Former bobby is on a mission

A FORMER policeman, who moved to Oldham from Scotland in the 1960s, is on a mission to raise awareness of a devastating disease.

Gordon Smith was a familiar face on his patch of “Grains Bar to Vulcan Street and everything in between” which he patrolled on foot, bike and car until his retirement several years ago.

Last year, he was diagnosed with Multiple System Atrophy (MSA). The incurable disease is caused by degeneration of nerve cells in several areas of the brain leading to problems in movement, balance and automatic functions of the body.

Since he was diagnosed, Gordon — who has always been very active — has had to give up driving and fishing.

The MSA Trust is the UK’s primary funder of research into both a cause and cure to the neurodegenerative disease and receives no statutory funding, relying entirely on voluntary donations.

To help with the fundraising effort, Gordon, his wife Vilma and daughter Corinne will host a charity tombola stall at a Christmas fair at St Thomas’ Church Hall in Moorside on Sunday from 11.30am.

The fair will also feature stalls, baked goods and a raffle with proceeds going to church funds.