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East Cheshire Hospice Gets a Helping Hand

Posted on by Luke Brightmore

East Cheshire Hospice is celebrating the opening of its new charity shop on Park Lane in Poynton this week.

The boutique will specialise in rediscovered treasures and was at risk of never being able to open its doors due to the fundraising challenges covid-19 has posed.

However, thanks to the gifts in kind and donations from local companies, it will open its doors to the public on Saturday 5th September 2020. Warrington based Caddick Construction is the latest to provide a helping hand, providing a £5,000 donation towards the shop’s fixtures and fittings.

l-r Aaron Day of Caddick Construction and Kate Bowmar of East Cheshire Hospice

Aaron Day, Site Manager at Caddick Construction, said: “Our team are delivering new developments at Alderley Park and our client, Bruntwood, introduced us to the East Cheshire Hospice team. We were delighted to make a donation to support such an important local charity and wish them the best of luck with the new boutique and their on-going fundraising efforts.”

Kate Bowmar, corporate fundraiser for East Cheshire Hospice, said: “The donations from Caddick Construction and other local businesses have been instrumental in the delivery of our new Poynton shop.

“The pandemic has had a huge impact on every charity’s fundraising efforts and earlier this year it looked as though we might not be able to open the new shop. We’re delighted to have been able to complete the fit out and create a fantastic welcoming environment that will encourage people to visit, discover treasures and hopefully donate pre-loved items, helping palliative care services across our local community.”

Will Week 2020

Posted on by Luke Brightmore

A Macclesfield law specialist says the uncertainty surrounding Covid-19 has led to an increase in demand for legal advice.

Estate planning consultant Tina Timmins says concerns among the public over planning for the future has created a surge in inquiries.

Tina 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.

Tina recently joined GPW Trusts – soon to open an office on Church Street – after 16 years with Blunts Solicitors which ceased trading in June when the long-established company went into administration.

GPW Trusts specialises in Will writing, trusts, long term care planning, inheritance tax planning, powers of attorney and probate.

Tina said: “My message is to make sure you have a Will and in this changing world there are ways of protecting your assets.

“It’s important people consider their estate planning and how they can plan to prevent their wealth being eroded by future threats.”

“We’ve had a lot of calls since the start of the pandemic and I’d encourage people to sign up for Will Week as soon as possible as appointments get booked very quickly.

“People want to support the Hospice and they come along because the charity is dear to their heart. This year more than any other has highlighted the need to have a Will.”

A full list of participating solicitors is available on the Hospice website eastcheshirehospice.org.uk.

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.

GPW Trusts is expanding into Macclesfield, using Tina’s experience and in-depth knowledge of estate planning, which include Power of Attorney, Court of Protection and Probate.

Tina said: “I’m delighted to be at the start of an exciting new project and this is a new office for GPW Trusts which is well established in West Cheshire and North Wales.

“Will Week is usually three weeks for me by the time Wills are drafted and signed and I enjoy helping the Hospice.”

Pre lockdown, she was a frequent visitor to the charity’s Sunflower Centre giving informal legal advice to patients and families.

Tina is based at home and online until the new Macclesfield office is ready. Visit www.gpwtrusts.co.uk.

Tina Timmins, estate planning consultant at GPW Trusts.

Spall Clark and Will Week

Posted on by Luke Brightmore

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.

Local Businesses Back New Hospice Shop

Posted on by Luke Brightmore

Kind-hearted businesses have come to the rescue of East Cheshire Hospice by renovating its new shop.

Several firms including Bruntwood Properties, Ceiling Solutions, Cheshire Flooring and Andrew Delany Cabinet Makers and Carpenters supplied labour free of charge.

Caddick Construction donated £5,000 for fixtures and fittings at the Poynton shop while Richard Johnson, Director of Chestergate Properties, provided voluntary conveyancing advice.

Hospice Commercial Manager Louise Delany said: “The shop looks amazing and we’d like to say a massive thank you to all those who gave their time and skills to make it happen.

“The shop is spacious and stylish and without the generous support of different trades we wouldn’t have had the budget to open it.

“They offered to help us before Covid-19 and kindly honoured that agreement, even though businesses have obviously faced their own challenges because of the pandemic.”

Louise’s husband Andrew made a bespoke reception desk, while Dean Broad and sons Ethan, Connor and Jordan, from Ceiling Solutions, provided building and plastering expertise.

That they are all from the same family meant they could continue working at the height of lockdown.

Andrew Delany with the reception desk he built.

Dean Broad with sons (from left) Ethan, Connor and Jordan.

 

A team from Bruntwood at Alderley Park helped with painting and also supplied the vital contacts needed to complete the work.

Louise said: “The slogan is ‘rediscovered treasures’  summing up the feel of a shop packed with great quality hand-picked pre-loved clothes and furniture.

“It offers sustainable shopping for you and your home and will be an exciting addition to the village  experience.”

Gemma Thomas

Posted on by Luke Brightmore

Helping care for patients at East Cheshire Hospice left a lasting impression on nurse Gemma Thomas.

