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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.

BBC News at East Cheshire Hospice

Posted on by Luke Brightmore

An appearance on BBC news has led to a £10,000 boost in donations to East Cheshire Hospice.

The Hospice received 87 donations – almost half of them from first-time supporters – after a TV news report showing how the charity is coping during the coronavirus pandemic.

The donations came from as far afield as Nottingham, Scarborough, Sunderland and Shropshire with one donor from France.

Income Generation Director Rachel Allcock said: “The story of East Cheshire Hospice obviously touched hearts and we thank everyone for their on-going contributions from near and far.

“The BBC item showed the wider community the struggles facing the Hospice world, especially at this difficult time. It also showed the amazing care provided by our staff and the bravery of patients and their families.”

BBC Special News Correspondent Ed Thomas and cameraman Phill Edwards interview East Cheshire Hospice Chief Executive Karyn Johnston.

The report was shown on the BBC’s Six and Ten O’Clock News programmes shown to a global TV audience via its World News channel.

Special News Correspondent Ed Thomas and cameraman Phill Edwards spent a day profiling patients, families and staff, including the effects of temporary restrictions on visits.

The BBC crew adhered to strict social distancing guidelines and wore personal protective equipment during filming.

Ed said: “We were extremely grateful to the Hospice for allowing us to show what it’s like caring for patients at end-of-life during this pandemic.

“The Hospice wanted us to see the reality of their every day work – staff with coronavirus, patients unable to see families and worries over PPE and testing.”

Leek United Matches Donations

Posted on by Luke Brightmore

Leek United Building Society is coming to the rescue of East Cheshire Hospice by supporting its appeal for help.

The building society – a long-standing supporter of the Hospice – has launched a fundraising campaign among staff and members of the public.

It will match every pound donated up to a maximum donation of £30,000 and share proceeds among three charities, one of which is the Hospice.

Leek United, which has a branch on Chestergate, Macclesfield, is responding to the funding crisis caused by coronavirus.

Chief Executive Andrew Healy said: “As a mutual organisation, one of our core values is to give back to the communities we serve, especially during difficult times.

“These charities do an amazing job but they face a challenge at the present time because many of the fundraising events they rely on for income have been cancelled.

“We want to help and we hope members of the public will support our fundraising campaign so that these charities can continue to provide vital services.” Details from leekunited.co.uk.

Kate Bowmar, Corporate Fundraiser at East Cheshire Hospice, said: “We’re extremely grateful for the continued support of Leek United colleagues and members during these difficult financial times.

“Our amazing nurses are working tirelessly to ensure our In Patient Unit and Hospice @Home services remain fully operational, but due to the closure of our retail stores and cancelled fundraising events we’ve launched our Now More Than Ever Appeal to try and recover some of our lost income.”

For details visit eastcheshirehospice.org.uk/nowmorethanever.

Kate Bowmar (third right) from East Cheshire Hospice with staff from Leek United Building Society.

Finley’s Fundraising on Foot!

Posted on by Luke Brightmore

Donations to the Hospice since it was forced to cancel fundraising events have passed the £100,000 mark.

We would like to thank the public for their overwhelming response after revealing we would lose £1m in income due to the national emergency.

However we urge the public to ‘keep up the good work’ with its efforts.

Sports mad Finley Foote, aged 11, is one of many fundraisers showing great community spirit.

Finley Foote enjoying the sight of White Nancy.   

Finley has been exercising during lockdown by running at least two and a half miles each day near his home in Bollington.

He has raised £1,185 for the Hospice in the first week of his challenge, his efforts earning an honourable mention in the weekly Headteacher’s Notes at Tytherington School where he is a pupil.

Finley acted after learning about the cancelled events, including Splash Out which his family were due to take part in again this year.

Mum Sarah said: “It’s such a shame the Hospice is losing this revenue. It’s a wonderful local charity and close to everyone’s hearts.

“Finley hasn’t been able to do many of the activities he enjoys since sports clubs and school closed and he decided to help the Hospice. The sponsorship from friends, teachers and even strangers has been overwhelming and he’ll carry on running until the end of lockdown.

“His stepdad and I have been going out with him and have enjoyed helping him to beat his personal bests on the different routes. He has run a total of 31 miles so far!”

