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Natalie takes on Lbs 4 £s 2021

Posted on by Luke Brightmore

Lockdown left Natalie Catterall slightly overweight but she has found the recipe to get back into shape.

Natalie has joined Lbs 4 £s, a three-month fitness, weight loss and well-being programme run by East Cheshire Hospice.

The health initiative starts on Friday, January 1, so participants can start shedding the extra pounds from the festive season once they have celebrated New Year.

The sessions are online and on demand which means dieters can be flexible when they take part in classes and talks on topics such as nutrition and yoga.

Natalie took part 12 months ago, losing two and a half stones after giving up chocolate, crisps, biscuits and cakes and raised £570 through sponsorship for the Hospice.

She said: “I’d recommend the programme which is going to be even bigger and better this time. I’m doing it again because I put a stone back on because of Covid and general laziness.

“I wasn’t able to go to the gym and worked from home which was a novelty at first but then became tedious and isolating. Trips downstairs for a coffee and biscuits became too frequent.

“I found myself overeating so this health programme gives me a focus and I want to get fit again.”

Returning to the office at Northwich-based charity Cheshire Autism Practical Support has already helped her.

She said: “I wasn’t as agile as I should have been sat at a desk at home and became static and stagnant, but I walk a mile each lunch break with my office colleagues which motivates us.”

Natalie is from Macclesfield where her father David lives. Her mum Hilary Woolliscroft, who died in 2017, was a Hospice patient. Hilary was a primary school swimming teacher and Macclesfield Town fan.

Bethan Wade, Challenge Events Co-ordinator at the Hospice, said: “Walking into a gym scares some people but Lbs 4 £s will have an exclusive online portal for participants, giving them the flexibility to attend classes and talks when it suits them.

“They’ll receive  an information pack including special tips, recipes and vouches, plus access to one-to-one  sessions with nutrition, well-being and fitness experts. There’s free gym opportunities and help on sponsorship.

“This is a self-motivated programme but we want to provide the information needed to pull it off, surrounded by a group of like-minded people  looking to achieve the same thing.”

Places are limited. To sign up visit eastcheshirehospice.org.uk/events/lbs4pounds/

Natalie Catterall and her late mum Hilary.

Light Up A Life Virtual Service

Posted on by Luke Brightmore

The Chaplain of East Cheshire Hospice, Margaret Lillis, will deliver a Christmas message of hope during the Light Up A Life service on Saturday (Dec 5).

The ceremony – streamed via Zoom and Facebook Live from 3 pm – will be even more poignant this year.

Margaret said: “Our message from the Hospice to everyone, is one of support, encouragement and above all, hope. It’s been a year no-one could ever have imagined and has brought sadness and anxiety on a scale never known.

“We at the Hospice acknowledge this and offer the hand of friendship, support and understanding to everyone and anyone we can reach.

“We’re very much aware that our physical contact has been curtailed throughout this pandemic, but that certainly doesn’t mean that our level of concern and compassion is in any way diminished.

“Slowly but surely we’re working hard to continue building and strengthening the bonds between ourselves and anyone who’s had dealings with the Hospice.

“Next year we hope to reach out and support even more people whose experience of pain and loss was made even more severe by restrictions in place due to Covid 19.”

The annual Light Up a Life remembrance service, conducted from the Hospice Chapel this year, is as always open to the general public.

The service allows people to pause and reflect on an extraordinary 2020.

Margaret said: “Despite all the pain, loss and distress of this past year, perhaps we can recognise some positive aspects?  Maybe we’ve re-learned to appreciate those we love and to have more consideration for our neighbours.

“Maybe we know more than we ever did before that we can take nothing for granted. Maybe we now have a deeper understanding of gratitude and realise  – sometimes painfully –  that life is precious and all the good things of life are pure gift.

“With this in mind, let us go forward together, sharing the light of faith, hope and love with confidence and generosity.”

To register for the Zoom link visit www.eastcheshirehospice.org.uk/lual/. A recording of the service will be available for those unable to watch live.

To watch on social media go to the Hospice Facebook page at 3 pm on Saturday.

Margaret Lillis, Chaplain at East Cheshire Hospice, who will deliver an online Light Up A Life service on Saturday.

Virtual Light Up A Life Service

Posted on by Luke Brightmore

East Cheshire Hospice invites you to join its Light Up A Life service from the comfort of your own home.

