Corporate Archives - East Cheshire Hospice

East Cheshire Hospice’s bespoke candle

A scented candle with an East Cheshire Hospice theme could make the perfect Mother’s Day present.

The bespoke gift has been created by Nicky Thorpe who lost two close relatives at the Hospice.

The candle fragrance is camomile, vanilla and lavender, a favourite plant in the Hospice gardens.

Nicky Thorpe with her East Cheshire Hospice candle.

Etched into the glass jar is a sunflower, the emblem of the Hospice, with the candle flickering when lit.

Nicky designed the eco-friendly gift from her workshop in Tytherington where she set up in business five years ago after three decades with AstraZeneca.

Candles cost £25, with £10 donated to the Hospice where Nicky has strong connections.

Her father Brian Cavanagh, a painter and decorator before he too worked at AstraZeneca, died in the Hospice in 2019, aged 82.

Her late mother-in-law Sheila Thorpe (82) was also a patient there in 2023, while Nicky has friends who work for the Hospice.

Nicky said: “I’ve created a couple of charity candles and thought it’d be a good idea to do something similar for the Hospice.

“I approached Luke Oldham, who’s part of the fundraising team, and between us we’ve created a fragrance. The Hospice is surrounded by lavender, so they were quite keen to have a lavender-based fragrance.

“A sunflower is neutral so any household could have one and support the Hospice at the same time.”

“After I lost my dad, I thought a candle might be a beautiful memento for families to take away and light in memory of their loved one.

“I’ve since made personalised candles for those who’ve lost relatives.”

Nicky’s business Molly Lou Home Fragrance is very much a family affair.

Daughter Molly Lou helped found the company during Covid, while son Josh helps with marketing and admin.

Husband Rick, a joiner, built a workshop at home. He has walked the Three Peaks of Scotland, Wales and England with friends in aid of the Hospice.

The couple own a company specialising in making bespoke kitchen and bedroom furniture.

Nicky said: “It’s incredible how much the candle making venture has grown. There’s been a lot of support with several outlets stocking our candles.

“Customers can refill jars to help with sustainability, while plant-based rapeseed and coconut wax is used.” * Hospice themed candles can be bought from www.mollyloucandles.co.uk.

Karen Knight becomes one of the newest volunteers at the Hospice

Retirement is on the horizon for Karen Knight after a long and happy career at AstraZeneca.

She is already planning her next move after becoming one of the newest volunteers at East Cheshire Hospice.

Away from her role as a contract manager at AZ, Karen has started shadowing weekend shifts on reception at the Hospice.

AZ long servant Karen Knight who volunteers at East Cheshire Hospice.

Karen said: “I’ve been at AZ for 42 years and it’s no secret that I’ll be retiring in a couple of years.

“The thought of leaving scares me to be honest because I’ve been here since I was 17. It’s such a big part of my life and I love my job.

“I want to find something to fill that void and I’m sure the Hospice will help me do that. It’s also an opportunity to give something back.”

Karen went to Tytherington School, then exclusively for girls, before joining a building federation as a typist under a youth opportunities scheme.

She then joined ICI, later to become AZ, and has worked across sites at Alderley Park, Didsbury and Macclesfield where she has been based for the last 15 years.

Karen said: “I can honestly say I’ve never had a moment where I’ve not liked what I do at AZ. I’m so fortunate.

“My roles throughout my career have been completely satisfying. I enjoy coming to work and what I do.

“It’s been a huge part of my life and like another family. But I also need to look ahead and that’s why I started to get involved with the Hospice a few weeks ago. I want to keep my brain active when I retire.”

Karen has also served drinks to patients in A and E at Macclesfield and District General Hospital as a volunteer.

She said: “My AZ background is in procurement and contract management. I work in the department that supports the fundraising for our charity partners, the Hospice and Silklife Foodbank.

Karen said: “A friend passed away in the Hospice years ago and her family said she was so well looked after.

“I came away from my first volunteer shift thinking how nice the place is. Everyone was lovely, including visitors arriving at probably the worst moment in their lives.

“I was greeted warmly by nurses and reception staff and it’s nice to be part of that.

“I want to help make a difference.”

AstraZeneca employees raise outstanding amount of funds

Employees at AstraZeneca in Macclesfield helped to raise more than £94,000 for East Cheshire Hospice and Silklife Foodbank last year.

Staff held a range of activities from quizzes, craft events, runs and a netball tournament to support the charities.

