06/03/2026
Donna is a superstar and a member of the MNVP. I’m so glad she’s getting this recognition- though she’ll be the first to say it will be for the team across the patch who have made such a difference to families. Amazing service. Thank you.
Today we’re announcing the winner of this year’s Leader’s Award 📣 and it’s someone who many local families may recognise...
Donna Butler works as the Baby Friendly Lead Midwife at East Lancashire Hospitals NHS Trust .
Donna and her team of two specialist staff and three support workers, offer invaluable support for families in the crucial early days of parenthood, working with midwives, health visitors, perinatal mental wellbeing teams, early years teams in Family Hubs, Public Health colleagues and parent volunteers.
The Leader’s Award is part of the annual 1V Awards, led by local charity Voice Blackburn. It recognises an individual or organisation that shows strong leadership, enhancing the reputation of the town and with a strong cohesion ethos.
Each year the winner is chosen by Council Leader Councillor Phil Riley.
Councillor Phil Riley commented:
“This year’s winner is an inspirational leader whose work has been having a huge impact on others in Blackburn with Darwen for some time.
“Donna Butler leads with a passion for making life better for parents and carers, and for giving babies and children in our borough the very best start.
“She works closely with our Public Health team and our Family Hubs, as well as collaborating with a range of other local agencies, to make sure families are supported through the challenges of the first 1,001 days of a child’s life.
“She and her team engage with our local communities, and respond to their diverse needs to ensure the services they offer meet families’ needs. We’re very lucky to have Donna in Blackburn with Darwen, and I congratulate her on her success.”
You can read the full story on Donna Butler’s award – including her reaction – on The Shuttle news website – see the link in comments. ⬇
