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East Cheshire Hospice trekkers on a visit to Iceland

Posted on by Becky Sidwell

A close-up of earth’s amazing power and stunning scenery were enjoyed by East Cheshire Hospice trekkers on a visit to Iceland.

The 11-strong group witnessed the effects of a recent volcanic eruption during a trip which raised more than £35,000 for the Hospice.

Mel Curwen, a volunteer in the Hospice’s fundraising department, was inspired to return after falling in love with Iceland on a family holiday.

She said: “We drove through Grindavik which was eerie. The town was mostly deserted as lava was so close. The volcano erupted again just after we left.

Fundraisers from East Cheshire Hospice on their Iceland trek.

“The trek was challenging due to the terrain and weather conditions. We kept writing ‘ECH’ in the snow for motivation as we went along. As a group we were proud of what we achieved.

“We’re also humbled by the support, encouragement and sponsorship we received. The Hospice needs to raise more than £9,300 a day.

Ice-cool hikers in Iceland. 

Accountant James Bostock, partner at long-established Josolyne LLP in Macclesfield, was also on the trip.

He said: “The trek was fantastic. We all bonded as a group, coming from similar backgrounds and all trying to support the Hospice.

“I do a lot of hiking and walking and was able to support others who found the hike more of a challenge.

A moment of relaxation for the group.

“Many of our staff and clients have been touched by the Hospice in some way. For example, my business partner Chloe Harrison had two grandparents cared for there.

“She is dedicated to helping the Hospice as are our colleagues and myself.”

The Fishers are doing their bit for East Cheshire Hospice

Posted on by Becky Sidwell

Plasterer Lee Fisher will be out and about touring in his van collecting Christmas trees like he does every January.

It is very much a family affair for Lee whose wife Alex and mum Judith will join him on their road trip.

The Fishers are doing their bit for East Cheshire Hospice like dozens of other volunteers over the weekend of January 11 and 12.

Travelling far and wide picking up trees for recycling in lieu of a donation to the Hospice.

Volunteers Lee Fisher, mum Judith and wife Alex.

The next collection celebrates the 25th anniversary of an award-winning scheme which provides vital funds for patient care.

Lee, from Macclesfield, got involved 12 years ago through a link with co-founder Pete Chapman.

Lee said: “Pete’s son Rob is one of my best mates and he went round collecting Christmas trees for charity one year.

“That’s how it all started and once I got a bigger transit van for work Rob collared me and said, ‘you’re doing this tree collection.’

“I was happy to help. It’s my good deed for the year.

“I donate my van and don’t even ask for a penny in fuel. Hiring vans is a big cost which would have to come out of the pot for the Hospice.”

The Fishers’ route covers Prestbury, where Judith works part-time in the village pharmacy. Alex is an assistant head teacher at Dean Valley Community Primary School in Bollington.

Lee said: “I drive because Alex usually ends up doing some damage to the van. One year she drove into a pillar and that was pretty painful.

“Mum tells us where we’re going and I jump out with Alex and put the trees in the back of the van.

“We drop them off for mulching at West Park.

“Donations are made online and we get a booklet with all the information. It’s a good day and everyone is in high spirits.

“The scheme is extremely well run and Pete and his co-organiser Richard Raymond work so hard.

“The scheme won the Queen’s Award the other year which was well deserved.

“I grew up at the back of the Hospice. My gran used to knit blankets for them and our family know people who’ve been helped by the charity.”

Registrations are open at www.echtrees.org.uk

The collection covers postcode areas CW12, SK9, SK10, SK11, SK12 & WA16.

The scheme has also been a finalist twice in the National Recycling Awards.

Can you lend a van to East Cheshire Hospice for its Christmas tree collection?

Posted on by Becky Sidwell

Can you lend a van to East Cheshire Hospice for its Christmas tree collection?

Organisers need transport for trees over the weekend of January 11 and 12.

East Cheshire Hospice needs vans for its Christmas tree collection.

The charity is hoping companies or individuals can help by loaning vans, meaning even more of the donations go towards patient care.

Companies without vans can still assist by sponsoring van hire for £250 with their logo printed on the side of the vehicle.

Whatever way firms offer help, they will be able to announce via social media, or on their website, that they are supporting the collection.

Loaned vans must be three-seater, with volunteers who collect trees from driveways using the two passenger seats.