Fundraising activities were matched by AstraZeneca which was headline sponsor of Art Fair Cheshire and the Christmas tree collection which celebrated its 25th year.

The AZ donation to the Hospice in 2024 was a staggering £47,821.

AZ employees celebrate raising more than £94,000 for East Cheshire Hospice and Silklife Foodbank.

Guy Camm, from AZ, said: “Our employees know that our local charities need all the support they can get.  We’re constantly amazed at the wide variety of fundraising activities our teams always seem to have on the go!

“We’re delighted to match the donations raised for these charities, both of which provide such crucial support to individuals and families across our community.”

Rachel Allcock, from the Hospice, said: “Working with the AZ team is such a pleasure.  Their staff never fail to raise much-needed funds for the Hospice. We’re so grateful for their unwavering support.”

AZ employees regularly donate food and other much-needed items for the foodbank through two collection points permanently based at its Macclesfield campus.

Dan Blackman, from Silklife Foodbank, said: “AZ Macclesfield’s financial contribution has helped us to make a really meaningful difference to the most vulnerable families in our local community.”

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

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.

40th anniversary of Live Aid

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

A trip down memory lane for financial adviser Phil Jones

A visit to East Cheshire Hospice was a poignant trip down memory lane for financial adviser Phil Jones.

He had not been back to the Hospice since his mum Linda died there 25 years ago when he was a university student.

He has never forgotten how much the Hospice helped his family so was delighted when his firm JPB Financial Planning became a major donor.

Phil Jones (left) and Will Beighton after completing the Manchester half marathon.

As part of its support, he and co-director Will Beighton raised £4,470 by running the Manchester half marathon.

Will has lived in Macclesfield since he was young, so they both know the value of the Hospice to the community.

Phil said: “Family and friends kindly sponsored us to do the run and we had the backing of many generous clients.

“We’re a firm of independent financial advisers based in Macclesfield and have a lot of clients here and across East Cheshire.

“The Hospice is close to people’s hearts. A lot of them either know someone cared for by the Hospice or are conscious it could be them needing its services one day.

“We’ve also got clients who volunteer at the Hospice in different ways. It’s a wonderful place and is well run and well respected.

“Mum died of cancer aged 53 and spent her last month there, so I’ve had first-hand experience of the care and support.

“As our company is a major donor, I went back to the Hospice on a tour. It has changed a lot, though the quality of care is still just as good.”

Luke Oldham is just as happy performing his main role as corporate fundraiser for East Cheshire Hospice

Off stage actor Luke Oldham is just as happy performing his main role as corporate fundraiser for East Cheshire Hospice.

Luke is hard at work rehearsing for his part in Constellations, a romantic play at MADS Theatre from October 17-19.

The theatre world occupies his time away from his desk at the Hospice where he puts corporate supporters centre stage.

Luke Oldham (left) with MADS chair Amy Leech and John Chandler.

Luke said: “I’ve got the best of both worlds. I love developing relationships with corporate sponsors for the Hopspice and my theatre involvement.

“A lot of exciting things are happening on the corporate side at the Hospice and we enjoy fantastic support from the business community.

“The theatre work has been incredibly full on as well. I’m rehearsing something pretty much every available evening.”

Luke stars alongside actress Gemma Wilson as the only two actors in Constellations.

He said: “It’s a love story. Certain scenes throughout their relationship play out in different ways exploring the consequences we don’t always see from our choices.

“It’s a sweet heartbreaking piece, funny in places.”

On behalf of Northern Rep Theatre, Luke is co-directing a trilogy Not Being Mean performed by Poynton Players in December.

Wearing his Hospice hat, he received a cheque for £831 from MADS – of which he is a member – as proceeds from a performance by an Australian touring theatre company in July.

Nuworks performed The Shoemaker of Havana, based on the life of Cuban leader Fidel Castro.

The group made their second visit to Macclesfield in a year. MADS management member John Chandler said: “The audience loved the show, it was a pleasure to have them back.

“They’re due to return in 2026 and we’ll welcome them with open arms. They pay their own fares and touring with cars and hotels is expensive which is why they’re having a year off.”

Meanwhile, Luke was heavily involved in attracting corporate support for Art Fair Cheshire which has just ended.

Other priorities include Will Month in October and the ongoing 500 Club in which organisations raise a minimum of £500 a year for the Hospice.

Mowgli Street Foods, in Knutsford, have become a corporate partner, making the Hospice its charity of the year.

