Events Archives - Page 9 of 10 - East Cheshire Hospice

The Faces of Tough Woofer 2019

Posted on 8th August 2019 by Luke Brightmore

Meet the two beautiful beagles ready for a starring role as models for Tough Woofer 2019.

Roxy and Harley will have their pretty faces splashed all over banners and billboards advertising the canine event organised by our events team.

The dogs, owned by Abigail Henshall and partner Steve Abraham, won our Facebook competition to find the cutest canines.

Unsurprisingly, Roxy (9) and Harley (3) had the most likes, earning them a photo shoot to promote the event on Sunday, October 20.

The pair received plenty of votes from pupils at Tytherington School where Abigail is a PE teacher.

Roxy and Harley are following in the paw prints of golden retriever Teddy, winner of the 2018 award and owned by Abigail’s friend Sophie Mercer, a PE teacher at All Hallows Catholic College in Macclesfield.

Abigail, from Lower Withington, said: “We’ve had Roxy since she was a pup and she’s got such a baby face that people often get them confused and think she’s the younger of the two. They certainly get a lot of attention when we’re walking with members of our beagle club.

“While she’s confident and a little sassy, Harley is full of anxiety. He’s a rescue dog and had issues after being given up twice before we took him on at 18 months old.

“Harley had been attacked in kennels which made him petrified of other dogs. He was scared by the slightest noise but now has turned his life around. So much so that he’s confident enough to do Tough Woofer.

“Beagles are notoriously hard dogs to train but we knew the breed really well and they’re well trained. Roxy puts Harley in his place and he takes the lead from her but they’re great mates.”

Their group from the Wirral and North Wales Beagle Club were out in force at last year’s event and will again tackle 5k course at Capesthorne Hall.

Abigail said: “It’s great fun and raises money for such a deserving cause. The venue is ideal and I’d encourage as many dog owners as possible to attend.”

The photo shoot was carried out by Alex Wright at teneightstudios in Macclesfield. (www.teneightstudios.co.uk)

M-Fest made impact

Posted on 17th July 2019 by Luke Brightmore

A mortgage business brought the music festival scene to Pott Shrigley, raising £1,511.47 for East Cheshire Hospice.

Visitors to M-Fest, organised by Mortgage Advice Bureau, enjoyed a distinct local flavour at the one-day bash held in a field.

The BBQ food and drink was free, having been supplied by butcher Jeremy Heathcote and the mortgage company, in return for a donation to charity.

Singer songwriter Ellie Grice, soul and funk band Treme and Cheshire-based band Taylor and Co provided musical entertainment.

Carly Green, Senior Mortgage Adviser at Mortgage Advice Bureau in Bollington, had the idea of M-Fest and directors Tom Barrass and Ian Pollock quickly backed the project.

Carly said: “We couldn’t have hoped for a more successful event. Our aim was to bring the local community together and raise money for a brilliant cause and I think we achieved that.

“More than 300 people registered to attend and many more turned up on the day. We’d like to thank the local community for making the day special, but most of all our staff and business partners for getting behind the festival.

“We also made a small donation to St Christopher’s Church in Pott Shrigley for their support in helping organise it.”

The rain couldn’t stop Splash Out!

Posted on 17th July 2019 by Luke Brightmore

Splash Out! brought more water than East Cheshire Hospice had expected but getting wet was always going to happen.

The first of almost 850 entrants defied the rain before skies brightened for later starters at Alderley Park.

The new-look event, sponsored by RRG Toyota in Macclesfield, saw families tackle five fun water challenges on the five-kilometre course.

Obstacles included a giant slippery slide and a wobbly floating bridge. The event was held in partnership with Francis House Children’s Hospice.

Jo Boyd, Events Manager at East Cheshire Hospice, said: “We’d like to thank everyone for coming along and raising much-needed funds for the Hospice.

“In particular, we’d like to thank Alderley Park for hosting us again and our sponsors RRG Toyota for their kind support. The event wouldn’t have happened without our volunteers and we’d also like to thank stallholders for their contribution.”

