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Joe Corrigan spoke of his proud links to East Cheshire Hospice

Posted on by Becky Sidwell

Joe Corrigan spoke of his proud links to East Cheshire Hospice when Manchester City fans celebrated his MBE.

The former goalkeeper mentioned the charity when receiving a rapturous reception in front of 53,000 fans at City’s home game with West Ham.

Big Joe, from Tytherington, received the award in the New Year’s Honours list for services to charitable fundraising.

His role as a Hospice patron includes supporting fundraising campaigns and visiting football-loving patients.

Joe made 603 appearances for City between 1967 and 1983 and made nine appearances for England. The honour took him by surprise.

He said: “Words can’t describe it – it was totally unbelievable and I’m still in a bit of state of shock.

“It’s just an amazing honour to even be considered. My first emotion was one of disbelief.

“It’s the highest honour you can get. I got the envelope and on the cover it said, ‘On His Majesty’s Service’, and at first I thought it was a tax bill!

“But then when I opened it and read the contents, I just filled up.”

Joe would visit fans in hospital with teammates in his playing days.

He said: “Now I’m in a position where I’ve got a little bit little bit more free time to be able to do more charitable things.

“I’m an ambassador for East Cheshire Hospice which is a huge honour and I’m also so proud to be chairman of City’s Former Players Association, where we raise and donate money to a host of charities.”

Ex Man City keeper Joe Corrigan, who has received an MBE.

East Cheshire Hospice was once again the big winner from a golf day at Prestbury

Posted on by Becky Sidwell

East Cheshire Hospice was once again the big winner from a golf day at Prestbury.

The team event was won by printers Sphere UK, one of many generous supporters who raised a bumper £14,502 for the charity.

Sphere held off the challenge of 16 other teams to lift the prestigious Mactex Trophy.

The event, which has been running for 36 years, is the flagship competition on Prestbury’s charity golf calendar.

From left, Luke Hughes, Carley Macey, Nick Bianchi, Victoria Devon, Amanda Cross, John Davies and Nigel Preston.

Organisers were the tireless duo of John Davies, Director of Mactex Properties Ltd, and ex-golf professional Nigel Preston, from Interflex.

John’s involvement goes back to the first tournament. He said: “We had to postpone the event to another day due to rain, but the wait was well worthwhile.

“I’d like to thank our main sponsors, estate agents Holmes Naden, and other businesses and volunteers who helped us raise such a magnificent total.

“Supporters included Amanda Cross from Sphere UK, Victoria Devon, Paul and Nick Bianchi and Claire Gorton, Carley Macey, Luke Hughes and Sarah Elvin from the Hospice.

“Prestbury Golf Club are always wonderful hosts, boasting top class facilities and a course which is one of the finest in Cheshire.

“The Hospice need to raise £9,362 a day so the contribution from the golf day is a welcome addition to its funds.

“We’re aiming to make our 2025 golf day another big success.”

Swift Tree Services help out East Cheshire Hospice

Posted on by Becky Sidwell

Every tree collected by East Cheshire Hospice volunteers this weekend (Jan 11-12) will be recycled for biomass fuel.

The Christmas trees will be transported to Adlington-based Swift Tree Services before they are taken to be turned into renewable energy.

This will be the third year of Swift’s involvement, with the tree specialists playing an increasing role – all at their own expense.

Swift machinery will be processing trees again ready for biomass fuel.

Most trees will still be mulched at the Ansa recycling depot at West Park by CRJ Services which will provide its resources for free as in previous years.

The mulch is then transported to the Swift site ready to start the biomass process.

Meanwhile, volunteers covering Poynton, Wilmslow and Bollington can take trees directly to Swift’s depot saving the journey to Macclesfield.

Swift will also send members of its seven-strong team to Disley to collect trees and chip them by the roadside.

Swift co-director Stephen Warner said: “Disley is a long way for the volunteers to go to back and forth and you don’t get many trees in a van to return to West Park.

Swift volunteers (from left) Adam Lawson, Stephen Warner and Ben Mason helping at last year’s collection.  

“We’ll look after Disley and by mobile-chipping can get it done in one trip.

