pleasure and privilege to do so.”
The star was placed on Believe Square, alongside famous names already honoured including actor Ian McKellan, rugby league legend Billy Boston, John Winnard, joint managing director of Uncle Joe’s mint balls, and Olympic athlete and coach Jenny Meadows.
Leader of Wigan Council, Councillor David Molyneux MBE, said: "Sanjay has had a remarkable career and the population of our borough owes him a great deal. He has done so much to improve healthcare across our communities and his hard work and dedication is an inspiration to us all. He is a more-than-worthy recipient of a Believe Star and it was our honour to host his friends and family in the Mayor's Parlour."
Prof. Arya began working at WWL in 2000 and led on setting up the cardiac catheter lab and starting coronary intervention at the Royal Albert Edward Infirmary. He became Medical Director in 2017, and also continues to be involved in teaching and training doctors and other health professionals across the North West. He was named a community hero by the Prime Minister for developing cardiac services in Wigan in 2016 and earlier this year was awarded an OBE for services to black and minority ethnic doctors and healthcare in the North West in the King’s New Year’s Honours List.