Doing his bit to help out

ANDREW Taylor (57) pictured at his home in Holts Estate

A KIND-HEARTED man with a rare bone disease has been hailed for going out of his way to serve others in the face of his own difficult circumstances.

Andrew Taylor (57) has a progressive metabolic bone disease, hypophosphatemic osteomalacia, ­which causes his bones to break if it gets too cold, meaning he sometimes collapses without warning.

The Holts Estate resident who attends St Edwards R C Church in Lees was held up as a hero for his inspiring fundraising efforts despite his own debilitating condition.

Andrew, who has been anonymously nominated for a Pride in Oldham Award, said: "I believe in helping people.

"I'm a Catholic and believe the Lord says to love your neighbour and befriend others.

"I've seen people with medical conditions judged by others and I don't think that is fair.

"I also believe in helping people with cancer. I don't want to see people suffer and want to do all I can to help."

He added: "A lot of people have helped me raise money by turning up to charity events I've organised."

Between February and March this year all Andrew's energies were focused on helping a family to secure life-saving treatment for their six-year-old boy.

Andrew organised a fundraising event at Waterhead Rugby Club in aid of Joshua Burns-Adair who was diagnosed with Jeunes Thoracic Dystrophy at birth.

Joshua's family were desperate to raise £1.5million so Joshua could receive treatment in America for his condition, which causes his rib cage to grow at a slower rate than the rest of his body.

Andrew has also previously fundraised for Macmillan Cancer Support.

His efforts include organising a pie supper complete with music, stand-up bingo, play your cards right and raffle as well as compiling donations.

One of his carers Tony Roscoe previously said: "Andrew knows a lot of people and he gets people from his church on board. Once he gets something in his head he will go the full way to get it done."

The sponsor's for this year's Pride in Oldham Awards are the Stoller Charitable Trust, Oldham Council, Molnlycke, Rotary Club of Oldham Metro, JW Lees, First Choice Homes, the Asian Business Leaders group and Tesco.