The Saddleworth Rangers Rugby Club is honouring a long-time volunteer with vital new equipment, as the Alderman’s Ascent fell race prepares for its fifth edition this summer. The popular event, set for Saturday, July 17, invites runners to tackle the scenic hills of Saddleworth on a classic fell race route. Proceeds from the event will go directly to the club’s youth teams, funding essential new equipment and resources for young players across the Oldham area.

The race has become a highlight of the local running calendar, attracting participants from Oldham and further afield. It not only promotes health and community spirit but also strengthens the future of rugby at the grassroots level. The funds raised will help provide updated kit, training aids, and other necessities for the junior sections of the club.

In a separate but equally significant move, the club has announced that its Shaw Hall Bank Road ground will be renamed to honour late chairman Shane Wilson. Wilson died in December 2020, and the club will erect new signs designating the site as the ‘Jocky Wilson Stadium’. The renaming is a lasting tribute to a man who dedicated considerable time and effort to the club, and whose volunteer work left a lasting impact on the Rangers community.

Both initiatives reflect the strong bonds within Saddleworth Rangers and the broader Oldham community. The club continues to rely on volunteers and fundraising events to support its activities, and the response from the public has been overwhelmingly positive.

The Alderman’s Ascent returns on Saturday, July 17. Runners and spectators alike are welcome to enjoy a day in the beautiful Saddleworth countryside while supporting a worthy cause. Further details, including registration and start times, are expected to be announced shortly.

The ground renaming to ‘Jocky Wilson Stadium’ will take place later this year, with a ceremony likely to be held to mark the occasion. This permanent tribute ensures that Shane Wilson’s memory will live on at the club he served so faithfully.