“We wanted to be involved because broadly speaking it’s kind of what we do. We have trucks and woodchippers, we’re used to processing trees and it’s a brilliant charity to support.

“We offered our machinery and yard to see if we could help and it’s gone from strength to strength over a couple of years.

“Our location saves a lot of driving to West Park for mulching for some collections. They can bring the trees to us and we’ll chip them here.”

Woodchip is then sold for biomass fuel with proceeds donated to the appeal.

Stephen said: “It’s not mega money but the sale of woodchip will probably bring in between £1,500 and £2,000 to be added to the appeal and donated to the Hospice.

“It’s the 25th anniversary of the scheme and what co-founders Richard Raymond and Pete Chapman have achieved is incredible.

“Everyone knows about the Hospice’s wonderful work – we all know people whose loved ones have been cared for there.

“We’re delighted to be involved. Our team give their time for free, like all the volunteers.

“We only have a small role, but it’s lovely to be part of it. Community involvement is a hugely important part of our company culture.”

Overview of the year 2024

Posted on by Becky Sidwell

The new look Sunflower Living Well Centre welcomed its first patients to East Cheshire Hospice in April.

The facility’s opening was among many highlights during a memorable 2024 for the charity.

The then Lord-Lieutenant of Cheshire Lady Alexis Redmond MBE officially declared the centre open after a nine-month building project costing £1.3m.

Hospice staff at the reopening of the Sunflower Living Well Centre.

There to witness the ribbon-cutting ceremony were long-standing Hospice supporters Anna Rains, Thelma Jackson and Madge Slater whose fundraising exploits created the original Sunflower Centre in 2000.

The Starlight Walk returns in 2025 and is likely to prove just as popular as last spring’s event which attracted around 400 walkers.

A pink theme for staff from Mulberry ward, a specialist inpatient unit on Victoria Road, in memory of a colleague at the Starlight Walk.

Make a note of the date, Thursday, May 15, for the early evening stroll through the beautiful grounds of Capesthorne Hall.

The walk was one of countless events which included March through March and Squatober, both of which saw dedicated supporters going to great lengths to raise funds.

A papier mâché model of legendary Slade singer Noddy Holder was a star attraction at Art Fair Cheshire.

Noddy Holder with artist Patty Callaghan and her model of the singer.

Noddy liked it so much he commissioned another sculpture which has been raffled off for Hospice funds.

Artist Patty Callaghan created the artwork which shows Noddy with his guitar. Noddy and wife Suzan became Hospice patrons during the year.

Patients took a trip down memory lane when a dark green 1913 Model T Ford was taken to the Hospice.

Veteran car enthusiast Steve Nixon who ran along Hadrian’s Wall.

Owner Steve Nixon was happy to show off his veteran car as part of his support for the Hospice.

Steve, from Tytherington, even ran the length of Hadrian’s Wall to raise funds. He and wife Beverley took their 1903 Darracq on the London to Brighton Run.

Golfer Liz Stott played 72 holes during a marathon 13-hour game. Liz walked all the way round her local course at Tytherington on the longest day of the year.

Golfer Liz Stott with supporters.

Unfortunately, the cost of running the Hospice has gone up. It now needs to find £9,362 a day to keep its doors open.

That represents a near 25 per cent increase on the old figure of £7,500.

The new total, calculated on average costs over the last five years, excludes the 21 per cent of income received from government.

Energy bills have risen, along with staff wages, with the Hospice committed to matching NHS salaries. Equipment and building maintenance costs also went up.

The £7,500 figure excluded the charity’s Hospice @Home service which started in 2017.

The gift of a £10 note made years ago will lead to a £2m for Christmas Tree Collection

Posted on by Becky Sidwell

The gift of a £10 note made years ago will lead to a £2m windfall for hospices next month.

That is a conservative estimate of the amount some 160 hospices will raise from their various Christmas tree collections over a single weekend.

The roots of this incredible story stem from the Chapman family whose idea and dedication has benefitted East Cheshire Hospice over the last 25 years.

