Corporate Archives - Page 5 of 9 - East Cheshire Hospice

AstraZeneca 2020 Fundraising

Posted on 24th February 2021 by Luke Brightmore

AstraZeneca and its employees made a donation of more than £21,000 to East Cheshire Hospice last year.

A total of £12,080 was raised from various fundraising initiatives, including a drive-in cinema on the AZ Campus car park on Charter Way.

The company added a further £9,075, providing a welcome bonus for the charity which endured a tough financial year due to Covid-19.

The cinema experience raised £1,200, while a running challenge between AZ staff in Macclesfield and colleagues in Sweden contributed a similar amount.

AZ also matched donations by staff for 2020 Christmas tree collection, the Hospice’s Now More than Ever Appeal and a Christmas jumper day.

Staff also sold key rings and mask adaptors in aid of the charity, while Sodexo catering staff at AZ made regular cake donations and provided advent calendars.

Kate Bowmar, the Hospice’s Corporate Fundraiser, said: “We can’t thank AstraZeneca enough for their amazing support once again in 2020. It’s been a tough last 12 months for the Hospice and the enthusiasm and commitment shown by AZ is so heart warming, especially in these difficult times.”

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 2020.

“I’m sure that dedication will continue in 2021 through our support for several local charities, including the Hospice.”

Sodexo employees Tim Stevens and Dawn Walsh delivering advent calendars to the Hospice.

Sentimental Jewellery Repairs Help the Hospice

Posted on 17th February 202112th February 2021 by Luke Brightmore

Sentimental jewellery belonging to Vanessa Greveson has been given a new lease of life through her links with East Cheshire Hospice.

Items include a string of pearls given to Vanessa by her late husband Warren who died at the Hospice.

Help came from jewellery expert Helen Dimmick who runs Annie’s Legacy, a fundraising initiative she set up in the name of her late grandmother.

Helen donates 15 per cent of the profit from work undertaken in memory of a loved one to the Hospice which cared for Annie who inspired her love of jewellery.

The two Macclesfield women met after Vanessa read about Helen’s offer in the Hospice newsletter.

Jewellery expert Helen Dimmick who runs Annie’s Legacy.

Vanessa said: “Helen’s naturally, bright and bubbly personality immediately connects with people. She completely understands where bereaved people are coming from.

“I had some pieces of jewellery that were particularly meaningful to me which needed adjustments.

“The pearls from Warren needed re-stringing and I had earrings which had been made into a ring before but it wasn’t quite right, so Helen kindly made suggestions about what could be done.

Warren and Vanessa Greveson.

“I also had my mother’s items that I never wore because they didn’t fit or were damaged, so Helen was just the right person to put them back into my life.

“I can’t tell you how grateful I am because it has really made a big difference to me. Helen’s such a sensitive person and she immediately picked up on how the jewellery fits into my psyche.

“She’s so good at keeping her clients informed of exactly what’s going on which is perfect for someone like me who can hardly let go of anything.”

For Vanessa it was also a way of giving something back to the Hospice.

She said: “I knew I needed to find a jeweller who was local to me, but once I saw that Annie’s Legacy had been set up by Helen, I couldn’t pick up the phone fast enough.

“There must be so many people who inherit things that either don’t fit, or who might think ‘that’s lovely, the stones in that brooch are beautiful, but I’d rather it were a ring on my finger.’ Helen would be the person to ask and she’s very knowledgeable.”

* To contact Helen email helen@helendimmick.com, or call 07939 047056.

Will Week Raises £8,687

Posted on 3rd February 2021 by Luke Brightmore

East Cheshire Hospice celebrated another successful Will Week campaign despite Covid restrictions.

£8,687 was raised thanks to the support of legal firms which donated time and expertise to help the Hospice.

Participants included GPW Trusts, which is now operating at Church Street, Macclesfield, and will be able to see clients there after the latest lockdown ends.

Other firms taking part in October’s Will Week were Poole Alcock, Spall Clark, Dunkerleys LLP, Stratford Solicitors and Alfred Newton.

Kate Bowmar, the charity’s Corporate Fundraiser, said: “Will Week is an important fundraising initiative for the Hospice, especially at the moment. The campaign raises vital funds and makes our supporters consider leaving a legacy gift in their Will to the Hospice.

