December 2024 - East Cheshire Hospice
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Month: December 2024

Overview of the year 2024

Posted on by Becky Sidwell

The new look Sunflower Living Well Centre welcomed its first patients to East Cheshire Hospice in April.

The facility’s opening was among many highlights during a memorable 2024 for the charity.

The then Lord-Lieutenant of Cheshire Lady Alexis Redmond MBE officially declared the centre open after a nine-month building project costing £1.3m.

Hospice staff at the reopening of the Sunflower Living Well Centre.

There to witness the ribbon-cutting ceremony were long-standing Hospice supporters Anna Rains, Thelma Jackson and Madge Slater whose fundraising exploits created the original Sunflower Centre in 2000.

The Starlight Walk returns in 2025 and is likely to prove just as popular as last spring’s event which attracted around 400 walkers.

A pink theme for staff from Mulberry ward, a specialist inpatient unit on Victoria Road, in memory of a colleague at the Starlight Walk.

Make a note of the date, Thursday, May 15, for the early evening stroll through the beautiful grounds of Capesthorne Hall.

The walk was one of countless events which included March through March and Squatober, both of which saw dedicated supporters going to great lengths to raise funds.

A papier mâché model of legendary Slade singer Noddy Holder was a star attraction at Art Fair Cheshire.

Noddy Holder with artist Patty Callaghan and her model of the singer.

Noddy liked it so much he commissioned another sculpture which has been raffled off for Hospice funds.

Artist Patty Callaghan created the artwork which shows Noddy with his guitar. Noddy and wife Suzan became Hospice patrons during the year.

Patients took a trip down memory lane when a dark green 1913 Model T Ford was taken to the Hospice.

Veteran car enthusiast Steve Nixon who ran along Hadrian’s Wall.

Owner Steve Nixon was happy to show off his veteran car as part of his support for the Hospice.

Steve, from Tytherington, even ran the length of Hadrian’s Wall to raise funds. He and wife Beverley took their 1903 Darracq on the London to Brighton Run.

Golfer Liz Stott played 72 holes during a marathon 13-hour game. Liz walked all the way round her local course at Tytherington on the longest day of the year.

Golfer Liz Stott with supporters.

Unfortunately, the cost of running the Hospice has gone up. It now needs to find £9,362 a day to keep its doors open.

That represents a near 25 per cent increase on the old figure of £7,500.

The new total, calculated on average costs over the last five years, excludes the 21 per cent of income received from government.

Energy bills have risen, along with staff wages, with the Hospice committed to matching NHS salaries. Equipment and building maintenance costs also went up.

The £7,500 figure excluded the charity’s Hospice @Home service which started in 2017.

The gift of a £10 note made years ago will lead to a £2m for Christmas Tree Collection

Posted on by Becky Sidwell

The gift of a £10 note made years ago will lead to a £2m windfall for hospices next month.

That is a conservative estimate of the amount some 160 hospices will raise from their various Christmas tree collections over a single weekend.

The roots of this incredible story stem from the Chapman family whose idea and dedication has benefitted East Cheshire Hospice over the last 25 years.

In 1998, Andy Chapman, then 14, was given a tenner along with fellow choristers at Prestbury Church. Their mission was to raise funds for a new church organ.

Co-founders Pete Chapman (left) and Richard Raymond at the collection last January.

Dad Pete said: “It was up to the choir what to do with the money – use it, lose it but try to do something wise with it, as in the Bible’s Parable of the Talents.

“My wife Heather had a brainwave. She suggested taking our Christmas tree and those of our neighbours to the tip on our big garden trailer.

“It would save mess in the car, the £10 could pay for diesel and we’d see what was raised.

Pete Chapman’s sons James (left) and Chris collecting trees with Caitlin Howarth in 2022.

“It was Heather’s idea – I was just the poor husband who had to implement it! We put leaflets through doors and the phone started ringing after Christmas.

“We also decided to support another charity, raising £370 for both the church fund and the Children’s Adventure Farm Trust. My employers Barclays match-funded donations.

“A Wallace and Gromit notebook contained random addresses and we drove round Bollington and Prestbury with our four sons strapped in the back of the car.

“The idea took off. People couldn’t believe how much we raised and I thought ‘we’re onto something here.’

“The next year Richard Raymond pitched up with a company truck and we advertised it more widely, collecting more trees.

“Chorister John Nichol knew the area like the back of his hand and helped with routing and mapping.

