Oldham Council will hand ‘Freedom of the Borough’ to the pair of local stars who raised more than £3.7 million for charities by conquering tests of endurance.
Rugby league legend Kevin Sinfield and record-breaking rower Frank Rothwell – both from Oldham – have been bestowed with the rare honour following their incredible achievements over the past few months.
Former Leeds Rhinos captain and Saddleworth resident Sinfield raised a staggering £2.7 million after running seven marathons in as many days in December – with proceeds going towards the Motor Neurone Disease Association.
Sinfield was inspired to take on the challenge after his old teammate and fellow rugby star Rob Burrow was diagnosed with the condition in 2020.
In February, Rothwell wrote his way into the history books when he became the oldest man to complete the Talisker Whisky Atlantic Challenge – rowing 3,000 miles from the Canaries to the Caribbean in 56 days.
Frank, who owns Chadderton-based Manchester Cabins, also donated £30,000 to Action Together last year to help the charity continue its vital work supporting the local community throughout the pandemic.
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The local council said that offering Sinfield and Rothwell Freedom of the Borough would reflect the duo’s “eminent services”.
Cllr Sean Fielding, Council Leader and Cabinet Member for Economy and Skills, said: “Kevin and Frank are truly inspirational, and we were cheering them on every step of the way.
“In a terrible year they did something really positive and brought people together with their remarkable efforts to simply do whatever it takes to help others.
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“We’re not sure we can top the title of ‘Sir Kev’ but we hope the Freedom of the Borough demonstrates to Kevin and Frank that we are really proud to call them Oldhamers.”
Only 24 people have been given Oldham Freedom of the Borough since 1909 – the most recent being Olympic gold medallist Nicola White MBE in 2016.
Both Sinfield and Rothwell will be honoured at a formal ceremony later in the year when restrictions allow.
News
Chester Zoo is hiring a new keeper to look after its ‘birds and bees’
Emily Sergeant
Chester Zoo is currently hiring someone to look after its ‘birds and bees’, and you can get your applications in the for role now.
If you’re after a career change in 2026, then surely it doesn’t get much better than this?
The UK’s biggest charity zoo currently has a vacancy open for a Keeper to join the Invertebrates team, and for the right candidate, this offers a fantastic opportunity to work as part of the wider Ectotherms department – with a focus on native species conservation.
Chester Zoo is responsible for one of Europe’s largest and most-diverse animal communities, and this is your chance to be a part of what makes it so special.
For this full-time role, the zoo is looking for an ‘enthusiastic, dynamic, and motivated’ individual to provide extensive knowledge and proven expertise in caring for and managing all the native invertebrate species that live there.
The ideal candidate for this job will have a HND or degree level qualification in a zoological related science or equivalent experience, and have ‘outstanding’ observational skills and attention to detail, as well as be committed to ensuring the highest possible standards of animal health and welfare are met.
The role of ‘Keeper – Invertebrates’ is 40 hours per week on a 12-month Fixed Term basis, with the working week being 10 days out of 14, including weekends and bank holidays as rostered, and the salary being £25,500 per annum.
Working at Chester Zoo comes with an ‘excellent benefits package’ and loads of perks too, including a generous pension scheme, 33 days paid holidays per year, a healthcare plan, pension scheme, a staff pass so you can visit the zoo for free, and complimentary tickets for friends and family.
Think you’re fit for the job? The closing date for applications is 22 November 2026, and you can find out more and apply for the role here.
Featured Image – Chester Zoo
News
Appeal for information after serious bus-cyclist collision on Deansgate
Daisy Jackson
Police have launched an appeal for information following a serious road traffic collision on Deansgate, which has left a cyclist in critical condition.
Yesterday afternoon reports were made of a crash between a cyclist and a bus on the busy street in Manchester city centre.
The cyclist, who is a man in his 80s, has suffered life-threatening injuries in the crash, and remains in hospital in critical condition.
The crash took place on the junction of Bridge Street and Deansgate at around 12.30pm on Monday 2 November.
A large cordon was in place and Deansgate closed for several hours yesterday.
Police officers are now appealing for any witnesses who may have seen the moments leading up to this incident, or may have mobile phone or dashcam footage, to come forward.
No arrests have been made.
Anyone with information can contact police on 0161 856 4741 quoting the log number 1510 of 02.11.26. Alternatively, contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
The Manc -
19th March 2021 
