September 2023 - East Cheshire Hospice
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Month: September 2023

Snap up a ticket to ‘Living in the 80’s’

Posted on by Becky Sidwell

The owner of a family company staging a show in aid of East Cheshire Hospice has been overwhelmed by the level of local business support.

Adlington-based Intersafety is hoping to raise £5,000 from a special concert at MADS Theatre on Saturday, October 14, at 7.45 pm.

Local Intersafety customers are snapping up tickets and programme sponsorship for ‘Living in the 80s’ by The Cinema Show, which documents significant milestones during that decade.

The instrumental group combine 80s retro sounds with large screen film footage.

Tony Skelton from Intersafety

Intersafety, founded 21 years ago, distributes personal protective equipment, clothing and workplace safety products.

Managing Director Tony Skelton commented: “I’ve been delighted at how willing and generous local businesses have been in supporting the Hospice by co-sponsoring this event with us.

“The charity is held in such high regard in Macclesfield, everyone connects with them at some level. It doesn’t matter who you speak with – someone has had a friend or relative who’s gone through the Hospice process.

“We asked our customers to support this concert and their response has been incredible. If we can raise £5,000, what a great story this is for the town in which we trade.

“All companies recognise the benefits commercially. It sends out a positive message and we’re all aware of our social and corporate responsibility.”

The show captures the dawn of mobile phones, MTV, Live Aid and outrageous 80s fashion.

* Tickets are priced at £9 (£5 for under-15s). Order online at ticketsource.co.uk/the-cinema-show.

Hospice Fundraising Assistant Nik Kalka

Posted on by Becky Sidwell

Nik Kalka admits he often struggled with answers at quizzes in aid of East Cheshire Hospice.

He was too busy serving drinks from the bar, but he knew instantly what answer to give when offered a job as a fundraiser at the charity earlier this year.

His enthusiastic reply was an emphatic Yes to a cause which is close to his heart for so many reasons.

The best reason of all was remembering how well the Hospice cared for his close friend Sam Burt.

Sam Burt who was cared for by East Cheshire Hospice.

Sam, who grew up in Sutton, had been diagnosed with a brain tumour 10 years earlier. The IT technician at Fallibroome Academy died in 2017, aged 27.

Nik said: “Sam was involved with the quizzes for four years until he passed away in 2017 after helping raise more than £16,000 for the Hospice.

“Ironically, that was about the amount it costs to pay for the care for the three days and two nights he spent at the Hospice.

“He was determined to make the best out of life despite his diagnosis. The odd seizure slowed him down, but he still threw himself into everything.

“Sam had time for everyone and was a genuinely kind and friendly guy.

“He got lots of support accessing the Hospice services. It’s a special place, something I already knew before I came here.

“But once I joined and understood more about the Hospice, its different services, the staff and how they treat patients and each other, it’s even more special than I imagined.

“It’s quite unique and universally loved within our region.

“Once someone has experienced our services, they invariably become a lifelong supporter.”

The regular quiz nights at Marlborough Primary School were not Nik’s first introduction to East Cheshire Hospice.

Nik Kalka taking the strain during a fundraising event for East Cheshire Hospice by carrying fellow supporter Rob Gorton.

He said: “I knew the quiz answers, but they weren’t necessarily the right ones!

“I first came to the Hospice in 2003 as a teenager in the army cadets when I helped at fetes.

“Then I got involved with the quiz nights through Sam Baker, from Olympus Trophies, a long-standing supporter of the Hospice.

“A quiz support group run by Alison Brammer, Paul Morrissey and Mark Watson was set up in 2013 and these events are still hugely popular, raising vast sums for the Hospice.

“Marlborough Primary School have been incredibly helpful, as have Storm Brewing.

“It’s a privilege to work at the Hospice which means so much to me.”

24-mile walk in memory of a loved one

Posted on by Becky Sidwell

A soggy end failed to dampen spirits on a special family day out climbing the Yorkshire Three Peaks.

Claire Crimes and family members took on the 24-mile walk in memory of her mother-in-law Iris, from Macclesfield.

 Iris Crimes was cared for by East Cheshire Hospice.

The group have raised more than £2,300 for East Cheshire Hospice where Iris was looked after last November.

The total was match funded by AstraZeneca where Claire works, as the Hospice is one of their chosen charities.

Claire said: “The weather was perfect for most of the day, but the heavens opened as we descended the last mountain.

From left, Craig Bracegirdle, Claire Crimes, Wayne Smith, Ben Crimes, Nat Hall and Ellie Crimes.

“It was a bit dodgy getting down with a small stream running down the rocks, so I ended up sliding down on my bottom. I finished the walk with muddy knickers and squelchy boots!”

Son Ben, daughter Ellie and her boyfriend Nat Hall, along with two of Iris’ other grandsons Wayne Smith and Craig Bracegirdle, also undertook the challenge.

