Category: Events

Sarah Hammond has a message for anyone frightened of a Firewalk – you won’t regret it!

She overcame her fears last year and urges others to join the next walk over hot coals at East Cheshire Hospice on Thursday, October 27, at 6 pm.

Last year’s Firewalk entrants. 

Sarah, from Tytherington, was in a team with Katy Littler, Lucy Woolrich and Kelly Eyton-Jones from Equilibrium Financial Planning LLP who raised over £3,000 for the charity.

Sarah said: “I’d definitely recommend it, as much for the experience and the feeling of achievement once you’ve done it.

Sarah Hammond who took part in a Firewalk in aid of East Cheshire Hospice.

“Cliff, the organiser, is a brilliant motivator and during his safety briefing explained the science behind it.

“It didn’t hurt one bit. It’s the most bizarre thing and the feeling afterwards is just elation. We were a little fearful once we arrived and got our t-shirts, but after Cliff’s pep talk there was excitement and anticipation.

“You don’t have to do it if you don’t want to, but he made us believe we could walk on fire.”

The Hospice has places left. Entry is £30 and participants must be 16 or over. Visit eastcheshirehospice.org.uk/events/firewalk/ to register.

Sarah is Head of Best Practice at Equilibrium, a corporate Hospice supporter. Sarah has also completed Born Survivor and the Hospice to Hospice Hike to raise vital funds in 2022.

Sarah said: “Living nearby, I witness first-hand the fantastic care the Hospice give for people at end-of-life and with respite help. I wanted to give something back to help raise money.”

Black ties and sparking ball gowns will bring a touch of glamour to a Winter Ball, organised by East Cheshire Hospice.

The glittering event makes a long-awaited return to the social calendar after a Covid-enforced absence.

The dinner will be held in a luxury marquee in the grounds of Macclesfield Rugby Club on Friday, November 25, from 7 pm.

Top DJ Darren Proctor is host, with entertainment including a performance from String Infusion, an all-female electric and acoustic string group.

Party time at East Cheshire Hospice’s last Winter Ball in 2018.

Tickets are £70 or £700 for a table of 10, with VIP tables priced at £1,000.

Hospice Events Manager Beth Candy said: “It’s going to be an amazing night and we’re hoping as many guests as possible can come along to enjoy a fabulous occasion.

“The timing is perfect for a pre-Christmas works do, or any kind of celebration. Even if you just fancy having a special night out, then please join us.

“It’ll be an exclusive evening of indulgence, fine dining, wonderful entertainment and a few magical surprises.

“With an incredible reputation as Cheshire’s charity ball of the year, we pride ourselves on the relaxed, charming and entertaining evening we deliver.

“We’ve chosen a venue virtually on the doorstep to the Hospice. We wanted it to be local and it also means we can accommodate more guests.”

The last Ball in 2018 was attended by 350 guests and raised £95,000 for the Hospice.

*To buy tickets visit www.eastcheshirehospice.org.uk/events/winter-ball-2022/

Fancy splashing your way round an aqua park to support East Cheshire Hospice?

The Hospice has organised a trip to Wild Shore Aqua Park at Delamere for its next fundraising adventure.

Bookings cost £18.50 a person and include a 55-minute session, at either 10 or 11 am on Friday, August 19. All kit hire is provided.

Splash down at Wild Shore Aqua Park for East Cheshire Hospice.

Wild Shore is a giant floating playground on a lake with various obstacle courses and slides.

Hospice fundraiser Bethan Wade said: “It’s the first time we’ve organised such an event and we’re hoping as many of our supporters can join us there.

“It’s a fun, safe and exhilarating experience for a range of ages and abilities. There are also steps which allow easy access from the water back on to the aqua park.”

An ability to swim 25 metres is needed to take part.

Children must be six or over and those under eight must be accompanied by an adult (ratio of one adult to three children). Children aged 8 to 15 must be accompanied by an over 18 on site, but not necessarily on the activity.

The Hospice suggests participants set a target of raising £25 in sponsorship to support them.

