Community Archives - Page 13 of 15 - East Cheshire Hospice

Steve Nixon Challenge 1,2,3

Posted on 16th January 2020 by Luke Brightmore

It was full steam ahead for Steve Nixon who combined a love of railways and running for a charity challenge.

He took part in races in locations known for their railway heritage in aid of East Cheshire Hospice.

Steve, from Tytherington, included the Bollington 10k and Macclesfield half marathon in his schedule to mark the 150th anniversary of a railway in Bollington.

The route between Macclesfield and Marple is now the Middlewood Way and this year’s Bollington Festival had trains as a theme in recognition.

Steve, a stalwart of the Macclesfield Model Railway Group, also ran marathons in Manchester and Liverpool in honour of the line which operated the world’s first steam locomotive.

His itinerary featured the Great North Run and the Kielder marathon in the north east, birthplace of Robert and George Stephenson, regarded as the ‘Father of Railways’ and whose home Steve has visited.

Steve, who has raised more than £600, said: “I’ve supported the Hospice many times before and thought it’d be good fun to link my runs with railway history. Stephenson’s Rocket is such an important part of engineering history and I’ve enjoyed model railways since I was a boy.

“I did nine long-distance events in six months and achieved personal best times for a marathon, half marathon and 10k, but most importantly raised money for a good cause.”

The father-of-three works across Europe as an interim executive so his training runs take him far and wide.

* To support Steve go to justgiving.com/fundraising/stevenixon2019

Fred Slater & the Dementia Companions

Posted on 16th January 2020 by Luke Brightmore

Cricket coach Fred Slater is completely bowled over by the way he has been welcomed into the fold at East Cheshire Hospice.

He became a volunteer in the Sunflower Centre a year ago and enjoys the company of people with dementia and their carers.

His next role as one of the charity’s Community Champions is a similar ‘buddy’ role in someone’s home, giving their carer vital respite for a few hours each week.

Fred, from Tytherington, said: “I’ve really enjoyed helping the Hospice. It’s so inspiring and I’ve learned so much from chatting to people within a group.

“It’s about finding out what makes individuals tick. You might get someone who doesn’t want to engage particularly, but you get a jigsaw out and suddenly they spring to life and they see the picture far better than me.

“The staff there are fabulous and I’ve learned so much. They’re so professional with their patience and caring approach and are the real unsung heroes of the service.

“We get a thorough background about who we’re looking after and in some ways I just fill around the edges.”

Fred, aged 66, worked for the English Cricket Board before retiring, but still coaches at King’s School, Macclesfield, and helps juniors at Macclesfield, Bollington and Ashley cricket clubs.

He regrets not taking his late father Fred to the Hospice for the sessions. “I didn’t know about the Sunflower Centre otherwise I’d have taken him there. He was an inspiration to me and now I’m retired this voluntary work is his legacy.

“Being matched with someone is an important small step for me on my journey and I’m looking forward to it.

“More than a dozen Community Champions visit homes but they don’t provide nursing care. They enjoy the company of individuals while their carers may go for a walk, shop or perhaps visit a library.

“The Sunflower Centre provides wonderful support and it’s re-assuring to know that expert staff are there as a safety net.”

Fred and fellow volunteers were finalists in the Volunteer Team of the Year at the 2019 North West Charity Awards.

Nepal Trek 2019

Posted on 16th January 202016th January 2020 by Luke Brightmore

One-time keen mountaineer Jonathan Edwards is undaunted by trekking in Nepal.

His biggest challenge since February has been avoiding alcohol in preparation for the 12-day trip starting on Saturday (Nov 9).

The medical writer is part of a five-strong group raising funds for East Cheshire Hospice.

Two days helping a hospice project in Kathmandu is followed by a tough five-day trek with stunning views of the Annapurna mountain range.

Jonathan, from Macclesfield, said: “My wife Verity saw the trip on the Hospice’s Facebook page and I’ve always wanted to visit Nepal, but was going to wait until my 50th next year.

“I enjoyed mountaineering before our children Molly and George were born so won’t be out of my comfort zone, but staying off alcohol has been difficult.”

He is fundraising in memory of Verity’s stepfather David White who died of prostate cancer last year and was cared for by the Hospice.

