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Charlie Worrall 10k charity walk

Posted on by Becky Sidwell

Grandfather Charlie Worrall took his family along for support on a demanding 10-kilometre charity walk.

Charlie, who is 89 in May, took part in a Pie and a Pint challenge in aid of East Cheshire Hospice.

Charlie Worrall on his 10k walk.

Daughters Lynne, Vivienne and Dianne were with him every step of the way on the journey.

Vivienne’s partner John Curtis and friends Liz and Michael Kelly also went along, though missing was Charlie’s pet dog Trudy.

Conditions were so bad with wind and rain the Jack Russell preferred the warmth at home.

The family joined around 200 walkers who completed a stroll through the Cheshire countryside.

The Worralls were raising funds in memory of Charlie’s wife June who died in the Hospice five years ago, aged 80.

Charlie enjoyed a refreshing pint and a pie at the finish at Macclesfield Rugby Union Club where the walk had begun a few hours earlier.

From left, sisters Dianne Worrall, Lynne Dale and Vivienne Worrall with dad Charlie.

Charlie said: “I don’t drink generally, but must admit I was ready for a glass of lager and lime at the end  and certainly enjoyed the taste of the pie.

“I’m quite active and take Trudy for a walk every day, usually for about an hour.

“This was much further than I’d normally go and getting over the stiles and over the muddy puddles wasn’t easy. But it was nice that we could all do the walk together for a great cause.

“June spent the last five days of her life at the Hospice and was cared for with dignity and respect while she was a patient there.”

The couple, who have five children, were married for 61 years.

Vivienne was first to sign up for the walk, having raised funds for the charity before when she completed a walk around the UK and climbed Mount Kilimanjaro.

Once sisters Lynne and Dianne were persuaded to join her for this latest challenge, Charlie asked to join them.

The family have raised more than £1,500 in sponsorship, well over the initial target.

Lynne said: “We’re amazed how the total went up so quickly. People have been kind and generous and it was the thought that others were willing to help and donate that fuelled Charlie’s determination.

“We’re extremely grateful to everyone who has supported Charlie and the Hospice.”

*To sponsor Charlie visit justgiving.com/fundraising/vivienne-worrall2

Brothers take on canoe challenge

Posted on by Becky Sidwell

Brothers Tom and George Bentham are throwing themselves in at the deep end with a bizarre canoe challenge.

The pair will paddle a canoe from one side of the country to the other as a tribute to their late father Mark, a chef and sailor.

The brothers had never even sat in a canoe before until they bought a two-man vessel last month to start training.

Their aim is to raise £15,000 for East Cheshire Hospice and Macmillan which cared for Mark, from Broken Cross, who died of cancer in September 2019, aged 58.

Mark Bentham who was a keen chef and sailor.

Tom and George are looking for sponsors for September’s aqua adventure when they hope to paddle 184 miles over nine days.

Tom, also a chef, said: “Dad became a chef by cooking on private yachts around the world and was also a passionate sailor.

“Being on the water opened up his love of food and sea food. He also ran a restaurant and then went into the food production side.

“One of his favourite passions was taken from him when his aggressive throat cancer quickly spread to his stomach, preventing him from eating.

“Our canoe challenge isn’t just about our dad and his story. It’s about trying to raise that target to thank the charities.

Brothers George (left) and Tom Bentham who are canoeing across the country.

“George and me looked at each other during dad’s time with East Cheshire and saw the figure of £7,500 on the door, the amount needed every day to keep the Hospice going.

“We said for everything they’ve done we owe them and need to do our part to support and pay them back as a thank you. Our fundraising is about supporting them because they supported us all, when you truly need it.

“Hopefully, we can raise awareness for the charities because like so many things until you rely, or need these services, you don’t actually appreciate how valuable they are.

“We decided to do the thing we least wanted to do to take us out of our comfort zone. It’s a fairly large expedition and is going to need a lot of planning, time and commitment.

“It’s also going to require all sorts of skill and I’m sure pain, blood, sweat and a few tears along the way. But it seems the only thing that does credit to East Cheshire Hospice and Macmillan.

* To sponsor the brothers email canoeagainstcancer@gmail.com or visit linktr.ee/canoeagainstcancer

Round the world sailor Heather Broadbent

Posted on by Becky Sidwell

Round-the-world sailor Heather Broadbent is raring to go again as she prepares to set sail on her epic voyage.

She is determined to finish the race – and reach her £40,000 fundraising target for East Cheshire Hospice.

