We are delighted to announce that Norman Stoller, a member of Zion Menorah Lodge for 49 years, has been awarded a Knighthood in the New Year’s Honours.
Sir Norman Stoller adds the highest honour for his philanthropic work to a rare set: he is already an MBE (1976), OBE (1999) and CBE (2010) for his business and charitable successes.
“I am thrilled and delighted. It’s a very lovely thing, but when you are 81 years old it doesn’t make much difference to you. I’ve been Norman to everyone in Oldham for over 50 years and I will continue to be Norman.” On receiving this honour he said, “ as in all these matters, the recipients are usually representing the true heroes!!”
After serving in the RAF, Norman started working for his father’s company for £5 a week and commission — and eventually built it into a worldwide brand and one of Oldham’s biggest employers.
He created the Norman Stoller Charitable Trust in the 1980s, and has since given millions to good causes, pledging £50 million during the last 12 months alone. He has given predominately to Oldham and Manchester based charities.
He has also twice been diagnosed with cancer, which has led to the trust supporting two world-leading cancer research centres at Manchester University and the Christie Hospital, and the creation of two new Maggie’s cancer support centres in Oldham and Manchester.
“We don’t give money away, we give money back. It’s a joy that we have the privilege of giving — it’s life enhancing. Charity, in my opinion, always starts at home, and that’s why Oldham is always very dear to me.”
Sir Norman lives in the Lake District with his wife, Sheila. His other honours include serving as High Sheriff of Greater Manchester in 1999-2000 and being made an Honorary Freeman of Oldham in 2008.
We offer our sincerest congratulations to Sir Norman on this most merited award.