Fundraising Archives - East Cheshire Hospice
01625 610364
Skip to content

Category: Fundraising

Old Millstone pub celebrate their latest fundraising challenge

Posted on by Becky Sidwell

Regulars at the Old Millstone pub held a special thank you party to celebrate their latest fundraising challenge.

A seven-strong group, including landlady Eli Feney, climbed Ben Nevis raising almost £2,500 for East Cheshire Hospice.

Eli took part in memory of her mum Susan Humphries who died six years ago, aged 63.

Regulars from the Old Millstone at the top of Ben Nevis.

It was a poignant trip for Amy Done whose great grandad was cared for by the Hospice.

Brian Izzard and daughter Jodi also made the journey, along with Emma McFadden, Adam Harrison and Anne Marie Rochford, all of them supporting the same cause.

Barmaid Lizzie Fieldson raised more funds by riding a static bike inside the pub, her bad knees ruling her out of the trip.

Eli said: “We do so much for charity that we’ve become a community hub. We help the organisation Giving Train which gives back to those in need.

“We also raise money for lots of other things and later this year we’re climbing Scafell.

Ready for the climb … from left, Anne Marie Rochford, Brian and Jodi Izzard, Adam Harrison, Amy Done, Eli Feney and Emma McFadden.

“I climbed Snowdon a couple of years ago and that was much easier compared to Ben Nevis.

“I spent many months in a Hospice when I lost my mum to cancer. Hospice care isn’t just about helping people die with dignity, it’s about helping them live out life with love.

“We held a party to thank everyone who always backs me for every event.”

Nik Kalka has ended his brief boxing career as a winner

Posted on by Becky Sidwell

Tireless fundraiser Nik Kalka has ended his brief boxing career as a winner both inside and outside the ring.

The security manager came out on top in his second and final bout, bringing the total raised for East Cheshire Hospice to more than £4,500.

That was from two white-collar fights in which his sole aim was to support the charity which cared for his late friend Sam Burt.

Nik failed to make it past the first round in November, but he bounced back four months later by knocking out his next opponent.

Nik said: “I had a huge amount of support in the first fight and lots of people came to watch me.

Nik Kalka celebrates his win.

“The fight didn’t go the way I wanted and that’s not how I wanted the story to end, so I thought I’d go back and have another go and raise a bit more money.

“I was really motivated because I knew there was a reason for it.

“I pushed myself as hard as I could because it was for a cause and in memory of Sam. I also wanted to prove to myself that I could do it.”

Nik trained solidly for eight weeks for each fight, with a break over Christmas.

“I’ve achieved what I wanted to do with these fights and completed this journey. It was only ever for the Hospice.

“I was never going to be a professional boxer. At 35, I’m too old and not good enough.

Nik Kalka powers his way to victory.

“I’d like to thank everyone who supported me and now it’s on to the next fundraising challenge.

“A lot of people wanted to see me get punched in the face and that’s what’s happened. But joking aside, I’ve raised a lot of money.

“My first opponent was a different standard, while the next fighter was someone I’d trained with.”

Sam, an IT technician at Fallibroome Academy, died in 2017, aged 27.

Nik said: “The Hospice gave Sam and his family the comfort, care, and dignity they needed, and this was my way of giving back

“The Hospice means the world to me. I’ve been overwhelmed by the incredible support for my fundraising. It genuinely made a huge difference.”

Starlight Sisters!

Posted on by Becky Sidwell

Two sisters will be back for the Starlight Walk next month to once again honour the memory of their parents.

Elaine Alston and Christine Mothershaw did not know what to expect at last year’s event, organised by East Cheshire Hospice.

Sisters Elaine Alston (left) and Christine Mothershaw with Hospice mascot Sunny the Dog.

But it was so enjoyable they are looking forward to joining scores of other walkers at Capesthorne Hall on Thursday, May 15.

Their brother Paul Moss is hoping to join them this time.

Their father David John Moss spent three weeks at the Hospice in 2023, while their mother Marina passed away in 2017.

The family are Macclesfield born and bred.

Elaine and Christine said: “We saw the best of human nature at the Starlight Walk. It was a moving occasion and we realised we weren’t alone.

Sisters Elaine Alston (left) and Christine Mothershaw at the Starlight Walk.

“We witnessed friends and families supporting each other and took away feel-good memories.

