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Bollington-based company supports Pie and Pint

Posted on by Becky Sidwell

Barry Jones licked his lips when he signed up for a Pie and a Pint challenge.

But he was unaware a 10k walk was also part of the East Cheshire Hospice event on Saturday, September 16, from 10 am.

Barry said: “I didn’t realise it was a walk – I thought it was just a pie and a pint, but never mind.

“I like a pint and enjoy a pie now and then. I play football occasionally and train my son’s team, but that’s about as energetic as I get.”

Madison O’Neill (left) and Barry Jones with Lisa Ball, corporate fundraiser at East Cheshire Hospice.

Barry works in the sales team at Cutler Cleaning Supplies Ltd which provides cleaning and janitorial products for the Hospice.

The Bollington-based company has also joined the 500 club which means it donates £500 to the charity each year.

Sales manager Madison O’Neill, who is a keen walker, will join Barry on the walk.

He said: “We support the Hospice as much as possible and regularly donate surplus stock.”

There are still spaces left in the walk, sponsored Holdcroft. To enter visit www.echospice.org.uk/pie-and-pint

The route starts and ends at Macclesfield Rugby Club, visiting Over Alderley, Mottram St Andrew, Prestbury and Dale Brow.

Under 18s must be accompanied by an adult or have written permission. Tickets include a non-alcoholic drink for those under age.

Walkers need to wear suitable clothing and footwear, preferably walking boots and waterproofs rather than trainers due to the challenging route. Entrants receive a pie and a pint at the finish.

East Cheshire Hospice and BNI networking group

Posted on by Becky Sidwell

Joining a business network group was an inspired move by corporate fundraiser Lisa Ball.

No sooner had she signed up to BNI Silk than the floodgates opened with offers of support for East Cheshire Hospice where she works.

So much so the kind-hearted business group has donated £22,662 to the charity from fundraising initiatives.

A bumper total considering Lisa only joined the Macclesfield-based organisation in January.

Lisa Ball (centre) and East Cheshire Hospice colleague Rachel Allcock (second right) with BNI Silk members (from left) Leanne Findler, Angela Highton, Kevin Cook, Lee Shore and Joe Etherington.

Fellow members of the 28-strong group were so impressed by what they heard about the Hospice from Lisa that they swung into action and participated in various activities.

Lisa said: “BNI Silk members have been amazing. They’ve listened to what the Hospice needs and done their utmost to support us.

“The business group meet every week which is lovely and it’s been great to see so many familiar faces from my BNI family turn up at fundraisers to do their bit.

“I joined the group to extend the hospice’s reach and gain new contacts – the fundraising support has been an added bonus!”

Seven BNI Silk members took part in Born Survivor at Capesthorne Hall, raising £1,285, while an email marketing campaign was gifted by Lee Shore of Macclesfield company Merrehill, a gesture which generated income of £11,500.

Members took part in the Starlight Walk, attended quiz nights and donated more than 1,000 Crème Eggs.

Nick Stratford, of Stratford Solicitors, in Poynton, donated £3,600 from unclaimed funds. There have been plenty of other activities by members as well.

Arman Kizir, of Luna Film, is donating a promotional video for the Hospice’s Fire and Ice Walk at Macclesfield Rugby on Thursday, November 9.

Others donated plants for the Hospice, while gel sachets for participants in the Great Manchester Run in May.

BNI Silk President Kevin Cook said: “Lisa’s passion for the hospice is infectious and inspired us all to do our bit for this amazing local facility which benefits so many people from across the area.

“I’m really delighted with everyone’s enthusiasm. Our business group is all about supporting each other to grow and develop our businesses, so I shouldn’t really be surprised at the effort everyone has made.”

BNI Silk meet at Macclesfield Golf Club on Thursdays from 6.45 am until 8.30 am.

To find out more about the group email admin@bni-ce.co.uk.

During the last 12 months members of Silk BNI have referred more than £3.74m worth of business to each other.

East Cheshire Hospice goes for Britain in Bloom

Posted on by Becky Sidwell

Judges have been casting their expert eye over the gardens at East Cheshire Hospice for the Britain in Bloom awards.

The Hospice is hoping to win the hospice category at the RHS regional awards with the results announced next month.

Gardening enthusiasts have been hard at work creating a floral wonderland for patients and visitors after businesses answered a plea for help.

Volunteers from corporate supporters Leap 29 and Barclays helped dig and prepare the grounds before planting took place.

 Michelle Walker-Brown from the Hospice with Ryan Simpson (left) from Viridis Plants and David Hadley from Creative Gardens and Driveways

Bramhall-based Creative Gardens and Driveways, owned by David Hadley, organised a £1,000 plant donation from supplier Viridis Plants for the makeover.

David ensured expert horticultural advice was given. He said: “When I heard the appeal, I knew immediately that we had to help.

