Oldham Rugby star opens the Roger Tanner building at Dr Kershaw's Hospice

Local Rugby legend Sir Kevin Sinfield congratulated staff as he officially opened the Roger Tanner building at Dr Kershaw's Hospice yesterday (Thurs).

The Oldham-born star performed the ribbon-cutting ceremony in front of hospice trustees, staff and visitors including the Mayor of Oldham, Councillor Pam Byrne.  

The new Wellbeing Centre will host community events, counselling, training, and a dementia hub for service users.  

On his first visit to the hospice, Sir Kevin, who was recently knighted by Prince William for his remarkable sporting career and his tireless fundraising efforts, which have raised millions of pounds and significantly increased awareness of Motor Neurone Disease, said he had 'mixed feelings'.  

He said: "I've never been here before. I'm a proud Oldhamer who has lived here all my life so in many ways, it's a good thing I haven't been here but it's also a sad thing because its only today that I have got to see the work that's being undertaken here such as quality care, the connection, the community element are all things that are really important to me.  

"To be invited here and sharing a special moment to see what you have created, I want to say congratulations because things don't just happen and this has taken a lot of hard work behind the scenes.  

"I think hospices are often seen as quite sad places, quite difficult places but I think what you have created is something really special for people who are going through some challenging times who sadly may not come out of here.  

"What I would like to think about is what you have created and some of the opportunities you will provide people with; they'll find the strength to find one more smile for you and their families. I am really honored to have been invited today." 

During her opening speech, Adele Doherty, CEO of Dr Kershaw's highlighted that the core value behind the hospice's work is "you're at the heart of everything we do". 

She said the building, which faces a stunning garden space, would be a welcoming and accessible place for wellbeing services, personal growth, and sharing experiences, allowing local people to form new friendships and gain a genuine sense of making a difference to people's lives. 

Sabrina Dawson, the Director of Finance and Income Development at Dr Kershaw's Hospice, added: "We are delighted to open the Roger Tanner building by Sir Kevin Sinfield. The building has been funded by the Roger Tanner Trust, and this will enable us to expand our services in dementia hub, music in mind, counselling, the Nightbird Project and bereavement sessions. 

"It will also enable us to invite people into our wonderful grounds and to see our services, men's groups and carer's groups, complementary therapy. It's just a fantastic building to be able to offer great services to so many that need it."  

The state-of-the-art building was made possible by a significant donation from the late Roger Tanner's estate, through The Roger Tanner Trust. 

He was a highly respected Oldham philanthropist and lived a remarkable 100-year life dedicated to public service, business and the arts in Saddleworth. He founded the Saddleworth Museum in 1962 and chaired the Saddleworth Festival of the Arts, eventually earning an MBE and an appointment as a Deputy Lieutenant of Greater Manchester for his tireless civic contributions. 

As the director of his family's cotton spinning firm, Tanner Bothers, he was a successful businessman who chose to pour his wealth and energy back into his community.