Keely Hodgkinson honoured with 'Believe' Star at Leigh Town Hall

Since 2011, Wigan Council's 'Believe' stars have been handed out to local people in recognition of their career accomplishments, their commitment to the community, or the positive change they have instilled.

At just 21 years of age, Keely was the latest recipient to receive her own star outside Leigh Town Hall yesterday (Thursday, May 18) for her athletic achievements on the global stage.

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Keely dedicated her 800m win in Istanbul to her former coach Joe Galvin (Image: PA)

Gaining a reputation as one of the top talents in the women's 800m, Atherton-based Keely Hodgkinson broke the British record for her silver-medal race in the Tokyo Olympics in 2021.

She then won gold in the European Champions in Munich in 2022 and retained her European Indoor Championship gold medal in Istanbul earlier this year.

Former Leigh Harriers coach Joe and Margaret Galvin with their Believe Star (Image: Wigan Council)

In a touching tribute, her Believe Star was unveiled on the same row as her former Leigh Harriers coaches, Margaret and Joe Galvin, the latter who Keely dedicated her Istanbul win to following his sudden passing in February.

Her Believe Star will also be joined by Tyldesley footballer and former school friend Ella Toone, following her achievements with the Lionesses' Euros win last summer. A separate ceremony is scheduled to take place for this later this year.

Former schoolfriends Ella and Keely at the Olympic village in 2021 (Image: Fred Longworth)

Keely, who celebrated the unveiling with family and friends, said: "I feel very honoured to be recognised for my hard work and achievements, especially as it's in my local borough.

“To have a star in the ground, that might remain for a long time to come, is absolutely amazing, and hopefully, it could help inspire other young people to believe they can get one too."

Keely with her Believe Star inside Leigh Town Hall (Image: Wigan Council)

Leader of Wigan Council, Councillor David Molyneux MBE, said: “Keely has amassed an astonishing career record to date.

“It has all been achieved through hard work and dedication, making her an inspirational role model for our proud borough.

“We feel so lucky to have been able to witness Keely’s success and to have made a small contribution to her journey through our Believe Talent Fund and we’d like to congratulate this amazing athlete on receiving a coveted Believe Star.”