October 2024 - East Cheshire Hospice
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Month: October 2024

1913 Model T Ford visits the Hospice

Posted on by Becky Sidwell

A VIP guest took centre stage at East Cheshire Hospice, attracting attention and providing entertainment and nostalgia for outpatients.

The dark green 1913 Model T Ford, driven by its owner Steve Nixon, drew admiring glances from patients, staff, and volunteers outside the Hospice’s Sunflower Living Well Centre.

Day care patients Alan Broom (right) and Dave Marshall with Steve Nixon at the wheel and volunteer Anna Scott-Jones alongside him.

His other collector’s item – a 1903 Darracq – is entered in the famous London to Brighton Veteran Car Run on Sunday (Nov 3).

Steve and wife Beverley, from Tytherington, will set off from Hyde Park at sunrise, in a convoy of almost 400 veteran cars.

Steve and Beverley Nixon at Hyde Park Corner in their 1903 Darracq for the London to Brighton run.

Steve said: “The London to Brighton run is described as the most prestigious motoring event in the world, above even the Monaco Grand Prix and Le Mans.

“The run should take about five to six hours driving between 12 to 15 mph, though I’ll reach 22 mph on fast, flat roads.

“Hopefully, I don’t have to rebuild the engine enroute like I did last year. About 60-70 cars will break down as engines aren’t as sophisticated as a modern electric lawnmower.

“The atmosphere in Hyde Park and Pall Mall the day before is fantastic.”

Last year Steve’s car was parked next to a 1905 Spyker driven by actor Kenneth More in Genevieve, a famous 1953 film. The car Genevieve is also taking part.

Steve said: “The patients loved seeing the car and asked lots of questions. I’d be delighted to take the cars back to the Hospice.”

Jenny Pitcock uses sewing skills to make handmade goods for the Hospice

Posted on by Becky Sidwell

The sewing skills taught to Jenny Pitcock as a child by her late mother still serve her well in retirement.

Her latest venture as a volunteer is making handmade goods from old advertising banners for East Cheshire Hospice.

Jenny has created bags, purses, glasses cases and a hat from PVC once used to promote the charity’s events.

Hospice fundraiser Claire Gorton (left) with volunteer Jenny Pitcock and recycled goods.

Items are sold on stalls raising funds for the Hospice.

Jenny, from Macclesfield, can sing and sew. She is treasurer of Claritas, a renowned choir which supports the Hospice.

She is also a costume maker for Mads Theatre, so can quite literally make a drama out of her handiwork.

Jenny said: “I started recycling the banners about a year ago and work out how to use a pattern to make an interesting item.

“I cut them out and create whatever takes my fancy. It’s fun. I just sit there and use up things that would otherwise be thrown away.

“Sewing comes naturally. I’ve sewn since I was a kid. My mum, Irene, taught me and I made my own clothes when I was younger.

“Mum was born in 1922 so came from a generation that went through the war. She had two young children during rationing so had to make do and mend.

“Mum was a nurse and turned her uniform into clothing for her kids. There was no fabric so this idea of using whatever is to hand comes from there.”

Jenny, a retired software engineer, made masks for the Hospice during Covid.

“I created at work and do the same now. People think of software as boring, but you have a problem and try to solve it.

“Recycling banners is similar – you have a problem and solve it.”

Jenny had reused banners for Mads, so the Hospice asked her to do the same for them.

She said: “For a modern play there might not be much costume work, but for a recent production of Macbeth we had to make different stages of clothes showing dry blood.

“That’s what happens when you retire early. You find things to do with your time.”

Claire Gorton, Community and Events Fundraiser at the Hospice, said: “We try to use banners which don’t date, but Jenny gave us the idea of recycling those that do and it helps with our goals for sustainability.”

Nick Robinsons visit to the Hospice

Posted on by Becky Sidwell

Broadcaster Nick Robinson, the man behind the microphone and behind the scenes at East Cheshire Hospice, popped in to meet staff.

The presenter of BBC Radio 4’s flagship Today programme has helped the Hospice secure vital funding since becoming a patron in 2020.

His sister Dr Debbie Maxwell, a Hospice trustee, joined Nick on a tour chatting to healthcare professionals about their work.

East Cheshire Hospice patron Nick Robinson with art therapist Fay Mitchell.

Their late father Robbie spent his last few days at the Hospice and the Macclesfield-based family are grateful for the care he received.

Nick’s support has included hosting Meeting of Minds, a series of exclusive virtual events with high-profile guest speakers.

Guests have included Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham; Sir John Timpson CBE, Baron David Blunkett and broadcaster Robert Peston.