Visit the Hospice website to book or to reserve a group email events@echospice.org.uk or call 01625 666998. Both time slots can be booked by completing two registrations.

Scores of families basked in spring sunshine at a poignant Memory Miles walk.

The East Cheshire Hospice event took place in the spectacular surroundings of Adlington Hall.

Walkers went on a one-kilometre woodland loop, admiring stunning scenery along the way.

Walkers set off at the start of Memory Miles.

For many it was an emotional journey remembering lost loved ones.

Margaret Jennings was joined by daughter Sarah-Jane Mason and sister Shirley Plant to honour the memory of Margaret’s husband Phil.

Phil, a joiner, died from pancreatic cancer a year ago, aged 73, in the comfort of his own home in Gawsworth thanks to the charity’s Hospice @Home service.

Sarah-Jane said: “Dad was a wonderful man and it was his wish that he died at home. The Hospice were amazing with their care and nothing was too much trouble.

“They came out in the middle of the night, working with other health care agencies like Macmillan.

“We can’t praise the Hospice enough for what they did for our family. Dad loved woodturning and enjoyed making three-legged stools.”

From left, Sarah-Jane Mason with mum Margaret Jennings and her sister Shirley Plant.

During a pre-walk address, health care assistant Pam Webster spoke about the Hospice’s role helping families, while Chief Executive Karyn Johnston led a minute’s silence in memory of those no longer here.

Denis and Sheila Lee, from Macclesfield, were there to remember their parents Ping and Peter and Jack and Ella.

Daughter Kirsten Froehlich and sons George (8) and Harry (13) took along four-year-old pet dog Cookie.

From left, Kirsten Froehlich, Denis Lee, George and Harry Froehlich and Sheila Lee with pet dog Cookie.

Sheila started work as a day care centre sister at the Hospice soon after it opened in 1988 and spent around 14 years working there.

Friends Peter Jones and Anita Simcock were joined by one-time rescue toy poodles Jack (20) and his son Bob (18). Anita retired from working in A and E at Macclesfield District General Hospital in January.

 Peter Jones and Anita Simcock with toy poodles Jack and Bob.

The pair were among supporters from Macclesfield Cancer Help Centre who meet at Prestbury Methodist Church every Tuesday (10 am -2 pm).

The event, sponsored by Ford dealers Sidney Jackson and Son, saw performances from music students from Fallibroome Academy and a rock choir.

Cancer centre supporters (from left) Hassan Pillai, Anne and David Hall with dog Ben, Di and Roy Waller and Sandra and George Robinson.

Events Manager Beth Candy said: “It was great to be back holding a fundraising event again after such a long time.

“We want to say a massive thank you to Adlington Hall for providing such an amazing location, our loyal supporters, sponsors and volunteers. We couldn’t do it without them all.”

East Cheshire Hospice are encouraging the public to turn up at Adlington Hall on Friday (March 25) to join its Memory Miles walk.

Online registrations via the Hospice’s website close today (Wed, March 23), but those wishing to turn up on the night are welcome to do so.

Gates open at 4 pm and the walk starts at 4.30 pm, though late comers can start at any time. The walk ends around 9 pm, with the event closing at 10 pm.

The East Cheshire Hospice memory walk is back on Friday. 

The event involves a one-kilometre woodland walk, though entrants can choose how many circuits they complete.

The imposing Hall, set in the estate’s picturesque grounds, provides a scenic backdrop for the fundraiser with entertainment for participants.

A 50-strong local rock choir will be performing, along with music students from Fallibroome Academy.

The walk, illuminated with atmospheric lighting, will have fire pits on the route and there will a special area for walkers to post personal notes remembering lost loved ones.

Events Manager Beth Candy said: “The event honours the memory of loved ones, though everyone is welcome to join us.

“Incredibly, it’s three years since we held a memory walk and we’re so looking forward to meeting up again with our supporters who we’ve missed badly during that time.

