Life-saver Ellie

PRIDE in Oldham nominee Ellie Anne Melia (11) with her grandmother Anne Melia

The new search for Pride in Oldham starts tonight
A LIFE-SAVING schoolgirl has been put forward as this year’s first Pride in Oldham award nominee.

Ellie Anne Melia (11) came to her grandmother Anne Melia’s rescue in May this year when she fell down the stairs of her home in Knowles Street, Hollinwood, in the middle of the night.

The 65-year-old fractured her skull and was left lying in a pool of blood. But thanks to her quick-thinking grand-daughter Ellie, who calmly rang her uncle Gary for help and let the paramedics into the house, Mrs Melia is now recovering from her ordeal.

She has now nominated her “wonderful grand-daughter” for saving her life.

Mrs Melia, who suffered bleeding on the brain, said: “If she hadn’t have been there, I would have been a goner.

“The doctors said I could have died without her action.

“I’m so proud of Ellie and the way she acted that night.”

Ellie, who is set to start at the Oasis Academy in September, proved a popular award nominee.

Her mother Lindsey Melia and family friend Sandra White both put pen to paper to say Ellie should win.

Ellie, from Fox Park Road, Hollinwood, said: “I was scared when I saw my grandma at the bottom of the stairs but I’m so glad I was there and happy that I could help her. She’s doing well now but I’m still keeping an eye on her.”


Here’s how to nominate
Pride in Oldham searches for those people living or workng in the Oldham area who add a richness to the town beyond all expectations, whether little heroines like Ellie or those who give unstinting service to the town and its people for years.

Readers can nominate individuals, groups, schools and businesses for a Pride in Oldham award.

The 10 categories are: Professional, Voluntary, Group, Education Worker, Health Worker, Business, Sports Administrator, Sports Achiever, Special Achievement and Schools. An eleventh award — the Readers’ Choice — is decided once all nominations have been received.

The closing date for nominations is Friday, October 14, with finalists and winners invited to a gala dinner on December 9.


Email us as editorial@oldham-chronicle.co.uk with these details to nominate someone:

1 The name of the person or group nominated

2 A contact number for them (if you have one)

3 The job they do, and where they do it

4 Your reason for nominating them

5 Your name and contact number