In 1998, Andy Chapman, then 14, was given a tenner along with fellow choristers at Prestbury Church. Their mission was to raise funds for a new church organ.

Co-founders Pete Chapman (left) and Richard Raymond at the collection last January.

Dad Pete said: “It was up to the choir what to do with the money – use it, lose it but try to do something wise with it, as in the Bible’s Parable of the Talents.

“My wife Heather had a brainwave. She suggested taking our Christmas tree and those of our neighbours to the tip on our big garden trailer.

“It would save mess in the car, the £10 could pay for diesel and we’d see what was raised.

Pete Chapman’s sons James (left) and Chris collecting trees with Caitlin Howarth in 2022.

“It was Heather’s idea – I was just the poor husband who had to implement it! We put leaflets through doors and the phone started ringing after Christmas.

“We also decided to support another charity, raising £370 for both the church fund and the Children’s Adventure Farm Trust. My employers Barclays match-funded donations.

“A Wallace and Gromit notebook contained random addresses and we drove round Bollington and Prestbury with our four sons strapped in the back of the car.

“The idea took off. People couldn’t believe how much we raised and I thought ‘we’re onto something here.’

“The next year Richard Raymond pitched up with a company truck and we advertised it more widely, collecting more trees.

“Chorister John Nichol knew the area like the back of his hand and helped with routing and mapping.

“John suggested supporting the Hospice on an ongoing basis. His mother had been a patient and the team were right behind him.

“We had lots of enthusiastic support and since then it’s grown every year. Other hospices started to catch on and we’ve encouraged them.

“I can’t believe it’s been 25 years since the hospice became the sole beneficiary. It’s flown. I can’t believe where we’ve come from and got to.

“It’s beyond our wildest dreams. It’s amazing to think that well over £2m will be collected in one weekend across the country, involving more than 2,000 volunteers.”

Local customers have loyally supported Christmas Tree Collection for 25 years!

Posted on by Becky Sidwell

Dozens of customers have loyally supported the Christmas tree collection throughout its 25-year association with East Cheshire Hospice.

They are among more than 6,000 subscribers who will hopefully register again for the next collection on January 11 and 12 via www.echtrees.org.uk

The deadline is midnight on Tuesday, January 7.

Volunteers prepare for the 2020 tree collection.

Meanwhile, some of the 278 volunteers on the scheme’s database have helped since almost the start.

Co-founders Richard Raymond and Pete Chapman have overseen major changes over the years.

Pete said: “We’re a lot more advanced these days with hi-tec routing, mapping, social media and online payments.

“People had to put money in a plastic bag on trees until a few years ago. They also register online, whereas it used to be phone calls and messages.

“A van can now collect up to 200 trees a day, twice as many as before.”

Pete’s son Andy, an occupational therapist, introduced spreadsheets using Microsoft Works as part of a school project while studying IT.

The advent of green wheelie bins saw a potential threat become an opportunity.

Recycling trees at West Park depot.

Macclesfield Council backed the scheme, advertising on bins rather than encouraging homeowners to use them to recycle trees.

Crucially, other hospices tap into Pete and Richard’s expertise. Pete said: “We’ve documented everything we do, building a database accessed by more than 50 hospices. We collaborate and want everyone to run a successful collection.

“It means the system will live forever. Richard and I can’t do it forever, so we’ve created a library to hand on to our successors.

“We must thank our supporters, including local businesses, a lot of whom want to give anonymously.

“It means a lot to me that we also help volunteers whatever their physical ability. We’ll always find a role for them.

“We don’t just bring income to the Hospice. We also raise awareness in the local community, drawing in volunteers, encouraging recycling and attracting young people to the Hospice.

“There are more benefits than we ever dreamt of. The Hospice know year on year they’re going to get this money from the collection.

“It has done a fantastic job setting up Hospice @Home and we’d like to think we’ve played a small part by raising awareness of the Hospice.

“No-one had ever thought of a tree collection until we did – it came from one spark of a great idea. The scheme’s success gives us enormous pride.”

* Organisers still need large vans for the forthcoming collection. To help, contact 01625 433477 or email luke.oldham@echospice.org.uk

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.

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