March 2023 - East Cheshire Hospice
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Month: March 2023

Anytime Fitness take on Tough Mudder for East Cheshire Hospice

Posted on by Becky Sidwell

Gym enthusiasts at Anytime Fitness are toning muscles for their biggest workout yet.

Seven members of the Duke Street gym are tackling a Tough Mudder obstacle course at Heaton Park on Sunday, July 16.

Manager Chavez Johnson and trainer Jamie Ormesher will join them for the 10k challenge in aid of East Cheshire Hospice.

Chavez said: “Now we’ll see how fit we all are! It’s a daunting test, but worth it for such a wonderful cause.

“The Hospice is close to the hearts of so many of our 700 members.

“We’re aiming to raise £1,000. There’s a mix of ability, but we’re in it together as a team.

“The gym is thriving, especially during a cost of living crisis. We did have 900 members pre-Covid, but gyms suffered a big drop in numbers then and we’ve done well to recover.”

The team is Grace Henderson, Francesca O’Brien, Adam Cheadle, Yang Voon, Gavin Trevena, Andy Baker and Tom Bentham.

Tough Mudder challengers. Back row (from left), Adam Cheadle, Yang Voon, Grace Henderson, Francesca O’Brien, Tom Bentham and Gavin Trevena. Front,  Jamie Ormesher and Chavez Johnson.

Tom completed a canoe paddle across England last year with brother George in memory of their late father Mark, a Hospice patient.

Tom said: “It’s a pleasure to be part of this team while continuing to raise money for East Cheshire Hospice.

“It’s been lovely meeting more like-minded individuals who want to make a positive impact in the community, by rising to the Tough Mudder challenge!”

Tom is also doing a triathlon in Wales in September, assuming he gets a bike by then.

* To sponsor the Anytime Fitness team visit www.gofund.me/37d4b6da

Fliss, along with family, will attend Starlight Walk in memory of late Mum

Posted on by Becky Sidwell

They treated her like a queen! A daughter’s description of how East Cheshire Hospice looked after her late mum.

When Tanis Richards saw her daughter Fliss get married in Crete last August, there was no sign of the cancer that would take her life four months later, aged 68.

Fliss, along with sisters-in-law Amanda and Emma, are taking part in the Starlight Walk as a thank you to the Hospice.

The event will be at Capesthorne Hall on Thursday, April 27, at 6 pm, with the walk starting at 7 pm.

Fliss said: “She was an amazing mum and an amazing grandma. It all happened very quickly.

“Mum was fine at the wedding, got poorly in September and was told she had cancer the following month.

From left, Tanis Richards with daughter Fliss and daughters-in-law Emma and Amanda. 

“She died on December 1 and spent her last two and a half days at the Hospice. She wasn’t there long, but staff were wonderful with her and us. They treated her like a queen.

“The whole family were there at the end, telling stories and laughing and joking. Mum’s last day on earth was how she would have wanted and that was only possible thanks to the Hospice.

“We wouldn’t have been able to do it anywhere else. They made it feel like home and made a very awful situation bearable.

“We want to give something back so we’re doing the walk and we know how much it costs to run the Hospice.”

Dad Dennis, along with Fliss’ younger triplet brothers Gareth, Christopher and Anthony, will be there to wave them off at the walk.

So will daughter Bella who received a book from a nurse which she reads when feeling sad. Bella, one of six grandchildren, was also given a Grief Bear knitted by Hospice volunteers.

Fliss said: “It was the little touches which made things easier. As a family we’re lucky we’re very close and losing mum has made us make the most of life.”

* To sponsor the family visit www.justgiving.com/team/Teamrichardsgirls

The dusk-time woodland walk, sponsored by Ford dealers Sidney Jackson, is over a 2.5km loop. The last set off time is 8.30 pm, with the event closing at 10 pm.

Entry only covers the event cost, so organisers are asking walkers to raise at least £50 in sponsorship, or make a £50 donation to the Hospice when registering.

To register visit the Hospice website.

Easter Humpties are back!

Posted on by Becky Sidwell

Volunteer knitters have put Easter Humpties back together again as part a new fundraising campaign.

The cute colourful characters are on sale for £2, with all proceeds going to East Cheshire Hospice.

Inside are mouth-watering creme eggs donated by businesses.

More than 1,300 humpties and chicks have been made, with more than half created by the handiwork of tireless volunteer Angela Roberts.

The Easter treats are available at King’s School, Upton Priory and Bollinbrook, the same primary schools which sold them last year.

They can also be bought from the Hospice reception (9 am to 7 pm); its shops in Poynton and Handforth, Prestbury Pharmacy and Quality Dry Cleaners in Tytherington.

Community fundraiser Claire Gorton with an Easter Humpty.