“Plants play such an uplifting role in our lives and it was clear the hospice recognised the comfort that spending time among nature brings patients and their families.

“It was an honour to help a local organisation in need.”

Volunteer Hospice gardeners played a key role in activities overseen by Michelle Walker-Brown, the charity’s general services manager.

Michelle said: “It has been a real team effort and we’re so grateful for all the help. Having peaceful and beautiful plants in the Hospice grounds makes a genuine difference to families.

Flower power…another donation arrives at East Cheshire Hospice.

“The community spirit is amazing, showing once more just how much the public and business care about our patients.”

Judges toured the revamped Hospice grounds, which include a sensory garden, vegetable and herb patch and a memory garden.

The Hospice’s green credentials have already earned a business award with sustainability at the heart of each outdoor area. For example …

* Water butts reduce reliance on mains supplies.

* Empty laundry liquid tubs were cleaned to grow strawberries and salad vegetables for patient menus.

* Baked bean and plum tomato tins gave new life to house plants.

* Old tyres from Hospice @Home cars were turned into planters, along with wooden pallets.

Wildflowers planted around the hospice grounds attract bees and butterflies.

Daffodils, tulips, crocus, hyacinth and snowdrop bulbs bloom each year around the grounds and in pots. Small Christmas trees replanted in a nursery area will be re-potted in internal gardens outside patient rooms and wards.

The Hospice was part of the gold award won by Macclesfield at the 2022 awards and is going for more glory after learning there is a hospice category this year.

The Cinema Show performance is back for 2023

Posted on by Becky Sidwell

Revisit the 1980s during a night of nostalgia at MADS Theatre in aid of East Cheshire Hospice.

The decade’s iconic moments feature in a unique live music and film show staged by The Cinema Show on Saturday, October 14, at 7.30 pm.

Stand by for tributes to Live Aid, MTV and the dawn of the mobile phone age during ‘Living in the 80s.’

Fashion, sport, video games and the end of the cold war also feature.

The electronic group blend sound and film archives – shown on an old-style cinema screen – with music to create an original twist on the decade.

The Cinema Show performing.

Founder Doug Skelton said: “The 80s were an eclectic mix of music and our aim is to appeal to all different tastes with something for everyone.

“We want to create a party atmosphere and acknowledge some of the more emotive songs from a fascinating decade.”

Doug plays guitar and keyboard, with uncle Dave Skelton on drums and Beth Moss on piano and synths. Doug’s older sister Jacqui handles live sound arrangements for the show.

The group will release an album of their latest work, entitled ‘Superpower Games’, to coincide with the performance.

A blast from the past … 80s style.

The event is sponsored by Intersafety, a local family-run business, to mark the company’s 21st anniversary.

The Macclesfield-based company distributes personal protective equipment, clothing and workplace safety products.

Doug, head of digital marketing, said: “We’re aiming to raise £5,000 for the Hospice which is a superb cause. Everyone knows about the charity and its wonderful work in the community.

“It’s an ambitious target, but with the support of the public and our customers and suppliers we’re hoping to turn it into one of Macclesfield’s biggest music events this year.

“We performed at MADS last year and this show has since been refreshed and updated with energy and colour.

Dave Skelton and Doug Skelton.

“It’ll be a nostalgic audio-visual trip down memory lane for many and will hopefully have widespread appeal to a certain generation.

“We mix historical samples and commentary with modern music to create our songs. Related film archives and footage form the stage backdrop.

“Our family have connections to the Hospice with two family members patients there.”

The Cinema Show raised more than £1,700 for the Hospice from last year’s show.

* To buy tickets priced £9 (£5 for under-15s)  visit ticketsource.co.uk/the-cinema-show

Ariadne Software becomes 500 Club member

Posted on by Becky Sidwell

Professional photographer Roy Doorbar enjoyed capturing memories for others.

Now his family are making sure he is never forgotten by supporting East Cheshire Hospice where he spent his final days.

Daughter-in-law Jill Sherratt has signed up for the charity’s 500 club through her business Ariadne Software.

Roy, who set up the guild of photographers, died from pancreatic cancer in October 2016, aged 81.

Jill said: “Roy was a well-known photographer and loved taking pictures. He covered lots of weddings and took portraits.

Jill Sherratt and son Jack collecting the 500 club membership at East Cheshire Hospice.

“During his illness he choose to die in the Hospice rather than at home to make things easier for my mother-in-law Josie.

“I’d not heard of the 500 club before. Members pledge to raise £500 a year and it’s a great idea to make sure that in the future other families enjoy the same support we had.

“The Hospice needs donations, especially with energy bills rising during a cost of living crisis.

“They were lovely with us and supported the whole family, not just Roy. They made something incredibly difficult as comfortable as possible.

“We’ve donated to the Hospice before and as a company are in a position where we felt now was the time to give something back to the community.