“John suggested supporting the Hospice on an ongoing basis. His mother had been a patient and the team were right behind him.

“We had lots of enthusiastic support and since then it’s grown every year. Other hospices started to catch on and we’ve encouraged them.

“I can’t believe it’s been 25 years since the hospice became the sole beneficiary. It’s flown. I can’t believe where we’ve come from and got to.

“It’s beyond our wildest dreams. It’s amazing to think that well over £2m will be collected in one weekend across the country, involving more than 2,000 volunteers.”

Local customers have loyally supported Christmas Tree Collection for 25 years!

Posted on by Becky Sidwell

Dozens of customers have loyally supported the Christmas tree collection throughout its 25-year association with East Cheshire Hospice.

They are among more than 6,000 subscribers who will hopefully register again for the next collection on January 11 and 12 via www.echtrees.org.uk

The deadline is midnight on Tuesday, January 7.

Volunteers prepare for the 2020 tree collection.

Meanwhile, some of the 278 volunteers on the scheme’s database have helped since almost the start.

Co-founders Richard Raymond and Pete Chapman have overseen major changes over the years.

Pete said: “We’re a lot more advanced these days with hi-tec routing, mapping, social media and online payments.

“People had to put money in a plastic bag on trees until a few years ago. They also register online, whereas it used to be phone calls and messages.

“A van can now collect up to 200 trees a day, twice as many as before.”

Pete’s son Andy, an occupational therapist, introduced spreadsheets using Microsoft Works as part of a school project while studying IT.

The advent of green wheelie bins saw a potential threat become an opportunity.

Recycling trees at West Park depot.

Macclesfield Council backed the scheme, advertising on bins rather than encouraging homeowners to use them to recycle trees.

Crucially, other hospices tap into Pete and Richard’s expertise. Pete said: “We’ve documented everything we do, building a database accessed by more than 50 hospices. We collaborate and want everyone to run a successful collection.

“It means the system will live forever. Richard and I can’t do it forever, so we’ve created a library to hand on to our successors.

“We must thank our supporters, including local businesses, a lot of whom want to give anonymously.

“It means a lot to me that we also help volunteers whatever their physical ability. We’ll always find a role for them.

“We don’t just bring income to the Hospice. We also raise awareness in the local community, drawing in volunteers, encouraging recycling and attracting young people to the Hospice.

“There are more benefits than we ever dreamt of. The Hospice know year on year they’re going to get this money from the collection.

“It has done a fantastic job setting up Hospice @Home and we’d like to think we’ve played a small part by raising awareness of the Hospice.

“No-one had ever thought of a tree collection until we did – it came from one spark of a great idea. The scheme’s success gives us enormous pride.”

* Organisers still need large vans for the forthcoming collection. To help, contact 01625 433477 or email luke.oldham@echospice.org.uk

East Cheshire Hospice trekkers on a visit to Iceland

Posted on by Becky Sidwell

A close-up of earth’s amazing power and stunning scenery were enjoyed by East Cheshire Hospice trekkers on a visit to Iceland.

The 11-strong group witnessed the effects of a recent volcanic eruption during a trip which raised more than £35,000 for the Hospice.

Mel Curwen, a volunteer in the Hospice’s fundraising department, was inspired to return after falling in love with Iceland on a family holiday.

She said: “We drove through Grindavik which was eerie. The town was mostly deserted as lava was so close. The volcano erupted again just after we left.

Fundraisers from East Cheshire Hospice on their Iceland trek.

“The trek was challenging due to the terrain and weather conditions. We kept writing ‘ECH’ in the snow for motivation as we went along. As a group we were proud of what we achieved.

“We’re also humbled by the support, encouragement and sponsorship we received. The Hospice needs to raise more than £9,300 a day.

Ice-cool hikers in Iceland. 

Accountant James Bostock, partner at long-established Josolyne LLP in Macclesfield, was also on the trip.

He said: “The trek was fantastic. We all bonded as a group, coming from similar backgrounds and all trying to support the Hospice.

“I do a lot of hiking and walking and was able to support others who found the hike more of a challenge.

A moment of relaxation for the group.

“Many of our staff and clients have been touched by the Hospice in some way. For example, my business partner Chloe Harrison had two grandparents cared for there.

“She is dedicated to helping the Hospice as are our colleagues and myself.”

The Fishers are doing their bit for East Cheshire Hospice

Posted on by Becky Sidwell

Plasterer Lee Fisher will be out and about touring in his van collecting Christmas trees like he does every January.