They must be flatbed Luton make or large transit vans.

Vans are a vital part of the tree collection.  

Hospice corporate fundraiser Luke Oldham said: “We need your help. The loan of a van would be a great way for companies to get involved in a scheme which raises a huge amount each year from donations.

“Ideally, you would provide the van and a driver but if it is the van only then we have volunteer drivers available who will be insured.

“We need the vans for both the Saturday and Sunday of the collection, though if available for only one of those days that is still a big help.”

Anyone who can help can contact Luke on 01625 433477 or email luke.oldham@echospice.org.uk

Organisers are also looking for volunteers to deliver leaflets to homes in the Congleton area to publicise the collection.

Anna Rains, Supporter & Author

Posted on by Becky Sidwell

The accolades are flowing as freely as the words for Anna Rains after her long-awaited debut as a published author.

Now 82, the East Cheshire Hospice stalwart has written three books this year, all available on Amazon.

There is even talk that her most recent work, her first novel A Senator’s Mistress, may be turned into a film.

The story, inspired by her fascinating life in California in the late 60s, has led to an interview request from American TV network ABC.

A big chapter of her life, though, is devoted to the Hospice where she is part of an Angel donor group.

Anna at the Art Fair she helped set up.

The charity owes a great debt to the grandmother who has lived around Macclesfield since 1983.

In 1998, Anna was chair of the Hospice’s 10th anniversary fundraising appeal to build the Sunflower Centre.

Her team raised £300,000 and held an Art Exhibition which she helped run for many years.

Anna dictates manuscripts onto her laptop.

She said: “I can happily sit there and write 1,000 words in barely an hour. It pours out.

“I do it for the love of writing and the power of words.

“My mother was a writer and loved poetry. She only wrote one book which was turned into a five-part children’s TV series.

“I still think she helps me out from the other side if I’m stuck for words.”

Anna Rains with her novel A Senator’s Mistress.

Anna’s literary journey took off after The Quirky Clan, a story about her eccentric family history, was published in April.

Publishers wanted more, leading to Ghostly Tales And Curious Stories from England, a collection of short stories released in June.

A Senator’s Mistress followed in October. Anna said: “I sent the opening chapters to the publisher who said he stopped everything and cancelled meetings to read it.

“The publisher is working on worldwide markets and a film. Notes I’ve scribbled over 20 years are used in my stories. I never throw anything away.”

Another book The Curse of the Black Lake is underway.

Anna said: “I still go to writing class weekly. It doesn’t matter what the teacher throws at me, by the time I leave the room I’ve got another story in my head.”

Anna gives talks about the Hospice, helps at Mottram bowling club, is a member of the WI and makes quilts.

She said: “I don’t sit around very much.”

Unless, of course, she is composing her next novel.

40th anniversary of Live Aid

Posted on by Becky Sidwell

Macclesfield is marking the 40th anniversary of Live Aid with a special Hospice Aid concert at Cinemac Cinema.

Organisers hope to raise at least £10,000 for East Cheshire Hospice from the show on Saturday, July 12.

Musicians will recreate well-known hits from the Wembley concert which featured artists including Queen, David Bowie, Elton John, George Michael and Paul McCartney.

Hospice Aid is on the same weekend as Live Aid in 1985.

Doug Skelton and Beth Moss, co promoters of Hospice Aid.

The tribute event is jointly promoted by musicians Doug Skelton and Beth Moss who want to enlist the support of local businesses.

The pair met through Beth’s appearances for popular covers band Macc Woodfleet and collaborations with Doug’s group The Cinema Show.

Beth, a talented pianist and singer, is responsible for Hospice Aid’s musical arrangement.

Guitarist Doug said: “The 40th anniversary is too good an opportunity to miss to stage a local celebration of an iconic music event.

“We’ve set an ambitious fundraising target for the Hospice and urge businesses who want to get involved to contact us.

“We’re casting a wide net from a corporate angle. It’s a perfect fit for local companies wanting to help with sponsorship, or any other promotional aspect.

“They’ll be raising funds for a magnificent cause.”

Doug also wants to hear from anyone with a Live Aid link.

He said: “There’s a chance someone out there was involved in some way or another in 1985. It’d be great to hear from them.”

