Charity fund-raiser praises team effort

Humbled — Gordon Beverley was thrilled to receive a Pride In Oldham nomination for his fund-raising dedication

A SADDLEWORTH man who has spent almost two decades raising money for charity has been nominated for a Pride In Oldham award.

Gordon Beverley, from Diggle, has been a major player in organising some of the landmark events in the borough, including the Saddleworth beer walk and the Grotton Whit Friday band contest.

The 42-year-old, who lives in Huddersfield Road, was stunned at the news and said: “It’s humbling to receive a nomination. It makes me look at what I’m doing and feel proud that I have managed to make a difference. It affirms to me that I’m doing the right thing.”

The community champion’s efforts have included helping to raise thousands of pounds for various charities as a member of Saddleworth Round Table.

He has dedicated countless hours over the years to organising large-scale events, being chairman of the beer walk in 2000.

He even managed to turn around the walk in only four weeks after a foot-and-mouth outbreak put the celebration in jeopardy.

He said: “It’s been a real team effort but it has taken up a lot of my spare time.

“These kind of events need volunteers, they need the community to get involved. I’d say we’ve managed to raise over £500,000 over the years for charities which is fantastic.”

He was nominated by Simon Rowe, who said: “I’ve known Gordon for over 20 years now and he would do absolutely anything for Oldham.”

“If there is somebody or a cause that needs a helping hand he will drop everything and make sure he puts his all into helping.

“He would without doubt be a worthy winner.”