The online ceremony, led by Hospice Chaplain Margaret Lillis, will be streamed via Zoom and Facebook Live on Saturday, December 5, at 3 pm.

The annual Light Up A Life service is by tradition an opportunity to remember lost loved ones.

However, because it has been such a difficult year for so many, the Hospice hopes others will also join the Christmas service to pause and reflect on an extraordinary 2020.

The remembrance event cannot take place at the usual venue St Michael and All Angels Church, Macclesfield, because of restrictions.

Instead, it will be held virtually at the Hospice Chapel where a Tree of Memories will be on display. The symbolic tree is decorated with personalised baubles dedicated by supporters to someone special.

Last year’s Light Up A Life service.

Bethan Wade, Challenge Events Co-ordinator, said: “The Light Up A Life service is one of the highlights of our calendar and this year takes on added poignancy because of Covid-19.

“People have suffered in so many different ways and Christmas is a special time to reflect and remember.

“I’m sure that this year we all hold those treasured times even closer to our hearts and we’re extending an invitation to as many people as possible to join us.”

Supporters can register  for the Zoom link by visiting www.eastcheshirehospice.org.uk/lual/. A recording of the service will be available for those unable to watch live.

A Light Up a Life at Home pack can also be ordered via the website for £5.

The pack includes an order of service, candle, LUAL bauble, two festive tea bags, a mince pie recipe and a vegan and gluten-free mince pie recipe.

Bethan said: “The packs enable supporters to capture the full experience of this special service. Packs can be ordered on the web page in return for a donation which helps us continue to care and support patients, not just at Christmas but whenever they need it the most.”

People watching via social media can visit the Hospice Facebook page at the time of the service.

Bethan Wade from East Cheshire Hospice with one of the Light Up A Life packs. 

Second Lockdown at the Hospice

Posted on by Luke Brightmore

Bedside visits to patients at East Cheshire Hospice are still being allowed during the new national lockdown.

There are already limited restrictions in place for visitors to the inpatient unit and these will continue over the four-week period.

The Hospice will also carry on with limited outpatient services at the Sunflower Centre, while the Hospice @Home service continues as normal.

Hospice shops at Thornton Square, Wilmslow and Poynton have closed until the lockdown ends on December 2, although online sales will continue via the shops’ Facebook pages.

Volunteers will continue to work on reception and staff will work from home where possible.

Meanwhile, the fundraising Firewalk event has been postponed from last Friday (Nov 6) to Friday 5th February 2021.

The Christmas tree collection will still go ahead on January 9/10 while complying to government restrictions.

Income Generation Director Rachel Allcock said: “We thank everyone for their patience and understanding during these difficult times.

“We will continue to deliver our services and will monitor the situation daily. If there is a change we will adapt accordingly to ensure we operate in a way that meets all Covid safety requirements. Our priority is the care of our patients in a safe and secure setting.”

The Hospice has not been able to hold a fundraising event since the last Christmas tree collection in January. A terrific community response has eased the financial strain and the hope is that the public will continue to support the Hospice during this latest lockdown.

Rachel Allcock, Income Generation Director at East Cheshire Hospice.

Rose and Peter Prepare for Firewalk

Posted on by Luke Brightmore

Rose Brocklehurst is guaranteed a warm reception when she returns to East Cheshire Hospice in a couple of weeks.

Not only because Rose once worked there, but also because she faces the daunting prospect of a Firewalk.

Rose and husband Peter have both agreed to take part in the challenge on Friday, November 6, starting at 7 pm.

Rose and Peter Brocklehurst who are undertaking a Firewalk.

They are raising funds in memory of Liz Brown whose husband Greg works at the farm they own near Congleton.

Greg, from Macclesfield, took part in the last Firewalk two years ago, shortly after Liz died at the Hospice, aged 38.

Liz and Greg Brown.

Rose and Peter were there to support him so know what to expect. Rose said: “We saw the flames turn into hot coals so watched the process and thought we’ll do it next time.

“I worked at the Hospice for nearly 20 years initially as a nurse and then as a complementary therapist so have first-hand experience of its role within the community and how it needs funds.”

Peter said: “We’re both fascinated by the challenge and I’ve seen people doing it before in India on television. We thought it’d be nice to raise money in Liz’s memory.”

