Tributes have been paid to Oldham businessman Peter Buckley, who has died aged 85. Well known for his business acumen, Mr Buckley became the youngest chairman of a UK public limited company while working at Hyman PLC during the early 1980s. He went on to become the chairman of Slumberland, one of the leading mattress companies in the UK. As well as being a prominent industrialist, Mr Buckley was also known for his charitable work and regularly supported local charities and the Duke of Edinburgh award scheme. In 1991, he also led a successful £1million appeal for a CT scanner at the Royal Oldham Hospital. His family announced this week that Mr Buckley passed away on March 17.
Rebecca Shaw, 36, from Royton, died of stage four cervical cancer in October 2025, leaving husband Graham and four children. Her friends and family are raising £10,000 through a 24-hour running and workout challenge on April 4, 2026, at HyFit HQ gym in Diggle, to send the family on her dream holiday to Tenerife and cover living costs. Organiser Matthew Lees runs the annual 'Leg it for Leesy' campaign in memory of his brother. Over £1,000 has been raised via JustGiving. Around 30 people, including close friend Vikkilee Henson, will participate in hourly 5k runs or workouts from 9am. QR codes will be available for on-site donations.
Patrick O'Hare, known as Paddy, a 48-year-old father and popular musician from Oldham, died suddenly on March 8 at a property on Higginshaw Lane in Royton. His family and friends have launched a GoFundMe campaign to raise £4,500 for funeral expenses, with nearly £2,000 raised by March 18. The funeral will be held at 12:30pm on March 27 at St Edward's RC Church in Lees, followed by a private burial. Guests are invited to wear colourful clothing in honour of O'Hare's love of music and vibrant personality. Any remaining funds after funeral costs will be placed in a trust for his daughter.
Patrick O'Hare, known as Paddy, a 48-year-old father and musician from Oldham, died suddenly on March 8 at a property on Higginshaw Lane in Royton. The father-of-one was a popular musician who performed at pubs and events across the borough. His family described him as the beloved son of Paddy and Christine O'Hare, treasured brother of Tina, and loving uncle of Carmen and Marcus. They also noted he was the adored father of Luna Rose and partner to Gina. A 49-year-old man was initially arrested on suspicion of murder but the case was dropped after a post-mortem found no third-party involvement or suspicious circumstances. An inquest is scheduled to be opened later this month at Rochdale Coroners' Court.
Michael Graley, 76, a retired cemetery and crematorium manager from Oldham, died on August 16, 2025 while on a family holiday in Cyprus. The inquest at Rochdale Coroners' Court heard he had previously been treated for heart conditions, lung cancer and prostate cancer. His GP had deemed him fit to fly before the trip, but he became unwell in Cyprus and was taken to a hospital in Famagusta where his condition deteriorated. Assistant coroner Matthew Cox determined a full inquest is necessary and set a review date for April 16, 2026.
Phil Woolas, former Labour MP for Oldham East and Saddleworth, has died at age 66 after battling glioblastoma brain cancer. Woolas served as MP from 1997 to 2010 and held ministerial positions in both Tony Blair and Gordon Brown's governments, including roles as whip, deputy leader of the Commons, local government minister, environment minister, and immigration minister. Before his parliamentary career, he served as NUS president, TV producer, and GMB union communications director. Woolas was confronted by actress Joanna Lumley during a live press conference while serving as immigration minister. He later established a political and risk consultancy and chaired The Ace Centre, an Oldham charity supporting people with communication difficulties, for over 25 years. He is survived by his wife Tracey, sons Josh and Jed, and a new grandson.
Oldham schools have seen multiple achievements and initiatives in 2025. Mavis Clegg, a former headteacher, passed away aged 92. The ELSEC language development programme is being piloted in nine areas including Oldham. GCSE and A-Level students achieved strong results. Professor Brian Cox returned to his hometown to inspire students. New initiatives include breakfast clubs, SEND provision, and outdoor learning spaces. Schools are also implementing safety measures and sustainable travel programs.
Mavis Clegg, a former headteacher at Eustace Street School and Glodwick Infants School in Oldham, has died aged 92. She was headteacher in the 1970s and 1980s, earning admiration from pupils, staff, and the community. Clegg, who described herself as 'Oldham through and through,' never considered working outside the area. She began her teaching career at Alt Primary School, Alexandra Infants School, and Fitton Hill Infants School after training in Scarborough. Many of her staff became headteachers and deputy heads themselves. Beyond teaching, she ran the Christ Church Glodwick youth club with her husband Brian, served as Chair of Governors at Hey with Zion and Littlemoor School, and volunteered at Royal Oldham Hospital. She was an avid Oldham Athletic supporter who travelled to Wembley twice to watch matches.
Vincent Curley, aged 92, passed away peacefully at Bedford Hospital on January 12, 2026. He was a beloved husband to the late Edith Curley, father to Mark and Grant, and grandfather to Alex, Ellen, and Nathan. Formerly of Heyside, Royton, and Chadderton, his funeral will be held on February 16 at 11:30am at Bedford Crematorium. Family flowers only, with donations to Age UK Bedfordshire.