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Arighi Bianchi Great Manchester Run

Posted on by Becky Sidwell

Staff at Arighi Bianchi are aiming to raise £10,000 as a thank you to East Cheshire Hospice for caring for lost loved ones.

Some 30 employees of the family-owned furniture business will take part in the AJ Bell Great Manchester Run on Sunday, May 21.

Among those running is accessory manager Cath Barlow, who met her late husband John working at Arighi Bianchi.

From left, Hospice fundraiser Bethan Wade, Arighi Bianchi’s Lucy Mather, Nick Bianchi and Cath Barlow and Hospice fundraiser Lisa Ball.

John, a van driver, died of bowel cancer a year ago and spent six weeks as a patient at the Hospice.

He was also landlord of the Ye Olde Kings Head, in the hamlet of Gurnett. One of the ales, Gurnett’s Glory, is named in his honour.

John completed the 10k in 70 minutes in 2015 and Cath’s goal is to match his time.

She said: “The Hospice were amazing looking after John and I can’t thank them enough.”

Cath is also remembering close friend Nicky Bradley, who died in 2021 and was also at the Hospice.

Accessory manager Cath Barlow who is taking part in the Great Manchester Run in memory of her husband John.  

Like Cath, Nicky was a long-serving employee at Arighi Bianchi, formerly managing the bed linen department.

Meanwhile, director Nick Bianchi will honour the memory of his uncle Tony, who was joint managing director of the landmark store for many years.

Tony died in 2017, aged 83, and was treated at the Hospice.

His grandad Antonio Bianchi, and his brother-in-law Antonio Arighi – both Italian immigrants – started the shop 169 years ago.

Arighi Bianchi will sponsor a Hospice stall in the charity village at the 10k run, with its team wearing yellow Hospice t-shirts.

Nick said: “We’ve been proud to support the Hospice since it opened its doors in 1988 and are delighted that it’s our official charity for the Run.

“The event is a wonderful way to foster a real sense of teamwork within our staff. We’ve got runners from various departments, from the cafe bar to the curtains, carpets, deliveries, marketing, sales consultants and administration.

“Arighi Bianchi and East Cheshire Hospice are two Macclesfield institutions. We’ve been here since 1854 and the Hospice has cared for family members and staff, including my uncle Tony. It’s also cared for our customers, so the Hospice is really personal to so many people.”

* To sponsor the Arighi Bianchi team visit www.justgiving.com/fundraising/arighi-bianchi

To enter the Run to raise funds for the Hospice visit www.greatrun.org/events/great-manchester-run/

Movement for Good

Posted on by Becky Sidwell

Vote for East Cheshire Hospice to help earn the Hospice a £1,000 donation.

Movement for Good is giving away money for good causes, but the Hospice will only receive the grant with enough votes.

The Hospice is therefore appealing to supporters to vote by visiting www.tinyurl.com/mr2b84j8.

The charity number is 515104 and the business type is health.

Movement for Good is a campaign run by Benefact Group, an independent, specialist financial services group which gives all of its available profits to charity and causes.

Hospice corporate fundraiser Lisa Ball.  

 

It donated more than £1m to various charities last year and, if successful, the Hospice said the £1,000 will make a difference to patients.

Hospice corporate fundraiser Lisa Ball said: “The more nominations we get, the greater our chance of winning, so please share the link with family and friends and ask them to vote for us too.

“As everyone knows, it costs an awful lot of money to run the Hospice and all our patients, families and carers receive care free of charge.

“To put into context, the sum of £1,000 could help pay for our hospitality and housekeeping teams for several days, so that patients receive a range of appetising and nutritional meals, and the Hospice is kept clean and well maintained.

“Once you’ve nominated the Hospice in 2023, you don’t need to nominate us again.”

Benefact Group was the fourth-largest corporate donor to charity in the UK, according to UK Guide of Company Giving 2021/22.

Tom Clare Calendar

Posted on by Luke Brightmore

Reality TV star Tom Clare has another starring role – as a pin-up in aid of East Cheshire Hospice.

A special 2023 calendar has been produced of the Macclesfield FC footballer who is among the cast of Love Island, the hit ITV 2 show.

Spiral Colour, the print partner for the football club, made the calendars, with proceeds from sales donated to the Hospice.

General manager Jason Carpenter came up with the idea during a chat over dinner with partner Kerry Hough and friends Dave and Louise Timmis, who own Leasing.com, sponsors of Macclesfield FC.

Jourdan Phillips and Jason Carpenter from Spiral Colour with the Tom Clare calendar.

Both girls established the Tom Clare fan club on Facebook. Calendars are available from www.tomclarefanclub.com for £9.99, including delivery.