April Green, the Hospice’s Philanthropy Manager, said: “We’re extremely lucky to have such a talented broadcaster as Nick as a patron.

“His Meeting of Minds series was created during Covid when guests couldn’t be present.

“These one-hour sessions have been a good touch point, attracting inspiring speakers allowing us to have a voice and share details about our innovation projects we’re trying to fundraise for.

“They let people know what we’re trying to achieve and are interactive and accessible.

“Nurses and relatives have also given a first-hand account of the impact of care.

“With Nick’s help as host, he’s helped us secure more than £3m in pledges and donations for projects such as Hospice @Home, Co-ordinated Care and our dementia services.”

Further Meetings of Minds are planned next year.

Nik Kalka takes on the ring for East Cheshire Hospice

Posted on by Becky Sidwell

Come and watch me get punched in the face!

That is the invitation from Nik Kalka to family and friends as he prepares for his boxing debut.

The security manager is willing to take the blows in memory of best pal Sam Burt who died in 2017, aged 27.

All proceeds from the bout are donated to East Cheshire Hospice where Sam was cared for. He was an IT technician at Fallibroome Academy.

Nik is training hard for next month’s white-collar fight night in Stoke.

Nik Kalka preparing for his boxing debut.

Nik said: “I’m sure there’s a few people who will enjoy seeing me get punched.

“Joking aside, it’s a great way to raise funds for East Cheshire Hospice, which is an incredible place and holds a very special spot in my heart.

“Sam passed away at the Hospice and was the kind of friend who could light up a room with his smile, make you laugh until your sides hurt, and who, quite frankly, would be the first in line to see me take a punch.

“He fought bravely against illness and, when the time came, the Hospice provided him with the care and comfort that both he and his family desperately needed.

“For those who might not know, the Hospice isn’t just a place where people go in their final days. It’s a sanctuary that offers care and support not only to those living with life-limiting illnesses, but also to their families.

Sam Burt who was cared for by East Cheshire Hospice

“They provide specialist care, pain management, emotional support, and even bereavement counselling. The hospice’s compassionate approach ensures that no one faces these difficult times alone, and they do it all with a warmth and dedication that’s truly remarkable.

“I’m honouring Sam’s memory and giving back to the place that was there for him when it mattered most.”

Nik’s opponent for three two-minute rounds will be a fighter of similar height, weight and ability.

He said: “I could have done a run but wanted to leave my comfort zone. The idea of being punched repeatedly is nerve-wracking but win or lose the Hospice is the winner.

“I thank everyone for their support. Let’s make this fight one to remember – for all the right reasons. See you in the ring, or maybe A and E.”

* To donate visit justgiving.com/page/nik-kalka-1723579053156

Noddy Holder papier mache model at Art Fair

Posted on by Becky Sidwell

A papier mache model of music legend Noddy Holder was a smash hit at Art Fair Cheshire.

It sold within minutes for £208, even before the one-time Slade front man had chance to admire the clever artwork created by Patty Callaghan.

The talented artist is more than happy to make another copy of Cum On Feel The Noize, named after the glam rock group’s No 1 record in 1976.

Noddy Holder with his papier mache model. Picture courtesy of Suzan Holder via Instagram.

Proceeds will be donated to East Cheshire Hospice where Noddy and wife Suzan have become patrons.

Patty said: “I’d be delighted to make another version, especially for such a good cause.

“I’m thrilled that Noddy and Suzan liked it so much and I grew up listening to Slade.

“My brother Chris was always keen to get home on Christmas Day to watch Top of the Pops and Slade were always on.

The sculpture of Noddy Holder. Picture courtesy of Paul Quirk.

“Chris sadly died, so it felt quite poignant to make it and I always think of him and feel nostalgic when I hear Noddy singing Merry Xmas Everybody for the first time each year.

“I use magazines for the colour layer. Noddy’s shirt came from a Christmas edition of the Radio Times and, if you look carefully, you can spot the word ‘Christmas’ which seemed fitting.

“Making the guitar on that small scale was fiddly. Luckily, my husband Paul has a similar guitar, so I studied that as finding photographs which show the strings and other detail isn’t easy.

“I’m not sure whether the next mini Noddy will be raffled or auctioned, but it’s a great fundraising idea.”

Chief Executive Karyn Johnston received a special surprise at Art Fair

Posted on by Becky Sidwell

Chief Executive Karyn Johnston received a special surprise to coincide with 10 years of service at East Cheshire Hospice.

Karyn was given a prestigious award for community service by Clare Hayward MBE DL, the High Sheriff of Cheshire.