The family has raised £2,500, including £500 from a music night at the Wharf pub, supported by Macclesfield musicians, and Jonathan ran the Coniston half marathon.

At 70, Helen Connolly is the oldest hiker. Sister-in-law Sheila Kirk, from Prestbury, fundraises for the Hospice and alerted her to the trip via social media. Helen walked in Machu Picchu and Costa Rica several years ago.

Sherry Daniels, who ran a salon in Marton, enjoys mountaineering and is fundraising in memory of late friends, including Pip Roberts, a Hospice patient.

The party also includes Hospice staff members Sarah Dale and Louise Delany.

Dressing the Mayor!

Posted on 18th October 2019 by Luke Brightmore

Looking smart is vital for Coun Janet Jackson, especially with a full diary of engagements as Mayor of Macclesfield.

That is where the East Cheshire Hospice charity shop at Thornton Square helps out, supplying most of Janet’s outfits.

A navy and grey dress and matching jacket bought from there for only £25 was worn when she received her MBE from Prince William, Duke of Cambridge, in January.

The hat for that proud day at Buckingham Palace was another bargain at £10. The Mayor is a regular customer at the Hospice shop and a new winter coat is next on her list.

Coun Jackson said: “I’m always getting compliments on what I wear and delight in telling people that my clothes are from the charity shop.

“It’s a win-win situation as far as I’m concerned. You can find fantastic clothes at a really good price and are supporting a wonderful charity.

“East Cheshire Hospice need a tremendous amount of money every day to keep their service going, so anything anyone can do by going along to the shop and buying an item or two is all to the good.

“I attend an average of five functions a week and try to have a different outfit for almost every occasion.

“With the attention on climate change, I’m also a sustainable Mayor and helping the environment.

I’m helping the charities and my pocket too.”

Coun Jackson, Labour member for Macclesfield Central, recalls fondly her royal honour rewarding her long-standing service to the community.

The grandmother-of-three has been involved in politics for almost 30 years and has sat on numerous council and charity committees.

She is chair of the Friends of Macclesfield Silk Heritage and generations of her family have worked in the town’s silk industry.

“The Palace visit with my family was a memorable day. I couldn’t believe it when I found out I’d got the MBE because it doesn’t happen to people like me.”

The Thornton Square shop sells clothing for all ages, handbags, purses, wallets, travel bags, rucksacks, jewellery and accessories, furniture, electrical goods, kitchenware, ornaments, pictures and frames, toys, books and games.

Manager Nicolla Burgess said: “We’re delighted the Mayor is one of our loyal customers. We sell good quality items and our shop does extremely well in terms of donations and purchases. We’re looking for good quality furniture and do need help on the vans with collections.”

Art Fair 2019

Posted on 18th October 2019 by Luke Brightmore

Art Fair Cheshire comes to an end tomorrow (Thurs Oct 3) after a memorable week celebrating the region’s creative talents.

More than 80 artists and crafts experts have been exhibiting their work and selling art for East Cheshire Hospice at Macclesfield Town Hall.

The Mayor of Macclesfield Mayor Cllr Janet Jackson joined 300 guests at a special preview evening as Art Fair Cheshire marked its 20th anniversary.

Also there was Anna Rains who started the Art Fair in 1999 to raise funds for the creation of the Sunflower Centre at the Hospice.

She has been involved ever since, working tirelessly to ensure that Art Fair Cheshire continues to develop and support the Hospice.

Artist-led tours, guest speakers and workshops were among the highlights during the week. Each artist donates at least 40 per cent from sales to the Hospice.

It is the first edition for co-chairs Steven Dalton and Georgie Johnson who said: “Art Fair Cheshire moved in a new direction this year and we’ve been thrilled with the response.

“We’d like to thank all those who made it such a huge success, including artists, sponsors, volunteers and the public whose generosity will ensure we raise much-needed funds for the Hospice.”

Will Week – Home Appointments

Posted on 16th September 201916th September 2019 by Luke Brightmore

Home visits by solicitors during Will Week are still available, even though office appointments are now fully booked up in Macclesfield.

Blunts Solicitors and SAS Daniels no longer have vacancies during Will Week which runs from October 7-11 and is in aid of East Cheshire Hospice.

