Alan Wrigley - Man of Rochdale 2016

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Alan Wrigley - Man of Rochdale 2016

Alan Wrigley was named Man of Rochdale for 2016 at a special luncheon at Rochdale Town Hall on Friday - beating off 53 other nominees.

Councillor Robert Clegg OBE, Chairman of the Men of Rochdale Committee, announced Alan as the winner.

He said: “Alan has worked tirelessly, and to raise money at his age is an inspiration. He’s 83-years-old and shows no signs of slowing down. He’s raised over £70,000 pounds for charities, including Springhill Hospice, the GEM Appeal and Bleakholt.

“He’s very humble and has had no recognition. We’re exceptionally proud of the difference he has made to the people of Rochdale.”

The 83-year-old Suez Crisis veteran shed a few tears of emotion as he was handed his award - the 23rd Man of Rochdale since the event began in 1994.

Alan, who lives in Denshaw with his son, Mark, said he was ‘overwhelmed’, and told Rochdale Online he ‘never expected it’.

Springhill Hospice is a close, personal cause to Alan as his wife died there around ten years ago.

He said: “I do my job because I like doing it. I work at B&Q and now I’m at the one in Oldham as the one in Rochdale has closed.

“I’m a very lucky man to be picked out of 54 nominees. I’ve had a smashing day and I’ve really enjoyed it.”

Councillor Clegg said: “This luncheon is one of the most significant events in the Rochdale calendar. It raises a lot of money to help keep the Hospice doors open.

“Without a doubt, Alan is a worthy winner. He’s been nominated a number of times in the past and now his time has come. It’s incredible for a man of his age to be doing all these things like sky-diving and bungee jumping. It’s important to celebrate people in the borough who do remarkable things with no recognition.

“We did have a shortlist which we discussed and the committee chose Alan. He’s quiet and unassuming and has done a lot with no recognition. When he received the award, it was touching and delightful to see genuine emotion.”

Annie Moran, who organised the event of behalf of Springhill Hospice, said: “It’s been very successful and people have enjoyed it. Alan is a very worthy winner.”

The event was led by Toastmaster Alan Calow, with speeches from guest speakers, comedian Terry Cotta and Andrew Nutter, who was Man of Rochdale for 2015.