“It was an obvious choice to join the 500 club and I’d encourage others to do the same if they can.”

* For more details on joining the 500 Club visit eastcheshirehospice.org.uk/500-club

Email queries to lisa.ball@echospice.org.uk.

A huge success at Fashion on the Edge

Posted on by Becky Sidwell

A colourful Fashion on the Edge show provided one of the highlights of the summer fundraising season for East Cheshire Hospice.

More than 260 guests raised a staggering £25,000 for the Hospice at the annual ladies lunch.

The centrepiece of the occasion was a fashion show by volunteer models wearing latest trends by local boutiques OutDazl and The Edit.

Guests at Fashion on the Edge. 

The event, inside a marquee at Alderley Edge Cricket Club, was sponsored by McAlister Family Law, with Pettengell Wealth Management sponsoring drinks.

They were in plentiful supply, as were beauty, home ware and clothing stalls. Floral arrangements courtesy of local companies added a further touch of glamour.

Hospice fundraiser Bethan Wade said: “We had a fantastic time and special thanks must go to the brilliant group of ladies who help organise the event each year.

Fun and fundraising for East Cheshire Hospice.

“Thanks also to our sponsors and everyone who enjoyed the afternoon and donated in so many ways.”

It was Bethan’s final event before she leaves the Hospice fundraising team for a new challenge.

She said: “I’ve had a wonderful time here. It’s been a real thrill to work with my colleagues and members of the community who’ve been so generous with their support.”

* The Hospice is on the lookout for a community and events fundraiser to join its team. The role involves cultivating relationships with individuals and groups, coordinating volunteers and organising events.

The closing date is July 9. To apply visit www.eastcheshirehospice.org.uk/our-current-vacancies.

S&G Response take on charity challenge

Posted on by Becky Sidwell

Four cyclists riding through four countries in as many days covering a distance of 444 kilometres.

No wonder Nick Stone, Jonathan Spencer, Sean Harper and Tom Healey have been dubbed the fantastic four.

They are aiming to raise £10,000 for East Cheshire Hospice in memory of Tom’s uncle Brian who died of oesophageal cancer in 2009, aged 59.

Tom, from Sutton, said: “My uncle spent his last few days in the Hospice and my parents know friends who’ve been in there.

“Mum organised coffee mornings in aid of the charity, so as a group we decided to support them as they’re local and have such a big impact.”

The quartet start in Calais on July 1 before cycling to Bruges, Maastrict and Cologne.

The cyclists work for S&G Response, a Wilmslow-based outsourcing insurance company founded by Nick, from Adlington, who won a ‘Giving It Back to Charity’ award at a recent insurance industry event.

Cyclists (from left) Nick Stone, Tom Healey and Johnathan Spencer. 

Nick said: “It’s going to be physically and mentally draining, but will be well worth it, especially knowing Tom’s story and why we’re doing the ride.

“We’re all semi competent cyclists and it’s a pretty cool thing to do together.”

Father and son Chris and Bradley Gibson, and Glenn Taylor, who all work for S&G, make up the support team, while colleagues are also travelling across the Channel to cheer on the group.

Sean Harper who is undertaking his fifth long-distance ride.

Motor vehicle engineer Jonathan devised the route. He said: “One thing I’ve discovered is that Google maps doesn’t work in Germany. We’re using tried and tested cycle paths where possible and have chosen a scenic route.

“We’ve all still got the fire in our bellies from our last charity ride from London to Amsterdam in 2019 and it’s great that our company is very charity oriented.”

This will be Sean Harper’s fifth long-distance ride. He said: “I started cycling after a football injury in 2010 and didn’t fancy running.

“The furthest was Blackpool to Paris and they were all organised rides but this could be tougher.”

Office manager and Executive Assistant Erica Boland said: “Cycling 280 miles in four days will be an epic challenge after a train and ferry to Calais.

“It’s a charity close to our hearts with family and friends of several employees benefitting from Hospice support. Every penny donated will help us reach our ambitious fundraising target.”

* To donate visit justgiving.com/page/fantasticfourfundraising.

Chess ICT take on AJ Bell Great Manchester Run for East Cheshire Hospice

Posted on by Becky Sidwell

A 20-strong group from Chess ICT will be on the start line for the AJ Bell Great Manchester Run on Sunday, May 21.

Each runner is aiming to raise a minimum of £100, which would mean a donation of more than £4,000 for East Cheshire Hospice.

That is because Chess ICT, a technology services provider based in Alderley Edge, have promised to match fund up to £100 for each participant.

Runners include Grace Ingham, who is Head of People Support. Her mum Julie, from Tytherington, was the company’s first employee.

A team effort … Chess ICT staff with Hospice fundraisers. 

Julie, who died of cancer 10 years ago aged 51, was cared for by the Hospice.

