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Hospital campaigner is man of the year
Damon Wilkinson30/11/2007
FATHER Arthur Neary, the man who led the fight against service closures at the Infirmary, was named Rochdale’s Man of the Year this afternoon (Friday).
More than 250 guests gave a standing ovation when the award was announced at the ceremony at the Town Hall.
Fr Neary, hospital chaplain and chairman of the Friends of Our Hospital protest group, was honoured for his efforts in trying to keep accident and emergency, children’s and maternity services in Rochdale.
Accepting the award from last year‘s winner Ken Davies, Fr Neary vowed to continue the fight.
He said: “I was born in Crumpsall but I came to Rochdale 22 years ago and now regard myself as a Rochdalian. The campaign has not gone as we wanted it to but we are still trying very hard to get the best deal we can for Rochdale.”
Councillor Robert Clegg, chairman of the selection committee, paid tribute to his efforts
He said: “It took the committee all of two minutes to make the decision. He is not a man who craves the limelight or makes lots of public appearances but he has done a phenomenal amount for Rochdale.
“Fr Neary has gone about the protest in a quiet and methodical way and has done this despite the fact he was hospitalised himself.
“But this award is not just for the way he has championed the cause but also for the work he has done at the hospital over the past 20 years and for the pastoral care he has given staff during this time.”
See Wednesday’s Observer for more reaction and photos.
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3/12/2007 at 10:59
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