Claire said: “We all wore yellow Hospice t-shirts which was fabulous as we could see each other clearly as we broke apart walking up the mountains.

“We stayed together as a group even though the younger ones would have completed it in a faster time, and they waited for me at the top of each peak.”

“We all looked after each other and completed the walk within the 12-hour time limit which was marvellous.

“We wanted to give something back for the way the Hospice cared for Iris. They were so lovely with her and all the family and it was our way of saying thank you.

“They’re all angels at the Hospice and made everything as comfortable as possible. We wanted to do something in Iris’ memory.”

A week later Ben also undertook a tandem sky dive to raise funds.

Daring Ben Crimes parachuted from 15,000 feet.  

Claire said: “It was his first parachute jump and he was the only one in his group who jumped from 15,000 feet.

“He said if he’s going to do it he may as well do it full-on from three miles up. He said it was amazing and if ever anyone had thought about doing it – do it!”

“We’d like to thank family and friends for the very kind donations and also the people we met along the way who also donated.”

To donate to their fundraising visit www.shorturl.at/tBRS6

Former team-mates continue to honour the memory of football fanatic Col Smith.

Posted on by Becky Sidwell

Former team-mates continue to honour the memory of football fanatic Col Smith.

The Macclesfield Parish manager died of cancer in 2020, aged 52.

Col Smith

Ever since, two teams he played for – Parish and St Peter’s which are part of the same club – have staged an annual charity match as a tribute.

The latest encounter at St George’s Park, Windmill Street, raised £278 for East Cheshire Hospice where Col spent his final days.

A close game ended in a 2-1 victory for St Peter’s which meant they retained the Col Smith Memorial Trophy.

Players from Macclesfield Parish and St Peter’s at this year’s memorial game. 

Col, of Higher Hurdsfield, was ill for 10 years but stayed involved with club which plays in the South Manchester and Cheshire Christian Football League.

He combined a passion for football with his deep love of the Christian faith and was a member of Bollington Life Church.

Parish manager David Mayers said: “We continue to stage the match in honour of our friend and former player and manager. St Peter’s lead the series 2-1 after a draw the first year.

“We don’t have to push the players to take part. They want to be part of it because a lot of them have friends or relatives who’ve been cared for by the Hospice.

“It’s a big part of many people’s lives in Macclesfield and we’re delighted to raise funds for such a good cause.”

First it was Will Week – now it is Will Month

Posted on by Becky Sidwell

First it was Will Week – now it is Will Month, giving East Cheshire Hospice supporters more time to prepare their financial future.

Participating firms are donating their time and expertise to help the charity throughout October.

They will write single and mirror Wills or update an existing Will and donate the entire fee to East Cheshire Hospice.

Beth England, Individual Giving Manager at the Hospice, said: “We’ve decided to change to the whole of October rather than just a week to give supporters more time and flexibility to book their appointments.

“It means participating solicitors can offer more appointments and supporters can choose a booking based around their own availability.”

Last year’s campaign raised £10,287, with more than £1,200 of the total from people adding Gift Aid to their donation.

Complete a form at eastcheshirehospice.org.uk/campaign/will-month/ to register interest and access contact details for participating solicitors in Macclesfield, Poynton and Bollington; email fundraising@echospice.org.uk or call 01625 433477.

Moneybox Wills and Trusts, based in Tytherington, raised £3,500 last year.

Joe Etherington from Moneybox Wills and Trusts

Joe Etherington, the firm’s Head of Wills and Trusts, said: “The Will initiative was a great success last year and we’ll be involved again next month when hopefully we can improve on that total.

“People are now more open about discussing making a Will – the subject isn’t as old fashioned and taboo as before.

“It’s important people get qualified advice, especially if your marital status or financial circumstances have changed, or if you’ve moved house.”

Beth said: “All solicitors are providing their time and expertise at no cost in order to raise vital donations for the Hospice, so please consider the value of your solicitor’s time when making your donation.”

Legacy gifts provide care for one in three of Hospice patients.

Beth said: “There’s no obligation to leave a gift to the Hospice in your Will, but if you’d like to do so, your solicitor can help.

“Legacy gifts offer a stable and long-term source of funding for the Hospice. That stability allows us to plan and deliver services effectively, without being solely dependent on fluctuations in other forms of donations or external funding.

“They also enable us to expand and improve our services, helping us to meet the growing demand for Hospice services.”

* For more details on legacies email bengland@echospice.org.uk, or call 01625 433477.

Insurance Surgery have become the latest business to support East Cheshire Hospice

Posted on by Becky Sidwell

The Insurance Surgery have become the latest business to support East Cheshire Hospice by making a £500 donation.

The firm works with clients with medical conditions, and this was partly behind its decision to help the charity.

Founder Paul Mellor set up the Macclesfield life insurance business 24 years ago after spotting a gap in the market.

Business partnerships manager Charlotte Harding said: “Paul’s wife had Crohn’s disease and they couldn’t find life insurance for her and that’s how the business started.

