Category: Challenge Series

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.”

Retired primary school teacher Jill Booth deserves a medal for all her fundraising for East Cheshire Hospice.

In fact, she owns plenty of medals already, all souvenirs from the dozens of races she has entered.

Jill said: “I like the bling – I like the medals. I must have about 90 of them from my different races.”

Her latest challenge was the Macclesfield 10k in a year that saw her complete the London Marathon.

Jill Booth with her collection of medals.

She said: “I took up running when I reached 50 nine years ago.”

“I’d plodded round a few Race for Lifes and my son Mike made me enter the Manchester 10k in 2016 after I’d watched him in a half marathon at university.”

Jill has raised more than £4,500 for the Hospice since 2021 when she lost good friend Liz Norton (76) who had oesophageal cancer.

Jill said: “Liz was like a second mum to me when I was growing up. She was always there for me, and we’d often put the world to rights.

“She spent her last couple of weeks at the Hospice and I saw how fantastic they were with her, and us, as visitors.

“They just gave her the most brilliant care.

“I miss her and thought I must raise some money for the Hospice. I thought what better way than to give back to the place that looked after her.”

Jill is a parkrun regular where she also volunteers.

Jill competing in the London marathon.

She said: “I run about three times a week and tried to enter an organised race every month. The atmosphere during my first marathon was amazing.

“I had tears in my eyes rounding Buckingham Palace to approach the finishing line. I never imagined I could achieve something like that.”

Jill has run 28 races for the Hospice in four years, plus the Great North Run, Manchester half marathon, walls of Dubrovnik and a 5k in the Croatian city.

She said: “Raising money in Liz’s memory made it even more wonderful and memorable.”

Her next big target is next year’s Rob Burrow marathon in Leeds.

She said: “Mike encouraged me to do that first run, though he’s not run that much since. He has been my bag carrier, though, along with my husband Andrew and they’re both good supporters.

“The school children always liked seeing my medals after a race. It was a nice way to encourage them to stay active.”

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

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.

How many squats can you manage within the space of a month?

Whatever the number then get down and join Squatober, the latest fun fundraising challenge run by East Cheshire Hospice.

Hospice staff getting ready to take part in Squatober. From left, Luke Hughes, Sarah Elvin, Becky Sidwell and Luke Oldham.

It could be a way to better health for yourself while at the same time helping the lives of others.

The Hospice is daring supporters to complete 2,000 squats during October.

Luke Hughes, the charity’s community and events assistant said: “It doesn’t necessarily need to be that many squats.

“The number depends entirely on what is realistic for each individual. Squats can be done at home, outside, work or in the gym.

“This is an online virtual fundraiser and updates will be shared on Facebook, though you don’t need to be on social media and can receive emails instead.

“It’s an exciting opportunity to challenge yourself physically, set new fitness goals and make a positive difference in your community.

“Whether you’re a fitness enthusiast or a beginner looking to improve your strength, Squatober welcomes everyone to join in and contribute to a fantastic cause.

“Squats engage lower body muscles and improve overall strength and endurance.”

The last month-long initiative organised by the Hospice was March through March which raised more than £2,000. The event involved taking at least 300,000 steps.

To register for Squatober visit www.eastcheshirehospice.org.uk/squatober.

For more details call Luke on 01625 666998 or email luke.hughes@echospice.org.uk

Bouncing around on an inflatable obstacle course gave Steve Axon good reason to raise more than £400 for East Cheshire Hospice.

Steve was remembering his late father Barry, a firefighter and security guard at AstraZeneca, who died of cancer aged 64.

Joining Steve for his fun challenge in Knutsford was a friend who benefits from his work.

Steve Axon after his inflatable challenge.

Steve, from Macclesfield, delivers training for staff who provide supportive living for adults with learning difficulties and mental health problems.

Steve said: “My friend wanted to do a sponsored challenge and raising funds for the Hospice seemed the obvious thing to do.

“When my dad was in there many years ago the Hospice was fabulous with him.

“They don’t just look after the patient they look after the family as well and my mum virtually moved in there.

Steve completing his obstacle course.

“The Hospice is such a worthwhile and vital resource for the community and much needed for people towards the end of life.”

Steve also undertakes support work himself. He said: “We have supported people who have gone into the Hospice for end-of-life care.

“I did work there for a while as an auxiliary nurse. It’s a great place to work and the ethos is beautiful.”

Steve has also completed a tandem parachute jump for the Hospice.