So much so that Gemma has donated a £200 student prize to the charity as a thank you for its part during her student training.

Newly-qualified Gemma received the accolade from Chester University for  ‘outstanding commitment to the community’ for helping train dementia champions.

Gemma said: “I’d never been to a hospice before and wasn’t sure what to expect. It’s a beautiful place, the patients and staff are gorgeous and completely different to the way of life in a hospital.

“It left me with some lovely memories and I wouldn’t rule out working at a hospice later in my career.

“It was such an honour to be here and all students should spend some time at a hospice as part of their nursing degrees.

“When someone takes their last breath the family, even are in the darkest moments, are very grateful. It’s not a sad place – it’s a happy place. My nine-week placement here changed my outlook on life.”

Gemma, who has a 10-year-old daughter Maisie, now works in A and E after she was rushed on to the front line during the final year of studies because of the pandemic.

She also volunteers with the North West Ambulance Service.

East Cheshire Hospice Community Fundraiser Carley Macey (left) with nurse Gemma Thomas. 

Pour Moi Charity Edit

Posted on by Luke Brightmore

Sales of lingerie, swimwear, sportswear and loungewear have resulted in a staggering £26,750 donation to East Cheshire Hospice.

The Hospice is one of four charities sharing £107,000 – half of two months of sales from a Charity Edit collection run by Pour Moi.

Pour Moi Head of Operations Rachel Kirk Lockley (left) with Kate Bowmar, Corporate Fundraiser at East Cheshire Hospice.

The company, with its main distribution centre on the Hurdsfield Estate, was set up in a small office in Macclesfield 15 years ago and is now an established global brand.

It was founded by owner Michael Thomson, from Macclesfield, who wanted to help the charities recover from the effects of the Covid-19 crisis.

Age UK, Samaritans and RISE, a domestic violence charity in Brighton where the company is now based, have also received the same amount.

Michael said: “At a time when everything is a little uncertain, it’s been amazing to raise such a fantastic sum of money for four very worthwhile charities with our first charity campaign. We know it means so much to them and it will help to provide vital funds for these charities in their greatest hour of need.

“Our customers have really supported us throughout the whole two months of this campaign and we really can’t thank them enough. It made me think how we can do more going forward to support good causes in the future and help vulnerable people when they need it most.”

Hospice Chief Executive  Karyn Johnston said: “East Cheshire Hospice has been extremely proud to partner with Pour Moi and be part of their Charity Edit campaign.

“Thank you to all of the staff and customers who have gone above and beyond to help those in need at a time of national crisis, the funds received by the Hospice will help us to make a genuine difference to local people living with life-limiting illnesses.”

Sisters Holly and Danielle Dover know all about the Hospice because their father Dave is a driver there.

Sisters Holly (left) and Danielle Dover from Pour Moi.

Head of Operations Rachel Kirk Lockley has personal experience of the Hospice after her father Alan died there in 2010.

Pour Moi Head of Operations Rachel Kirk Lockley (left) and Danielle Dover.

Face Coverings

Posted on by Luke Brightmore

Talented seamstress Shelagh Julian has made a variety of items since she started sewing more than 80 years ago.

Her highlight was making the dress she wore when she married her late husband John 69 years ago.

Now she has added a new product to her hobby by creating face masks for East Cheshire Hospice.

Shelagh is part of a 35-strong team of volunteers making masks which are in big demand and raising vital funds.

Shelagh Julian with her customised East Cheshire Hospice face masks.

Shelagh (89) has already made more than 200 masks which are sold in exchange for a suggested £3 donation to the Hospice.

She has helped the Hospice since moving from Plymouth to Macclesfield 13 years ago.

Shelagh, who has four great grandchildren and was a registered nurse, said: “Sewing gives me a great deal of pleasure and I’m lucky to be healthy enough to do it.

“I probably spend three hours a day on average sewing and enjoy watching things materialise. It’s a lovely feeling when you can make something that’s wanted and raises funds for the Hospice.

“Friends and neighbours have been extremely generous donating materials and the masks have been even more popular now they must be worn in shops.”

* Masks are available at the Hospice reception; The Poachers Inn; The Tytherington Club; Kelley’s Dry Cleaners, Broken Cross; Macclesfield Golf Club; St Alban’s Church; New Life Church, Congleton and St Michael’s Church, Macclesfield.

More outlets have said they will sell masks once the Hospice has further stock.

Regular Giving Fundraising Update

Posted on by Luke Brightmore

The new Regular Giving campaign launched by East Cheshire Hospice comes amid ongoing uncertainty over future fundraising events.

With traditional ways of raising income via mass gathering events currently unavailable, the Hospice has turned to other methods of attracting help from the public.

Individual Giving Fundraiser Beth England said: “Our Now More than Ever campaign was launched as a result of Covid-19 and received amazing immediate support. We hope to keep that momentum and this latest campaign ties in quite nicely as a follow on.

“We had a massive influx of one-off donations from people doing community-spirited  events, including online, but as lives return to normal we won’t have as many of those fundraising initiatives.