The Hospice’s next big fundraising event is Tough Woofer, on Sunday October 20.

Macclesfield Rugby Union FC turned Splash Out! into a pre-season warm up as more than 20 members took part.

Among their group were Jason and Jess Williamson and sons Finn and Monty, both 12, and nine-year-old Woody who plays for the club’s under 10s team.

Jason said: “It’s a good way for everyone from the club to bond before the new season and raise money for such a great cause.”

Claire Mitchell, from Macclesfield, and daughter Amy O’Hara (7), whose grandma Linda Mitchell used to volunteer for the Hospice, also took part.

Parents and pupils from Gawsworth Primary School were there in force with Claire Smith, herself a former teacher, firmly in their thoughts.

Gawsworth Primary class mates Maisie Sinclair and Grace Davis, both 9, also took part. Grace’s mum Miranda works at AstraZeneca, keen supporters of the Hospice.

Claire Hammond and daughter Amy, along with friends Mel Hitchener and Rachel Gilchrist, were remembering late family and friends who were cared for by the Hospice.

Gathering for ‘Gathering’

Posted on 17th July 2019 by Luke Brightmore

After months of enjoying the camaraderie of teamwork, international artist Susie MacMurray is now embarking on the last stages of her newest art creation.

After six months of painstaking sewing supported by 10 volunteers, Susie’s art installation, Gathering, is now in its final stages and will be set to move to Tatton Park in just over 10 days’ time.

Inspired by East Cheshire Hospice, the installation features 3,750 elements of red velvet and barbed wire which Susie is now threading onto the wires that will suspend the installation from the Mansion’s grand rotunda. It will be on display from June 27 to October 6 as part of Art Fair Cheshire 2019.

Susie said: “This final stage is an intricate process and is a solo effort.

“I’ve got a very clear vision of what I want it to look like and pulling it together is like handwriting – my individual interpretation.

“But it’s still a very collaborative piece and it’s been a very meaningful experience to work with the volunteer helpers who’ve all brought their own individual traits to the artwork.”

Susie’s helpers were all volunteers from the Hospice and the group spent many hours at her studio sharing memories of lost loved ones.

Susie, whose husband John died 12 years ago, said the work reflected the whole idea of the piece which is a gathering of people to support each other and share memories.

“We have had so many meaningful, intimate, hilarious and sad conversations whilst working on this piece,” she says.

“The Hospice is such a catalyst for extraordinary acts of kindness, generosity and care and the people who worked with me over the last six months illustrated that.”

The volunteers haven’t yet said goodbye to the artwork. They will once again spring into action to help Susie gently move the installation to Tatton Park where it will take up to a week to secure into place.

Using scaffolding to hang from the Mansion’s rotunda, it will eventually drop down two floors through the staircase atrium .

Afterwards, individual elements will be sold for a £30 donation to the hospice, with small wall pieces also on sale.

Susie has also painted a water colour of Gathering. A limited edition of 75 signed and numbered prints costs £225 each. All proceeds to the Hospice.

For more information visit www.gatheringattatton.co.uk. The project is supported by Arts Council England and The Arts Society.

Splash Out is coming!

Posted on 17th July 2019 by Luke Brightmore

Expect hours of soaking fun at a new family event organised by East Cheshire Hospice – Splash Out!

The summer event is already attracting large groups of friends all wanting to tackle the five fun water challenges over the five-kilometre course. Obstacles include a giant slippery slide and a wobbly floating bridge.

One family group, the Shore family from Buxton Road, are sure to stand out on the day.

“We’re calling ourselves The Last Jedis as some of us are huge Star Wars fans” says 39-year-old Lee Shore. “I’ve done some solo events and always thought it was a shame the whole family couldn’t get involved, so this is perfect”

Lee will be joined by sons Freddie, 12, and Harry, 9, and some of Harry’s team mates from Macclesfield Under-9s rugby club.