The award, made at Art Fair Cheshire, recognised Karyn’s efforts leading a team which continues to put the Hospice at the forefront of end-of-life care.

Karyn joined the Hospice as head of income generation before assuming the role of chief executive six years ago.

Karyn said: “This recognition only came to me because I work with great people. I know this award is down to the team effort.

“I was embarrassed to receive a personal accolade which really belongs to my colleagues and others who support the Hospice in many different ways.”

Karyn Johnston (left) with Clare Hayward MBE DL, the High Sheriff of Cheshire.

The Hospice cared for a record 1,277 patients and thousands of family members last year, further illustrating its value to the community.

Karyn said: “Last year, via all our services, we helped the most patients in any single year in the Hospice’s history.

“That was before the extension of our new Sunflower Living Well Centre, which opened in April, so we can probably expect that figure to go up this year.

“Our aim is to help more patients year-on-year. We are driven by the needs of the community.

“For instance, we realised that people in the community wanted more care at home, so we added two more teams to our Hospice @Home service.

“This doubled the number of our teams serving our community in the comfort of their own homes.

“Our ambition does not diminish in the slightest. We’ll soon be announcing another big project to make end-of-life care even more accessible.”

The 25th year of the Art Fair was once again a major success, raising vital funds for the Hospice.

A VIP gathering to launch the fair raised a substantial sum from the sale of artwork, setting a pattern of generous giving which continued during the week-long event.

Karyn said: “The Art Fair was yet another glorious example of a superb collective effort, involving artists, buyers, sponsors and other supporters, including our wonderful volunteers.”

Art created by schools and colleges added to the community feel, as did a special display by those who access childhood bereavement counselling at the Hospice.

Guests included key Hospice sponsors and supporters, including Macclesfield MP Tim Roca.

Sponsors were AstraZeneca, The Little Greene Paint Company, Thorneycroft Solicitors, Estate Planning Solutions and MacPac.

Luke Oldham is just as happy performing his main role as corporate fundraiser for East Cheshire Hospice

Posted on by Becky Sidwell

Off stage actor Luke Oldham is just as happy performing his main role as corporate fundraiser for East Cheshire Hospice.

Luke is hard at work rehearsing for his part in Constellations, a romantic play at MADS Theatre from October 17-19.

The theatre world occupies his time away from his desk at the Hospice where he puts corporate supporters centre stage.

Luke Oldham (left) with MADS chair Amy Leech and John Chandler.

Luke said: “I’ve got the best of both worlds. I love developing relationships with corporate sponsors for the Hopspice and my theatre involvement.

“A lot of exciting things are happening on the corporate side at the Hospice and we enjoy fantastic support from the business community.

“The theatre work has been incredibly full on as well. I’m rehearsing something pretty much every available evening.”

Luke stars alongside actress Gemma Wilson as the only two actors in Constellations.

He said: “It’s a love story. Certain scenes throughout their relationship play out in different ways exploring the consequences we don’t always see from our choices.

“It’s a sweet heartbreaking piece, funny in places.”

On behalf of Northern Rep Theatre, Luke is co-directing a trilogy Not Being Mean performed by Poynton Players in December.

Wearing his Hospice hat, he received a cheque for £831 from MADS – of which he is a member – as proceeds from a performance by an Australian touring theatre company in July.

Nuworks performed The Shoemaker of Havana, based on the life of Cuban leader Fidel Castro.

The group made their second visit to Macclesfield in a year. MADS management member John Chandler said: “The audience loved the show, it was a pleasure to have them back.

“They’re due to return in 2026 and we’ll welcome them with open arms. They pay their own fares and touring with cars and hotels is expensive which is why they’re having a year off.”

Meanwhile, Luke was heavily involved in attracting corporate support for Art Fair Cheshire which has just ended.

Other priorities include Will Month in October and the ongoing 500 Club in which organisations raise a minimum of £500 a year for the Hospice.

Mowgli Street Foods, in Knutsford, have become a corporate partner, making the Hospice its charity of the year.

Luke said: “We have a base of enthusiastic supporters and without our corporate help we would not be here.”

* For corporate Hospice inquiries contact Luke on luke.oldham@echospice.org.uk

Take on Trek Snowden at night in 2025

Posted on by Becky Sidwell

Many have climbed Mount Snowdon, but few have scaled the famous Welsh peak overnight.

But that is the incentive for East Cheshire Hospice supporters who sign up to the Hospice’s latest challenge.

The nine-mile trek takes place over the weekend of August 2/3 next year.

An overnight Snowdon trek is the challenge facing East Cheshire Hospice supporters.

