Man of Rochdale 2022: Dave Richardson

Dave Richardson has been named this year’s Man of Rochdale at the annual Springhill Hospice Man of Rochdale luncheon today (Friday 25 November).

Dave, 75, has dedicated the last six years of his life to raise over £140,000 to build a hydrotherapy pool in the local community.

Upon receipt of the prestigious Man of Rochdale plate, he said: "This is quite a surprise but I should dedicate this to my wife. She was a volunteer at the hospice and still fundraised even with having Parkinson's for 27 years. I'm still not over her passing.

"We got confirmation of the £100,000 to build the hydrotherapy pool six weeks before she passed and she was pleased as punch. My wife was the one who got me involved, but the Rochdale community has helped with turning up to events. This is overwhelming, thanks for everything."

The inspiration came from Dave’s late wife, Rose, who was diagnosed with Parkinson’s in the late 1990s. Rose spearheaded the fundraising efforts before she passed away in March 2021.

As Rose’s condition worsened, she was advised to visit a hydrotherapy pool to help manage her pain.

A hydrotherapy pool is particularly helpful for treating Parkinson's symptoms because the temperature is higher than a normal swimming pool which helps muscles to relax; easing joints, reducing pain, and making gentle exercise much easier. Unfortunately, the family didn’t have access to facilities locally.

Over the last six years, Dave and his supporters held various fundraising events, from comedy nights and concerts, and received donations from local businesses and sports groups. Rose’s legacy, ‘HydRose’, is open at Castleton Health and Leisure Centre.
 

Read more: Rochdale man helps raise over £140,000 to open new hydrotherapy pool in Castleton in memory of his wifePublished: 31 August 2022

Having raised money for charities over the last 50 years, Dave has helped raise over £300,000 for causes such as Pendlebury Children's Hospital, the adolescent unit at The Christie and Ukraine Aid.

Hosted at Rochdale Golf Club, Mr Richardson was announced as the 28th Man of Rochdale this year since the event began in 1994.

Mr Richardson was presented with the plate bearing the names of all previous titleholders.

A statement which was read out on behalf of last year’s winner, Lieutenant Commander Lawrence Scholes RNR - who could not be at the event - thanked the Man of Rochdale committee and wished good luck to his successor.

Kieren McDonnell, chair of the Man of Rochdale committee, said it had been "difficult" but there had been a "standout winner" in Mr Richardson. Other nominees shortlisted this year included Michael Bamford, Roy Down, Tony Nugent and Wesley Dowd.

After nominees and their guests were treated to a four-course meal at the Edenfield Road club, entertainment was provided by this year’s guest speaker, former footballer Micky Quinn.

This year's event was sponsored by Jackson and Jackson and PDS, with an auction and raffle including a £1,000 JD Alexander jewellery voucher, a signed Manchester United shirt and a signed Manchester City shirt, executive seats with a meal at Manchester United and a VIP match day experience for a family of four at the Etihad, a £250 Denis Hope menswear voucher, a Buckley Mesnwear voucher and a wine hamper from Lancashire Hospitality.