Currently there are 11 members in the group but likely to be many more on the day of the event which takes place at Alderley Park on Saturday, July 6.

Jo Boyd, Events Manager at East Cheshire Hospice, said: ” We think this is going to be fantastic event for teams – whether it’s birthday parties, sporting teams or youth organisations.”

Groups of 10 or more participants will receive a 10% discount.

This Friday ( May 31) is the deadline to buy Early Bird tickets for the event which are priced at £20 for adults and £10 for children.

Splash Out! is being held in partnership with Francis House Children’s Hospice.

For more information and to enter go to eastcheshirehospice.org.uk/splashout19

New Splash Out Sponsor!

Posted on 9th May 2019 by Luke Brightmore

Local car dealership, RRG Toyota, has been confirmed as sponsors of this summer’s new family fun event for East Cheshire Hospice – Splash Out!

Rain or shine, the July event is sure to guarantee huge amounts of fun as entrants tackle five fun water challenges over a five-kilometre course. Obstacles include a giant slippery slide and a wobbly floating bridge.

RRG General Manager, Nigel Clarke, says the company is delighted to be involved with the event and he expects to see a staff team take part in the event which takes place on Saturday, July 6 at Alderley Park.

“The Hospice is a great local cause and we are very pleased to be associated with this brand new event,” he said.

Splash Out! replaces Bubble Rush in the Hospice’s fundraising calendar and the Hospice events team are sure it’ll will guarantee a great family day out.

Jo Boyd, Events Manager at East Cheshire Hospice, said: ” When water and children are involved, its always going to be fun and Splash Out! promises plenty of that. “

There’s just over a week left to buy Early Bird tickets for the event, which is being held in partnership with Francis House Children’s Hospice, one of Manchester’s favourite children’s charities. Early Bird tickets are priced at £20 for adults and £10 for children.

For more information and to enter go to eastcheshirehospice.org.uk/splashout19

Light Up The Night, How did it go?

Posted on 12th April 201912th April 2019 by Luke Brightmore

Scores of families turned Light Up The Night into a major triumph for East Cheshire Hospice. Around 600 walkers strolled past the tranquil setting of Capesthorne Hall before a firework display.
For many Friday’s event was a poignant occasion, remembering loved ones with special memory lanterns. Among them Susan Brown whose husband Tony (69) died last May and was treated by the charity’s Hospice @ Home service. Daughters Liz and Helen have helped raise £1,000 in their father’s memory.

The event is hoping to raise £70,000 and walkers are urged to return sponsorship monies by the end of the month if possible. Emma Cleek, from Tytherington, and daughter Lottie (7), a pupil at Marlborough Primary School, were joined by Emma’s sister Alex Fiddler. The trio were remembering auntie Val who died in a hospice two years ago.

Toby Beesley, whose mum Beth is a nurse at East Cheshire Hospice, was joined by Ollie Stubbens, Nicky Holmes and Georgie Vaughan. The walk was started by Hospice Patron Charlie Lawson, the former Coronation Street actor, while Hospice Chaplain Margaret Lillis led a minute’s reflection.

Round-the-world sailor Heather Broadbent spoke about her forthcoming challenge and Hospice links. Pam Webster, a Health Care Assistant at the Hospice, explained how every step and every pound raised makes a difference to patients.

The event was again sponsored by Ford dealers Sidney Jackson.

Jo Boyd, Events Manager at the Hospice, said: “We’d like to thank our sponsors and all those who helped in many different ways, including more than 50 volunteers. The venue is fantastic.
Fortunately the weather was kind and we hope everyone who came along enjoyed the event.”

Light Up The Night – in memory of Jean

Posted on 26th March 2019 by Luke Brightmore

My name is Georgia and, along with four other grandchildren and one daughter of Jean’s, we are taking part in the Light up the Night event in memory of our Grandma and Mum.