Heather has already raised £30,000 for the Hospice where her late husband Adam (45) was a patient.  Funds raised will go towards Hospice @Home services.

She flies out to the Philippines in late February where she will resume the Clipper Round the World Yacht Race a month later.

The event was halted for two years because of the pandemic and the route has been changed with three China stops cancelled.

Heather Broadbent on her voyage.

Heather, a landscape gardener from Disley, said: “I’m keen to finish what I started both for myself and the Hospice. I’m excited and nervous, but the big goal has always been to get across the Pacific and then we’re homeward bound.

“The Hospice needs the funds now more than ever because of the loss of fundraising revenue caused by Covid-19, so I’m grateful for any donations.

“I set a target of £40,000 because that’s how many miles the race will eventually cover.”

Heather and her crew on board their yacht GoToBermuda will cross the Pacific en route to Seattle before reaching Bermuda in June.

Then it is off to New York before the final Atlantic leg eventually back to London in July where Heather’s voyage began almost three years earlier.

* To sponsor Heather visit justgiving.com/fundraising/dreamitnowdoit.

Helm family take on Trek Sahara

Posted on by Becky Sidwell

Escape those winter blues and trek across the Sahara desert camping under the stars. A year from now that is exactly what a group of East Cheshire Hospice supporters will be doing.

There is still a chance to join them, with the end of December the deadline for signing up. Among the party will be Jo Helm, a health care assistant with the Hospice’s Hospice @Home service, husband David and son Jack.

The family have each paid the £325 registration fee and all pledged to raise a minimum of £1,990 in sponsorship for the Hospice.  Jack (19) even dipped into his savings for a Ford Capri he dreams of owning to pay his share.

Jack, Jo and David Helm who are trekking across the Sahara.

The Moroccan adventure, from November 12-19, involves a 50 km trek over sand dunes in scorching temperatures. The four-day trek is followed by two days helping on a community project in Marrakech.

Contact Bethan Wade on 01625 789102 or email bwade@echospice.org.uk for more details.

Jo said: “I always enjoy a challenge and know it won’t be a walk in the park. I don’t mind the heat, unlike David who prefers it cooler.

“I’ve worked at the Hospice for a year and know how valuable it is to the community. It’s such a privilege to work there and Hospice @Home is an amazing service.”

David, a mental health recovery worker, said: “I wanted to do a trip like this when I came out of the Forces but never managed it. The Hospice is a fantastic cause and I know what Jo goes through at work and what it’s like to work there.”

The couple did a wing walk in June, conquering Jo’s fear of heights. She said: “I was scared getting on the plane and was shaking like mad. It was petrifying, but a lot of adrenaline and support from colleagues helped.

Jo and David are set for another challenge after their wing walk.

“I relaxed once I was up there and the reasons we’re doing it, and the patients we care for, made it all worthwhile.”

The Helms ran a competition to guess the weight of a pumpkin, raising £150 towards their Sahara target. Berghaus have supplied them with coats and rucksacks and Regatta have donated sleeping bags.

The Hospice offers fundraising ideas for the trip and a self-funded option is available. To register, or for more details, visit eastcheshirehospice.org.uk/events/trek-sahara/

* To sponsor the Helms visit one of the following links justgiving.com/fundraising/joanne-helm3, or david-helm7, or jack-helm1.

Finley Foot chases his ambitions

Posted on by Becky Sidwell

Kind-hearted runner Finley Foote has set a fast pace as he chases an ambitious £10,000 fundraising target. His total already stands at an impressive £7,000 – an amazing achievement for the Bollington schoolboy who became a teenager several weeks ago.

Finley sprang into action 18 months ago when the first lockdown forced East Cheshire Hospice to cancel several fundraising events, including a Splash Out day his family had intended to take part in. When Finley heard about the charity’s plight, he ran two and a half miles every day to raise  sponsorship while his school was shut. Many others members of the community also undertook similar fundraising challenges, generously helping out the Hospice.

Finley Foote on one of his runs.

Except that Finley has never stopped running or raising funds since, rarely taking a day off from exercise and clocking up 848 miles in the process. He has long since returned to Tytherington School where teachers and class mates have supported his efforts.

Finley received a Macclesfield Mayoral youth commendation for his community contribution after a nomination by teachers. He is also due to receive a similar civic award in Bollington.

Finley receives his Mayoral award from Cllr Sarah Bennett-Wake, watched by Emmanuel Botwe, Headteacher at Tytherington School.