Jason said: “The calendar started off as a bit of a laugh, even before Tom was selected for Love Island.

“He loved the idea and signed copies. His sister Laura Clare, who is an influencer, and family have also helped us promote them.

“Tom appeals to women of a certain age – he’s tall, ripped and good looking. Each month, the calendar includes photographs of Tom taken by the club photographer.”

Spiral Colour are regular supporters of the Hospice. They provide printing services for the charity and sponsor the Christmas tree collection.

Jason said: “We help the Hospice as much as possible and buying calendars will support its wonderful work. Alongside the calendar, we’ve also now created a full-sized Tom Clare cardboard cut-out which is proving great for parties.”

AstraZeneca supports East Cheshire Hospice

Posted on by Becky Sidwell

Staff at AstraZeneca continue to go to extraordinary lengths to support East Cheshire Hospice.

More than 250 of their employees raised £19,000 last year for the charity, with £15,000 of the total match funded by the company.

AZ also gave £3,000 to support Art Fair Cheshire and contributed the same amount to cover the cost of petrol and vans for the Christmas tree collection.

 AstraZeneca and Hospice staff at Art Fair 2022. From left, Kirrie Todd, Sophie Simpson, Rachel Allcock, Guy Camm, Dave Ennis, Lisa Ball, Karyn Johnston and Paula Postlethwaite.

AZ and its staff have donated £40,174 to the Hospice over a 12-month period.

Further good news for the charity is that AZ employees will retain the Hospice as a nominated charity for the next two years.

Hospice corporate fundraiser Lisa Ball said: “Yet again AZ and its staff have shown unbelievable support for the Hospice and we thank them for their kind generosity.

“AZ was a founding funder of the Hospice and we still have an amazing relationship with the company.”

Paula Postlethwaite and chef Karl Griffiths, from AZ caterers Sodexo, delivered a tasty hot pot lunch to Christmas tree volunteers.

Sophie Simpson, from ClubAZ, has also helped staff fulfil personal challenges, including fundraising during STEPtember. AZ also held several markets.

Guy Camm,  AZ’s Macclesfield Campus FM Development Manager, said: “We’re proud of our long-standing partnership with the Hospice and, of course, our staff who rallied to the cause in fantastic style in 2022.

“I’m sure that dedication will continue in 2023 through our support for several local charities, including the Hospice”

AstraZeneca representatives (from left) Paula Postlethwaite, Sophie Simpson and Guy Camm with Hospice staff Lisa Ball, Karyn Johnston and Rachel Allcock.

Packhorse Bowling Club celebrates success

Posted on by Becky Sidwell

Raise a toast to Barry and Lucy Street, stalwarts of the Packhorse Bowling and Social Club in Macclesfield.

The father and daughter have been the inspiration behind a major fundraising drive which has seen £37,446 raised for East Cheshire Hospice over the last two decades.

Barry retired as steward two years ago after almost 12 years in the job, but still drinks there regularly.

His association with the Packhorse goes back much longer than that.

From left, Dean Holmes, Barry and Lucy Street and Hospice corporate fundraiser Lisa Ball at the Packhorse Bowling and Social Club.

He used to play for the club’s football team and is still an active bowler, as well as calling the bingo on the last Sunday of every month.

Lucy has been collecting glasses since she was a toddler and still works behind the bar and helps in the kitchen.

Dean Holmes took over as manager when Barry stepped down and is now continuing the club’s traditions – and its long-standing support for the Hospice.

Dean said: “The club is in their blood. Barry and Lucy have been fantastic servants of the Packhorse.

“The fact so much has been raised for the Hospice is down to their dedication and the support of users of the club.

“I’m very much the newcomer, having only taken over in December 2020.  I was a member before and decided to try running the club.

“It’s a gem in Bollinbrook and really well supported. You don’t need to be a member to come in for a drink.

“We’ve a great reputation for functions, which always do well. The club is ideal for anyone looking for a venue for an event.”

Dean ran Silk Events, a mobile DJ set-up, until Covid struck.

The Packhorse donate to the Hospice from football cards sold at the bar, which is open from 6 pm weekdays and noon at weekends.

The club hosts live acts on the final Saturday each month and is a popular haunt for pub games like darts, pool and snooker.

Dean said: “I’ve always wanted to run a venue like this. I know a lot of people round here, so it’s perfect for me. We have race and quiz nights as well and I still get chance to do some DJ work every now and then.

“We’re hoping to organise more events for the Hospice. We’ll always make time for such a wonderful charity.”

