Doctor named Man of Oldham
Date published: 16 October 2009
Photo: PHOTO BY DARREN ROBINSON.
Dr Alan Nye wins Man of Oldham 2009.
DEDICATED fund-raiser and pioneering GP Dr Alan Nye has scooped this year’s coveted Man of Oldham title.
The popular family doctor, based at Hopwood House, Glodwick, has raised thousands of pounds for charity.
As joint-founder of Oldham’s trailblazing musculoskeletal service, Dr Nye has helped bring quick treatment and pain-relief to tens of thousands of patients who would otherwise have faced a lengthy wait for a hospital appointment.
Set up three years ago, the service was the first of its kind in Britain and even attracted a visit from then Health Minister, Andy Burnham.
The undoubted success of the service resulted in Dr Nye being invited to sit round the table with former Prime Minister Tony Blair to advise him on how to cut hospital waiting lists. Dr Nye’s reputation led to him visiting health services across the nation to encourage them to follow suit.
But his passion for patient-care didn’t keep the doctor away from his love of the great outdoors. He is a keen member of Saddleworth Runners and has raised in the region of £10,000 for Dr Kershaw’s Hospice in Royton with his efforts.
The 50-year-old has taken part in the London Marathon five times, completed a daring fund-raising sky-dive and, as a climber, has conquered some of the world’s highest summits.
The father-of-three was with his wife Michelle when he was awarded the 2009 Man of Oldham title at Hotel Smokies Park, Bardsley, last night.
He said he was “surprised and delighted,” and said of his long-term support for Dr Kershaw’s Hospice: “I don’t think there is a better charity in Oldham, and I am always happy to raise money for it.”
Dr Nye takes the title from Oldham Roughyeds chief executive Chris Hamilton. Other past winners include Barry Haslam, who fought a campaign to tackle prescribed drug addiction; Colin Bell, the former head of Grange School; and Riaz Ahmad, Oldham’s first Asian Mayor.
The contest is run by Dr Kershaw’s in conjunction with the Oldham Evening Chronicle.
