One of our very own is getting ready to get thousands of racers underway as local Olympian, Keely Hodgkinson MBE, has been named as the official starter for the 2025 Great Manchester Run.
Atherton’s very own generational trackstar, who picked up gold at Paris 2024 and has earned several other medals, not to mention smashing multiple British records, will be leading the hordes of runners taking on the annual AJ Bell challenge through central Manchester next month.
We couldn’t think of anyone better suited to fly the flag for Greater Manchester.
HUGE NEWS incoming… 👀🔥
We’re super excited to announce that Olympic champion @keelyhodgkinson will be the official race starter for this year’s AJ Bell Great Manchester Run! 🏃♀️💥👏🐝 pic.twitter.com/aHHxeaMQ9p
Hyping up the news on social media, the Great Run company went on to add: “A true hometown hero, an Olympic champion, and now, kicking off Manchester’s best running party of the year – the BIGGEST in a decade! We’re proper BUZZZZZING! Let’s have it, Manchester!”
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Safe to say they’re pretty ecstatic with the news, and so are we, as Keely Hodgkinson becomes the latest Team GB member to bring their pedigree to the event, following in the very fast footsteps of Sir Mo Farah, Kelly Holmes, Amir Khan and many more.
Although the 800m specialist is yet to comment on the announcement directly, the magic of getting to put the hard yards in front of a home crowd won’t be lost on her, and it goes without saying that she’ll get an unreal reception from the Manc spectators – of which there are expected to be more than 100,000.
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Better yet, over 35,000 participants are set to take on the Great Manchester Run this year, therefore teeing potentially record-breaking crowds for the event.
2025 marks the 22nd edition of the event, and the atmosphere throughout the city centre, as well as out into East Manchester and Trafford, is always spectacular. There are still places left if you’re tempted…
Undoubtedly one of the very best athletes to ever come out of the underdog borough that is Wigan, whether you argue the case for old Lancashire or not, surely we can all be proud to call her a Greater Mancunian this spring, just as we did back in the summer?
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Once again, it isn’t long before the annual race day kicks off as the Great Manchester Run arrives on Sunday, 18 May, with Keely Hodgkinson beckoning everyone towards their own hero moments.
There are still places left for both the 10k and half marathon distances, and now we’ve seen the medal design for this year, we might just have to sign up again ourselves.
You can find out more and decide for yourself HERE.
Manchester Storm pays tribute to ‘cherished member’ of club family
Danny Jones
Local ice hockey side Manchester Storm and its supporters are paying tribute to team physiotherapist Cherry Woodhams, who has sadly died over the festive period.
Having become a recognisable face around the club and around the Storm Shelter at Planet Ice Altrincham, plenty of fans are now honouring and sharing stories about her.
Confirming the news on social media last weekend, MCR Storm wrote: “We are heartbroken to share the passing of Cherry Woodhams, our much-loved Team Massage Therapist and a cherished member of the Storm family.
Details around the Sale-based physio’s death remain private, but there has nevertheless been an outpouring of love and support following the announcement.
We are heartbroken to share the passing of Cherry Woodhams, our much-loved Team Massage Therapist and a cherished member of the Storm family.
Cherry played an essential role behind the scenes, helping our players recover from the intense physical demands of the sport.
“Cherry played an essential role behind the scenes, helping our players recover from the intense physical demands of the sport.
“Through her skill, care, and unwavering dedication, she supported muscle recovery, reduced stress, and helped prevent injury – always ensuring our players were ready to perform at their best. More than her expertise, Cherry’s warmth is what made her so special.
“She was trusted, respected, and deeply loved by all who had the privilege of working with her. Our thoughts are with Cherry’s family, friends, and loved ones at this incredibly difficult time.
“We are grateful for the time we shared with her and for the lasting impact she leaves on our club and our hearts. Rest peacefully, Cherry. You will always be part of the Storm family.”
Storm supporters and ice hockey heads, in general, have been sending thoughts to the club, along with her friends and family.
As well as fellow British side Guilford Flames sending their condolences, others, such as the fitness and sports rehabilitation centre she worked with, commented: “The most wonderful person… we will miss her immensely in Apex Gym.”
Former Storm player Callum Fryer added, “Cherry helped me out tremendously while I was playing for the Storm. So sad to hear of her passing. Rest in Peace, Cherry.”
Even people who “had the pleasure of playing on the ice with her” themselves in the past took the time to pay their respects to the “lovely soul.”
We have no doubt those in and around the club will find a way to honour her properly at their next home game against Sheffield Steelers on New Year’s Day (5:30pm, 1 Jan 2026).
Our thoughts and condolences go out to the Manchester Storm family, as well as all those who knew and loved Cherry. RIP.
As for Clegg, the former Warrington Rylands and Macclesfield FC boss, Altrincham scout, and two-time Colls coach – who also has a long association with the well-established miners’ club – he is stepping away from football management altogether for the time being.
“Today, I’ve made the decision to step down from my role at Atherton Collieries”, he continues. “Coming back to the club over the last 14 months has meant a great deal to me.
“The aim was to help the club move away from relegation and then leave it in a secure mid-table position, and I’m proud of what we’ve achieved together. I want to thank everyone at the club – players, staff, volunteers and supporters — for making me feel so welcome again.
“I’ve genuinely loved my time back at the Colls. The team is in very good hands with Danny and Tom [Bentham], and there’s a strong playing squad in place. I leave knowing the club is in a positive position.”
As mentioned, fellow coach Tom Bentham will remain in post supporting Lafferty during his transition into the top job, as well as provide some consistency in terms of leadership.
🚨HERE WE GO!🚨@JHulme1 & @Gazseddon kicked off our new season with the return of fan favourite…MICHAEL CLEGG!
👀 What really happened at Macclesfield. 😬 Working with Robbie Savage 💔 Play-Off heartbreak And more!
Meanwhile, Clegg signed off with the following: “Over the next few months, I want to reflect, watch football at different levels, and decide what I want next from the game.
“I’m hopeful that in 2026 I’ll be able to free up time and look to return from next summer. Thanks again for the support, and I wish the club every success moving forward.”
He also went on to congratulate his successor following confirmation of his replacement, commenting, “One of the best. Go and smash it, mate.”
As for his employers, they added: “We would like to thank Michael for his efforts and contributions, managing the Black & Whites for a total of 369 matches across his two spells, including last season’s historic ‘Great Escape’.”
‘Cleggy’ has long been considered a bit of a non-league cult hero, and we have every faith he’ll work wonders whatever he does next.
Danny Jones -
17th April 2025 