Ever since Chess ICT has been a regular supporter of the Hospice, one of a dozen charities it supports.

The company will jointly sponsor t-shirts for the 10k run with Arighi Bianchi who have also entered a team.

Chess ICT CFO Mark Lightfoot and sales director Oliver Lofthouse are also taking part, along with Jessica Pollock, the chairman’s daughter.

Head of Culture Tim Wilkinson-Hall said: “We support the Hospice as much as possible because of how they supported Julie and her family. Julie was well known in our business and is remembered with great affection.

“We’re building up to the run by raising sponsorship. We donated Easter eggs and are holding quizzes and dress down days to raise funds and awareness.

“It’ll be a great day and now we’ve just got to make sure we’re all fit enough to get round the course.”

Anytime Fitness take on Tough Mudder for East Cheshire Hospice

Posted on by Becky Sidwell

Gym enthusiasts at Anytime Fitness are toning muscles for their biggest workout yet.

Seven members of the Duke Street gym are tackling a Tough Mudder obstacle course at Heaton Park on Sunday, July 16.

Manager Chavez Johnson and trainer Jamie Ormesher will join them for the 10k challenge in aid of East Cheshire Hospice.

Chavez said: “Now we’ll see how fit we all are! It’s a daunting test, but worth it for such a wonderful cause.

“The Hospice is close to the hearts of so many of our 700 members.

“We’re aiming to raise £1,000. There’s a mix of ability, but we’re in it together as a team.

“The gym is thriving, especially during a cost of living crisis. We did have 900 members pre-Covid, but gyms suffered a big drop in numbers then and we’ve done well to recover.”

The team is Grace Henderson, Francesca O’Brien, Adam Cheadle, Yang Voon, Gavin Trevena, Andy Baker and Tom Bentham.

Tough Mudder challengers. Back row (from left), Adam Cheadle, Yang Voon, Grace Henderson, Francesca O’Brien, Tom Bentham and Gavin Trevena. Front,  Jamie Ormesher and Chavez Johnson.

Tom completed a canoe paddle across England last year with brother George in memory of their late father Mark, a Hospice patient.

Tom said: “It’s a pleasure to be part of this team while continuing to raise money for East Cheshire Hospice.

“It’s been lovely meeting more like-minded individuals who want to make a positive impact in the community, by rising to the Tough Mudder challenge!”

Tom is also doing a triathlon in Wales in September, assuming he gets a bike by then.

* To sponsor the Anytime Fitness team visit www.gofund.me/37d4b6da

BNI Silk support East Cheshire Hospice through fundraising

Posted on by Becky Sidwell

A business network group has given a warm welcome to East Cheshire Hospice by stepping up its fundraising efforts.

Members of BNI Silk were already long-standing supporters of the charity.

Now they are getting even more involved, with some taking part in two events in the same week at Capesthorne Hall.

They will tackle a Born Survivor obstacle course on Saturday, April 22, and the charity’s Starlight Walk on Thursday, April 27.

The Hospice is one of the newest recruits to the breakfast group which meets every Thursday, from 6.30 am.

Meetings are held online, with face-to-face gatherings once a month at Hollin Hall Hotel, Bollington.

BNI Silk has more than 20 members, including an electrician, builder, solicitor, web designer, marketing specialist and videographer.

Members of BNI Silk. From left, Ian Ellis, Arman Kizir, Kevin Cook, Joe Etherington, Lee Shore and Lisa Ball.

Mortgage adviser Lian Findler, a new vice president, said: “We’re a strong, close team and committed to helping each other.

“It’s a friendly group and has existed for many years. It’s great to have the Hospice as part of our team. They do amazing work and are vital to the area. We’re always looking at ways to help them.”

BNI Silk have two teams in a quiz in aid of the Hospice at Marlborough Primary School on Friday (March 24).

Lian’s company Mortgage Advice Bureau raised funds for the Hospice at a networking evening last year marking the firm’s 15th birthday and an office move to Tytherington.

The firm has also held a race night and a music festival in Pott Shrigley.

Another member of BNI Silk is Macclesfield company Jenny’s Blinds, set up in 1996.

Owner Steve Forrest, fitter James Pearson and admin assistant Dannii Hodgkins are taking part in Born Survivor.

Steve said: “As a business, we’d like to get more involved with the Hospice. It’s a  wonderful cause and our network group is keen to support fellow members as much as we can.”

Fellow member Diana Stephenson, who runs Calvin Marketing, is also taking part in the Starlight Walk.

She said: ‘The Hospice is such an important part of Macclesfield and it’s fantastic to know it’s there for anyone who needs its services.”

* To find out more about BNI Silk email lian.findler@mab.org.uk

For more details on Born Survivor and the Starlight Walk and other fundraising events visit www.eastcheshirehospice.org.uk

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