Finley Foote and mum Sarah on one of their runs.

To sponsor Finley visit justgiving.com/fundraising/sarah-latham22

Meanwhile, Carl Lamptey, whose wife Sarah died in the Hospice in 2014, has so far raised £11,000 in his fundraising campaign.

Hospice Director Karyn Johnston said: “We’re amazed by the acts of generosity shown by the community during this difficult time. People of all ages are raising funds to help out and our message is to please keep up the good work. We need your support now more than ever.”

The Hospice has streamlined services to cope without the 650 volunteers who normally provide vital help.

It means staff are filling in essential roles while demand for Hospice @Home support has increased. Visits to the inpatients ward are also severely restricted.

If you want to start your own #ECHVirtualChallenge to support the Hospice, go to www.eastcheshirehospice.org.uk/campaign/virtual-challenge-2020.

Heather Broadbent Home For Now

Posted on by Luke Brightmore

Heather Broadbent has vowed to complete her round-the-world sailing adventure even though she is now back home on dry land.

The Clipper 2019-20 Round the World Yacht Race was suspended last month after reaching the Philippines because of the coronavirus pandemic.

Heather’s log book showed she had travelled 27,800 nautical miles and was past the half-way point in her 11-month voyage before the race was halted.

Coincidentally, she has raised just under £28,000 for East Cheshire Hospice where her late husband Adam was a patient.

Heather, from Disley, said: “I’m devastated to have to give up but happy to be back with my family. The race will hopefully resume next February and I can continue to raise money for the Hospice.

“I’d love to reach my target of £40,000 which would be a pound for every mile eventually sailed and it’d be wonderful if people can still donate.

“The first we knew about the virus was when crew members received messages from home asking if we were still going to stop in China.

“We made a detour to the Philippines where we were held in quarantine on a pontoon for three days under armed guard before we were flown home.”

Heather has a host of memories. She said: “It’s been an incredible adventure and more intense and much harder than I anticipated.

“I’ve loved and hated it in equal measures. I was lonely and felt miserable at times and it was physically demanding with a relentless routine. You see people at their most raw and there’s no hiding from it in such a confined space on a 70-foot yacht.

“However, there were so many highlights and I’ve made friends for life, people I’d never have met otherwise.

“Who would have thought that a 51-year-old housewife from Cheshire would become friends with a 31-year-old Scottish rigger?

“As we all ate roast beef out of plastic tubs on deck on Christmas Day with our skipper dressed as Father Christmas some 500 dolphins jumped around the boat. It was absolutely jaw dropping.

“I loved Cape Town. It was vibrant and friendly and I’m looking forward to going back. The best thing about being home was seeing my family, climbing into my own bed and not using a toilet angled at 45 degrees.

* To sponsor Heather visit justgiving.com/fundraising/dreamitnowdoit. Funds will support our Hospice @Home service.

Heather Broadbent during her epic voyage.

Society launches campaign to raise £60,000 for local charities

Posted on by Luke Brightmore

Leek United Building Society has launched a campaign to raise £60,000 for three local charities whose funding has been hit by the coronavirus outbreak.

 

The Society is asking for donations from its staff and members of the public and will match every pound donated up to a maximum donation from the Society of £30,000.

 

All funds raised will be split equally between Home-Start Staffordshire Moorlands, Treetops Hospice, Care Derbyshire and East Cheshire Hospice, Cheshire.

 

 

Like many charities across the UK, the Hospice’s fundraising activities have been affected by the recently introduced lockdown and social distancing measures put in place to help keep everyone safe.

 

Andrew Healy, Leek United Building Society’s chief executive, said: “As a mutual organisation, one of our core values is to give back to the communities we serve, especially during difficult times.

 

“These charities do an amazing job but they face a challenge at the present time because many of the fundraising events they rely on for income have been cancelled. We want to help and we hope members of the public will support our fundraising campaign so that these charities can continue to provide vital services.”

 

Kate Bowmar, Corporate Fundraiser at East Cheshire Hospice said “We are extremely grateful for the continued support of Leek United Building Society colleagues and members during these difficult financial times. Our amazing nurses are working tirelessly to ensure our In Patient Unit and Hospice @Home services remain fully operational, but due to the closure of our retail stores and cancelled fundraising events we are anticipating a significant financial loss, and have launched our Now More Than Ever Appeal to try and recover some of this lost income.”