Jean was diagnosed as terminally ill with cancer early last year and got taken in to the East Cheshire Hospice in September as her respite. Within her stay at the Hospice, Jean fell in love with the place, especially the staff and the food. Jean also loved the Jacuzzi bath (with a cheeky glass of Vimto) and all the pampering which was given to her whilst she stayed at the Hospice. When visiting Jean, all of her loved ones saw how happy and vibrant she was because of the way the staff were looking after her. After being discharged, Jean continued to go to the Sunflower Centre at the Hospice every Tuesday and thoroughly enjoyed the painting, getting her hair done and going to Reiki therapy.

The reason we have chosen to take part in this event is because we know how proud our Grandma/Mum would be of us for doing this and raising money for this very worthy cause. The way that the staff helped Jean was amazing and we want to do all we can to thank them so taking part in this event is a way for us to remember our Grandma/Mum but also raise money for the Hospice to help carry on the amazing care that they give to every patient in need.

Art Fair 2019 – Volunteers

Posted on 26th March 2019 by Luke Brightmore

Art Fair Cheshire is on the lookout for volunteers to help at two special events to mark its 20th anniversary.

An exhibition at Macclesfield Town Hall (Thurs, Sept 26 to Thurs, Oct 3) will celebrate two decades of exhibiting and selling art for East Cheshire Hospice.

Highlights include artist-led tours, evening gallery events, plus guest speakers and workshops.

Volunteers have already come forward but more are needed to help as stewards, on reception and assist catering.

Stewards are also required for a major new artwork entitled Gathering which goes on display at the Mansion in Tatton Park from June 28 to Sept 29.

This spectacular installation will see red velvet and barbed wire suspended in the Mansion’s grand rotunda.

Artist Susie MacMurray has been collaborating with Hospice volunteers to create the thousands of individual elements, a project inspired partly by memories, mortality and loss.

Camilla Crockett, the Hospice’s Corporate and Community Relationships Manager, said: “Art Fair Cheshire is recognised as one of the region’s leading art events and has contributed more than £200,000 to the Hospice.

“Volunteers and potential sponsors are asked to come forward for both events. Helpers don’t necessarily need to know about art and all that matters is a desire to help the Hospice.”

Art Fair Cheshire, co-chaired by Steven Dalton and Georgie Johnson, has a new website theartfair.org.uk.

* Interested volunteers/sponsors can visit contact@theartfair.org.uk.

Walking for Lucy

Posted on 26th March 2019 by Luke Brightmore

A group of family and friends will be walking to light up the night in honour of a “phenomenal” individual.

The 13-strong group will be taking part in East Cheshire Hospice Light Up the Night Walk, formerly known as the Starlight Walk, in memory of Lucy Nicholls who spent her final days at the Hospice in February 2018.

Lucy, from Macclesfield, was a Coaching Development Officer for England Netball and was diagnosed with non-Hodgkin lymphoma in the Autumn of 2016.

Her friend, Esme Pogue, says the walk is a special event on a range of levels.

“There’s a great sense of community which comes from everyone taking part whether they’ve lost someone or not,” says Esme. “The walk generates our own thoughts and memories of our loved ones and we are able to do something together to support each other.

“It’s also just a beautiful walk – very lovely and peaceful,” she adds.

The walk through the grounds of Capesthone Hall takes place at dusk on the evening of Friday April 5 and alongside the walk, there will be music, entertainment, food and drink and the evening will come to a spectacular end with a firework display to Light Up The Night.

The group will include members of Lucy’s family including father Geoff and step-mum Carolyn along with her brother Benjamin and sister Emily, as well as some former school friends from Fallibroome Academy in Macclesfield.

“We all did the walk last year which was only a couple of months after Lucy passed away. Although it was emotionally challenging, it was really important to have that special time together to remember her,” says Esme.

“We raised almost £2500 on that walk so we had no hesitation in signing up to help raise some funds again for such a good cause. The staff at the Hospice were incredible and brought a lot of comfort to her family at such a difficult time,” says Esme who has set up an online fundraising page at justgiving.com/fundraising/lightupthenight2019 or people can also donate via text: text ELCN72 with the amount i.e. £5 to 70070.