5S Fitness take on Five Peak Hike

Posted on by Becky Sidwell

Fitness enthusiasts pushed themselves to the limit with a marathon walk in the Peak District.

A 30-strong group from 5S Fitness spent 10 hours hiking between five major peaks, raising £4,000 for East Cheshire Hospice.

Their challenge started and ended at the gym on Hurdsfield Road, taking in a loop of Tegg’s Nose, Shutlingsloe, Shining Tor, Nab Hill and White Nancy.

Walkers about to set off from their gym.

It was a poignant journey for many gym members who have had friends and relatives cared for by the Hospice.

Among them hairdresser Heather Smith, whose late friend Sarah Bell died at the Hospice just over a year ago.

Sarah, who had cancer, passed away a month before her 40th birthday.

Heather said: “Sarah was a dear and beautiful friend and spent the last weeks of her life at the Hospice.

Walkers at the top of Shutlingsloe.

“They were amazing and even let her beloved dog Bailey stay by her side. The care was incredible.

“I wanted to do something to raise money for the Hospice in her memory and it seemed the perfect thing to do.

“I loved the walk. The hardest part was going up Nab Hill and once I saw the last peak it was amazing. I want to thank everyone who made donations.”

Heather Smith (right) enjoying well-earned refreshments with fellow gym member Carly Taylor. 

Heather raised £1,816, including donations from clients at Adored Hair, the salon she owns on Chestergate.

The 26-mile hike was organised by gym owner and head coach Jason Curtis, a former Army PT instructor.

Jason said: “We do one big event each year for the Hospice as almost everyone in the gym has some sort of connection with the charity.

“Whenever we mention the Hospice, there’s always a good response and we’ve held virtual challenges over the last couple of years during Covid.

“We thought there’s no point just walking a marathon on the road, as we ‘re right by the Peak District.

“We finished on schedule and even managed a couple of pints at the Cat and Fiddle on the way.

“It was a lethal route, but thankfully we had good weather.

Heather Smith (left) and Jason Curtis present a cheque to East Cheshire Hospice corporate fundraiser Lisa Ball.

“We’ve around 150 members. Some are world class athletes, though most are middle aged and want to get fit and healthy.

“We run all types of strength and conditioning classes, but also get referrals from physios for people with all sorts of ailments, including stroke rehab, osteoporosis and arthritis.”

Some gym members will run the route next year rather than walk.

Shrigley Hall Bake Off

Posted on by Becky Sidwell

Maintenance manager Tony Hatch showed he is just as handy in the kitchen at home as at work at Shrigley Hall Hotel and Spa.

 

Tony won the title Shrigley Hall master baker in a fun competition between colleagues as part of their fundraising campaign for East Cheshire Hospice.

His orange and almond sponge with a gin and marmalade drizzle, mascarpone and lemon curd cream, tickled the taste buds of general manager Vicky Marshman, who was the judge.

Tasty work for the volunteer cake makers at Shrigley Hall.

More than 20 Shrigley employees each paid £5 to bake cakes, which went down a treat with colleagues and hotel guests who made donations.

Shrigley Hall has already raised £5,700, beating its £5,000 target with another five months left of fundraising for its nominated charity.

Vicky was also part of a six-strong team which completed the Yorkshire Three Peaks in September. She said: “We completed the 25-mile hike, including 5,000 feet of ascent, within 12 hours which was our target.

Three Peaks hikers (from left):  Alistair Brown (Financial Controller), Vicky Marshman (General Manager); Lee Smith (Head Chef) and Tim Hudspith (Marketing Manager).

“There were no tears or tantrums, just plenty of sore feet after a lovely day in the Yorkshire Dales in glorious autumn weather. We’re delighted with how our fundraising is going for the Hospice, which is much-loved.”

The hotel raised £3,500 from its golf day and held a 70s and 80s party night. Other fundraising initiatives include Shrigley Sunflower cocktails created by head bar manager Andy Gaskell and walking maps for guests who make a donation.

Shrigley Hall, with 155 bedrooms, opened a new spa facility with an outdoor infinity pool in 2020.

Will Week is Almost Here

Posted on by Luke Brightmore

East Cheshire Hospice hopes Will Week (Oct 3-7) will persuade supporters to make arrangements for their financial future.

Solicitors are waiving usual fees and donating time and expertise to help the Hospice.

They will write a single or mirror Will, or update an existing Will, in lieu of a donation.

Complete a form at www.eastcheshirehospice.org.uk/campaign/will-week/ to register interest and access contact details for participating solicitors.

GPW Tax and Law, which has a Macclesfield office, is taking part. Estate Planning Consultant Gavin Prideaux-Williams said:  “It’s never too early, but often too late to make a Will.

