Oldham hero Kevin awarded CBE in New Year honours list

Oldham rugby hero Kevin Sinfield and his great friend Rob Burrow have been awarded CBEs in the New Year Honours list.

The pair, former Leeds Rhinos playing team-mates, have raised more than £15million to combat motor neurone disease (MND) through a series of epic challenges since Burrow was diagnosed in 2019.

A number of other Oldhamers have been recognised with New Year honours.

Mahbubur Rahman is a local activist who received the British Empire Medal for services to charity his community.

Mahbubur, who is 44, volunteers with a few organisations including Outta Skool and I Love Bangladesh (ILB).

He is an active member of ILB, which focusses on celebrating and promoting Bangladeshi culture in the UK.

The father-of-two is also a member of My Coldhurst, a community group committed to maintaining clean and tidy streets in Oldham.

He said: "I am deeply honoured by this recognition.

"It's a reflection of the collective spirit of Oldham.

“My involvement in initiatives like the Coldhurst clean-ups, supporting our youth through sports, and celebrating our diverse heritage, all stem from my love for our town.

"I've always believed in giving back to the community that has given me so much."

Elaine Linda Robinson has been made a Member of the Order of the British Empire, for services to children with special educational needs and disabilities.

Elaine is the founding member of Parents of Oldham InTouch and Oldham Special Educational Needs and Disabilities Support Service.

Seventy-year-old painter and architectural artist Brian Clarke, another Oldhamer, has also received a knighthood.

Mr Clarke is one of the world's leading artists in stained glass and known for his large-scale stained glass and mosaic projects.

He has received a knighthood for his services to art in a career spanning more than 50 years.

Also among the award recipients are two top public officials who oversee Oldham - chief executive of Greater Manchester Combined Authority Eamonn Boylan and chief fire officer Dave Russel.

Meanwhile, the Pinnacle Learning Trust (PLT) is collectively delighted that Jayne Clarke has been awarded an OBE, for Services to Further Education. 

Jayne (above) was appointed Principal of Oldham Sixth Form College in 2010, was co-founder of the Pinnacle Learning Trust (PLT) in 2017 and is now the Executive Principal and CEO of PLT.

She is a Member of the Sixth Form Colleges Association (SFCA) Council and Chairs the SFCA Funding Committee and the North West Sixth Form College Principals Group. 

Andrew Kilburn, the Chair of The Pinnacle Learning Trust, said: “Jayne Clarke has been the driving force behind PLT, which is currently Oldham Sixth Form College, Hathershaw College, Werneth Primary School and Broadfield Primary School. 

"She has  ensured that our trust is embedded in the Oldham education community. 

“Jayne has always championed evidence-informed practice as an important part of educational improvement.

"Through her vision, the college was the first Sixth Form College to be a designated Research School in the country and she has ensured that the highest standards of teaching and learning are at the heart of everything we do as a trust.”

Jayne said: “It is a privilege to work with fantastic colleagues and students across The Pinnacle Learning Trust and, of course, at Oldham Sixth Form College, where I’ve been for the last 21 years.

“I really feel this honour is for everyone at our trust.

"I’m very lucky and grateful to receive it, but it’s very much a reflection of our collective achievements.

“On a personal note, I’d like to mention my mum, who was also a Headteacher and a great role model for me and others.

"She’d have been incredibly proud of me receiving this honour.”

Sinfield's is the third honour bestowed on him since 2014 as he works his way through the medals.

His first was a Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) in recognition of his rugby league career.

Eight years later in 2021 he received an Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) for his fundraising work to help find a cure and help those living with MND.

Oldham Council Leader Cllr Arooj Shah said: “Huge congratulations to Kevin, Brian and Jayne and all of the recipients of the New Year Honours."

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