Luke said: “We have a base of enthusiastic supporters and without our corporate help we would not be here.”

* For corporate Hospice inquiries contact Luke on luke.oldham@echospice.org.uk

Gary Henshaw raise almost £20,000 for East Cheshire Hospice in the last two and a half years

Give it to Gary – that is the motto of promotional merchandising suppliers Bown Enterprises with its charitable support.

The company has played a major role helping Gary Henshaw raise almost £20,000 for East Cheshire Hospice in the last two and a half years.

Pens, pencils, notebooks have been among stock donated to Gary who in turn raises money from these goods at his tombola stall at Macclesfield market.

Bown Enterprises Accounts Manager Julie Rutter (left) and Head of Sales Fiona Pearson with promotional merchandise. 

Thousands of pens have just been handed over, enabling Gary’s fundraising initiative to flourish.

The suppliers were founded by Ken Bown, now in his Nineties, more than 35 years ago.

Son Duncan and wife Alison own the Adlington-based business with merchandise stored at a warehouse located elsewhere.

MD Duncan said: “It’s important we do something for charity and we know the funds raised by Gary helps patients and families at the most precious time in their lives.

“Any end of line stock, or goods we can’t use for various reasons, we give to Gary.

“We buy vast stock, such as bags, notebooks and pens, from overseas. Merchandise can be from high end to giveaways.”

Gary charges £1 for his draw, with a prize won on every spin of his tombola drum.

Gary said: “I love doing it and every penny taken goes to the Hospice. I couldn’t do it without the support of Bown Enterprises, other businesses and the public who also make donations.”

* To donate contact Gary on 07776 181028 or gazhenshaw@hotmail.com

Ollier Photography marks its 60th Anniversary

A well-known photography studio is marking its 60th anniversary with a special promotion in aid of East Cheshire Hospice.

Ollier Photography is offering a two-hour studio portrait shoot, plus a 10” x 8” mounted photograph valued at £180, for a £25 donation to the Hospice.

Any additional images can then be bought separately from the studio which has strong Macclesfield roots.

The firm was set up in 1964 by the late Brian Ollier after he left his job as a junior photographer with the Macclesfield Express. Wife Margaret left her job as a cook to help run the studio.

Joe Ollier who is supporting East Cheshire Hospice.

He kept his links with the paper through his popular ‘Looking Back’ column which was published for many years.

Brian’s original pastel portrait style was highly successful and the couple travelled the world attending lectures and seminars.

Brian died in 2014, a year after he retired. The firm continues to flourish under youngest son Joe and business partner Matt Webb.

Matt said: “We’re proud of our Macclesfield heritage and want to celebrate 60 years in business by supporting the Hospice.”

“People can have portraits of whatever they want – it might be their children, grandchildren or their pets.”

Margaret said: “Brian saw great changes in photography throughout his career, finally embracing digital photography. He never lost his enthusiasm for his art and left a legacy of thousands of images spanning almost 50 years.”

Visit www.eastcheshirehospice.org.uk/ollier-photography to make the donation, using the email confirmation as a voucher to book a session directly with Ollier Photography.

Cloud to Ground support East Cheshire Hospice

Lightning protection specialists Cloud to Ground have always been struck by the care given by East Cheshire Hospice.

So it was an easy decision to donate their £1,000 profit from installation work on the Hospice’s refurbished Sunflower Living Well Centre.

Director Damien Bethell also has a personal reason for supporting the Hospice.

Damien Bethell, director of Cloud to Ground.

A family friend received end-of-life care from the Hospice after she was diagnosed with bowel cancer.

Damien said: “It was a pretty dark time, if I’m honest, for her family, but the Hospice were fantastic. They support so many families going through the worst time in their lives.

“It’s nice to be support the Hospice and we’ll continue that help, whether it’s through annual compliance testing, or any future work.

“We’re only a small business and rely on having that work to make donations like this.”

Damien has been involved in the lightning protection industry for more than 20 years.

He said: “I was born and raised in Macclesfield where our business, which is relatively new, is based.

“A lightning protection system is very much like a fire alarm – you don’t use it every day but you’re glad you’ve got it when you need it.

“Lightning protection has been around a long time, but until recently wasn’t taken very seriously. Since 2019, most commercial buildings have needed it as part of risk assessment within health and safety regulations.”

Cloud to Ground are co-sponsors of a bikeathon organised by the charity Just Drop-In on Saturday, May 11.