New stars announced in borough's International Women's Day celebrations
Local sporting heroes Ella Toone and Keely Hodgkinson are the latest pair set to receive a star on Wigan Borough’s walk of fame.
The star announcement was made at a full council meeting on Wednesday, March 1 in preparation for International Women’s Day the following week.
Councillor David Molyneux MBE, Leader of Wigan Council, said: “I’m so pleased to announce that, after such a successful year for both Ella and Keely, they will be recognised with a star in Leigh.
“They have both well and truly put our borough on the map and they are so deserving of this recognition.”
Tyldesley-born Ella Toone was part of the winning Lionesses squad in the UEFA Women’s EURO tournament last summer, scoring a winning goal in the final against Germany.
Olympic gold-medallist Keely Hodgkinson trained at Leigh Harriers Athletics Club and will join her trainers, athletes Joe and Margaret Galvin on the walk of fame.
Alison Mckenzie-Folan, chief executive of Wigan Council, added: “International Women’s Day offered the perfect opportunity to announce Ella and Keely’s stars, for which they are worthy recipients.
“The legacy of their contribution to our communities will last for years to come and we know they have inspired so many boys and girls to get into sport, continuing to build on our borough’s impressive sporting history.”
Their names will be added alongside charity fundraisers, actors, and sportspeople in recognition of their contribution to Wigan Borough.
A ceremony will take place to formally install each of the stars later in 2023.
Posted on Wednesday 8th March 2023