 

Leek United has set up a special account for those wishing to donate to this campaign: Account Name: Charity Support, Leek United Building Society, Sort code: 40-05-30; Account number: 74578031; Roll or Reference number: 72644536105.

 

Donations of any amount will be greatly appreciated and can be made online using internet banking or by posting a cheque to Charity Support, Leek United Building Society, 50 St. Edward Street, ST13 5DL or to your local Leek United branch. Cheques should be made payable to Leek United Building Society – Charity Support.  Further details can be found at leekunited.co.uk.

 

For further information on East Cheshire Hospice’s Now More Than Ever appeal please visit:

www.eastcheshirehospice.org.uk/nowmorethanever

East Cheshire Hospice on BBC North West and ITV Granada

Posted on by Luke Brightmore

This week, news teams from both the BBC and ITV have been filming at or in contact with the Hospice.

As the UK is currently encouraged to stay indoors and practice social distancing, many Hospice fundraising events among other things have been cancelled or postponed, leading to a significant loss in funding.

In the segment on BBC North West, Annabel Tiffin explained that “Only a fraction of their money comes from the NHS and donations are drying up as fun runs and other sponsored events are cancelled.”

In her interview, Hospice direction Karyn Johnston said “All 26 Hospices in the North West need your help, now more than ever.”

View the full BBC North West segment at www.facebook.com/eastcheshirehospice/videos/2303048383331740/

East Cheshire Hospice Director Karyn Johnston speaking on BBC North West Tonight

The Hospice is now calling on its community and supporters to donate, spread the word and help reduce the damage the Coronavirus outbreak is causing to the Hospice’s funds and the work and support it provides.

The BBC’s Stuart Flinders reported that “This Hospice is now budgeting for a loss of one third of its income this year. It’s going to be relying on public generosity more than ever in the months ahead.”

The response to the media coverage has been fantastically generous and reassuring, but unfortunately more is needed.

In video call on ITV Granada, Hospice supporter Carl Lamptey set an ambitious challenge. He said “This goes out to the footballers and celebs, anyone. This is my challenge to you – we need to raise as a community one million pounds for the Hospice to keep going.”

When asked by ITV’s Sarah Rogers “What would it mean to you to make that million pounds?” Carl replied “I’d cry… it means so much to me.”

ITV Granada’s Sarah Rogers interviews Hospice supporter Carl Lamptey

See the full ITV Granada report at www.itv.com/news/granada/2020-03-24/calls-to-help-north-west-hospices-during-coronavirus-crisis/

Carl has now set up a JustGiving page to raise funds and is asking for people to donate and share the message. He hopes to reach professional footballers and celebrities in the area who have the capability to really boost the campaign.

If you are able to donate or help spread the word, please go to www.justgiving.com/fundraising/carl-lamptey6

What Women Want Continue Fundraising For The Hospice

Posted on by Luke Brightmore

The drinks flow freely when the What Women Want girls are together.

Raising £300,000 for East Cheshire Hospice over a dozen years is thirsty work.

It’s hard work too, so having fun is key for Jayne Carter, Julie Barnes, Elaine Burgess, Jo Millward and Jill Harding, all from Macclesfield.

The girls enjoying one of their events. From left, Jo Millward, Julie Barnes, Jayne Carter, Elaine Burgess and Jill Harding.

Catch ups to organise future WWW fundraising events are social occasions with conversation always centred on how they can help Hospice patients.

Jayne, the group chair and owner of a packaging business, said: “The Hospice is such a special place where people are allowed to die with dignity. We try to provide extra things that are little bit special to hospice care.”

They bought a car for Hospice @Home staff, a service which had been launched two years earlier with the help of a £25,000 donation from the group. Equipment and many other practical items have also been purchased through their generosity.

The WWW link also led to a staggering £1m donation to the Hospice from Steve Malone and Robbie Hargreaves, co-founders of Proseal.

Jayne said: “Their company always sponsored our winter balls and Steve called as I was driving, asking if I was still fundraising for the Hospice and were we looking for anything.

