Prevent Breast Cancer Chairman Appointed High Sheriff of Greater Manchester

The Chair of Prevent Breast Cancer, Eamonn O’Neal, has been chosen by King Charles as the next High Sheriff of Greater Manchester.

The appointment of Eamonn was formally announced by Buckingham Palace earlier on this week and he will take up his ceremonial role next month.

In an unusual move, the father-of-three, from Sale, will be installed as High Sheriff for a second time, having previously held the position in 2020. This is unique in the history of Greater Manchester, as Eamonn has now been appointed by two different monarchs.

He will be installed as High Sheriff in April, succeeding Mary Elizabeth Walker and will hold office for 12 months.

Eamonn first became a Trustee of Prevent Breast Cancer in 2022, before being voted in as Chairman at the beginning of 2023. He has been a prominent broadcaster and journalist in the northwest, having been head of regional programmes at Granada Television, Managing Editor of the Manchester Evening News and a presenter with BBC Radio Manchester. In 2015, he was awarded an Honorary Doctor of Arts degree by the University of Bolton in recognition of his outstanding contribution to the media and charity.

Commenting on his post, Eamonn said:

It’s a huge honour and quite humbling to be chosen as High Sheriff of Greater Manchester again. I’m grateful to have the chance to connect and engage with the charitable, voluntary, faith, ethnic, cultural and business communities across the county.

The Office of High Sheriff is the oldest secular title in British history and among the most ancient in the world, dating back more than 1,300 years. At that time the Sheriff represented the monarch, collected taxes, raised armies and was the rule of law across the county.

He continued :

I won’t be collecting taxes, or raising an army, but as High Sheriff I’ll be proud to represent the King as the ceremonial head of the judiciary in the county.

I also regard this Royal appointment as recognition of the importance of meaningful connection with the communities. Prevent Breast Cancer is an amazing charity and a perfect example of how dedicated work and research can make a real and measurable difference to people’s lives. I’m hoping that during my year as High Sheriff, we can realise our ambition of cutting the ribbon of the National Breast Imaging Academy, so every woman has access to the healthcare she needs, when she needs it.

Everyone at the charity wishes Eamonn the best of luck as he embarks on his newly appointed role. His knowledge and dedication make him the perfect fit, and he is a shining example of everything that is great about the northwest.

Find out more about the National Breast Imaging Academy and make a donation today.