May 2023 - East Cheshire Hospice
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Month: May 2023

Pye Ash Farm supports the Hospice

Posted on by Becky Sidwell

Breeding farm animals runs in the Gilman family and so does raising funds for East Cheshire Hospice.

They have raised more than £11,000 for the charity in just over two years through pumpkin mazes and lambing live events.

They own Pye Ash Farm, in Bosley, where face painting sessions have proved as popular with children as cattle and sheep.

Three generations work on a farm family owned since the 1930s.

From left, friends Lizzie Jones, Martha Gilman and Jemma Long with Pippy and Scrappy.

James’ father Joe – now almost 90 – still keeps an eye on what is going on at the farm and helps with car parking at seasonal events.

James is one of the country’s top sheepdog trainers and held trials for charity last year. The accomplished dog handler has represented England many times.

Indeed, in 2007 he won One Man and His Dog, a popular BBC television series.

James developed an interest 40 years ago when he bought his first dog Jill for £5. The sheepdogs he now trains are eighth generation.

Farm team members (from left) James Gilman, Lizzie Jones, Lizzie Clark, Kiera Bradley, Jane Gilman, Ash Imber and George Gilman.

Daughter Martha said: “Dad takes great pride in breeding and owning dogs and his lessons for local farmers and handlers are extremely popular.

“He just got the bug for sheepdog training and it became his passion, along with running the farm.

“We have 500 sheep of different breeds, 100 head of Hereford cows, pigs, chickens, ducks, turkeys and around 10 sheepdogs at any one time.”

James Gilman and sheepdog Harry.

Bees are also part of life. James’ wife Jane is a beekeeper, a hobby she combines with teaching in Wincle and helping train dogs.

Martha and brother George will get involved at events, while George’s fiancée Liz is a vet which is useful. Their friend Jemma Long is a willing helper.

Martha said: “East Cheshire is our nearest hospice and close to the hearts of a lot of people we know.

“We’ve raised more than £14,000 for charity, mostly for the Hospice, from donations, including for face painting.

Farm workers (from left, back) Olivia Wain, Martha Gilman, Winnie Bullock, Sarah Nixon, Grace Gibbs. Front, Jane Gilman, Lizzie Clark, Kiera Bradley, James Gilman, Paige Jepson.

“The TV show brought sheepdog competition to the public attention. It involves how well the dog and handler work together getting sheep through gates.”

Pye Ash Farm will host sheepdog trials in August next year and their next event is a Pumpkin Maze this October. Visit pyeashfarm.co.uk.

Spread the summer sun with our Sunflower Raffle

Posted on by Becky Sidwell

A Sunflower Raffle is hoping to spread summer sunshine for East Cheshire Hospice patients.

Tickets at £1 are on sale for the draw made on Friday, July 14. The first prize is a cash prize of £1,000, with £200 and £100 prizes also be won.

The raffle raised more than £30,000 for the Hospice when it was last held two years ago.

Individual Giving Manager Beth England said: “The raffle helped us provide care and support to countless people and we hope it will be bigger and better this year.

“The cost-of-living crisis has impacted so many people and the Hospice is no different.

“Drastically rising energy costs pose a real threat to our current and future services and taking part will help ease those costs and enable us to continue to care for local families.”

Prizes are sponsored by Thorneycroft Solicitors, a company which supports the charity in many different ways.

Hospice health care assistant Pam Webster advertises the Sunflower Raffle.

Tickets are available from Hospice reception and www.eastcheshirehospice.org.uk/campaign/raffle2023/

Closing date is July 7 and players must be 18 or over. Winners will be contacted by phone or email.

* Gardens will be open to the public next month when green-fingered gurus show off their pride and joy.

David and Melita Turner open their garden at 18 Highfield Road, Bollington, on June 10 and 11, while Bill and Julie North invite visitors to 60 Kennedy Avenue, Macclesfield, on June 11.

Goostrey Open Gardens involving 15 different venues is on the same Sunday. Full details on the Hospice website.

Trek 2024 destination revealed

Posted on by Becky Sidwell

Supporters of East Cheshire Hospice are off on their travels again – this time to Iceland.

Places are being offered for a three-day trek to discover a country nicknamed the ‘Land of Fire and Ice’ in November 2024.

An informal open evening on Tuesday, June 6, from 7-8 pm will explain more about the trip to the Nordic island on the fringe of the Arctic circle.

Hospice Challenge Events Co-ordinator Bethan Wade said: “It’s the trip of a lifetime to some of the world’s most breathtaking natural landscapes.

Destination Iceland for East Cheshire Hospice supporters.

“Explore active volcanoes and lava fields, bubbling mud pools and hot springs, walk along two continental plates and perhaps even spot the Northern Lights.