“We were trying to fund a car and Steve, with Robbie on loudspeaker, said they’d like to give the Hospice a million pounds. I nearly crashed the car and was crying. It was just amazing.”

The girls’ families also help out, serving drinks and selling raffle tickets at various balls, bingo nights and fashion shows.

Jo, a long-serving HR director at AstraZeneca, recalls a fashion show in which cancer patients were models. She said: “The atmosphere and love for those models was so powerful.

“The group’s incredibly special to me. We’re all pretty strong personalities and you have to be fairly comfortable to get up on stage and corral lots of women who’ve all had a glass of wine.

“We’ve never had a fall out in all the years because the bigger picture always in our mind is what we’re doing it for.”

* WWW are holding a themed ball at Cranage Hall on Friday, November 13.

What Women Want fundraisers (from left) – Jo Millward, Julie Barnes, Jill Harding, Jayne Carter and Elaine Burgess.

M&S Flowers add colour to East Cheshire Hospice

Posted on by Luke Brightmore

From left, Hospice volunteer Mary Hindle with Marks & Spencer staff Ellie Holley, Helen Ross and Chris Birkenhead.

Floral gifts from Marks & Spencer are adding colour to East Cheshire Hospice and helping fund the cost of patient care.

Twice a week volunteers from the charity collect beautiful arrangements from the Handforth Dean store which have reached their sell-by date.

The flowers decorate the inpatient ward, Sunflower Centre and reception area while some are sold to visitors and staff in return for a donation.

Donations have raised £4,000 since the store started giving flowers to the Hospice a year ago.

Volunteer Mary Hindle, from Prestbury, said:  “It’s a generous gesture by M & S and when I deliver the flowers to the Hospice, they bring great pleasure to patients, staff, visitors and volunteers.”

Hospice Volunteer Co-ordinator Helena Smith said: “We can’t thank M & S enough for their kind support. The flowers are of an amazing quality and bring so much cheer to the Hospice.

“One inpatient wanted to give her daughter flowers for her birthday and was so happy when she realised they were available here.

“It was a lovely moment and meant so much to her.  Flowers are precious and bring colour and care, raising funds so we can look after our patients.”

Ellie Holley, Food Section Manager at M & S, Handforth, said: “We’re delighted to help East Cheshire Hospice as part of our on-going support for local charities. We value our role within the community and are glad flowers we can no longer sell to our customers make such a difference to Hospice patients.”

Katie Porter Talks Christmas Tree Collection

Posted on by Luke Brightmore

Kate Porter who is part of the East Cheshire Hospice Christmas Tree Collection team.

 

Kate Porter is following in the footsteps of her late father by visiting homes to support East Cheshire Hospice.

The Macclesfield mum-of-two is a van driver for the charity’s Christmas Tree Collection service which swings into action again this weekend (Jan 11/12).

Her dad Oliver Hanson (71) was also a Hospice volunteer and collected lottery money for the charity right up until his death in 2006.

On his weekly rounds he would be offered tea and cakes by customers who enjoyed a chat as much as he did.

Kate said: “The Hospice and his lottery round were dear to his heart and I felt like I needed to carry on his legacy.”

“It was only when I saw how many of his lottery customers were at his funeral that I realised just how much the role meant to him.”

“He was out in all weathers knocking on doors collecting the £1 lottery subs and was well known at the Hospice, though he never made a song and dance about it.”

For the last 14 years, Kate has helped with the tree collection, starting as a crew member before becoming the first female van driver a few years ago.

Kate works as a PA for HealthCare 21 Communications and toy and game inventors Carterbench, both based in Macclesfield.

Her partner Chris Nixon has helped with the tree collection for the last eight years after son Sam and daughter Bex assisted early on.

“When you do it once you get hooked. It’s such a positive day and the organisers and everyone else is so welcoming and make you feel part of it.”

“I’m proud of my female van driving role and I usually do the pick-ups which are furthest from Macclesfield.  I like driving and there’s probably as many women who help out in various roles as men.”

“The collection keeps getting bigger, so every year we need more help. There’s a great team spirit even when it’s pouring with rain.”

* The collection covers Macclesfield, Wilmslow, Alderley Edge, Bollington, Prestbury, Poynton, Congleton and Knutsford.  Post codes CW12, SK9, SK10, SK11, SK12 and WA16.

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