* To contact Doug and Beth and get involved email hospiceaid25@gmail.com

Inspiring story told by Georgia Leah

Posted on by Becky Sidwell

Brave mum Georgia Leah was the star of the show with a moving account of how East Cheshire Hospice helped her family.

Georgia told a packed audience at a glittering ball at Cranage Hall about her experiences when husband Leon died in March 2023.

Guests were moved to tears by her inspiring story of how the Hospice came to the rescue when Leon needed care during his final weeks.

The drayman at Wincle Brewery died from pancreatic cancer, aged 53.

The ball, organised by fundraisers What Women Want, raised £24,600 for the Hospice.

Georgia, from Macclesfield, readily accepted an invitation to be guest speaker.

Georgia Leah (centre) with relatives Bridie Gilligan (left) and Nicole Ronan at the ball.

The request came from Jill Harding, a health care assistant at the Hospice and one of the five female fundraisers in the group.

Georgia said: “I started crying when I was asked if I’d give a speech and said, ‘Of course I’ll help.’

“I’ll do whatever I can to help the Hospice. I was nervous and shaking during the speech, but it went down well.

“I’d never written a speech like that before but spoke from the heart. More than half the room must have come up to me afterwards to give me a hug and say how amazing it was.

“I said I was just telling them the truth about what we experienced and how incredible the Hospice were.

“Leon didn’t want to go into the Hospice initially, even though it was to manage his pain.

“But the Hospice became our second home for the next three weeks and allowed us to be a family and spend proper time together. Changing medication gave us Leon back and he started to smile again.

“When our world was falling apart the Hospice gave us the support we needed to keep going.

“Whether that was a hug when needed, medication for Leon and even having those hard conversations.

“Leon felt more comfortable knowing that people were there to look after me and our  daughter Ruby, who is now four.”

Georgia has raised £10,000 for the Hospice and is considering hosting her own ball.

She said: “I’d love to keep doing big fundraising runs but am conscious that I’m asking the same group of people for donations all the time.

“Maybe a ball is a good idea, with help. Ruby and me still go to the Hospice. It’s a big part of our lives and always will be.”

A special video message to promote the Hospice’s Christmas tree collection

Posted on by Becky Sidwell

It’s Christmas!’

The famous catchphrase of singer Noddy Holder who is using his festive fame to help East Cheshire Hospice.

The musician has recorded a special video message to promote the Hospice’s Christmas tree collection on January 11 and 12.

The short video is inspired by his iconic ‘It’s Christmas’ line from the 1973 smash hit Merry Xmas Everybody.

The song is part of Christmas as much as turkey and trees with a remastered Girls Aloud version currently featuring in a TV advert for online retailer Very.

Noddy’s wife Suzan said: “Noddy is synonymous with Christmas as much as Santa himself. The ‘It’s Christmas’ line was actually an ad-lib in the recording studio.

Noddy Holder and wife Suzan (right) with Hospice chief executive Karyn Johnston at Art Fair Cheshire.

“People must think Noddy has a microchip in him which triggers the song every time he walks into a shop.

“When our son Django was young, a shop tannoy started playing the song. Django decided to sing along at the top of his voice while shouting ‘It’s your song Daddy! Daddy, it’s you.’

“His antics began to draw a crowd and Noddy had to scarper.”

“The song gets played a lot and Noddy loves the fact it’s still so popular.”

The Hospice tree collection is celebrating its 25th anniversary. The charity is making a film about the scheme and its history.

The collection covers postcode areas CW12, SK9, SK10, SK11, SK12 & WA16.

* Visit www.echtrees.org.uk to register your tree or call the customer care helpline on 01625 708939.

Win a papier mâché sculpture of Noddy Holder

Posted on by Becky Sidwell

A mini version of singer Noddy Holder in his Seventies heyday will be a special Christmas present for a lucky supporter of East Cheshire Hospice.

A papier mâché sculpture of the legendary Slade front man is being raffled off to raise funds for the Hospice.

Noddy and his wife Suzan have commissioned the model to support the Hospice where they are both patrons.

Tickets are £10 and can be bought from www.eastcheshirehospice.org.uk/campaign/noddy-holder-sculpture-raffle/

The competition runs until December 15 when the lucky winner will be drawn by Noddy himself.

Noddy Holder with a sculpture of himself. 

Renowned artist Patty Callaghan has created the impressive sculpture of Noddy, complete with his guitar.