It is very much a family affair for Lee whose wife Alex and mum Judith will join him on their road trip.

The Fishers are doing their bit for East Cheshire Hospice like dozens of other volunteers over the weekend of January 11 and 12.

Travelling far and wide picking up trees for recycling in lieu of a donation to the Hospice.

Volunteers Lee Fisher, mum Judith and wife Alex.

The next collection celebrates the 25th anniversary of an award-winning scheme which provides vital funds for patient care.

Lee, from Macclesfield, got involved 12 years ago through a link with co-founder Pete Chapman.

Lee said: “Pete’s son Rob is one of my best mates and he went round collecting Christmas trees for charity one year.

“That’s how it all started and once I got a bigger transit van for work Rob collared me and said, ‘you’re doing this tree collection.’

“I was happy to help. It’s my good deed for the year.

“I donate my van and don’t even ask for a penny in fuel. Hiring vans is a big cost which would have to come out of the pot for the Hospice.”

The Fishers’ route covers Prestbury, where Judith works part-time in the village pharmacy. Alex is an assistant head teacher at Dean Valley Community Primary School in Bollington.

Lee said: “I drive because Alex usually ends up doing some damage to the van. One year she drove into a pillar and that was pretty painful.

“Mum tells us where we’re going and I jump out with Alex and put the trees in the back of the van.

“We drop them off for mulching at West Park.

“Donations are made online and we get a booklet with all the information. It’s a good day and everyone is in high spirits.

“The scheme is extremely well run and Pete and his co-organiser Richard Raymond work so hard.

“The scheme won the Queen’s Award the other year which was well deserved.

“I grew up at the back of the Hospice. My gran used to knit blankets for them and our family know people who’ve been helped by the charity.”

Registrations are open at www.echtrees.org.uk

The collection covers postcode areas CW12, SK9, SK10, SK11, SK12 & WA16.

The scheme has also been a finalist twice in the National Recycling Awards.

Can you lend a van to East Cheshire Hospice for its Christmas tree collection?

Posted on by Becky Sidwell

Can you lend a van to East Cheshire Hospice for its Christmas tree collection?

Organisers need transport for trees over the weekend of January 11 and 12.

East Cheshire Hospice needs vans for its Christmas tree collection.

The charity is hoping companies or individuals can help by loaning vans, meaning even more of the donations go towards patient care.

Companies without vans can still assist by sponsoring van hire for £250 with their logo printed on the side of the vehicle.

Whatever way firms offer help, they will be able to announce via social media, or on their website, that they are supporting the collection.

Loaned vans must be three-seater, with volunteers who collect trees from driveways using the two passenger seats.

They must be flatbed Luton make or large transit vans.

Vans are a vital part of the tree collection.  

Hospice corporate fundraiser Luke Oldham said: “We need your help. The loan of a van would be a great way for companies to get involved in a scheme which raises a huge amount each year from donations.

“Ideally, you would provide the van and a driver but if it is the van only then we have volunteer drivers available who will be insured.

“We need the vans for both the Saturday and Sunday of the collection, though if available for only one of those days that is still a big help.”

Anyone who can help can contact Luke on 01625 433477 or email luke.oldham@echospice.org.uk

Organisers are also looking for volunteers to deliver leaflets to homes in the Congleton area to publicise the collection.

Anna Rains, Supporter & Author

Posted on by Becky Sidwell

The accolades are flowing as freely as the words for Anna Rains after her long-awaited debut as a published author.

Now 82, the East Cheshire Hospice stalwart has written three books this year, all available on Amazon.

There is even talk that her most recent work, her first novel A Senator’s Mistress, may be turned into a film.

The story, inspired by her fascinating life in California in the late 60s, has led to an interview request from American TV network ABC.

A big chapter of her life, though, is devoted to the Hospice where she is part of an Angel donor group.

Anna at the Art Fair she helped set up.

The charity owes a great debt to the grandmother who has lived around Macclesfield since 1983.

In 1998, Anna was chair of the Hospice’s 10th anniversary fundraising appeal to build the Sunflower Centre.

Her team raised £300,000 and held an Art Exhibition which she helped run for many years.

Anna dictates manuscripts onto her laptop.

She said: “I can happily sit there and write 1,000 words in barely an hour. It pours out.

“I do it for the love of writing and the power of words.

“My mother was a writer and loved poetry. She only wrote one book which was turned into a five-part children’s TV series.

“I still think she helps me out from the other side if I’m stuck for words.”

