A Wilmslow businessman delivered a winning pitch to Dragon's Den entrepreneur Theo Paphitis to scoop the Many Hands Charity Campaign Award.
Gary Chaplin, MD of Communicate North, was the only individual up against four businesses shortlisted at the final on February 2nd.
All the finalists took to the stage to perform a three minute Dragon Den style pitch to the judging panel, consisting of BBC dragon Theo Paphitis, Charity Chairman Maurice Watkins, business coach Nick Robinson, Business Desk Editor Chris Barry and Kath Martin from Montpellier Accountants, as well as compere Gordon Burns and 130 guests.
Gary, who delivered his winning speech whilst cycling on his bike, was shortlisted for the award after he organised a bike ride from London to Manchester that raised more than £14,000 for Royal Manchester Children's Hospital Charity (RMCH).
Last September a team of 15 cyclists, led by Gary, set off from The Strand, London on a bike ride to Manchester Velodrome via the hospital.
Congratulating Gary on his win, Theo said: "Gary's award was very well deserved. He raised a massive £14,000 which was a phenomenal achievement.
"His pitch on the deciding night was unforgettable because the entire presentation was given while cycling - that in itself was a first."
Gary was inspired to fundraise for RMCH after nurses from a hospital linked to the charity saved his daughter Ava's life when she was born six weeks premature.
He said: "Ava contracted an infection when she was five-days-old and as any parent will testify, seeing your child very ill is everyone's worst nightmare.
"It is thanks to those nurses that my daughter is now a very lively, robust, vocal three-year-old,"
As part of his prize, Gary will also receive a day's training and coaching from leading business coach, Nick Robinson and spend time with Theo.
He added: "It is extremely humbling to be the winner of the Many Hands Award, especially against such stiff competition and fantastic charity initiatives by some great businesses.
"The ride was a great achievement, not only in the amount it raised and the incredible support we received from so many businesses, but also in the camaraderie and positive spirit all the riders felt working so hard for such a worthwhile cause."
Maurice Watkins, Chairman of RMCH, said: "All of the finalists did a fantastic job with their pitches, but it was Gary's determination and commitment that really shone through on the night.
"We were impressed with the effort he put in to organising the bike ride and the awareness he achieved to help make a difference to children at Royal Manchester Children's Hospital."
The Many Hands Campaign, spearheaded by businessman and TV personality Theo Paphitis, is about the business community joining together to make a difference to thousands of poorly children at Royal Manchester Children's Hospital. The Many Hands Award gives individuals and companies the chance to showcase the great and creative work they have undertaken as part of the Many Hands Campaign.