Community fundraiser Claire Gorton said: “Once again our fantastic knitters have risen to the challenge. Some knit for us all year round and attaching the sparkly hair can be a little tricky.”

Companies which have donated eggs are Anthony Collins Solicitors; BNI Silk; C3 Sales and Consulting; STD Transport; Surface Technology International and Thorneycroft Solicitors.

Claire said: “It makes a huge difference for the Hospice not to have to buy the creme eggs, meaning every penny from each Humpty sold goes directly towards providing vital end-of-life support for those in our community.

“Last year the humpties were so popular I was constantly popping back to schools with extra deliveries. The kids were desperate to see what different colour combinations they could find within each batch.”

Other handmade Easter decorations, priced from £2, are also available from the Hospice reception.

BNI Silk support East Cheshire Hospice through fundraising

Posted on by Becky Sidwell

A business network group has given a warm welcome to East Cheshire Hospice by stepping up its fundraising efforts.

Members of BNI Silk were already long-standing supporters of the charity.

Now they are getting even more involved, with some taking part in two events in the same week at Capesthorne Hall.

They will tackle a Born Survivor obstacle course on Saturday, April 22, and the charity’s Starlight Walk on Thursday, April 27.

The Hospice is one of the newest recruits to the breakfast group which meets every Thursday, from 6.30 am.

Meetings are held online, with face-to-face gatherings once a month at Hollin Hall Hotel, Bollington.

BNI Silk has more than 20 members, including an electrician, builder, solicitor, web designer, marketing specialist and videographer.

Members of BNI Silk. From left, Ian Ellis, Arman Kizir, Kevin Cook, Joe Etherington, Lee Shore and Lisa Ball.

Mortgage adviser Lian Findler, a new vice president, said: “We’re a strong, close team and committed to helping each other.

“It’s a friendly group and has existed for many years. It’s great to have the Hospice as part of our team. They do amazing work and are vital to the area. We’re always looking at ways to help them.”

BNI Silk have two teams in a quiz in aid of the Hospice at Marlborough Primary School on Friday (March 24).

Lian’s company Mortgage Advice Bureau raised funds for the Hospice at a networking evening last year marking the firm’s 15th birthday and an office move to Tytherington.

The firm has also held a race night and a music festival in Pott Shrigley.

Another member of BNI Silk is Macclesfield company Jenny’s Blinds, set up in 1996.

Owner Steve Forrest, fitter James Pearson and admin assistant Dannii Hodgkins are taking part in Born Survivor.

Steve said: “As a business, we’d like to get more involved with the Hospice. It’s a  wonderful cause and our network group is keen to support fellow members as much as we can.”

Fellow member Diana Stephenson, who runs Calvin Marketing, is also taking part in the Starlight Walk.

She said: ‘The Hospice is such an important part of Macclesfield and it’s fantastic to know it’s there for anyone who needs its services.”

* To find out more about BNI Silk email lian.findler@mab.org.uk

For more details on Born Survivor and the Starlight Walk and other fundraising events visit www.eastcheshirehospice.org.uk

Arighi Bianchi Great Manchester Run

Posted on by Becky Sidwell

Staff at Arighi Bianchi are aiming to raise £10,000 as a thank you to East Cheshire Hospice for caring for lost loved ones.

Some 30 employees of the family-owned furniture business will take part in the AJ Bell Great Manchester Run on Sunday, May 21.

Among those running is accessory manager Cath Barlow, who met her late husband John working at Arighi Bianchi.

From left, Hospice fundraiser Bethan Wade, Arighi Bianchi’s Lucy Mather, Nick Bianchi and Cath Barlow and Hospice fundraiser Lisa Ball.

John, a van driver, died of bowel cancer a year ago and spent six weeks as a patient at the Hospice.

He was also landlord of the Ye Olde Kings Head, in the hamlet of Gurnett. One of the ales, Gurnett’s Glory, is named in his honour.

John completed the 10k in 70 minutes in 2015 and Cath’s goal is to match his time.

She said: “The Hospice were amazing looking after John and I can’t thank them enough.”

Cath is also remembering close friend Nicky Bradley, who died in 2021 and was also at the Hospice.

Accessory manager Cath Barlow who is taking part in the Great Manchester Run in memory of her husband John.  

Like Cath, Nicky was a long-serving employee at Arighi Bianchi, formerly managing the bed linen department.

Meanwhile, director Nick Bianchi will honour the memory of his uncle Tony, who was joint managing director of the landmark store for many years.

Tony died in 2017, aged 83, and was treated at the Hospice.

His grandad Antonio Bianchi, and his brother-in-law Antonio Arighi – both Italian immigrants – started the shop 169 years ago.

Arighi Bianchi will sponsor a Hospice stall in the charity village at the 10k run, with its team wearing yellow Hospice t-shirts.