“We’ll put on events in a safe socially-distant environment when we can, but without those events  that’s why fundraising through Regular Giving is so important.”

Beth’s new role, which also includes securing help from legacies, was created in February when she moved from the Hospice’s community fundraising team.

“We’ve always had the option for people to sign up to Regular Giving, but there’s now more of a focus.

“Covid-19 put a spanner in the works for preparations, but now is the right time to re-launch because we need long-term consistent help.

“It gives us stability and a reliable income. It’s really important to know that money will be coming in every month as we plan for the future and figure out new ways of fundraising so we can keep our services going.”

Beth England, Individual Giving Fundraiser at East Cheshire Hospice.

East Cheshire Champions!

Posted on by Luke Brightmore

The search is on for Superheroes with the power to save the day and help East Cheshire Hospice!

The Hospice’s new marketing campaign, featuring a comic book theme, encourages the public to become East Cheshire Champions by making regular monthly payments.

Mail shots have been sent to 24,000 households and social media activity will also help promote the initiative.

The Regular Giving campaign has been planned since before Covid-19 struck.

However, it takes on even greater significance with the Hospice unable to stage mass-gathering fundraising events for the foreseeable future.

Events such as Splash Out were cancelled because of Covid-19.

Beth England, the Hospice’s Individual Giving Fundraiser, said: “The real Superheroes are members of the community – without their support our incredible nurses couldn’t do what they do.

“Regular gifts help us to plan for our future by providing a predictable income which is invaluable when we’re budgeting for services.

“This means that not only can we care for our patients and their families today, but also plan our services for the coming months and years.

“People can donate what they want – it could be anything from £3 to £25 a month.

“A £3 donation, or 10p a day, might not seem that much, but it really makes such a difference, especially if the community joins together.

“Just £7 a month could help pay for vital one-to-one nursing on our in-patient unit, delivering expert and compassionate care to our patients.

“Over a 12-month period your support could have a huge impact and help our nurses provide vital physical, emotional, social and psychological support to our patients and those close to them. This support is just not available anywhere else.”

The Hospice receives only 17 per cent of its funding from the government. The approximate breakdown of spending on every £1 income is –

* 54p directly on patient care for its inpatient unit and Hospice @Home.

*25p on fundraising activities organised by the Hospice and local community.

* 13p towards its Sunflower Wellbeing Centre and outpatient services.

* 8p on family support services, outreach and education.

Subscribers to the Regular Giving initiative will become an East Cheshire Champion and enjoy exclusive access to the Hospice.

They can contribute ideas and make suggestions to further improve the Hospice and receive regular updates, including how donations help and fund the charity.

* For more details visit eastcheshirehospice.org.uk/eastcheshirechampions

 

Virtual Christmas Tree Collection Campaign

Posted on by Luke Brightmore

It may be the wrong time of year for Christmas trees, but it is still the season of goodwill towards East Cheshire Hospice.

The latest to help the Hospice during the Covid-19 crisis are organisers of its Christmas tree collection.

Their fundraising campaign needs your involvement – through donations and creativity!

The organisers are sending their Christmas tree collection logo – newly-named as Firgus after a Facebook vote – on a virtual holiday.

His month-long journey is just starting, with Firgus sending postcards back each week, starting this Friday.

Luke Brightmore, Digital Marketing Assistant at the Hospice, said: “The more donations the further Firgus travels, though it’s a fun trip so his destinations won’t reflect the real cost of such a holiday.

“We’ll put a postcard on our website each Friday showing where he’s reached before moving on.”

Alongside the virtual journey, there is a competition for the best interpretation of ‘What Your Christmas Tree Does in Summer?’

The theme is based on Olaf from Frozen, a snowman who dreams of a summer holiday.

Drawings, paintings or pictures – any format is accepted – can be emailed to echtrees@echospice.org.uk. The top three will receive Christmas-themed prizes.

Richard Raymond, co-organiser of the Christmas tree collection with Pete Chapman, said: “There’s been some fantastic fundraising for NHS charities but that money won’t go to the Hospice.

“Our message is really ‘Don’t forget our Hospice’  which keeps its door open and maintains services  for our community during this pandemic.

“The Hospice has its Now More than Ever appeal and we wondered how we can help. We thought  the tree holiday is something we could do to tap into all our Christmas tree customers.

“It’s a bit of fun and will hopefully capture the imagination, including on social media, and in some ways it’s our take on a virtual Christmas tree collection.

“The competition may be a photograph of dad in his trunks and shades sitting in a deckchair alongside a Christmas tree with a beer in hand.

“Or, it could be a child dressing up as a Christmas tree with a star on their head and a few baubles dotted across the body.

“Basically, anything goes and there are no rules. One of our supporters said it’d give them something to do in these strange times and fundamentally we’re helping the Hospice. ”

Pete Chapman (left) and Richard Raymond, co-organisers of the East Cheshire Hospice Christmas Tree Collection, with their own slant on a Christmas tree summer trip and their tree logo.

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