To sponsor them visit justgiving.com/fundraising/rosemary-brocklehurst1

* There are still spaces at the Firewalk which is streamed live from Millbank Drive due to Covid-19, limiting spectator numbers. Safety briefings will be given online.

Visit eastcheshirehospice.org.uk/events/firewalk/. The £30 registration fee covers the cost of the event and additional sponsorship goes directly towards Hospice care.

 

From Pilates to Memory Miles

Posted on by Luke Brightmore

Friends who met through a pilates class several years ago put themselves through their paces again to help East Cheshire Hospice.

Carol Rayner, Dale Thomas, Sue Priestley, Maxine Seddon and Carol Palin wanted to lift the gloom around Covid-19.

That was partly why they were inspired to walk or cycle almost 1,100 miles, raising £750 for the charity.

The group took part in a Memory Miles event in which Hospice supporters undertook different challenges, some in memory of loved ones.

The charity’s initial aim of travelling 874 miles from John O’Groats to Land’s End was beaten early in the two-month campaign.

So the destination was changed to the Sahara Desert – an extra 2,470 miles – which is where the Hospice is actually organising a trek late next year.

Memory Miles, sponsored by Sidney Jackson and Son, has raised £5,420 with the pilates group covering the furthest distance from the combined efforts of fundraisers.

Carol Rayner said: “When we saw the Memory Miles event we all embraced the opportunity to help a local and vital charity and, in doing so, have gained a feeling of doing something positive at a time when it’d have been easy to dwell on all the negativity around Covid-19.

“We’ve all found that having something to aim for has lifted us individually too. I’ve personal experience of assisting in the care of a loved one until end-of-life at home.

“This happened during lockdown, otherwise a place at the Hospice would have been applied for. This experience made me realise what a vital service it provides.

“We pledged initially to raise £200 and walk 50 miles each.  I also pledged to cycle 250 miles and we  quickly exceeded in both our pledges.

“We’ve covered most of the distance individually because it was difficult to walk together regularly because of commitments.

“Each team member reports their daily distance to me on our group chat and I’ve kept a spreadsheet. We’ve encouraged and praised each other along the way and have all enjoyed the challenge.”

*Donate to the Memory Miles campaign at memorymiles.eastcheshirehospice.org.uk

From left, Carol Rayner, Dale Thomas, Sue Priestley, Maxine Seddon and Carol Palin.

Emayoga Class and Ryan Giggs’ Message

Posted on by Luke Brightmore

Yoga teacher Emma Hall is holding a virtual one-hour Zoom class on Saturday, June 27, from 9 am as her way of helping East Cheshire Hospice.

All proceeds will go to the Hospice which treated her friend Sarah Shackleton-Lamptey who died of breast cancer in 2014, age 36.

All abilities are welcome to join the yoga class and participants will be charged £5, with the option to donate more.

Yoga teacher Emma Hall.

Emma has taught yoga for five years, although it has been part of her life for 26 years.

Clients, including a number of large north west companies, have been joining her classes online during lockdown.

The mother of four sons said: “These yoga classes are designed to be accessible for anyone – of any age, flexibility, or ability level.

“So if you’re new to yoga, or looking for a greater challenge, then hopefully you’ll join the classes and raise money for a great cause.”

* To sign up visit eastcheshirehospice.org.uk/events/emayoga-live.

 

Meanwhile, ex-Manchester United star Ryan Giggs has sent a message of support for a fundraising campaign by Sarah’s husband Carl Lamptey.

Giggs said: “We need your support more than ever during these difficult times so please support the Hospice.”

Former City players Joe Corrigan and Michael Brown have also added their names to the appeal which has raised over £15,000 alone through Carl’s Just Giving page.

* To support Carl visit justgiving.com/fundraising/carl-lamptey6.

Lbs 4 £s Success

Posted on by Luke Brightmore

Banana and blueberry Belgian waffles – just one of the tasty treats served up during an East Cheshire Hospice health drive.

Sharing recipes, weight loss tips and new walking routes were all part of Lbs 4 £s, the Hospice’s 12-week fitness programme.

The initiative has raised £2,055 so far with the waffles earning Emma Machin the award for the tastiest looking breakfast.

Natalie Catterall raised £570 and shed almost two and a half stones after giving up chocolate, crisps, biscuits and cakes.

Natalie, whose late mum Hilary Woolliscroft was a Hospice patient, was not even tempted by a tipple of her favourite G and T.