Nick said: “We’ve been proud to support the Hospice since it opened its doors in 1988 and are delighted that it’s our official charity for the Run.

“The event is a wonderful way to foster a real sense of teamwork within our staff. We’ve got runners from various departments, from the cafe bar to the curtains, carpets, deliveries, marketing, sales consultants and administration.

“Arighi Bianchi and East Cheshire Hospice are two Macclesfield institutions. We’ve been here since 1854 and the Hospice has cared for family members and staff, including my uncle Tony. It’s also cared for our customers, so the Hospice is really personal to so many people.”

* To sponsor the Arighi Bianchi team visit www.justgiving.com/fundraising/arighi-bianchi

To enter the Run to raise funds for the Hospice visit www.greatrun.org/events/great-manchester-run/

Movement for Good

Posted on by Becky Sidwell

Vote for East Cheshire Hospice to help earn the Hospice a £1,000 donation.

Movement for Good is giving away money for good causes, but the Hospice will only receive the grant with enough votes.

The Hospice is therefore appealing to supporters to vote by visiting www.tinyurl.com/mr2b84j8.

The charity number is 515104 and the business type is health.

Movement for Good is a campaign run by Benefact Group, an independent, specialist financial services group which gives all of its available profits to charity and causes.

Hospice corporate fundraiser Lisa Ball.  

 

It donated more than £1m to various charities last year and, if successful, the Hospice said the £1,000 will make a difference to patients.

Hospice corporate fundraiser Lisa Ball said: “The more nominations we get, the greater our chance of winning, so please share the link with family and friends and ask them to vote for us too.

“As everyone knows, it costs an awful lot of money to run the Hospice and all our patients, families and carers receive care free of charge.

“To put into context, the sum of £1,000 could help pay for our hospitality and housekeeping teams for several days, so that patients receive a range of appetising and nutritional meals, and the Hospice is kept clean and well maintained.

“Once you’ve nominated the Hospice in 2023, you don’t need to nominate us again.”

Benefact Group was the fourth-largest corporate donor to charity in the UK, according to UK Guide of Company Giving 2021/22.

10 Years of Childhood Bereavement Counselling

Posted on by Luke Brightmore

Dealing with the loss of a loved one is difficult, especially for children.

That is why East Cheshire Hospice set up a childhood bereavement service 10 years ago.

It helps those who have lost someone close, whether a parent, grandparent, brother or sister, friend or neighbour.

Children between 4 and 18 access the service, having suffered a bereavement in the previous three years, or having a close family member with a life-limiting illness. They do not need a link to the Hospice.

Sue Bower became the Hospice’s Children and Young People Bereavement Service Lead in January.

She said: “Children experience grief differently to adults. Their understanding develops as they get older. They may request support at different times.

“There’s a demand for our services. We don’t like to keep people waiting, so if we can’t see children quickly, we support carers with advice, or signpost them for different support.

“Counselling a child is different to an adult. Adults come with their agenda, they can have a lot more power and say over their lives, whereas a child doesn’t have that same control.”

Sue has vast experience of working with children, starting counselling training while managing a nursery for 13 years.

She has been at the Hospice for seven years, working with former colleagues Jane Burton and Lindsay Dobson, who established the service.

Sue Bower, Children and Young People Bereavement Service Lead at East Cheshire Hospice.

Sue said: “We get referrals from schools, doctors, mental health organisations, the hospice, community networks and word of mouth. Carers can refer children.

“Children express feelings differently to adults. Counselling takes place in a safe space away from everything else and is done creatively, sometimes through storytelling, or play. Creative play helps young children use their imaginary world to process feelings. Young people feel at ease to talk.

“We can provide online and telephone support.

“It’s often not just mum and dad who are the secure attachment or ‘important person’ for a child. It could be a friend, or neighbour, who’s been like a grandma or auntie to them.

“If an ‘important person’ dies, it’s a big deal for a child to manage. Some cope well with help around them, but sometimes they just need our extra support.

“The family are often happier that children are being helped. They feel supported too.

Sue Bower, Children and Young People Bereavement Service Lead at East Cheshire Hospice.

“Any loss has an incredible impact on life. It’s the ripple effect like a pebble dropping in the water. If everyone is in a little boat and you drop bereavement in, everyone gets bumped and knocked about in a different way.

“That experience stays with you it never goes away. In bereavement work, we’re always growing life around that loss which never goes away.

“It’s how we help children become resilient, preparing them for the next loss, because there’ll be more in our lives.

“Our lives present layers of loss and change. Carrying on without important people   is a massive thing for children to manage.

“The nature of therapeutic work is privacy and sensitivity, but our service is much appreciated and valued.”

* For more details call 01625 666994.

Tom Clare Calendar

Posted on by Luke Brightmore

Reality TV star Tom Clare has another starring role – as a pin-up in aid of East Cheshire Hospice.