“We felt we were helping the Hospice and giving back the support they’d given us, especially at our most vulnerable time.

“We’ll always continue to support the excellent service of the Hospice in any way we can.”

The walk, sponsored by Adamley Textiles, starts at 7 pm. The 2.5k course winds through beautiful grounds with stops for reflection.

Elaine said: “We went round four times, though you can choose how far you walk.

“On the third lap, we found a spot by the lake and placed a candle each for mum and dad. We were shining a light for them in their memory and it was a special moment.”

The siblings, all retired, were able to spend quality time with their parents.

Elaine was a midwife, and both Christine and Paul worked in a bank. Latterly, Christine was a ward clerk at the Spire Regency Hospital.

Elaine said: “Having worked in the NHS, I felt the Hospice really did give individual quality care and you want more people to have this same opportunity if needed.

“Dad had a short illness. We were eternally grateful to the Hospice, including afterwards. At the walk they looked after us, making us feel special and a valued family.

“Every time we see Hospice staff they talk about dad. I’m amazed they can remember he liked Macclesfield Town and his other great passion was crown green bowling at West Park.

“It makes you think that if they’re doing that for us, they’re doing it for everyone else as well.” * To register visit www.eastcheshirehospice.org.uk/starlight-walk-2025

Claritas will add a musical flavour to the Treacle Market

Posted on by Becky Sidwell

Claritas will add a musical flavour t0 the Treacle Market from 1 pm on Sunday, April 27.

Bring your singing voices as the East Cheshire Hospice community choir entertains visitors with a repertoire of well-known songs.

The choir has raised more than £50,000 for the Hospice since it was formed almost 20 years ago.

Claritas choir which is appearing at the Treacle Market.

Members rehearse every Monday in the chapel at the Hospice under the guidance of Tim Sparks who took over as musical director last year.

As well as conducting the choir, all-rounder Tim plays keyboard, guitar and ukelele.

Claritas chair Gail Robinson said: “The choir underwent a big change with the retirement of our excellent long-serving director Kath Ibbotson and the departure of our wonderful pianist Hilary Balsdon who moved down south.

“Tim is a fantastic replacement and so versatile. We’ve got about 15 new members taking our membership up to about 58. After Covid we went down to about 30.

“The acoustics in the chapel are excellent and we have a lot of good fun enjoying singing, while raising money for such a deserving cause.

“People are welcome to join us and can find out more from our website www.claritaschoir.com.”

The group also sing at Christmas concerts, including Light Up a Life services organised by the Hospice.

Gail’s many interests include flower arranging at the Hospice and volunteering in its gardens, while husband Lawrence drives furniture vans and collects Christmas trees for the Hospice.

The Hospice’s new head of fundraising

Posted on by Becky Sidwell

First impressions soon convinced Laura Tomlinson that she made the right choice joining East Cheshire Hospice.

The Hospice’s new head of fundraising leads a team without whom the Hospice would not exist.

Such is the department’s importance inspiring the public to give generously to a cause dear to its heart.

Laura is already loving her role after only a few weeks in post.

Laura Tomlinson, the new head of fundraising at East Cheshire Hospice.

She said: “You can feel the passion and energy here and that’s what I want to bring too.

“I like that we’re ambitious in what we do. We’re trying to lead the way and set the benchmark for other hospices.

“My initial impression is how warm and welcoming the Hospice is and I’m bowled over by the depth of support we provide.

“It’s easy to think it’s a hospice with end-of-life care, an inpatient unit, and Hospice @Home.

“But there’s so much more that we do, like all the support we offer to help a person’s wellbeing at the Sunflower Centre and out in the community.”

Laura has spent 11 years in the charity sector. She worked at Marie Curie before taking a gap year travelling with younger sisters Anna and Josie and two friends.

Then came eight years at Maggie’s where she was fundraising manager at its cancer support centre in Oldham.

Laura said: “I knew from Marie Curie that I loved fundraising. It ticks all the boxes for me.

“I enjoy meeting amazing people from all walks of life who give time, energy and love to a charity.

“I love the buzz of organising events that bring people together and championing people in their fundraising.

“I had a taste of everything at Maggie’s, from working with corporate partners, to cheering on people climbing mountains, to supporting fundraisers holding bake sales, and everything in between!

