Mayor’s £50,000 legacy

OUTGOING Oldham Mayor, Councillor Jim McArdle and Mayoress, Councillor Kay Knox, hand out the proceeds of the Mayor’s Appeal, to representatives of 10 local good causes including (front) Dr Kershaw’s and Oldham Young Carers

Councillor McArdle proud of year in office

COUNCILLOR Jim McArdle ended his Mayoral year on a high when he handed out around £50,000 to local charities and good causes.

One of the borough’s most popular mayors approached the end of his year in office by gathering together some of the people he wanted to support.

He presented £23,000 to Oldham Young Carers and £16,000 to Dr Kershaw’s Hospice. Oldham Cancer Support received £2,000, while £1,000 each went to Oldham Play Action Group, Oldham Prostate Cancer Support, Oldham Scottish Pipe Band, Chernobyl Children’s Project and Oldham Children’s Holiday Homes. A gift of £500 went to Hawkyard and Whitehead Education Foundation and also to Jaynie Huxley, to help towards the publication of her fund-raising poetry book.

The £50,000 total, raised during a year of recession, passed all the Mayor’s expectations, as he sent out a big thank-you to all who have supported his appeal over the last year.

He told the Chronicle: “Considering the recession and the downturn in the economy, I thought £30,000 would be a good figure.

“People have been more than generous. The sponsors I have had over the year have been extraordinary.

“I thought it was going to be difficult to raise the money, but it’s been unbelievable, and has given me a fantastic end to a fabulous year.”

The recipients of the proceeds were unaware of how much they would receive. Oldham Young Carers were flabbergasted with their cheque.

The Mayor said: “They were over the moon and startled at the amount.

“I saw a television programme several years ago about some young carers going for a day out, which was a rarity, and it always stuck with me.

“These children are absolutely superb, they quietly go about their business and caring is just part of their life. This was my chance to do something for them.

“Oldham’s young carers are well supported by Oldham Council, but it was the treats and little extras I wanted to give them — this money will pay for some of those.

“If I have done anything in my year as Mayor it has been to raise awareness of Oldham’s young carers, and that is worth much more than the money.”