“We’ll be hiking to Iceland’s youngest volcano Gelingaldir and neighbouring Fagradaslsfjall before exploring the ethereal peaks of Mount Hengill heritage site along the fault lines between Europe and America.

“The trek is graded moderate to challenging, with walkers covering long distances over varying terrain on consecutive days.”

A £350 registration fee is payable upon booking, with participants asked to fundraise at least £3,300 for the Hospice.

Support and fundraising ideas will be provided and a self-funded option is also available. The trip is from November 13 to 18.

The adventure is the latest undertaken by Hospice supporters, some of whom are undertaking the Camino Trail in Spain in October.

The Hospice has also been to the Sahara, Nepal and the Grand Canyon in the last few years.

Visit eastcheshirehospice.org.uk/events/trek-2023/ or email events@echospice.org.uk

Royal appointment for a Hospice staff member

Posted on by Becky Sidwell

Mixing with William and Kate and other royals at an afternoon tea at Buckingham Palace was the crowning glory for Sarah Dale BEM.

Sarah and husband Paul, a mental health specialist, were invited to the garden party in recognition of her award of the British Empire Medal in the King’s first New Year Honours List.

Sarah is Director of Quality and Innovation at East Cheshire Hospice and was honoured for services to palliative and end-of-life care.

Sarah and Paul Dale at Buckingham Palace.

In 2017, she led the setting up of the charity’s Hospice @Home service which has been a great addition to healthcare provision in east Cheshire.

The Macclesfield couple attended the VIP event in the palace gardens a week after Sarah received her medal at Tatton Hall from Lady Redmond MBE, Lord Lieutenant of Cheshire.

Sarah said: “It was quite a surreal experience at Buckingham Palace and a lovely occasion which we really enjoyed.

“We arrived early and wandered round outside with other tourists before police put up barriers explaining there was an event.

“When we said we were invited, we didn’t have to move and were first in queue as the palace gates opened. It was nice to meet representatives from different organisations.”

A proud day …  Sarah Dale with parents Chris and Gill Newton.

The garden party – three days after the King’s coronation – was hosted by the Prince and Princess of Wales, Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh, Princess Royal and was attended by other royals.

Sarah said her honour was as much for the Hospice and her colleagues. She said: “It wasn’t solely for me. I helped implement and plan Hospice @Home but so many people were involved in fundraising, planning and actually delivering the care.

“They’re the real heroes. The nursing staff inside and outside the Hospice need special acknowledgement for doing such an amazing job.

“The work done to launch the service and extend our reach out into the community was behind the nomination which was made by our ambassadors.”

Sarah Dale with her BEM award. From left, Sarah, Lord Lieutenant Lady Redmond MBE, daughter Kayleigh, father Chris and mum Gill.

The Tatton presentation was attended by Hospice Chief Executive Karyn Johnston and Sarah’s parents Chris and Gill Newton, both Hospice volunteers. Chris is a chaplain and Gill helps with flowers.

Chris’ mother Gladys (96) died in the Hospice two years ago. Sarah said: “Our whole family is really invested in giving back for what the Hospice did for nan. She got the best care and was treated like a queen when she came in, like everyone else is.”

Memory Tree launches at East Cheshire Hospice

Posted on by Becky Sidwell

A beautiful Memory Tree will be unveiled shortly at East Cheshire Hospice to honour lost loved ones.

Supporters are invited to dedicate a leaf engraved with a short message to someone special.

The metal sculpture will be easily accessible in a discreet location within gardens at the back of the Hospice on Millbank Drive.

The subscription cost is £10 a month, or £120 for a year.

The tree also marks the 35th anniversary of the charity which cared for its first patient in February 1988.

Employees from AstraZeneca, which has supported the Hospice throughout its history, have gifted the new memorial.

Some 400 copper, silver and bronze leaves are available and subscribers do not need a link to the Hospice.

Typical leaves for the Memory Tree.

Individual Giving Fundraiser Beth England said: “The Memory Tree is a wonderful way to leave a lasting tribute to the lives of those we wish to celebrate and remember.

“The tree can be reached without going through the main entrance. There is parking at the back of our building and visitors can come along at any time.

“There are benches and privacy, making it the perfect place to reflect and remember a loved one.

“The tree is there for family, friends and supporters and will raise vital donations to the Hospice. Each leaf can be inscribed with a short message if donors wish.

“Your leaf will remain on the tree for a year, at which point you can choose to either renew its place for a further year or we can return the leaf to you to treasure forever.”

Adult bereavement services manager Helen Wilkinson said: “The Memory Tree is a unique way of remembering lost loved ones.

From left, volunteer chaplain Chris Newton, chaplain Marion Tugwood, fundraisers Beth England and Amy Williams and adult bereavement services manager Helen Wilkinson at the Memory Tree launch at a soggy Starlight Walk.