The reward for walkers as they reach the summit is a breathtaking view of the sun rising across Snowdonia National Park and the changing colours of the peaks as dawn breaks.

Experienced mountain guide leaders will assist trekkers every step of the way with safety the No 1 priority on a walk described as ‘challenging’ by organisers.

Places can be booked by visiting www.eastcheshirehospice.org.uk/events/trek-2025/

Registration is £45 and a minimum of £330 must be raised in sponsorship.

Participants will get a hot buffet at a hotel in Llanberis before a 1 am registration and briefing.

The ascent using the Llanberis Path starts at 2 am and takes between three and four hours.

Snowdon at sunrise.

Walkers will watch the sunset either at the summit, or on the ascent, depending on their speed. Snacks are supplied along the route before a well-earned breakfast on completion.

Head torches will be supplied with the same trail used for a descent expected to take two to three hours.

A welcome pack offers tips on training and trekking.

A vehicle will provide back up and support and each walker receives a souvenir medal.

Excluded is travel insurance, alcoholic drinks and personal trekking equipment such as boots, poles etc.

Juliette White CBE has swapped one medical world for another

Posted on by Becky Sidwell

Juliette White CBE has swapped one medical world for another after agreeing to become the next Chair of East Cheshire Hospice.

Her appointment comes four months after she retired from a senior role with AstraZeneca where she spent 34 years.

Juliette is acting as Chair Elect of the charity for 12 months before officially taking over from Will Spinks in September 2025. He steps down after reaching the nine-year limit as a Trustee.

Juliette, from Macclesfield, played an important role in securing the supply of medicines during the pandemic and preparations for leaving the EU.

She was awarded the CBE in 2021 for services to ‘life sciences and the medical supply chain.’

Juliette White CBE, the next Chair of East Cheshire Hospice.

Juliette said: “I’m extremely excited to be joining East Cheshire Hospice which has an incredibly strong reputation.

“There are huge parallels to AZ where I’ve spent my working life. The Hospice is a purpose driven organisation that puts patients and their families at the heart of every decision.

“You can’t spend 34 years of your life working for patient outcomes and then suddenly stop the desire to do the right thing for the most vulnerable in society.

“AZ is a long-standing corporate partner of the Hospice.

“Everything the Hospice does is consistent with what it writes down on paper that it stands for. It lives its values and purpose as an organisation.

“It accelerated the move to Hospice @Home care and has been at the forefront of wanting to innovate and evolve how it provides support to patients and families as society has shifted and changed.”

Juliette and husband Howard have three children, Callum, a veterinary surgeon, Hamish, an engineer, and Holly, a medical student at Leeds University.

Their mum’s career was spent mostly at AZ’s Macclesfield site, apart from a period in the USA.

After starting in HR, she worked mainly in the supply chain, sourcing medicines to patients and managed external commercial supply.

Latterly, she was head of sustainability, focusing on AZ’s net zero strategy.

Juliette said: “I still genuinely believe in AZ’s mission and purpose, though I also recognise that 34 years is a long time and while I’m still relatively young, fit and healthy it’s time to do other things.

“More autonomy means I can get involved with fantastic organisations like the Hospice. It’s a life choice and my No 1 priority is my family and to have more time to be present in their lives as well.”

Juliette was the company’s UK lead during the pandemic

Posted on by Becky Sidwell

Juliette White CBE describes AstraZeneca’s swift and effective response to Covid as one of the proudest moments of her career.

Juliette was the company’s UK lead during the pandemic.

She said: “We had to keep staff safe as we had people working in labs and factories all the way through, as well as remotely.

“We also had to adapt our safety measures as the virus and science evolved.

Will Spinks who will step down after nine years as a Trustee at East Cheshire Hospice.

“Our priority was protecting employees and patients because we had vulnerable patients with cancer and other illnesses who still needed their supply of drugs.

“We also had to source the supply of the vaccine developed by Oxford University and AstraZeneca.

“It was the proudest I’ve been of anything that we ever did as a collective and as a company.

“The fact we launched the vaccine at no profit through that pandemic phase was also incredible.

“We reached the most vulnerable in society and began to vaccinate them after diagnostic tests and treatments had stopped.”

Juliette’s final role at AZ as head of sustainability also gave her great satisfaction.

She said: “We put values and impact on society at the heart of all our decisions around sustainability.

“We took bold moves and, importantly, encouraged others to up their game.

“As a big household name, you have a responsibility as a company not only to do the right thing and be ambitious for your own goals, but to help raise the games of others and get them to do more than they might have done otherwise.”

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