“It wouldn’t be a success without the goodwill and generosity of our local solicitors and the public, so we thank everyone who supported the campaign.”

The next Hospice Will Week (Oct 4-8) will be the 10th year of the initiative.

Gavin Prideaux-Williams, Estate Planning Consultant at GPW Trusts.

Jola Designs

Posted on 20th January 2021 by Luke Brightmore

Friends Jayne Hadfield and Nicky Bradley took a risk opening a town centre shop after the first lockdown but the move has paid off for them.

The co-owners of Jola Designs ran the business successfully from their homes before opening the Beech Lane store in September.

Jayne and Nicky have chosen East Cheshire Hospice as their charity of the year for 2021.

A percentage of sales from a Hospice collection, including cushions, aprons and bags, have already being donated to the charity.

The two Macclesfield women met while working for Arighi Bianchi.

Their careers then went in different directions but they remained close friends and eventually turned their craft hobby into a profitable business, starting off at trade fairs selling cushions and cards to retailers.

The shop and website now boasts an extensive product range, including gifts, clothing, home, baby and accessories.

Jayne said: “We had no expectations after opening the shop, especially as it was probably the worst time in history to start a business but the support has been amazing.

“We’ve traded for a few years and having a shop window allows us to show people in Macclesfield what we do. So for many we’re a new company.

“It’s been a weird time for everyone but felt we had to be brave and there’s a lot more we can do.”

Nicky Bradley (left) and Jayne Hadfield with their Hospice collection at Jola Designs.

Jola Designs is a family affair. Nicky’s parents Paul and Carol help out, while daughter Ellie runs NaughtyBirds, a women’s clothing brand based at the shop.

Nicky said: “Jayne designs and is the creative inspiration, while I focus on sales. We spent a lot of time between homes where we had workshops in our garages.

“It then reached the point where we had to decide whether to go full time. Some products are generic, but we also specialise in creating personalised bespoke items. ”

Their only regret is that Jayne’s husband Ged is not around to see their success. Ged died of a heart attack in 2016, aged 53.

Jayne said: “Ged urged us on and backed us all the way. He would have been so proud to see how we’ve done. Nicky was my rock and saved me when Ged died, encouraging me to carry on and make it work.”

Although they started January with the shop closed due to restrictions, they continue to trade online and look forward to reopening again soon.

Find more ways to support the Hospice by shopping online here.

Charity of the Year 2021

Posted on 20th January 202113th May 2021 by Luke Brightmore

East Cheshire Hospice is hoping the local business community will again rally round in 2021.

The Hospice is urging companies, or any other organisations, to adopt it as their chosen charity of the year.

Another way of helping is through membership of its 500 Club which sees businesses pledge to raise a minimum of £500 every 12 months over a three-year period.

Corporate Fundraiser Kate Bowmar said: “The charity of the year initiative is a traditional way for companies to align their fundraising efforts with one charity throughout the year.

“We’re grateful to those which have already signed up for 2021 and would ask any others interested in supporting us to get in touch.

“Our 500 Club also has well over 20 members and their on-going commitment means so much to us, especially in such a difficult financial climate.

“The charity sector has suffered because of Covid-19 and the Hospice has been hurt badly by a lack of fundraising income, though thankfully our corporate supporters continue to amaze us with their backing.”

Remap Consulting, based at Alderley Park, was one of several companies which ran fundraising events as part of its charity of the year support. Others included AstraZeneca, Leap29, Spirit Medical Communications Group and Chess ICT.

Kate said: “Companies don’t often decide on their charitable support until the New Year so our message to them and any other groups is to please bear us in mind.”

* Contact the team via fundraising@echospice.org.uk.

Kate Bowmar (third right) from East Cheshire Hospice with staff from Leek United Building Society which is a member of the 500 Club.

Calvin Marketing – 25 Miles for 25 Years

Posted on 6th January 2021 by Luke Brightmore

Fitness enthusiast Diana Stephenson turned the 25th birthday celebrations of the marketing and public relations company she founded into a charity challenge.

Colleagues at Calvin Marketing completed a series of solo activities to raise funds for East Cheshire Hospice.