“We all have our own way of looking back on the lives of those dear to us and the tree is a focal point in a lovely quiet setting. ”

Helen attended the Memory Tree launch at last month’s Starlight Walk, with chaplain Marion Tugwood and volunteer chaplain Chris Newton.

The walk attracted around 400 walkers, raising more than £27,000 for the charity.

* To sign up to the Memory Tree visit www.eastcheshirehospice.org.uk/memory-tree.

For queries, contact amy.williams@echospice.org.uk or call 01625 665688.

Caring Carl Lamptey is the pride of Cheshire!

Posted on by Becky Sidwell

Caring Carl Lamptey is the pride of Cheshire!

Modest Carl will not admit it since he is too busy fundraising, but he deserves the accolade for amazing service to the community.

Carl Lamptey at the Local Hero awards at Cottons Hotel and Spa.

The Macclesfield dad is overwhelmed after scooping two awards recognising his dedication.

Carl won Cheshire’s Silk 106.9 Pride of Cheshire prize at the Local Hero 2023 Awards, days after receiving a civic award from Macclesfield mayor Cllr Fiona Wilson.

His Team Rainbow has raised more than £70,000 for East Cheshire Hospice where wife Sarah died of breast cancer in 2014, aged 36.

Carl Lamptey with his Silk 106.9 award. 

He supports many causes, including appeals by the radio station. He also helped a boy with a brain tumour get his wish for an Apple tablet.

Carl said: “It all began when Sarah started holding parties to raise funds and basically I’ve continued her legacy. I’ve not stopped fundraising because that’s what she wanted to do.

“I know the community are going to give, because they’re awesome. During lockdown I asked footballers to donate and they didn’t, so I turned to the community and the rest is history. They just nailed it.

“It’s nice to get recognition, but I don’t do it for awards. When Sarah passed I got so many messages from people I didn’t know and realised we’re in a good area with good people who care.

“I know we’ve got a good community, so that’s why I keep doing what I’m doing and the Hospice has been at the heart of my fundraising.”

Starlight Walk’s huge success!

Posted on by Becky Sidwell

More than 400 walkers defied wet and chilly conditions at a Starlight Walk at Capesthorne Hall.

The East Cheshire Hospice event was a major triumph on a night of nostalgia for the Hospice.

The walk returned to the venue for the first time since 2019 and saw the biggest turnout for a Hospice event since pre-Covid.

The Starlight Walk at Capesthorne Hall.

Challenge Events co-ordinator Bethan Wade was thrilled with its success. She said: “It was great to have everyone back together again at such a fabulous location which is a big part of the walk’s history.

“The pandemic prevented gatherings of this scale and tonight our loyal supporters are back in large numbers raising thousands of pounds for the Hospice. We’ve lots of suppliers here and Hospice merchandise is available.”

Health care assistant Pam Webster told walkers how vital funds are providing care for patients.

 

The dusk walk, sponsored by Ford dealers Sidney Jackson, saw participants cover a 2.5km loop through woodland carpeted with bluebells.

Curtis Connors and Leah Hrywnak with cocker spaniel Lola Bear.

For many it was an emotional journey remembering lost loved ones.

Nicola John, from Macclesfield, honoured mum Suzanne Kerr (68) who died of lung and oesophageal cancer several weeks ago. Nicola was joined by daughter Alice, aged 10.

Nicola John and daughter Alice.

Suzanne, an HR employee at HMP Styal, spent five weeks as a patient at the Hospice. Late relatives Ivor and Christine Bardsley were also treated there.

Alice said: “My granny was amazing and it’s nice that we can remember her tonight. We’re hoping to do four laps of the course and aren’t worried about the rain.”

Nicola and Suzanne did the walk several years ago dressed in pink tutus.

Walkers getting in the mood at Capesthorne Hall.

Leah Hrywnak and partner Curtis Connors sported the Ukrainian flag on their tops. Leah’s family are from Kiev and her late grandad, known as Wolly, was cared for by the Hospice.

Leah said: “I’ve still got relatives who are safe and well thankfully in Ukraine and it’s heart-breaking what’s happening over there.” Her uncle Wayne Baxter was also a Hospice patient.

Members of Kelly Marie Fitness.

Fitness trainer Kelly Marie Hancock was joined by eight fellow members of her exercise group who work out in her back garden in Bollington.

All were remembering lost friends and relatives, including Sirje whose late mum Karen Green was a daycare patient.

Louise Delany (left) and Colette Sharpe.

There was plenty of canine company for walkers with Romanian rescue dog Murphy accompanying Hospice commercial manager Louise Delany and friend Colette Sharpe, a teacher at Macclesfield Academy.

Ready for the off…walkers at the start line.

Walkers enjoying the scenic route.

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