Big Cyril hands over Big Cheque!

Paul Rowen and Sir Cyril present Maureen Cooper of Rochdale Childer with the cheque

1 More Image(s) In Gallery

Sir Cyril Smith and Rochdale MP Paul Rowen, have today presented Rochdale Childer with a cheque for £3996.50. The cheque, presented to chairman Maureen Cooper will make a difference to the organisation that has done so much in Rochdale. The money was raised at a special Gala Concert held last month to celebrate Sir Cyril’s 80th birthday.

Sir Cyril said: “When I was approached about holding a birthday party I was unsure. The event was a huge success though and I would like to thank Paul Rowen and his office and Derek Wiggett who did an excellent job organising it. All the acts from Jimmy Cricket, Frankie Doodle, the Rochdale Band, the Youth Orchestra and the Debrose Choir were superb. The fact that we raised so much money for such a worthwhile cause was tremendous.

“As a founder of Rochdale Childer, I know the excellent job that they do for some of the most vulnerable young people in Rochdale. They are about so much more than an annual awards ceremony. This money will allow them to continue their excellent work in this Borough. I must make it clear that a big percentage of the money raised came from people that were not able to attend and I thank them for their generosity.”

Paul Rowen said: “This event was the busiest ever held at our splendid Town Hall. So many people contributed to the success of this event including Rochdale Online, the Rochdale Observer, Nick and Eva Speakman and dozens of individuals. Sir Cyril had a great night and we raised much more than we had anticipated. We are working with Maureen Cooper and the Rochdale Childer team looking at a number of options of how to spend this windfall.”

A delighted Chairman, Maureen Cooper said: “We are absolutely delighted that Sir Cyril’s big bash raised so much money. I can solemnly declare that not a penny will be wasted. This money will help so many young people, schools and other organisations and I am pleased that this event has raised so much for Rochdale Childer.”