Town centre road set to be renamed in honour of Oldham philanthropic legend

Oldham Council is proposing to rename a town centre road after a local businessman who has given millions of pounds to good causes across the borough and beyond.

The proposed change entails renaming St Mary’s Way to The Stoller Way, paying homage to Sir Norman Stoller - the latest in a long line of honours bestowed on him thanks to his outstanding philanthropic work and business and charitable successes.

Councilor Arooj Shah, Leader of Oldham Council, said: “Sir Norman’s contributions to the local area, the economy, young people, business and good causes are simply unmatched.

“The way he has supported the town, and our residents, over the years is inspirational.

“He helped fund the building of our fantastic Mahdlo Youth Zone, donated millions to our Get Oldham Working campaign and through the Stoller Charitable Trust, has helped help numerous businesses and organisations set up and grow.

“To list all the organisations, individuals and campaigns he has supported would be a huge list.

“The word legend is banded about a lot these days, but Sir Norman truly deserves that title, and it’s an honour to know him.

“Sir Norman has been an Honorary Freeman of the Borough for many years, the highest award that the council can bestow.

“With the town centre currently being transformed thanks to our ongoing regeneration work, we feel now is a great time to mark Sir Norman’s continuing support by naming a road in his honour.”

Sir Norman (pictured above) said: "I'm humbled by this honour that is being proposed.

"It is a privilege to be recognised by Oldham Council."

Born in 1934, Sir Norman ran Oldham firm Seton Healthcare, which was founded by his father Ivor, inventor of the tubular bandage.

After serving in the RAF, Sir Norman started working for the company for £5 a week and commission - and eventually built it into a worldwide brand and one of Oldham’s biggest employers.

He created the Stoller Charitable Trust, to provide relief where it is most needed. 

He has also twice been diagnosed with cancer, which has led to the trust supporting two world-leading cancer research centres at Manchester University, the Christie Hospital, and the creation of two new Maggie's cancer support centre in Manchester and Oldham.  

After three previous honours of the MBE in 1976, the OBE in 1999 and CBE in 2010 he was knighted in the 2016 New Year Honours List.

He served as High Sheriff of Greater Manchester from 1999 to 2000.

He was appointed as a Deputy Lieutenant of Greater Manchester in 1995, a post he retired from at the age of 75.

As part of the renaming process, there will be a formal consultation in the near future.

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