Anna Rains with her novel A Senator’s Mistress.

Anna’s literary journey took off after The Quirky Clan, a story about her eccentric family history, was published in April.

Publishers wanted more, leading to Ghostly Tales And Curious Stories from England, a collection of short stories released in June.

A Senator’s Mistress followed in October. Anna said: “I sent the opening chapters to the publisher who said he stopped everything and cancelled meetings to read it.

“The publisher is working on worldwide markets and a film. Notes I’ve scribbled over 20 years are used in my stories. I never throw anything away.”

Another book The Curse of the Black Lake is underway.

Anna said: “I still go to writing class weekly. It doesn’t matter what the teacher throws at me, by the time I leave the room I’ve got another story in my head.”

Anna gives talks about the Hospice, helps at Mottram bowling club, is a member of the WI and makes quilts.

She said: “I don’t sit around very much.”

Unless, of course, she is composing her next novel.

40th anniversary of Live Aid

Posted on by Becky Sidwell

Macclesfield is marking the 40th anniversary of Live Aid with a special Hospice Aid concert at Cinemac Cinema.

Organisers hope to raise at least £10,000 for East Cheshire Hospice from the show on Saturday, July 12.

Musicians will recreate well-known hits from the Wembley concert which featured artists including Queen, David Bowie, Elton John, George Michael and Paul McCartney.

Hospice Aid is on the same weekend as Live Aid in 1985.

Doug Skelton and Beth Moss, co promoters of Hospice Aid.

The tribute event is jointly promoted by musicians Doug Skelton and Beth Moss who want to enlist the support of local businesses.

The pair met through Beth’s appearances for popular covers band Macc Woodfleet and collaborations with Doug’s group The Cinema Show.

Beth, a talented pianist and singer, is responsible for Hospice Aid’s musical arrangement.

Guitarist Doug said: “The 40th anniversary is too good an opportunity to miss to stage a local celebration of an iconic music event.

“We’ve set an ambitious fundraising target for the Hospice and urge businesses who want to get involved to contact us.

“We’re casting a wide net from a corporate angle. It’s a perfect fit for local companies wanting to help with sponsorship, or any other promotional aspect.

“They’ll be raising funds for a magnificent cause.”

Doug also wants to hear from anyone with a Live Aid link.

He said: “There’s a chance someone out there was involved in some way or another in 1985. It’d be great to hear from them.”

* To contact Doug and Beth and get involved email hospiceaid25@gmail.com

Inspiring story told by Georgia Leah

Posted on by Becky Sidwell

Brave mum Georgia Leah was the star of the show with a moving account of how East Cheshire Hospice helped her family.

Georgia told a packed audience at a glittering ball at Cranage Hall about her experiences when husband Leon died in March 2023.

Guests were moved to tears by her inspiring story of how the Hospice came to the rescue when Leon needed care during his final weeks.

The drayman at Wincle Brewery died from pancreatic cancer, aged 53.

The ball, organised by fundraisers What Women Want, raised £24,600 for the Hospice.

Georgia, from Macclesfield, readily accepted an invitation to be guest speaker.

Georgia Leah (centre) with relatives Bridie Gilligan (left) and Nicole Ronan at the ball.

The request came from Jill Harding, a health care assistant at the Hospice and one of the five female fundraisers in the group.

Georgia said: “I started crying when I was asked if I’d give a speech and said, ‘Of course I’ll help.’

“I’ll do whatever I can to help the Hospice. I was nervous and shaking during the speech, but it went down well.

“I’d never written a speech like that before but spoke from the heart. More than half the room must have come up to me afterwards to give me a hug and say how amazing it was.

“I said I was just telling them the truth about what we experienced and how incredible the Hospice were.

“Leon didn’t want to go into the Hospice initially, even though it was to manage his pain.

“But the Hospice became our second home for the next three weeks and allowed us to be a family and spend proper time together. Changing medication gave us Leon back and he started to smile again.

“When our world was falling apart the Hospice gave us the support we needed to keep going.

“Whether that was a hug when needed, medication for Leon and even having those hard conversations.

“Leon felt more comfortable knowing that people were there to look after me and our  daughter Ruby, who is now four.”

Georgia has raised £10,000 for the Hospice and is considering hosting her own ball.

She said: “I’d love to keep doing big fundraising runs but am conscious that I’m asking the same group of people for donations all the time.

“Maybe a ball is a good idea, with help. Ruby and me still go to the Hospice. It’s a big part of our lives and always will be.”

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