Each went 3.6 miles and covered a combined distance of 25 miles by either running, cycling, walking, hiking or horse riding.

Diana ran to the company’s Lower Withington office, her fitness routine paying off even though she had not run for three years.

Husband Peter hiked in Macclesfield Forest with their two dogs and Charlotte Gribbin also enjoyed a dog walk.

Katya Joyce cycled and Sara Wheater ran, as did Alex Brown who went backwards partly. Meanwhile, Julia Bickerton rode her horse on a farm.

Diana said: “The fundraising was a fun way to raise money for a great local charity. I haven’t had direct experience of the Hospice but know people who’ve had its support and they sing its praises.

“We wanted to do something on our home patch to celebrate Calvin’s birthday and the Hospice is certainly a worthy recipient.

“We’re delighted to celebrate 25 years and business is flying at the moment. Marketing is very much in demand and clients are needing us more than ever during the pandemic. ”

Calvin is sharing memories across social media, reminiscing on how the industry once relied on mobile phones the size of bricks and posted out press releases with large photographs.

* To donate visit www.justgiving.com/fundraising/calvin25425

Peter Stephenson on his charity hike.

Charlotte Gribbin on her dog walk.

Runner Sara Wheater was the first to complete her Calvin challenge.

JTAPE Competition Winner Amy Griffiths

Posted on 9th December 202013th January 2021 by Luke Brightmore

Nurses at East Cheshire Hospice are proudly displaying the artistic skills of one of their younger supporters Amy Griffiths.

The Sutton schoolgirl designed face shields which are being worn by Hospice staff.

Nurses at East Cheshire Hospice wearing the face shields designed by Amy.

Amy (14) won a competition run by Macclesfield company JTAPE which manufactures the PPE equipment and masking tape.

Art pupils at Fallibroome Academy were creative when teacher Dr Helen Jones told them about the competition.

Amy’s winning entry is decorated in rainbow colours with a smiley face and bears the words ‘After The Storm Comes the Rainbow’ – a message of hope amid the Covid-19 crisis.

Art student Amy Griffiths who won a design competition run by JTAPE.

Amy received a £25 Amazon gift voucher and could choose where 100 of her face shields were distributed.

There was only one destination for Amy who earlier raised £70 for the Hospice where her late grandmother Pat Bailey was a patient.

Amy set up a stall on a public footpath near her home and sold her painted rocks, asking walkers to donate via an honesty box.

Amy said: “I wanted the face shields to be simple and make people smile. Everyone has been through a lot with the pandemic, so I wanted them to be bright and colourful and bring happiness.

“I love art and was amazed I won the competition and automatically chose the Hospice.”

Amy’s painted rocks which raised £70 for East Cheshire Hospice.

Mum Emma said: “My mum died 15 years ago and attended the Sunflower Centre. The Hospice has always been close to our hearts and we’re delighted Amy has acknowledged the support it gave our family.”

Beartown Brewery Beer Donation

Posted on 2nd December 2020 by Luke Brightmore

Keeping spirits up is never a problem for nurses at East Cheshire Hospice, especially now they have a supply of free beer!

Dozens of cases of pale ale were delivered to the Hospice by Beartown Brewery as a thank you for its work during Covid-19.

East Cheshire Hospice staff with Joe and Michael Manning from Beartown Brewery.

Drinking alcohol on site is, of course, strictly forbidden but staff enjoyed an off-duty tipple at home raising a glass to the Congleton brewery.

The Hospice received a supply of Care Bear beer, a brand so-called because profits from sales have been donated to the NHS and other health care providers.

Beartown Brewery managing director Joe Manning said: “The team at Beartown felt that the fundraising had run its course, but there was value to be given in showing appreciation to the health workers as we approached Christmas in a second lockdown.

“This is our way of thanking Hospice staff and nurses for their care and dedication during such a difficult year.

“We’re a family business and were flying until the pandemic struck. We began brewing a humble 864 pints a week when the company was set up five years ago and in 2019 that figure rose to a million pints a week.

“Covid has been a dampener but we’ve used the time to promote the brand and create new revenue streams through home deliveries, retail sales, subscriptions and our drive-thru.”