“If you put it off until it’s too late, this poses all sorts of problems for the people left behind. Not making a Will could mean that some, or all of your inheritance, either goes to the wrong person or even to the State.

 

“Will Week is also a great opportunity to get advice on all those questions you have, but don’t know who to ask.”

Gavin Prideaux-Williams, from GPW Tax and Law,  who are taking part in Will Week.

Beth England, Individual Giving Fundraiser for the Hospice, said: “Will Week is the perfect time to make or update your Will, especially if your marital status has changed, your financial circumstances have altered, or if you’ve moved house.

” There’s no obligation to leave a gift to the Hospice in your Will, but if you’d like to do so, your solicitor can help. Legacy gifts provide care for one in three of our patients.”

* For more details on legacies email bengland@echospice.org.uk, or call 01625 433477.

Generous gift of picnic benches for the Hospice

Posted on by Becky Sidwell

Patients and their families can relax on picnic benches in the grounds of East Cheshire Hospice thanks to a generous gift from four long-standing supporters.

Three large picnic tables, plus two benches, are dotted around the gardens providing the perfect retreat away from the hustle and bustle of the Hospice.

The benches were bought by Thelma Jackson MBE, Anna Rains, Margaret Pettener and Hazel Offer who raised more than £1,600 from a spring lunch.

Fundraisers (from left) Anna Rains, Margaret Pettener and Thelma Jackson with Hospice staff April Green and Jean Chaddock.

The benches cost £3,800, with the balance met by a kind gesture from Ford dealers Sidney Jackson & Son Ltd. Thelma’s father-in-law Sidney set up the successful car business over a century ago.

Anna hosted the lunch for 50 guests at her cottage with the four organisers cooking dishes and serving food.

Thelma said: “We had a wonderful afternoon and would like to thank everyone who came and generously supported the lunch and bought raffle tickets.

“The Hospice said they’d like to buy the benches, so it came into my mind to put the money raised from our lunch towards buying them. The girls also thought it was a fantastic idea, especially as we were buying something specific.”

Sidney Jackson & Son then stepped into make up the difference, their latest gesture as part of the firm’s long-standing support for the Hospice.

Thelma Jackson (left) and Anna Rains try the benches for size, watched by Liam Riley, General Manager at Sidney Jackson, and Margaret Pettener.

The company sponsored the charity’s Memory Walk earlier this year and provide both cars used by  the Hospice @Home service.

Thelma – the last Mayor of the Borough of Macclesfield in 2008 -has been fundraising for the charity since before it opened in 1988.

She said: “I’m proud to have supported the Hospice since day one and was there when the first sod was dug.

“It was nice to be there at the beginning and although I haven’t been able to visit as much recently, I still support the Hospice.

“It’s been difficult for them in the last couple of years because of the pandemic when everyone’s had a tough time.”

Anna has also been a fundraiser since the start and chaired the Hospice’s 10th anniversary appeal to  build the Sunflower Centre.

A total of £300,000 was raised and it was Anna’s idea to hold an art exhibition. She set up Art Fair Cheshire in 1998, a biennial event still thriving today.

The benches allow visitors to have a quiet time and remember friends and relatives.

Shrigley hall Golf day success!

Posted on by Becky Sidwell

Shrigley Hall staff got into the swing of a charity golf day by joining members on their home course.

Head bartender Andy Gaskell – usually more at home serving drinks in the bar than on the fairways –  was among competitors.

His latest cocktail Shrigley Sunflower, created in honour of East Cheshire Hospice’s floral emblem, is a hit with hotel guests.

Andy said: “The cocktail is a mix of vodka, peach snaps, pineapple, orange, lemonade and Blue Curacao and has been extremely popular. It’s a nice way to acknowledge our support for the charity.”

The golf day raised £3,500 for the Hospice, the nominated charity of the year for the hotel, with around 70 members and visitors competing for spot prizes.

The Shrigley Hall team preparing to tee off.

General manager Vicky Marshman said: “There’s been an amazing reaction in terms of support for the Hospice from guests, golfers and staff. It just shows how much affection there is for the charity across Cheshire and we’re delighted to play our part.”

Other initiatives to help reach the £5,000 target include a cake bake, 70s and 80s party night, spa day and a Yorkshire Three Peaks challenge for staff on September 20. To sponsor them visit justgiving.com/fundraising/vicky-marshman1.

The stunning views at Shrigley Hall.

Shrigley Hall, with 155 bedrooms, opened a new spa facility with an outdoor infinity pool in 2020.

The historic hall, built nearly 200 years ago, was converted into a hotel, spa and golf resort in 1989.

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