Category: Donations

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.

East Cheshire Hospice were delighted to receive a £1,500 donation from NORFOX recently as part of the organisation’s ongoing support towards North West hospices.

As the second lowest funded hospice in the UK and with the cancellation of fundraising events and activities in the Covid-19 pandemic, East Cheshire Hospice has suffered a severe impact on its ability to generate sustainable income.

In a letter of thanks to NORFOX, Corporate Fundraiser at East Cheshire Hospice Kate Bowmar wrote: “The fact that you are thinking of ways to support others at what is a worrying time for us all speaks volumes for your kindness.

“Thanks to you and your supporters, we can continue to offer vital care to those who currently need it the most.”

Chair of NORFOX Stewart Grant added:  “We all know families that have been wholly cared for by our regional Hospices like East Cheshire at times of severe illness and bereavement and they deserve our continuing gratitude, support and generosity,”

A Congleton/Wilmslow solicitor says Covid-19 has led to a rise in the number of people making wills.

Paul Clark, Managing Director of Spall Clark Solicitors, says as a result of Covid-19, concerns among the public over planning for the future has increased the demand for wills.

Paul is encouraging people to sign up for Will Week, run by East Cheshire Hospice from October 5-9, when solicitors waive fees in return for a donation to the Hospice.

He said: “The pandemic has brought home that sadly we do lose people and anyone can catch a serious illness such as Covid. It’s made people reassess their plans to make sure they’re fully covered against whatever the worst brings.

“There’s been an increase in people making wills simply because people are finally getting round to dealing with it, realising that one day tomorrow will be here and sadly something is going to happen to all of us. They’re now making preparations to cover what happens in that worst case scenario.”

Solicitors from Spall Clark will make home visits if requested during Will Week, an offer which may suit those unable to leave their home or are uncomfortable going out.

Many wills have been written remotely during the crisis with final documents signed on car bonnets or passed through windows to adhere to social distancing guidelines.

Paul, who is also legacy officer at the Hospice said: “I get to see all the good work that legacies do and the benefit they provide to the Hospice. I’d therefore urge people to consider making gifts to charities such as the Hospice because they’ve always been there for us when we need them and it’s a small way we can give back.

“Supporting Will Week is a very good way of giving back to the local community while at the same time giving you peace of mind knowing that whatever happens in life, your wishes will be carried out and you’ll be making things as easy as possible for your family when you’re not here.”

“Everyone has an image of a Hospice, however it’s an uplifting place to go and provides such great support for people going through the most difficult time of their lives.”

A full list of participating solicitors during Will Week, is available on the Hospice website eastcheshirehospice.org.uk/will-week.

Participating solicitors can write a single or mirror Will, or update an existing Will, in return for a donation to the Hospice. Any other services are chargeable at the solicitor’s usual cost.

Paul Clark, Managing Director of Spall Clark Solicitors.