Stacey nets pep-talk from Sir Alex

ADVICE . . . United boss Sir Alex Ferguson meets trainee childcarer Stacey Docherty, from Hollinwood

Former Kaskenmoor pupil Stacey Docherty is nearer to her goal of working in child care after a confidence boosting meeting with Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson.

The Reds boss took time out of training to chat to students being helped by the Oldham charity Rathbone.

And Stacey (19) was one of half a dozen Rathbone trainees rewarded with a trip to the United training ground at Carrington.

It was Stacey’s reward for turning around her job prospects after completing a Level 2 Apprenticeship in childcare towards her goal of becoming a fully qualified nursery nurse.

The Hollinwood teenager suffered a crisis of confidence after leaving school and lacked numeracy and literacy qualifications.

Now, the Paul Scholes fan has worked tirelessly for her qualifications and has enjoyed spells on work placement at local nursery schools.

Stacey was over the moon to meet Sir Alex.

She said: “He was so friendly and was really interested in what I was doing.

“He had his picture taken with me and then sat us down. His advice will stay with me forever.”

Sir Alex said: “It is so pleasing to meet youngsters who have overcome hardship to succeed.

“People such as Stacey are true champions and it was an honour to meet her. I wish Stacey and Rathbone every success for the future.”

Rathbone, in Union Street, helps 16-19-year-olds to get the skills and qualifications they need to enter professions such as retail, catering, childcare and business administration.

To find out more, call 0161-620 6767 or e-mail oldham@rathboneuk.org.