The solicitors are among 15 firms offering to write a single, or mirror will, in return for a donation to the Hospice.

Among them is Estate Planning Solutions who will visit people in the comfort of their own homes and provide the same service.

Kate Bowmar, the Hospice’s Corporate Fundraiser, said: “We’re on course for another highly successful Will Week and want to thank those who’ve already booked an appointment.

“We’d also like to stress that these home appointments are available to anyone in the community, not just those who may struggle to travel to their local solicitor.”

Estates Planning Solutions (tel: 01625 540033) has been nominated for a prestigious award at next month’s British Wills and Probate Awards.

Director Paul Dodsworth said: “We are very pleased to support East Cheshire Hospice during Will Week and are happy to offer home visits in Macclesfield and the surrounding areas.”

A full list of participating solicitors is available at eastcheshirehospice.org.uk/willweek19.

Solicitors will outline their usual fees and encourage supporters to donate a similar amount to the Hospice via a donation envelope for cash or cheques.

* For more details contact the fundraising team on 01625 433477.

Own a piece of Gathering

Posted on 16th September 201916th September 2019 by Luke Brightmore

A work of art which has enjoyed pride of place at Tatton Park will soon be dismantled to provide lasting souvenirs for East Cheshire Hospice supporters.

Pieces of Gathering, an installation featuring thousands of hand-stitched elements, will be sold off in unique editions with all profits supporting patient care.

The creation by international artist Susie MacMurray is suspended from the Mansion’s grand rotunda and on display until Sunday, October 6, as part of Art Fair Cheshire 2019.

The following day Susie and her helpers will begin the task of taking it down before arranging the rich red velvet and barbed wire elements for purchase.

Individual elements cost £30 with larger arrangements also available.

Camilla Crockett, the Hospice’s Relationships Manager, said: “This is a rare opportunity for our supporters to own an exclusive piece of art and support the Hospice at the same time. With its striking design, it will decorate any home or office.”

Elements can be bought online via the Hospice, call them on 01625 665692, or go to www.gatheringattatton.com/store

Susie said: “Normally when a temporary commission is made it remains the artist property, but part of my donation to the Hospice is to gift them this piece of work so they can generate funds.

“Some pieces have already been ordered and hopefully other people will also make purchases in the run up to Christmas.

“Gathering has been incredibly well received during its three-month display. The response has been very powerful and we’ve had some amazing and moving comments.”

Susie will give an illustrated talk at noon on Sunday (Sept 29) at Macclesfield Town Hall as part of Art Fair 2019 which starts tomorrow (Thur, Sept 26) and lasts a week.

Her studio assistant Helen Newman will be among exhibitors with her ceramic display.

Susie said: “Art Fair 2019 showcases some great Cheshire-based artists and works are to an extremely high standard.”

The Art Fair has free entry and opens from 10.30 am until 5 pm each day. Late night opening until 8.30 pm is on Tuesday when visitors can enjoy a glass of wine while browsing the art.

Each participating artist donates at least 40 per cent of every sale to support the Hospice.

* Go to www.theartfair.org.uk.

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Art Fair Cheshire – Artist Led Tours

Posted on 16th September 2019 by Luke Brightmore

Claude Monet and the painting of his famous Water Lilies will be the subject of a talk at this year’s Art Fair Cheshire.

Best-selling author Ross King will be discussing Mad Enchantment, his book about the French painter’s creation and will also sign copies.

He is one of four guest speakers marking the 20th anniversary of Art Fair Cheshire at Macclesfield Town Hall from Sept 26 until Oct 3.

The event features an exhibition of more than 80 artists and crafts experts and celebrates two decades of exhibiting and selling art for East Cheshire Hospice.

Art Fair Cheshire is one of the north west’s leading art events and has contributed more than £350,000 to the Hospice. The guest speaker schedule is:

Sat, Sept 28 – 12 pm: Figure Painting from Life in Oils. Distinguished painter Norman Long demonstrates his portrait skills and discusses his techniques.

2 pm: Harry Ousey Remembered. The artist’s niece tells of her journey researching the life and times of Manchester-born artist Harry Ousey. His paintings, diaries and sketch notes were left to her in 1997.

