Emergency services get free tickets

OLDHAM ATHLETIC HAND OUT 250 TICKETS AND DEDICATE THEIR GAME TO 999 HEROES

OLDHAM Athletic have handed out more than 250 free tickets for their game this weekend to members of the emergency services.

The Latics face Northampton at Boundary Park on Saturday and the club have decided to dedicate the match to those working to look after us and keep us safe.

And they have set aside a batch of 250 tickets which have been distributed between the fire service, local police, paramedics and the Royal Oldham Hospital.

The club say that in what has been a difficult and testing 12 months with a number of high profile incidents and numerous cuts to services, this is our way of giving something back.’

Emergency service workers in Oldham were among those who responded to the atrocity at the Manchester Arena in May and received praise from around the world for their bravery and professional in the face of sheer horror.

Ahead of the game, members of the Oldham Athletic’s first team squad will also visit emergency stations in the town to learn more first-hand about their daily duties.

Chief Executive Mark Moisley said: “I am sure all supporters, along with everyone connected to the club, will offer a very warm welcome to our guests from the emergency services.

“We are always extremely grateful to them for the roles they perform, but this year even more so following the tragic events at the Manchester Arena.

“With a son in the fire service I am constantly aware of the dangers they face and the fantastic work all the services perform.

“I hope that this initiative will in some small way show our thanks and appreciation of everything they do for our community.”

There will be a bucket collection inside the ground to raise money for nominated charities of the emergency services, along with a collection outside the ground for the Oldham Gospel Choir.

Fans are encouraged to donate as much money as possible.

Now under the guidance of manager Richie Wellens, the Latics have recovered from a shaky start and begun to slowly climb the table, finding themselves in 17th.

And they will be hoping to further cement their move to safety with three points against Northampton, who lie five places and four points below them in League One.

The match kicks-off at 3pm.