The work is a replica of her model sold at Art Fair Cheshire several weeks ago.

Artist Patty Callaghan with her papier mâché work.

The model is called Cum on Feel The Noize, the title of the glam rock group’s No 1 record in 1973.

Suzan said: “The sculpture is a wonderful piece of work. Noddy and I were taken by surprise when we saw it at the Art Fair. We had no idea it’d be there.

“When we shared the pictures on social media, there was a lot of interest. People said how great the sculpture was.

“We thought it’d be a good idea to raffle another model to raise more money for the Hospice, giving people a chance to own this piece of unique artwork.

A close-up view of the Noddy Holder model.

“Noddy said he didn’t want to sell to the highest bidder or hold an auction and Patty kindly agreed to help.

“We wanted to organise a raffle so anyone can put £10 in the hat and has a chance of winning it.

“The raffle is a great way to raise funds for the Hospice and hopefully a lot of tickets will be sold for such a wonderful cause.”

Noddy and Suzan became patrons of the Hospice after meeting Professor Was Mansoor, a fellow patron.

Prof Mansoor is a consultant medical oncologist at The Christie in Manchester where he treated Noddy for oesophageal cancer in 2018.

Suzan said: “We asked Prof Mansoor how we could thank him for what he’d done for Noddy and he suggested that we get involved with the Hospice.

“He told us what a great charity the Hospice is and after the way he looked after Noddy we’ll do anything the Professor says. Noddy is in good form.”

Get into the Christmas spirit at a Light Up A Life service

Posted on by Becky Sidwell

Remember someone special and get into the Christmas spirit at a Light Up A Life service on Sunday, December 8, starting at 4 pm.

The 40-minute service is organised by East Cheshire Hospice which has teamed up with Macclesfield Town Council for the first time for the event.

There is no need to have any Hospice link to attend and tickets are not required.

The venue is the United Reformed Church, Macclesfield.

Last year’s Light Up A Life service.

Afterwards guests can browse stalls selling festive items and handmade goods while enjoying a mince pie and a glass of mulled wine.

The Hospice choir Claritas will be performing at the service which is conducted by Hospice Chaplain Marion Tugwood.

The service will not be streamed live but will be available on the Hospice website a few days later.

Amy Williams, the Hospice’s Family and Friends Fundraising Co-ordinator said: “We’re delighted to link up with Macclesfield Town Council for this family occasion.

“Children are welcome to join the service and there’ll be special safety candles for them to personalise.”

The service will be accompanied by a signer.

Marion said: “The service of remembrance is a beautiful way to come together at Christmas to remember those no longer with us.

Hospice Chaplain Marion Tugwood.

“I’ve been at the Hospice for two years and my very first duty when I arrived was to lead the Light Up a Life service.

“I love my job and it’s a privilege to sit with people during difficult times and to be there for them.”

Look out for thousands of reindeers racing across Macclesfield and beyond!

Posted on by Becky Sidwell

Look out for thousands of reindeers racing across Macclesfield and beyond!

It is time for Reindeer Rush, an easy way to provide a big help to East Cheshire Hospice.

Parkroyal Community School taking part in last winter’s Santa Dash.

Schools and organisations are invited to take part in the charity’s biggest mass participation event.

Last year’s Santa Dash involved 39 schools, raising a massive £59,209, one of the largest amounts in the event’s history.

The Hospice gives festive headwear to everyone taking part.

The Hospice toast last year’s bumper amount.

Community and Events fundraiser Sarah Elvin said: “We always put together a fun Christmas activity for local schools and youth groups.

“It’s designed so organisers can plan around their calendars. We ask them to raise sponsorship to help provide vital funds for the Hospice.

“You choose a date to gather in a location of your choice, like a school field, playground, hall or park.

“It can be as inclusive as possible, so feel free to put your own spin on it.

“It doesn’t have to be a run. It could be a Festive Boogie, Nature Walk or Treasure Hunt. The most important thing is to have fun.”

The Hospice provides sponsorship envelopes to collect donations from friends and family, access to a JustGiving campaign for anyone wanting to fundraise online and the all-important headgear for all participants.

Sarah said: “We can also provide a fun presentation about the run and the Hospice to share with pupils or group members.”

Enter via the Hospice website, email events@echospice.org.uk or call 01625 433477.

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