Royal seal of approval

PLEASED to meet you: the prince is introduced by chief executive Helen Taylor

HIS Royal Highness Prince Edward learned of the valuable experiences of everyone involved with Mahdlo during his stay.

Some of Mahdlo’s biggest fans got the royal seal of approval for their work and commitment.

Charlotte Kilroy (20) was a member of the youth development group asked to brainstorm ideas and themes for Mahdlo.

She said: “Meeting the prince today was an amazing experience. He sees how much work has gone into it all, how much it benefits the young people of Oldham and the new opportunities it provides.”

Kevin Taylor, a boxing coach at Mahdlo, impressed Prince Edward with an Olympic participant’s medal he gained during the 1984 Los Angeles Olympics.

He said: “It was really nice to meet him, the youngsters had a great day and enjoyed talking to him.

Blue Coat pupil Shannon Wright (12) visits Mahdlo six times a week.

She said of the royal visit: “It was lovely to meet him. He seemed very interested. I was nervous before he came in case I got anything wrong, but it was an excited nervous.”

Vicky Richardson, head of volunteers at Mahdlo, thought the day said something for the town.

She said: “It has been fantastic — about really celebrating the facilities and young people from Oldham enjoying new activities and learning new things over the last six months. It shows we are doing a good job.”

Businessman Norman Stoller MBE, who gave Mahdlo its first financial boost by donating £250,000 to the centre five years ago, was overwhelmed by the day’s success.

He said: “This has been nearly five years in the making. And in the last six months alone, 2,000 young people have started coming here and that is amazing.

“I ask young people if there is anything they don’t like about Mahdlo, and they say nothing.

“So I say, OK, what do you like about Mahdlo? And they say, everything. It makes me fill up. Some of the youngsters who come here don’t even have homes, but this has become their home.

“Mahdlo has brought the Earl of Wessex here and this is a wonderful compliment to Oldham.

“He was really impressed with all he has seen and heard and that is terrific.”


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