Proud mum Sarah said: “Finley was self-motivated to go out and do the fundraising himself. I also think the running helped his mental health during lockdown because he’s so active and was gutted that all his sport stopped.

“It was his way of keeping himself going and now he’s decided he wants to raise £10,000 for the Hospice.

“He ran every day during both lockdowns and decided himself that he’d run again when he couldn’t go back to school after Christmas.

“It has required a lot of stamina, especially with all the sport he plays, and he’s been out running even if he’s not quite felt 100 per cent.

“Finley still goes off and does his runs and is keen to enter some organised runs to keep trying to raise more money.

“I’m also proud that he’s aware people have already given him money for the fundraising and so he can’t keep asking them. He’s sensitive to that and realistic and knows a lot have sponsored him. ”

Finley, and friend Matty Dowd, were among the youngest to tackle a gruelling Tough Mudder last month, and thanks to more donations, the total is creeping up.

* To sponsor Finley visit justgiving.com/fundraising/sarah-latham22

Finley taking part in a Tough Mudder to raise funds.

Charity Bike Ride Success

Posted on by Becky Sidwell

Getting lost on a charity bike ride was just one of the setbacks Carl Henshall and his fellow cyclists had to overcome. Carl also had a bad back and was carrying heavy camping equipment for the trip from Macclesfield to Southport.

Older brother Anthony and work colleague Declan Turner joined him on the ride which raised almost £500 for East Cheshire Hospice. They were inspired to raise money after Declan bought a bike through a work scheme at Sodexo. He and Carl work for the company on the AstraZeneca campus at Hurdsfield. Carl’s mum Margaret King volunteers in a Hospice shop, so the trio felt it was a good idea to help the charity.

Carl Henshall (front) with brother Anthony (centre) and Declan Turner.

Carl said: “The bike ride was pretty tiring and the week before I had a bad pain in my back but didn’t say too much on the ride, although it was a bit worrying.

“We also went off track and lost our way so rode well over 60 miles to Southport. We stayed there overnight and carrying the camping gear made the journey even harder but it was well worth it and we want to thank everyone for supporting us.”

Carl has his own YouTube channel called Exploring with Carl which traces abandoned places such as air raid shelters and has more than 2,500 followers.

Hannah George Manchester Half Marathon

Posted on by Becky Sidwell

Nurse Hannah George and her mum Clair will attempt to run further than they have done before in the Manchester half marathon on Sunday, October 10.  The pair train together regularly and will be put through their paces raising funds for East Cheshire Hospice where Hannah works on the inpatient unit.

Clair and Hannah George

Hannah, from Macclesfield, said: “We’ve only run 10ks so this will be quite a challenge for us. Mum  says I’m always a little bit ahead of her so that spurs her on and I’m sure we’ll encourage each other.”

Clair has worked at John Lewis & Partners at Cheadle for more than 20 years, while Hannah is involved in front-line care at the Hospice.

Hannah said: “I love working there and obviously the job has ups and downs. There are good days and bad days, depending on what the situation is in the Hospice with patients.

“People might think it’s a sad place, but actually it’s a lovely environment  with a family atmosphere.

“We want to raise funds for the Hospice, especially as things have been difficult there with Covid so it’s good to give something back.

“We also want to get the word out there and get people back to doing fundraising activities for the Hospice.”

They will run in memory of Hannah’s grandmother Gillian Riley (82) who died early last year and was cared for by the Hospice @Home team.

Hannah and Clair have already raised more than £500 and to sponsor them visit gofund.me/2f77c634.

Sahara Trek Postponed

Posted on by Becky Sidwell

East Cheshire Hospice has been forced to postpone its Saharan trek again because of Covid-19. On-going uncertainty over international travel restrictions left organisers with no option but to delay the adventure until November 2022.

It was initially put back until this coming winter but a decision has been made to delay until Nov 12-19 next year. Places are still available for the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity which involves scaling Moroccan sand dunes and camping under the stars. A four-day 50 kilometre trek ends with a two-day stop in Marrakech to assist with a community project.

The trip costs £1,320, including a £325 registration fee payable at the time of booking to secure a place. Participants will then be required to fundraise a minimum of £1,990 for the Hospice. Support and fundraising ideas will be provided by staff to help meet the target. Contact Bethan Wade on 01625 665691 or email bwade@echospice.org.uk to find out more.

