Julie Waller Named as Springhill’s Woman of Rochdale 2026
Julie Waller has been named Woman of Rochdale 2026, one of the borough’s most respected honours, awarded annually at the special event hosted by Springhill Hospice.
Julie, founder and driving force behind Uniform For All, has become a lifeline for thousands of local families through her extraordinary voluntary work. Leading a purely volunteer-led initiative, she dedicates around 50 hours each week to ensuring children across Rochdale can attend school clothed with dignity, confidence and pride.
Over the past year alone, Uniform For All has supported more than 2,000 families, redistributing over 15,000 items of recycled school uniform. This has saved families an estimated £225,000 while preventing more than 3.3 tonnes of clothing from going to landfill. Behind every item is a child able to walk into school feeling equal to their peers, and a parent reassured that they are not facing hardship alone.
January 2026 marked the busiest month in the organisation’s five-year history, with Julie now receiving around 30 requests each day; many from families with multiple children. Despite this growing demand, she has never turned anyone away. Every item is personally washed, ironed and prepared by Julie herself, reflecting her belief that every child deserves kindness.
Working closely with schools, health visitors, social workers and housing providers, Julie ensures families receive support quickly, compassionately and with complete discretion.
Before founding Uniform For All, Julie served the community for 35 years as a frontline paramedic in Rochdale. Throughout her career, she worked long day and night shifts, saving lives, supporting people through their most difficult moments and helping to bring new life safely into the world. That same compassion now defines her voluntary work.
In addition, Julie gives her time to mentoring both adults and young people with additional needs, helping them build confidence, develop skills and build self-belief.
Vicki Barnett, Springhill’s Senior Corporate Fundraiser and event organiser said of Julie: “The Woman of Rochdale event was nothing short of incredible. With a record-breaking turnout of over 230 attendees, the energy, support, and sense of community in the room were truly inspiring. Events like this are so important – not only for bringing people together, but for raising vital funds that make a real difference to Springhill Hospice and the care we provide. Congratulations to a very worthy winner, Julie Waller!”
This year’s Woman of Rochdale event raised an incredible £17,000.00 for Springhill which could fund the Hospice for almost a day and a half and provide care to even more Rochdale residents.
