Lifetime achievement award for Norman Stoller

GLOWING with pride . . . Norman Stoller with his award

business leader and charity champion Norman Stoller was honoured with a “long overdue” Lifetime Achievement accolade at Friday’s One Oldham Business Awards.

A packed Queen Elizabeth Hall rose to its feet when the announcement was made - an indication of just how popular the iconic businessman is in the borough. Mr Stoller is well known for his contributions to charity, parting with millions to help others.

The announcement was saved for the end of the annual awards, which saw the biggest names in Oldham business celebrate the town’s achievements with host TV impressionist Jon Culshaw

Mr Stoller said: “It was totally unexpected. I had no idea this was going to happen, I’m proud and delighted. Oldham is at the base of everything I do, I give back to Oldham just a small portion of what Oldham’s people have given to me. I feel overwhelmed.”

Mr Stoller entered business in 1955 and became chairman and chief executive of the Oldham-based Seton Healthcare Group between 1960 and 1984 — the company whose tubular bandage made it a worldwide name.

In the 1980s, he created the Stoller Charitable Trust which has donated millions to regional good causes.

Among other donations and charitable projects, last year Mr Stoller marked his 80th birthday by donating £1million from the trust to help complete the restoration of Gorton Monastery.

Chosen to present Mr Stoller with the Lifetime Achievement Award was his good friend Innovative Technology chairman David Bellis, who won the accolade himself in 2009.

Speaking to the Evening Chronicle Mr Bellis said: “It really was a pleasure because Norman really is so deserving of it, he’s done so much. His Charitable Trust is a remarkable thing, he pours money into it to help others. He does so much for charity and is a model for us all.”


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