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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.

Firefighter Adam Davies takes on golf challenge

Posted on by Becky Sidwell

Firefighter Adam Davies chose a flaming hot day to tackle a gruelling golf challenge.

Adam played 72 holes in a single day at Shrigley Hall Hotel and Spa to raise funds for East Cheshire Hospice.

Firefighter Adam Davies who played golf continuously for almost 15 hours.

He teed off at 5 am and did not sink the final putt of his four rounds until 7.45 pm before dashing off for a meeting of his explorer scout group.

Adam joined around 70 fellow members in a Longest Day tournament organised by Shrigley Hall as part of its support for the Hospice.

The 18 handicap golfer, from Macclesfield, said: “I was glad it was a hot sunny day rather than wet and was tired towards the end after almost 15 hours on the course. The challenge took 44,281 steps to complete.

Adam Davies on his 72-hole marathon.

“I usually take on a sporting challenge for charity every year and when I found out the club was supporting the Hospice decided to walk and play 72 holes to raise money for them.

“My aim was to take fewer than 400 shots and thankfully only needed 388, losing eight golf balls in the process.”

After little rest, Adam was back at Macclesfield fire station early the next morning for his shift.

He said: ” I love being a firefighter and it’s a great job. It can be seen by some as brutal, but it’s very rewarding.”

The night before he played golf, he even led explorers from 1st Sutton St James’ on a seven-mile hike from the Cat and Fiddle pub back to their scout hut. Wife Rebecca Clulow and cocker spaniel Chester joined them.

Adam said: “I’m a busy person and like being busy. In fact, I hate sitting down so golf and walking is the best of both worlds for me.

“I played at Macclesfield as a junior and then fell out of love with the game before getting back into it, joining Shrigley in March. The course is in great condition and the green staff do an excellent job.”

* To sponsor Adam visit justgiving.com/Adam-Davies72.

Art Fair Cheshire Success

Posted on by Luke Brightmore

Art Fair Cheshire returned in style with art lovers hailing its success.

The prestigious exhibition, run by volunteers and in aid of East Cheshire Hospice, ended on Sunday (June 5).

Visitors admired over 1,000 pieces of artwork, including a display by Bollington artist Sue Asbury whose exhibit won a Cheshire Life award.

Artist Jennie Gaywood with her work on display at Art Fair Cheshire 2022

Judges included Hannah Williamson, from Macclesfield, curator at Manchester Art Gallery for 11 years.

Hannah said: “The standard of exhibits at this year’s fair was once again of the highest quality showing the immense artistic talent out there.”

Artists donated at least 40 per cent of sales to the Hospice which will help support its art therapy unit, run by Fay Mitchell, who was also a judge.

Art Fair Cheshire, with AstraZeneca and Little Greene as headline sponsors, was last held in 2019.

From left, judge Hannah Williamson; Art Fair co-chair Georgie Johnson; Cheshire Life editor Joanne Goodwin;  Art Fair co-chair Steven Dalton and East Cheshire Hospice Chief Executive Karyn Johnston.

Co-chair Georgie Johnson said: “We’re very lucky to work with some fantastically creative and talented people. We’d like to thank our sponsors, volunteers, artists and curators for supporting the Hospice.”

Hospice Chief Executive Karyn Johnston said: “The galleries are amazing. An unbelievable amount of voluntary work has gone into staging the event and I’d like to thank all those involved.

“The Hospice only receives 12 per cent of its income from the NHS and needs to raise the rest, so this is one of the major events in our fundraising calendar.”

Exhibitors included Celia Davies, from Whalley, Lancashire, who runs art classes on cruise ships. She said: “This is my first visit here and having exhibits helps raise the profile of my work.”

An oil painting called ‘A Dream in Motion’ by Lara Balcerzak, from Manchester, featured in an emerging artists gallery. Lara said: “I’ve always wanted to be an artist and got my art degree in 2019.  It’s nice to have my work displayed at such a prestigious art fair.”

Winners of the Cheshire Life gallery awards, presented by editor Joanne Goodwin, were:

Assembly Gallery: Ghislaine Howard, Olga Geoghegan, Sue Asbury. Capesthorne Gallery: Francesca de Campora, Rachel Cooke. Emerging Artists: Sarah-Joy Ford.

Artwork on display in Macclesfield Town Hall

Shrigley golf day and ECH drink

Posted on by Becky Sidwell

A tasty colourful cocktail is giving a special kick to Shrigley Hall’s charity push this year.

The Shrigley Sunflower was created by Andy Gaskell, head bartender at the hotel and spa, to celebrate the venue’s support for East Cheshire Hospice.

The drink – vodka, peach snaps, pineapple and orange juice, lemonade and a touch of Blue Curacao – is named in honour of the charity’s well-known floral emblem.

Head bartender Andy Gaskell with his Shrigley Sunflower cocktail.

From left, Shrigley Hall marketing manager Tim Hudspith, Hospice corporate fundraiser Lisa Ball, hotel bartender Andy Gaskell, assistant financial controller Alistair Brown and general manager Vicky Marshman.

