Police take on rugby challenge to raise money for Oldham youth centre

The marathon match will take place on Saturday

Police Officers from GMP’s Oldham, Rochdale and Tameside divisions will tackle a raft of rugby league stars during a rugby league marathon this weekend.

They will be taking on the challenge at Mahdlo Youth Zone, Oldham, on Saturday 26 February - between 7am and 8pm.

A squad of 15 officers will take on rugby stars, including former Leeds Rhino players Kevin Sinfield and Barrie McDermott, and former Welsh International Iestyn Harris during the 13 hour marathon.

All monies raised will be donated back to the youth centre.

Mahdlo is a state-of-the-art Youth Zone in the heart of Oldham for 8-19 year olds - or up to 25 for young people with a disability - which relies on donations, grants and community fundraising to deliver high quality, innovative activities, for young people from across Oldham.

Inspector Danny Atherton from the Tameside West Neighbourhood Team said: “Mahdlo is an amazing facility for the Oldham Community, and we have close links with the young people who attend who attend offering team building exercises and issuing crime prevention advice.

“We also use the youth zone as a crime reporting centre, so it’s great to be able to give something back and we’re hoping that this year’s event will raise over £2000 for this amazing facility.”

Chris Wareing, Chairman at Mahdlo Youth Zone said:  “Our relationship with GMP and in particular the Oldham Town Centre Policing team and St Marys is crucial in promoting a strong positive relationship between the police and our young people. 

"For their continued support over the years myself, the team and every young person that attends Mahdlo would like to say a huge thank you.”

Entry to the venue is 50p per person.