Award for community champion who created snooker group for people living with dementia
A Congleton community champion has been celebrated for creating a snooker group that brings together people living with dementia, tackling the potential stigma following a diagnosi
By Nub News
Ian Carter, founder of No Tier Snooker in Congleton, has received the Chairman’s Award at the 2026 Everybody Health and Leisure Awards.
The award was presented by former Olympic swimmer Mark Foster, in recognition of Mr Carter’s work creating a snooker group for people living with dementia.
No Tier Snooker brings people affected by dementia together in a relaxed setting, helping to tackle isolation and the stigma that can follow a diagnosis. The group is supported by NHS dementia outreach teams and has backing from snooker players Steve Davis OBE and Dennis Taylor.
Mr Carter was diagnosed with frontotemporal dementia in 2024. He said the group had grown from his own response to the diagnosis into a community where people could enjoy snooker without pressure.
“It was an amazing moment to be presented with the Chairman’s Award by Mark, and I was blown away to be recognised,” he said.
He added that people could feel isolated after receiving a diagnosis, but urged them not to lose hope and to make the most of the next chapter of their lives.
Mr Carter is also using No Tier Snooker to promote earlier diagnosis and greater awareness of dementia. The campaign highlights the potential benefits of social participation for people living with dementia, as well as their families and carers.
Andrew Kolker, chairman of Everybody Health and Leisure, said he had personally chosen the award because Mr Carter’s impact extended beyond sport.
“Through No Tier Snooker, Ian has created something far bigger than a sporting activity,” he said. “He is tackling loneliness, supporting people affected by dementia and changing perceptions about what is possible following a diagnosis.”
More than 150 guests attended the Everybody Awards 2026, which recognised people working in sport, health and wellbeing.
Dennis Taylor previously described No Tier Snooker as “a fabulous idea”, saying the game could help people focus on the moment and take their minds off other difficulties.