Natalie Catterall and her late mum Hilary.

Natalie, a school business manager, said: “Dieting wasn’t easy but I didn’t veer from it and the fact I was raising money for the Hospice kept me on the straight and narrow.

“I had made the commitment and didn’t cheat and our group really enjoyed sharing experiences and tips via Facebook.

“I would get out of breath going up the stairs, but feel so much better now. It’s given me confidence to go to the gym and I might run a half marathon next year. I’ve completed a garden project with a lot of manual labour and couldn’t have done that before.”

Karen Hodkinson won the award for the most social media posts about her journey.

Hospice Events Assistant Bethan Wade said: “The aim was to lose weight, eat more healthily, improve fitness and well-being, or simply support the Hospice and everyone supported each other.”

Stay In And Go All Out!

Posted on by Luke Brightmore

Running, cycling, baking, dancing or singing…examples of activities that will help East Cheshire Hospice during the virus crisis.

The Hospice is urging the public to join its Virtual Challenge – which has the slogan ‘stay in and go all out’ – as it tries to raise £1m.

Individuals and groups are encouraged to visit its website eastcheshirehospice.org.uk/virtual-challenge to register their own fundraising challenges for his new initiative.

The appeal is being made amid the Covid-19 pandemic which will result in lost revenue of around £1m for the Hospice from cancelled events.

Action from last year’s Splash Out which is one of the fundraising events cancelled by East Cheshire Hospice.

Events Assistant Bethan Wade said: “We realise it’s a difficult time for everyone, but with time on their hands our Virtual Challenge is a simple and easy way to raise money for the Hospice.

“It could be a run round the garden, baking a cake, or even a London to Paris bike ride for anyone who might have an exercise bike and can perhaps build their daily outdoor exercise into the journey.

“There are many ways of raising money and it doesn’t have to be a sports activity. For instance, it could be a karaoke session, a danceathon or a quiz.”

Bethan Wade, Events Assistant at East Cheshire Hospice.

Community Fundraising Manager Carley Macey is organising the first Hospice Virtual Quiz on Friday, April 17, (7.30 pm) and has set up a Virtual Balloon Race this weekend.

Balloons, costing £3 each, are launched from Jerusalem on Easter Sunday and the one which travels the furthest in a straight line in a week wins £500. Second prize is an Apple iPad and 10 runners up each collect £10 book tokens.

Balloons will follow a simulated flight pattern based on the actual weather during the race. Supporters can buy as many balloons as they wish and the leading 100 balloons can be tracked via the race homepage. Enter at www.eastcheshirehospice.org.uk/events/easter-virtual-balloon-race

The Hospice had received more than £40,000 in donations in the first 10 days since it was forced to cancel its fundraising events.

Bethan said:  “We’ve had an amazing response so far, but this total is just a fraction of the revenue we’ve lost. The virus has had a major impact on the Hospice but we know the community will get behind us.”

Patient care is unaltered thanks to dedicated nursing staff and healthcare assistants who are using tablets and phones to link up patients as family visits are now severely restricted.

Hospice Events on Hold

Posted on by Luke Brightmore

East Cheshire Hospice has called off several major fundraising events because of the Coronavirus outbreak.

Activities have either been postponed or cancelled, leaving the charity without the funds on which it normally relies.

Next month’s Light Up The Night memory walk at Adlington Hall is one of the casualties and has been put back until Friday, September 11.

This year’s Splash Out event scheduled for July has been cancelled altogether.

Splash Out action from 2019. This year’s event has been cancelled.

Meanwhile, the charity’s Spring Ball which was on Friday (March 27) has been delayed to a future date.

Organisers will wait to confirm whether Tough Woofer at Capesthorne Hall on Sunday, October 18, goes ahead.

Hospice event organisers said: “Unfortunately, due to the current situation and Government advice, some of our important fundraising events have had to be cancelled or postponed.

“This is the last thing we want to do as so much hard work and organisation goes into these events and, of course, the money raised through them is essential in keeping the doors of your local Hospice open.

“However, the safety and well-being of our patients, staff, volunteers and our community is the highest priority and with this in mind we’ve had to make changes.”

Registrations for postponed events will be valid for the new date.

Those unable to attend, or who have registered for a cancelled event, are asked to consider leaving the money to the Hospice as a donation. Refunds are available via events@echospice.org.uk.

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