“Being under the same roof as those who receive invaluable care is important to me.”

Fundraising is vital as the Hospice gets only 21 per cent of income from government, meaning an additional £9,362 is needed every day.

Laura said: “I never fail to be amazed by the generosity of people, whether they’re donating, fundraising, or giving us their time. People always find a way to help.”

“Everyone comes together and that’s special. It’s an absolute privilege to be here.

Share memories of someone special at Starlight Walk

Posted on by Becky Sidwell

Share memories of someone special at an enchanting woodland retreat at next month’s Starlight Walk at Capesthorne Hall.

The illuminated wooden hideaway offers a place of quiet reflection for walkers at the East Cheshire Hospice event on Thursday, May 15.

The hut along the route will be a sanctuary for walkers wishing to pause to remember loved ones.

Fundraiser Amy Williams (left) and chaplain Marion Tugwood at last year’s Starlight Walk.

The flagship fundraising walk starts at 7 pm, one hour after gates open, and is again sponsored by Adamley Textiles.

Entries are coming in fast. The walk starts with live entertainment and refreshment stalls and is followed by a 2.5k walk looping around the hall.

Hospice Family and Friends Fundraiser Amy Williams said: “The Starlight Walk is a wonderful evening and a poignant occasion for many remembering loved ones.

“A special area of quiet reflection will be signposted on the route. Walkers can write down precious memories about their loved ones to be hung up and Hospice chaplain Marion Tugwood will be there.

“Walkers also receive a note on seeded paper provided by Andrew Smith Funeral Services to be taken home for planting.”

Admission to the walk – £22.50 for adults and £17.50 for under 16s – only covers event costs so walkers are asked to raise sponsorship of at least £50 or donate of that amount.

Well-behaved dogs are welcome and there are no fireworks. The walk is not accessible for wheelchairs or pushchairs. * To register visit www.eastcheshirehospice.org.uk/starlight-walk-2025.

East Cheshire Hospice’s bespoke candle

Posted on by Becky Sidwell

A scented candle with an East Cheshire Hospice theme could make the perfect Mother’s Day present.

The bespoke gift has been created by Nicky Thorpe who lost two close relatives at the Hospice.

The candle fragrance is camomile, vanilla and lavender, a favourite plant in the Hospice gardens.

Nicky Thorpe with her East Cheshire Hospice candle.

Etched into the glass jar is a sunflower, the emblem of the Hospice, with the candle flickering when lit.

Nicky designed the eco-friendly gift from her workshop in Tytherington where she set up in business five years ago after three decades with AstraZeneca.

Candles cost £25, with £10 donated to the Hospice where Nicky has strong connections.

Her father Brian Cavanagh, a painter and decorator before he too worked at AstraZeneca, died in the Hospice in 2019, aged 82.

Her late mother-in-law Sheila Thorpe (82) was also a patient there in 2023, while Nicky has friends who work for the Hospice.

Nicky said: “I’ve created a couple of charity candles and thought it’d be a good idea to do something similar for the Hospice.

“I approached Luke Oldham, who’s part of the fundraising team, and between us we’ve created a fragrance. The Hospice is surrounded by lavender, so they were quite keen to have a lavender-based fragrance.

“A sunflower is neutral so any household could have one and support the Hospice at the same time.”

“After I lost my dad, I thought a candle might be a beautiful memento for families to take away and light in memory of their loved one.

“I’ve since made personalised candles for those who’ve lost relatives.”

Nicky’s business Molly Lou Home Fragrance is very much a family affair.

Daughter Molly Lou helped found the company during Covid, while son Josh helps with marketing and admin.

Husband Rick, a joiner, built a workshop at home. He has walked the Three Peaks of Scotland, Wales and England with friends in aid of the Hospice.

The couple own a company specialising in making bespoke kitchen and bedroom furniture.

Nicky said: “It’s incredible how much the candle making venture has grown. There’s been a lot of support with several outlets stocking our candles.

“Customers can refill jars to help with sustainability, while plant-based rapeseed and coconut wax is used.” * Hospice themed candles can be bought from www.mollyloucandles.co.uk.

Runner Luke Hughes to take on London Marathon for East Cheshire Hospice

Posted on by Becky Sidwell

Runner Luke Hughes was surprised to learn he is taking part in the London marathon.

Luke was among a record 840,000 applicants who entered the ballot for the run on Sunday, April 27.

