It's fair to say Macclesfield has been riding a bit of a high lately.

Our FA Cup moment made national news, but here in Macclesfield it's felt deeply personal, a reminder of the strength and spirit of this town.

 The club's journey over the last few years has mirrored the spirit of Macclesfield itself.

After the heartbreak of losing Macclesfield Town many wondered what would come next.

What followed was a fresh start, built from the ground up by people who care deeply about this place.

That includes owner Rob Smethurst, whose belief, investment and energy have played a huge part in bringing football back to life at Moss Rose and giving the town something to rally around. 

That sense of togetherness has been felt even more strongly as the club and community continue come to terms with the tragic loss of 21-year-old Ethan McLeod, who died in a car accident while travelling home from a match in December.  

Seeing players and supporters lift each other up in his memory has been incredibly moving, a reminder that the club is about people, not just results.

 It's moments like these that make you stop and think about how often we underestimate ourselves.

Macclesfield regularly tops the charts as one of the happiest places to live in Britain, and it's easy to see why.

We've got strong communities, a buzzing arts scene, brilliant local businesses and a real sense of place.

For a few days at least, the rest of the country got to see that too.

Of course, not everything is perfect.

There are real challenges, from Mill Street to the everyday issues people raise with me, and they won't be fixed overnight.

But if this season has shown us anything, it's that belief goes a long way.

When people have confidence in themselves and in their town, good things follow.

This FA Cup isn't just giving us great memories, it is giving us a boost, and sometimes that's exactly what a town needs. 

Tim Roca MP

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