February 2025 - East Cheshire Hospice

Hospice nurse team take on Trek Snowdon

Overnight shifts are part of the routine caring on the ward at East Cheshire Hospice.

So staying awake at night will come easily for nursing staff when they climb Mount Snowdon.

Finding the strength and stamina will probably be the biggest test on the nine-mile trek on August 2 and 3.

The Hospice team are inviting other supporters to join them raising funds for the Hospice.

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

Snowdon walkers (from left) health care assistants Caroline Allen and Jill Harding with staff nurse Lesley Cork and ward sister Rachael Newton.  

Ward sister Rachael Newton will be joined by nursing colleagues Jill Harding, Caroline Allen, Sharon Doherty, Donna Paddock, Charlie Guerin, Dee Foster, Lucy Turnbull, Fiona Holmes, Linda Tronconi, Carly Forrester, Hannah George, Cheyanne Hanson, Clare Preston, Pippa Williams and Lesley Cork.

Jill said: “It’s great that so many of the nursing staff have committed to do the walk as a team. It should be good fun.

“Anyone is welcome to join us to support such a special place.

“Hospices are suffering financially and need all the help they can get. East Cheshire is such a lovely place to work.

“The relationships you build up in such a short space of time with patients and relatives is amazing.”

Jill is a prolific fundraiser and part of the What Women Want group which has raised £447,000 for the Hospice in 15 years. Their target is £500,000.

Separately, Jill has also undertaken a sky dive and wing walk for the Hospice which cared for her late mum Mary Barber more than 20 years ago.

Jill said: “Some challenges last a few days and are therefore quite time consuming whereas this one isn’t.

“I love walking. It’ll be challenge as my left leg is mostly metal after I had bone cancer at 17. I’ve always wanted to climb Snowdon.”

Experienced mountain guide leaders will assist trekkers on a walk described as ‘challenging’ by organisers.

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

Participants get a hot buffet at a Llanberis hotel before a 1 am registration, briefing and a 2 am ascent taking three to four hours.

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

Head torches are supplied and a support vehicle. The same trail is used for a two-to-three-hour descent.

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

Starlight Walk is back for 2025

The Starlight Walk at Capesthorne Hall will take place on Thursday, May 15, which is later than usual this year.

The East Cheshire Hospice spring walk is one of the Hospice’s flagship events, attracting hundreds each year.

Venue availability is behind the change, though organisers are hoping the later date will also improve the chances of better weather.

Ready to start the 2024 Starlight Walk.

An ‘early bird’ entry fee of £20 for adults and £15 for under 16s is available until March 15 before the price changes to £22.50 and £17.50.

Walkers will stroll through beautiful woodland on a 2.5k route, with the option to complete multiple laps if desired.

For many it is an emotional journey, giving them a chance to remember lost loved ones.

The walk has lighting, lanterns, fire pits, points of reflection and other features.

Walkers enjoying the fun at last year’s Starlight Walk.

Community and Events Fundraiser Claire Gorton said: “As the entrance fee only covers the cost of the event, we ask everyone to try to raise sponsorship of at least £50.

“Every penny raised makes a huge difference helping us to continue to provide care in the local community.

“Alternatively, if walkers would rather not raise sponsorship, they’re able to add an extra donation of £50 when booking a place.”

Gates open at 6 pm with the walk from 7 pm. There will be live entertainment with food and drink stalls.

Well-behaved dogs are welcome and there are no fireworks. The walk is not accessible for wheelchairs or pushchairs.

* To register visit www.eastcheshirehospice.org.uk/starlight-walk-2025.