Shrigley Hall has chosen East Cheshire as its nominated charity of the year and wants to mark its support in style.

A golf event on Tuesday, June 21, starts at 5 am with the last tee off time at 5 pm to take advantage of the extra sunlight.

The Longest Day Golf Open is open to members and non-members.  The individual event will be played over the rolling hills at Shrigley Hall, regarded as one of the most scenic courses in Cheshire.

Food and drink is included in the £40 entry fee with on-course prizes. To enter call 01625 575626 or email golfpro@shirgleyhallhotelandspa.co.uk.

The hotel is hoping customers will also support its commitment to the charity in other ways as well.

An optional £1 charitable contribution will be made from a brochure which lists different walking routes around Pott Shrigley village and beyond. Guests use the hotel as a base to enjoy popular challenging woodland walks.

The hotel will also invite guests to round up accommodation bills with the difference donated to the Hospice.

In addition, eight staff members have volunteered to tackle the Yorkshire Three Peaks challenge in September. To sponsor them visit justgiving.com/fundraising/vicky-marshman1.

Hotel general manager Vicky Marshman said: “We’re excited to be raising funds for East Cheshire Hospice throughout the year and are hoping our customers will also play their part in supporting us in various ways.

“The magnificent facilities at Shrigley Hall Hotel and Spa attract guests from near and far and we all recognise the wonderful work done by the Hospice for its patients, their families and carers.

“We’ve a record number of golf members who’ve traditionally supported the Hospice and we’re inviting golfers, including societies, to enjoy our stunning course by playing in our Longest Day Golf Open.”

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.

East Cheshire Hospice’s new corporate fundraiser

Posted on by Becky Sidwell

The newest recruit to the fundraising team at East Cheshire Hospice is the familiar face of Lisa Ball.

She rejoins the charity as Corporate Fundraiser two and a half years after leaving to travel the world.

Lisa had spent six years in various roles at East Cheshire and will focus on building up relations with the corporate world.

East Cheshire Hospice’s new corporate fundraiser Lisa Ball enjoying canal boat life.

Lisa said: “I saw how corporate fundraising was developed when I was here before and am really excited by the challenge.

“We have a strong group of loyal corporate supporters and my aim is to further develop that  relationship with them and get more corporates on board.

“We have our 500 Club in which supporters pledge to raise at least £500 a year for three years and our annual Corporate Challenge when groups raise as much as possible in a month.”

Lisa rejoins from St Ann’s Hospice where she was Individual Giving and Legacy Fundraiser.

She is also back in a familiar domestic environment, having bought another canal boat to live on.

Lisa said: “I sold my first boat to go travelling and have bought another which I’m renovating. Boats can be a cheaper way of living and you’d think it’s quite cold, but it’s not and I’ve a wood burner to  keep warm.

“The boat is peaceful but there are more maintenance jobs to do, though my boyfriend knows how to fix engines and electrical systems so if I ever need anything he sorts it.

“The boat is like a cosy one-bedroom flat.”

Lisa’s travels took her to Asia and Australia, spending four months in Melbourne where she worked for a sky diving club.

Lisa has completed more than 160 parachute jumps and is qualified to jump solo.

“I was at ground control for a sky diving drop zone, making sure everyone landed safely and the plane had a clear drop.

“The drop zone was next to an airport, so I had to make sure no other aircraft were coming through our area.”

Her best friend was involved in sky diving accident, though not on Lisa’s watch.

Lisa said: “She’s an experienced sky diver and instructor, but misjudged the wind completely and smashed her ankle, landing in the middle of a main road after her canopy clipped a lamppost.”

Thankfully, her friend has recovered and Lisa has enjoyed a safe landing back among the income generation team at the Hospice.

Corporate Challenge Raises £13,533 for Hospice Bereavement Services

Posted on by Luke Brightmore

A bumper sum of £13,533 raised in the Corporate Challenge run by East Cheshire Hospice will help fund the Hospice’s bereavement services.

Firms had to raise as much as possible from a £100 start-up loan during May.

The proceeds will provide much-needed support to expand a bereavement service in greater demand because of Covid-19.

Corporate Fundraiser Chrissie Hunter said: “It’s been a tough 18 months for businesses so to raise such an impressive amount is incredible.

“We want to thank everyone for their ideas and efforts to make it happen, including those who generously supported fundraising initiatives.”

Clear winners of the fun competition were Kuehne+Nagel with £6,008, while the prize for the most creative team went to Equilibrium Financial Planning with a nine million step challenge from Manchester to the Equator.

Raffles and wine tasting also contributed towards their donation of £2,621. Not far behind were recruitment firm Leap 29 with ideas including a doggy day care and a three peaks challenge.

Highlights for Spirit Medical Communications included a movie quiz and Eurovision sweepstake.

Chess ICT filled tubes of Smarties with coins as part of their commitment, while staff at Pan European Networks ran a 5k and held a bingo lunch hour in their month of fundraising.

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