Beartown Brewery is run by Joe, brother Michael and their father David Manning. The family hail from Macclesfield where head brewer Robin Pierce lives.

East Cheshire Hospice Clinical Director Sandra Jones receives a beer supply from Joe Manning, Managing Director of Beartown Brewery.

AstraZeneca’s Drive-in Cinema

Posted on 11th November 2020 by Luke Brightmore

Volunteers at the drive-in cinema.

From pharmaceuticals to films – AstraZeneca brought a touch of Hollywood glamour to their latest charity event.

Grease was the word for the Macclesfield company which staged a drive-in cinema, raising almost £1,200 for East Cheshire Hospice.

The 70s musical classic was shown after family cartoon favourite Trolls World Tour in the AZ Campus car park on Charter Way.

Around 75 drivers – each making a suggested minimum donation of £15 – enjoyed the entertainment with the sound played through car radios.

Covid restrictions meant the staple cinema diet of popcorn could not be sold so families took refreshments. Temporary toilets were provided and cleaned regularly under strict safety precautions.

Guy Camm, AZ’s Macclesfield Campus FM Development Manager, said: “We have a long-standing relationship with East Cheshire Hospice and wanted to carry on supporting them during the pandemic.

“A lot of our normal fundraising events and initiatives on the Campus have been put on hold so we’ve had to think of alternative ways of raising money for the Hospice in a Covid secure way.

“Employees had the option to watch Grease or Trolls World from the comfort of their car, ensuring the event could be completely Covid secure and socially distanced.

“We’ve had excellent feedback from the evening and can use it as a platform for future fundraising during these challenging times.

“The Hospice does a fantastic job supporting Macclesfield and surrounding areas with its support for people with life-limiting illnesses and we’re proud to support them.

“They’re an inspiration to us all and we’ll continue to work in partnership with them to make the most of the fantastic fundraising capabilities we have within AZ.”

AZ also raffled DVDs of the films to boost fundraising.

The drive-in cinema at AstraZeneca.

The Tytherington Club’s Corporate Challenge

Posted on 21st October 202019th October 2020 by Luke Brightmore

A new era dawns at The Tytherington Club at the end of next month when it opens a plush 65-bedroom hotel.

The countdown continued to the November 30 opening with members supporting a month-long charity campaign run by East Cheshire Hospice.

The country club donated £554 as part of a Corporate Challenge which raised a record total of £12,226 for the Hospice.

Tytherington should have welcomed its first hotel guests in the spring but had to delay opening because of Covid-19.

Liz Turner, Event Sales Assistant at the club, said: “These are exciting times for The Tytherington Club with the forthcoming opening of our new hotel development.

“Our members are keen supporters of the Hospice so were delighted to take part in the Corporate Challenge.

“It’s been a difficult time for every business and unfortunately our plans were delayed because of the pandemic.

“Thankfully, work is now nearing completion and with Macclesfield such a popular destination the hotel will be a great addition to our existing facilities and meet the need for accommodation.”

The club ran several Corporate Challenge events, including gym members cycling the combined distance between Land’s End and John O’Groats led by instructor Rebecca Jackson. They also paid £5 for classes on National Fitness Day when instructors waived their fees.

Gym members at The Tytherington Club limbering up to support East Cheshire Hospice.

Golfers guessed the number of tees in a bowl while spa guests had a similar nail varnish challenge. Raffle prizes included a hotel stay and golf on its championship course.

Liz said: “I used to work at the Hospice so know first-hand what a wonderful place it is and how much they rely on donations.”

The Corporate Challenge was won by Equilibrium Financial Planning who raised £4,620. Builders merchants MaccPlas came second with recruitment firm Leap 29 third.

Bioscript, the 7i Group and the Ivy Leaf pub also took part. Each group received a £100 start-up loan and all profit from that investment was donated to the Hospice.

Kate Bowmar, Corporate Relationship Manager at the Hospice, said: “We’d like to thank the businesses for taking part and entering into the spirit of a fun competition. They raised an amazing total, especially during such a difficult year for everyone.”

East Cheshire Hospice Community Fundraiser Carley Macey (left) with Liz Turner, Event Sales Assistant at The Tytherington Club.