“Adlington Hall is set in beautiful surroundings and it’s worth going along just to enjoy a walk in such beautiful surroundings and at the same time raise funds for the Hospice.”

Camilla Legh is hoping the spring bulbs will be in full bloom to welcome the crowds at Adlington Hall.

Carpets of flowers would provide a colourful display and backdrop for Memory Miles on Friday, March 25.

Camilla is opening up the grounds to East Cheshire Hospice for its memory walk that evening.

Camilla Legh at her ancestral home Adlington Hall.

Gates open at 4 pm and the walk starts at 4.30 pm, though late comers can start at any time. The walk ends around 9 pm, with the event closing at 10 pm.

Adlington Hall, within a picturesque 2,000-acre estate, has been the ancestral home of the Legh family for more than seven centuries.

A one-kilometre route through woodland known as The Wilderness will allow walkers to enjoy wonderful scenery and raise money from sponsorship.

Camilla, a Hospice Vice President, is taking part along with husband Peter and their rescue greyhound Pepper will be joining them.

Camilla said: “The Hospice is an essential part of the community and I’d encourage as many people as possible to come along to enjoy the walk and support the charity.

“Hopefully, it’s a sunny evening and the spring bulbs, which are weather dependent, will be here by then.

“It’s a lovely woodland walk with lots of little features and is ideal for families and dogs.

“I’m delighted we’re hosting the event this year and hope it’s a big fundraiser for the Hospice. Anyone can sign up for the walk and you don’t necessarily need a connection to the charity.”

Camilla has spent several years volunteering at the Hospice once a month to help with flower arranging.

Camilla said: “We put flowers which have been donated in patient rooms, on the ward and on reception.

“It can be a traumatic time for patients and families and the flowers are only a small gesture but they bring cheer and often give relatives something to talk about. We talk to the patients if they’re able and we really enjoy helping.

“The Hospice is amazing place and quite unique. It always feels happy and serene and a calm environment.”

Adult entry to Memory Miles is £20; children under 16 are £15. Visit the Hospice website to enter. Participants receive a Memory Miles T-shirt, wristband and key ring.

It is all systems go for the next Memory Miles walk in the magnificent grounds of Adlington Hall.

The date is Friday, March 25, and registrations are now open, with all ages welcome.

Visit the Hospice website to sign up for an event which has been missing from the charity’s fundraising calendar since 2019.

Organisers are planning a special evening as Memory Miles, formerly known as Light Up The Night and the Starlight Walk, makes its comeback.

The event honours the memory of loved ones, though everyone is welcome to join in.

Gates open at 4 pm with the walk starting an hour later, although late comers can start at any time.  The walk ends around 8 pm with the event closing at 9 pm.

Events Manager Beth Candy said: “To celebrate the return of our memory walk after two difficult years, we’ve a shorter but fantastic route planned around the beautiful grounds of Adlington Hall.

“Participants will receive a Memory Miles T-shirt, wristband and key ring when they register.

“There’ll be a stage with live music and food and drinks stalls, so you can get together with friends and family and prepare for the walk.

“The walk features atmospheric lighting along the route and fire pits and points of interest for walkers to remember their loved ones.

“There’ll be more opportunities for refreshments and for soaking up the atmosphere after the walk, or you can complete the route multiple times.”

Many supporters took part in a virtual version of Memory Miles in 2020, racking up more than 3,000 miles individually and raising more than £6,000 for the Hospice.

The Hospice is asking walkers to get sponsored and dedicate fundraising to someone special.

Beth said:  “Whether you raise £10 or hundreds of pounds, your support will directly help people in your community who need it most.

“East Cheshire Hospice is the second lowest-funded Hospice, so fundraising is essential to keeping  our services going.

“Sadly, the impact of Covid-19 over the last two years meant that fundraising has been much more difficult.

“Luckily, our community is the greatest there is and showed us generosity we couldn’t have predicted.

“Although we’re finally able to begin holding our fundraising events and activities again, we’ve a lot of catching up to do and need your continued support to help us go the distance.”

Adult entry is £20 and children under 16 are £15.