'Humour is best cure possible'

BREAD and butter issues ... Councillor Adrian Alexander with his wife Ginny

A COURAGEOUS councillor recovering from a battle against cancer has been appointed community supremo for Saddleworth and Lees.

Adrian Alexander, OMBC councillor for Saddleworth West and Lees, vowed to focus on "bread and butter issues" affecting more than 25,000 residents.

And he revealed how the support of his wife and close friends had been crucial in his health battle.

"I don't want to lose sight of really important ultra-local concerns as some politicians can do," said Cllr Alexander at his office in Saddleworth and Lees town hall, Uppermill, after being appointed the new chair of Saddleworth and Lees district executive.

"Public transport, affordable housing for the youth of the community, road repairs, parking - these are paramount in the minds of the villagers and they will be high on my agenda.

"There is a continued need for top-class sports facilities, solving problems of speeding cars on narrow country lanes, fly-tipping and noisy neighbours.

"These are issues that resonate with residents and they've got to remain top of mind."

And he promised: "I will do my best for the area and keep on battling like I've done for the last two years to make Saddleworth the best place to live and work."

Born in Teddington, the 61-year-old former rugby ace played for Harlequins for six years, became a member of the England under-23 squad and was in the last 50 players chosen for the British Lions.

He moved to Oldham more than 30 years ago to take up a role as prop for Oldham Rugby League team and took over as landlord of the Shakespeare and Bath Hotel pubs.

Talking of life since his diagnosis with cancer, Cllr Alexander said: "It's been a journey physically, mentally and politically.

"Without the help of the NHS, my wife Ginny, my rugby family and close friends it would have been impossible.

"To all the people fighting cancer, people in recovery and all the people who have to look on, my heart goes out to you and wish you all well with your own personal battles.

"I have been in recovery for two years and still fighting the good fight.

"Politically, I made it to chair of the executive and increased my majority at the 2015 OMBC election and helped another Labour person, Steve Hewitt, into becoming a councillor in Saddleworth West and Lees." And he added: "My message is: never give up or, as the great Gary Player said: 'The harder I work, the luckier I get.'

"I remember when I was very low, looking out of the window, the thought of religion crossed my mind. Then in a flash it came to me - Janis Joplin: 'Oh Lord, won't you buy me a Mercedes Benz.'

"I chuckled to myself and started to feel better - humour is the best cure possible."