Challenge Co-ordinator Bethan said: “We’re sorry to have to delay the trek again, but I’m sure it’ll be a fabulous experience when it does finally take place. “The travel team will ensure all safety measures are put in place and we can offer ideas and inspiration on fundraising.”

Contact Bethan Wade on 01625 665691 or email bwade@echospice.org.uk to find out more.

Trekkers include accounts assistant Rob Gorton who has been undertaking a series of fundraising challenges in aid of the charity this year.

Rob Gorton who is taking part in a Saharan trek in aid of East Cheshire Hospice.

 

 

Heather Broadbent Update

Posted on by Luke Brightmore

Sailor Heather Broadbent is refusing to give up on her round-the-world voyage despite a two-year gap at home.

She was midway through the Clipper Round the World Yacht Race before it was suspended early last year because of Covid-19.

The event is due to resume in the Philippines next February, although Heather admits she had serious misgivings about completing the race and thought long and hard about going back.

She hopes to raise £40,000 for East Cheshire Hospice where her late husband Adam (45) was a patient.

Heather said: “After a difficult year of low and lonely times,  I’ve really struggled with my mental health and I wasn’t sure if I had the strength to continue with my round-the-world challenge for the Hospice.

“Only in the last few weeks with the support and encouragement of my family have I realised that I’m still strong and capable and I can finish what I started over three years ago when I first signed up for the 40,000 mile race and a £40,000 challenge.”

Heather, a landscape gardener, will possibly enter the record books for competing in the longest round-the-world race in history.

An event that should have taken 11 months saw some competitors drop out because of the lengthy delay. It is now due to finish almost three years after its start date in September 2019.

Heather, from Disley, said: “It was a difficult decision to consider going back.  During the first lockdown, I only thought I’d be home for two or three months and that was my mind set.

“I was still in the zone then but being stuck at home has been tough mentally and it’s been hard getting my head back into gear thinking about resuming.

“However, I’d kick myself if I didn’t try to finish it. It’s not in my nature not to complete something.”

Heather is meeting other crew members in London this month before attending a refresher course. Her team yacht GoToBermuda has been stuck in Asia since she left.

Heather said: “The plan was to circumnavigate the globe in one go and the long break in the middle is a huge disappointment. I’m nervous I’ve forgotten what to do.”

Heather has already raised more than £29,000 for the Hospice’s Hospice @Home service. “I’ve been stuck around that mark for a while but I’m determined to meet my target.”

* To sponsor Heather visit justgiving.com/fundraising/dreamitnowdoit.

Heather Broadbent on her voyage.

 

Gritstone Trail Challenge is Especially Poignant for Mike and Sam

Posted on by Luke Brightmore

Relief at ending a gruelling charity walk turned to sadness for fitness enthusiasts Mike Mason and Sam Maguire.

The day after the pair had completed the 35-mile Gritstone Trail they learned that Faith Mitchell, wife of their close friend Ash, had died of cancer sarcoma, aged 33.

Faith was a patient at East Cheshire Hospice and was the inspiration behind their challenge which has already raised more than £2,500 for the Hospice.

Mike is head coach at Silk Fitness Therapy which is part of the Hospice’s 500 Club in which members pledge to raise £500 a year for three years.

Mike said: “We heard the tragic news about Faith on the afternoon following our walk which became quite poignant in the end.

“Faith’s illness was diagnosed three years ago and she fought until the end. She’ll be missed terribly and was well looked after by the Hospice.”

Silk gym owners Fabio and Kate Mazzieri and nutritionist Bex Ward joined the pair for the second half of the walk.

The hilly journey from Disley to Kidsgrove took more than 14 hours and is usually spread over three days.

Fellow gym member Carole Barough accompanied Mike and Sam for the first leg of the trip.

Mike said: “It was tough, especially as it was a hot day, but good fun. I realised early on my bag was too heavy and luckily gym members Fran Wilkie and Jo Prescott met us and took some things to lighten the load.

“Sam has done a lot of cycling and has lots of stamina, but neither of us has walked that far before and it was quite surreal near the end.

“We didn’t have much more to give, but knowing Fabio had a cool box full of cold beers in his car at the finish got us through it.

“Faith was our main motivation for the challenge, but Silk is also a proud member of the 500 Club so that was another reason to raise funds.”

* To sponsor them visit justgiving.com/fundraising/SFT.

Journey’s end….from left, Katie and Fabio Mazzieri, Sam Maguire, Mike Mason and Bex Ward after completing the Gritstone Trail.  

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