Marathon man set to raise funds for centre

Roughyeds fan Rob Nixon is running for Maggies.

OLDHAM RLFC's partnership with Maggie's has inspired Roughyeds' fan Rob Nixon to raise money for the cancer support charity's soon-to-open Oldham centre by running in the ASICS Greater Manchester marathon on Sunday.

Road runner Rob (61), from Newhey, hopes to complete the 26.2 miles at Emirates Old Trafford, home of Lancashire County Cricket Club, in time to then grab a lift and get to Bower Fold, Stalybridge, for Oldham's big game against Bradford Bulls.

If he arrives at the Stalybridge venue before half-time he may be taken on the pitch to receive the acknowledgement of fellow fans.

Rob, a warehouse worker who has followed Roughyeds home and away for 12 years, said: "Running and Roughyeds are a large part of my life.

"By inviting sponsorship for Maggie's I'm supporting a cause that is close to the club's heart and one that will provide Oldham and surrounding areas with a wonderful facility for the community.

"My Mum died of cancer and most people have been troubled by it one way or another.

"I'll be proud to run in the Oldham Rugby jersey and in the Maggie's vest and hopefully raise a few quid for the new centre.

"I'm not a 20-year-old any more, but it's still good to get outside my comfort zone and do a bit for others."

He started running only five years ago, encouraged by his daughter Sophie, now 17 and another huge Roughyeds fan, who was preparing to run in a Race for Life event.

"It quickly became very important to me," added Rob, a member of Royton Road Runners, who completed 25 similar runs over various distances from May to December last year.

"I started by running around Hollingworth Lake and it developed from there.

"I did the Manchester Marathon in 2015, but I cramped up and it took me five hours, five minutes to get round.

"I'm aiming for four-and-a-half hours this time and then I'm hoping to get a lift to Bower Fold to see the boys beat Bradford Bulls. That would make it a great day."

Laura Tomlinson, fundraising manager for Maggie's Oldham, said: "This is a shining example of how our partnership with Oldham RLFC can raise awareness of Maggie's.

"It's all about getting people on board with us, so a massive thank-you to Rob. He has our best wishes for the run, as have Roughyeds for their game against Bradford.

"These are exciting times for Maggie's because we're on countdown to our big Oldham opening in June."

To sponsor Rob go to the Oldham RLFC website at www.roughyeds.co.uk. click on 'news', then on 'Rob runs for Maggie's'