“What began as a one-man band now has a staff of 26, including 12 advisers.

The Insurance Company employees (from left) Charlotte Harding, Emilie Ward, Vicki King, James Ellery, John Dunkerley, Neil Cameron, Jess Edwards, Tom Heyes and Julie Arthurs.

“Our service as a specialist broker includes supporting people with medical conditions, dangerous occupations or extreme sports.

“Just this year we’ve had 500 different medical conditions reported among clients.

“Our team decided to support the Hospice and it seemed the natural thing to do, especially due to the nature of much of our work.

“The Hospice is part of the fabric of the community and we’re proud to be associated with such an institution.

“We’ve a big customer base in Macclesfield, so it’s likely some clients have used the Hospice. This is another important reason why we wanted to give back.

“We often find that our clients have been declined by a mainstream insurer, or a comparison website because once you disclose a medical condition, you can get into difficulty and premiums can be more expensive.

“We’ve had clients call us in tears because they didn’t think they could get an affordable policy.”

Bollington-based company supports Pie and Pint

Posted on by Becky Sidwell

Barry Jones licked his lips when he signed up for a Pie and a Pint challenge.

But he was unaware a 10k walk was also part of the East Cheshire Hospice event on Saturday, September 16, from 10 am.

Barry said: “I didn’t realise it was a walk – I thought it was just a pie and a pint, but never mind.

“I like a pint and enjoy a pie now and then. I play football occasionally and train my son’s team, but that’s about as energetic as I get.”

Madison O’Neill (left) and Barry Jones with Lisa Ball, corporate fundraiser at East Cheshire Hospice.

Barry works in the sales team at Cutler Cleaning Supplies Ltd which provides cleaning and janitorial products for the Hospice.

The Bollington-based company has also joined the 500 club which means it donates £500 to the charity each year.

Sales manager Madison O’Neill, who is a keen walker, will join Barry on the walk.

He said: “We support the Hospice as much as possible and regularly donate surplus stock.”

There are still spaces left in the walk, sponsored Holdcroft. To enter visit www.echospice.org.uk/pie-and-pint

The route starts and ends at Macclesfield Rugby Club, visiting Over Alderley, Mottram St Andrew, Prestbury and Dale Brow.

Under 18s must be accompanied by an adult or have written permission. Tickets include a non-alcoholic drink for those under age.

Walkers need to wear suitable clothing and footwear, preferably walking boots and waterproofs rather than trainers due to the challenging route. Entrants receive a pie and a pint at the finish.

East Cheshire Hospice and BNI networking group

Posted on by Becky Sidwell

Joining a business network group was an inspired move by corporate fundraiser Lisa Ball.

No sooner had she signed up to BNI Silk than the floodgates opened with offers of support for East Cheshire Hospice where she works.

So much so the kind-hearted business group has donated £22,662 to the charity from fundraising initiatives.

A bumper total considering Lisa only joined the Macclesfield-based organisation in January.

Lisa Ball (centre) and East Cheshire Hospice colleague Rachel Allcock (second right) with BNI Silk members (from left) Leanne Findler, Angela Highton, Kevin Cook, Lee Shore and Joe Etherington.

Fellow members of the 28-strong group were so impressed by what they heard about the Hospice from Lisa that they swung into action and participated in various activities.

Lisa said: “BNI Silk members have been amazing. They’ve listened to what the Hospice needs and done their utmost to support us.

“The business group meet every week which is lovely and it’s been great to see so many familiar faces from my BNI family turn up at fundraisers to do their bit.

“I joined the group to extend the hospice’s reach and gain new contacts – the fundraising support has been an added bonus!”

Seven BNI Silk members took part in Born Survivor at Capesthorne Hall, raising £1,285, while an email marketing campaign was gifted by Lee Shore of Macclesfield company Merrehill, a gesture which generated income of £11,500.

Members took part in the Starlight Walk, attended quiz nights and donated more than 1,000 Crème Eggs.

Nick Stratford, of Stratford Solicitors, in Poynton, donated £3,600 from unclaimed funds. There have been plenty of other activities by members as well.

Arman Kizir, of Luna Film, is donating a promotional video for the Hospice’s Fire and Ice Walk at Macclesfield Rugby on Thursday, November 9.

Others donated plants for the Hospice, while gel sachets for participants in the Great Manchester Run in May.

BNI Silk President Kevin Cook said: “Lisa’s passion for the hospice is infectious and inspired us all to do our bit for this amazing local facility which benefits so many people from across the area.

“I’m really delighted with everyone’s enthusiasm. Our business group is all about supporting each other to grow and develop our businesses, so I shouldn’t really be surprised at the effort everyone has made.”

BNI Silk meet at Macclesfield Golf Club on Thursdays from 6.45 am until 8.30 am.

To find out more about the group email admin@bni-ce.co.uk.

During the last 12 months members of Silk BNI have referred more than £3.74m worth of business to each other.

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