Sun, Sept 29 – 12 pm: Susie MacMurray. Artist Susie MacMurray will give an illustrated talk on her work and discuss her latest installation ‘Gathering’ at Tatton Park. Inspired by the work of the Hospice, it features more than 4,000 individual elements hand-stitched by the artist and volunteers.

2 pm: Ross King discusses Mad Enchantment.

Talks are free with no booking required. Seats are allocated on a first-come first-served basis. Artist-led tours will take place on Mon, Sept 30, Tue Oct 1 and Wed Oct 2, all at 11 am.

The bi-ennial Art Fair has free entry and is open from 10.30 am until 5 pm each day , with late night opening until 8.30 pm on Tuesday Oct 1 when visitors can enjoy a glass of wine while they browse the art.

Each participating artist donates at least 40 per cent of every sale to support the Hospice which helps to fund its Art Psychotherapist.

This year’s exhibition has many returning artists and a lot of new exhibitors. Organisers say it has everything from greetings cards to large paintings with something to suit every pocket.

* Go to www.theartfair.org.uk.

Why we are updating our Will this year…

Posted on 21st August 2019 by Luke Brightmore

Daughter Gwen was not born the last time Rachel and Graham Allcock wrote a Will.

Now she is 10, the couple have decided it is about time they did something to reflect their change in circumstances.

They have booked an appointment with Blunts Solicitors as part of Will Week (Oct 7-11) in aid of East Cheshire Hospice.

Rachel, from Broken Cross, said: “Our Will is completely out of date so we’re going to start again with a new Will. We’ve both chosen a mirror Will where we leave our estate to each other.

“The main reason we’re doing the Will is to make sure we look after Gwen. It’s not so much what happens to our possessions, but to ensure her future is secure.”

Rachel will happily make a donation to the Hospice, where she is Income Generation Director, in exchange for Blunts waiving their usual fees during Will Week.

The Macclesfield solicitors are among 15 firms donating their time and expertise to support the Hospice during Will Week.

Rachel added: “Making a new Will is something we’ve been thinking about for a while and we kept putting it off, but it’ll provide us with peace of mind.

“We’ve also decided to leave a legacy to the Hospice in our Will. Legacies are such an important part of the Hospice’s income and I see on a daily basis the difference they make to the care of our patients.”

Will Week 2019

Posted on 21st August 201921st August 2019 by Luke Brightmore

Solicitors are offering to make home visits this year as part of Will Week in aid of East Cheshire Hospice.

Supporters of Will Week, which runs from Oct 7-11, can still also choose the option of making an appointment at the offices of their local solicitor as previously.

The new at-home service is offered by Estates Planning Solutions and Port Worth Law Ltd who are among 15 firms of solicitors taking part in the charity’s Will Week.

Blunts Solicitors and SAS Daniels, from Macclesfield, have again subscribed to the popular scheme in which solicitors waive their fees in return for a donation to the Hospice.

A full list of participating solicitors is available on the Hospice website eastcheshirehospice.org.uk/willweek19 and is shown on leaflets to promote Will Week.

The Hospice is urging people to book appointments as quickly as possible.

Kate Bowmar, the Hospice’s Corporate Fundraiser, said: “Will Week is still a few weeks away but places are usually booked up quickly and people run the risk of not getting an appointment if they

don’t contact their solicitors.

“Estates Planning Solutions and Port Worth Law Ltd have kindly agreed to visit people in the comfort of their own homes at a mutually agreed time and we’re keen to stress that people can also visit their local solicitors as in past years.”

Participating solicitors will be able to write a single or mirror will, or update an existing will, in return for a donation to the Hospice. Any services above and beyond this will be chargeable at the solicitor’s usual cost.

Kate added: “When booking an appointment, your solicitor will outline their usual fees and encourage you to donate a similar amount to the Hospice in return for the service.

“Please bring the amount you’d like to donate in cash, or cheque, to the appointment and the solicitor will give you a donation envelope which is then collected by the Hospice.”

Last year’s Will Week raised over £8,000 for the Hospice which also relies on legacy gifts in Wills as vital source of funding. Legacies provide care for one in three of its patients.

* For more details contact the fundraising team on 01625 433477. They will also provide help on alternatives if a solicitor is already fully booked.