Around 50,000 runners have places with Luke raising money for East Cheshire Hospice where he is a fundraiser.

Luke said: “I applied for the London marathon on a whim with a couple of mates and was the only one who got in.

Luke Hughes who is preparing for the London marathon.

“I was shocked to be honest. I suspect my pals are probably glad in the end that they weren’t successful.

“After last year’s event there was a big buzz on social media and that made me think of doing it. I didn’t expect to get a place. It can take years to be accepted.”

Luke only started running early last year and completed a 30k training run last month.

He said: “I almost caved in near the end but pushed myself as I’m going to have to run another 12k on top of that distance in the marathon.”

To sponsor Luke visit https://shorturl.at/ZKvlS

Luke and Hospice colleagues are busy preparing for the charity’s Starlight Walk at Capesthorne Hall on Thursday, May 15.

The route is 2.5k with the option to cover multiple laps. The memory walk has lighting, lanterns, fire pits, points of reflection and other features.

Gates open at 6 pm with the walk from 7 pm. There will be live entertainment with food and drink stalls.

* To register visit www.eastcheshirehospice.org.uk/starlight-walk-2025.

Sisters sell off prized possessions as a way of thanking East Cheshire Hospice

Posted on by Becky Sidwell

Sisters Imogen and Hattie Shuttleworth are generously selling off their prized possessions as a way of thanking East Cheshire Hospice for looking after their grandfather.

Richard Lea, from Macclesfield, is an inpatient at the Hospice after he was diagnosed with a stage four brain tumour on Christmas Eve.

He dotes on his two granddaughters, so the efforts made by them to support the Hospice are a great source of pride to him and his family.

Imogen (left) and Hattie with grandpa Richard Lea. 

Hattie, aged 10, ran a teddy bear stall outside her home which raised £400, while Imogen (14) will spend six months selling her beloved artwork.

Bollington Printshop print for free to support her fundraising, with all sale proceeds donated to the Hospice where the girls have been regular visitors to Richard’s bedside.

Imogen, a pupil at Church Lawton School, Staffordshire, said: “I’m volunteering as part of my Duke of Edinburgh’s Award and want to use my creativity and paint commissions, mostly of pets and landscapes, to raise money for the Hospice.

Hattie with her teddy bear stall.

“The charity is very important to our family as it cares for our grandpa who has a brain tumour.”

Hattie, who attends Ivy Bank Primary School, used her Christmas money to make friendship bracelets bearing messages.

Mum Verity said: “Hattie decided she wanted to sell her teddy bears to raise funds. Dad isn’t well but he’d be thrilled by what his granddaughters are doing.

Imogen and her artwork.

“We’re extremely grateful for the way the Hospice are looking after us all as a family.”

Imogen and Hattie have already raised more than £900.

* To donate visit www.justgiving.com/page/imogen-shuttleworth-1

AstraZeneca employees raise outstanding amount of funds

Posted on by Becky Sidwell

Employees at AstraZeneca in Macclesfield helped to raise more than £94,000 for East Cheshire Hospice and Silklife Foodbank last year.

Staff held a range of activities from quizzes, craft events, runs and a netball tournament to support the charities.

Fundraising activities were matched by AstraZeneca which was headline sponsor of Art Fair Cheshire and the Christmas tree collection which celebrated its 25th year.

The AZ donation to the Hospice in 2024 was a staggering £47,821.

AZ employees celebrate raising more than £94,000 for East Cheshire Hospice and Silklife Foodbank.

Guy Camm, from AZ, said: “Our employees know that our local charities need all the support they can get.  We’re constantly amazed at the wide variety of fundraising activities our teams always seem to have on the go!

“We’re delighted to match the donations raised for these charities, both of which provide such crucial support to individuals and families across our community.”

Rachel Allcock, from the Hospice, said: “Working with the AZ team is such a pleasure.  Their staff never fail to raise much-needed funds for the Hospice. We’re so grateful for their unwavering support.”

AZ employees regularly donate food and other much-needed items for the foodbank through two collection points permanently based at its Macclesfield campus.

Dan Blackman, from Silklife Foodbank, said: “AZ Macclesfield’s financial contribution has helped us to make a really meaningful difference to the most vulnerable families in our local community.”

Sign up to news and event updates
Follow us on