A special 2023 calendar has been produced of the Macclesfield FC footballer who is among the cast of Love Island, the hit ITV 2 show.

Spiral Colour, the print partner for the football club, made the calendars, with proceeds from sales donated to the Hospice.

General manager Jason Carpenter came up with the idea during a chat over dinner with partner Kerry Hough and friends Dave and Louise Timmis, who own Leasing.com, sponsors of Macclesfield FC.

Jourdan Phillips and Jason Carpenter from Spiral Colour with the Tom Clare calendar.

Both girls established the Tom Clare fan club on Facebook. Calendars are available from www.tomclarefanclub.com for £9.99, including delivery.

Jason said: “The calendar started off as a bit of a laugh, even before Tom was selected for Love Island.

“He loved the idea and signed copies. His sister Laura Clare, who is an influencer, and family have also helped us promote them.

“Tom appeals to women of a certain age – he’s tall, ripped and good looking. Each month, the calendar includes photographs of Tom taken by the club photographer.”

Spiral Colour are regular supporters of the Hospice. They provide printing services for the charity and sponsor the Christmas tree collection.

Jason said: “We help the Hospice as much as possible and buying calendars will support its wonderful work. Alongside the calendar, we’ve also now created a full-sized Tom Clare cardboard cut-out which is proving great for parties.”

Green Sustainability group

Posted on by Becky Sidwell

East Cheshire Hospice will give out wooden medals after its Starlight Walk at Capesthorne Hall on Thursday, April 27.

They will replace metal mementoes, while  T-shirts will not be issued to walkers, as part of environmental savings.

In addition, the Hospice may plant a commemorative tree for the King’s coronation in May, as a reminder of the pandemic and offsetting PPE used.

Sarah Dale BEM, Quality and Innovation Director at the Hospice, said: “We must use PPE for patient contacts to prevent the spread of any infection, not just Covid.

“Safety was ramped up during Covid and gloves and aprons are still always used for infection control. But now restrictions have eased, we don’t have to consistently wear masks.

Hospice analysts Paul Jones (left) and Conor Stubbs show off energy saving measures. 

“However, we’re encouraging staff to be more mindful of simple savings, like switching off lights in store rooms in clinical areas.”

Rachel Allcock, Director of Income Generation, said: “Some things we can control and some we can’t. For instance, we must dispose of medicines properly in a certain way which might not be environmentally friendly.

“We want to focus on the things we can influence and do the best we can. We’ve a responsibility to those supporters donating money to show that we don’t just provide care, but do so in a sustainable long-term way.”

East Cheshire leads the way among north west hospices striving for more sustainability and shares best practice with other facilities.

The Hospice is nominated for a Chamber of Commerce award for its investment in environmental work.

Brand new Hospice sustainability group

Posted on by Becky Sidwell

East Cheshire Hospice is caring for the environment as well as patients.

An environmental sustainability group representing staff, volunteers and trustees is aiming to make the Hospice even greener.

The charity has already taken significant measures in the last year to become more sustainable and now wants to go even further.

Staff and volunteers have received questionnaires and monthly calendars with suggestions for saving energy, at home and work.

Ideas from the survey are being incorporated into a more co-ordinated eco plan.

Governance Co-ordinator Claire Duncan said: “We have a duty to the planet to educate people and make them more aware of what we’re doing.

“We also have a duty to the Hospice. Not just now, but in 50 years as well.

“Much progress has been made already, but collectively we want to be more savvy so we can further reduce our carbon footprint.

“It’s important we make energy saving part of our everyday thinking and embedded into our daily practice.

“This isn’t about saving costs, although that’s also a benefit. We don’t want our fundraising revenue paying for extra gas and electricity bills. We want that money to go to patients.

The East Cheshire Hospice group set up to improve environmental sustainability.

“If we can reduce our bills, that means more funds for patient-facing services.

“The calendars have suggestions about helping the environment, such as using ceramic rather than plastic cups at the coffee machine. Or donating poppy bulbs as an act of remembrance in November, rather than buying fireworks.

“Staff have these calendars at home and do monthly challenges with their families.”

Stickers identifying plug sockets to switch off at night are a small way of helping at the Hospice.

Rachel Allcock, Director of Income Generation, said: “The survey shows that staff and volunteers aren’t really aware of what we do.

“Some things aren’t obvious. For example, all our waste goes in one bin and is separated and recycled by waste management contractors. But volunteers thought we don’t do recycling as everything goes in a single bin.

“Patients, families and supporters couldn’t see the work we’re doing, much of it invisible. We want to make people aware that we’re committed to doing all we can.”

The Hospice will install solar panels, while catering and housekeeping activities have already improved efficiency.

The Hospice is helped with its green goals by AstraZeneca, while an energy supplier will carry out a professional audit under its corporate social responsibility remit.

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