Mahdlo Youth Zone’s rugby dinner raises £10K for Oldham’s young people

Mahdlo Youth Zone’s annual rugby dinner has raised an impressive £10,000 to support its work with young people across Oldham.

The event titled 'One of Our Own' was hosted by Terry Flanagan MBE, chairman of Oldham Rugby League Football Club and trustee of the charity, alongside Kevin Fitzpatrick, reporter for BBC North West and BBC Radio Manchester. 

The dinner brought together the charity’s supporters and rugby league fans, with an auction and raffle helping to raise funds for Mahdlo’s work across the borough.  

The evening also featured on-stage interviews with figures from Oldham rugby league, including Martin Hall, Steve Molloy and Mark Flanagan, who reflected on their careers and shared highlights from their time in the sport.  

The interviews were conducted by Kevin Fitzpatrick, who also spoke to the next generation of local rugby league players, including Josh Thewlis, Jake Thewlis, Eribe Doro and Lewis Jagger, who shared their journeys so far and aspirations for their careers.  

The event was sponsored by Uppermill-based business M&C Risk Solutions, which returned to support the event for a second consecutive year. James Scott Accountants sponsored the refreshments for the evening. 

Terry Flanagan MBE, said: “One of Our Own has been a brilliant evening, and I’m delighted that we’ve raised £10,000 to support Mahdlo Youth Zone.  

“I’d like to thank all the rugby legends who joined us tonight; their passion for the sport and for our community is clear. It’s been fantastic to see rugby league groups from across Oldham coming together for a common cause: supporting young people in our community.” 

Michelle Gibbons, Corporate Partnerships and Engagement Fundraiser at Mahdlo, added: “A huge thank you to our headline sponsor, M&C Risk Solutions, and our refreshments sponsor, James Scott Accountants, who helped make the event possible. 

“One of Our Own has been a fantastic evening, and we’re very grateful to our local rugby legends and everyone who attended. We’re already looking forward to next year!”