Fundraising Archives - East Cheshire Hospice
01625 610364
Skip to content

Category: Fundraising

Deputy Matron Remembered on Hospice Memory Tree

Posted on by Luke Brightmore

A pioneering nurse who was there when East Cheshire Hospice opened is remembered on the Hospice’s Memory Tree.

Deputy matron Jean Stevenson described her time on the Hospice ward as the ‘jewel of her nursing career.’

Jean died last December, aged 83, just four months after losing her husband Christopher who was 77.

Jean was a key part of the Hospice’s development. She spent five and a half years on the staff from 1988 after spotting an advertisement for the role of assistant head of nursing.

It was her last job in a nursing career which spanned more than 30 years.

Son Simon said: “Mum adored the Hospice – there’s no two ways about it. She regarded it as a privilege to work there and made some lifelong friends.

“I don’t think it was a job to her, but something she did naturally. She spoke about her role with such warmth and held the Hospice in high esteem.

Hospice staff from times gone by

* Flashback to the Hospice early days. Jean Stevenson (third from right, front row) with Claire Jones (second from right, back row).

“She enjoyed working with a collection of highly skilled staff who had the right temperament and created an atmosphere of warmth and happiness with a desire to help people out.

“Mum was heavily involved in the church. Our parents had a strong faith and the bereavement aspect had a big part in her role and outlook on things.”

Family friend Randall Gray, who lives in Florida, bought a leaf dedicated to the couple’s memory.

Simon and brother David – they also have an older brother Michael – visited the Memory Tree where they met Claire Jones, a nursing colleague of Jean.

Simon said: “I now live in Abersoch and returning to the Hospice back brought a lot of memories. We were given a tour and as soon as we saw Claire recognised her and gave her a hug.

“Mum kept in touch with the Hospice when she retired and was keen on fundraising.

“We were blown away that Randall, whom we met on a family holiday when we were young, wanted t0 buy a leaf. We had no idea he was doing it.

“The Memory Tree has rekindled our connection with the Hospice and is a wonderful legacy of our mum’s involvement.”

The metal tree is in the gardens behind the main Hospice building. Subscription is £10 a month or £120 for a year.

Stevenson Family

* To sign up to the Memory Tree visit www.eastcheshirehospice.org.uk/memory-tree.

For queries, contact amy.williams@echospice.org.uk or call 01625 665688.

Peter Davis’s Art Fair talk

Posted on by Becky Sidwell

The mobile phone and its presence in everyday life is depicted in a series of contemporary paintings by prize winning Cheshire artist Peter Davis.

A fascinating theme which features in his 45-minute talk entitled ‘Painting the Zeitgeist’ at Art Fair Cheshire 2024 on Sunday, September 29, from 11.30 am.

The exhibition, sponsored by AstraZeneca, is at Macclesfield Town Hall (Sept 26 to Oct 3) and in aid of East Cheshire Hospice. Admission is free.

Artist Peter Davis who is giving a talk at Art Fair Cheshire 2024. 

Peter said: “I like capturing the world and the era we live in. I’m fascinated by the urban environment and inner cities and how quickly they’re changing.

“My overriding obsession is people and their relationship with technology. I remember life before people had black rectangles in their hand. They might have gone on a train and read an actual book made of paper, looked out of the window or walked down the street and didn’t just look down at their phone.

“If you took a snapshot of people walking down the main street in Macclesfield, 90 per cent will be on their mobile.”

A sample of Peter Davis’ award-winning work.

Peter’s talk will highlight parallels with American painter Edward Hopper. Peter said: “He painted in the 1920s and I’m painting in the 2020s. I’m interested in how he documented life, particularly in New York, and what we can learn from that.”

A member of the Manchester Academy of Fine Arts, Peter currently has a portrait of a young woman exhibited in a prestigious award at the National Portrait Gallery in London.

Visit www.theartfair.org.uk.

RHS Flower Show installation by Florist Kathryn Cronin

Posted on by Becky Sidwell

Florist Kathryn Cronin has a yellow theme for her installation at the RHS Flower Show at Tatton Park in the next few days (Wed July 17 – Sun July 21).

Daffodils and sunflowers feature in a poignant tribute to her late friend Christine Jones.

The choice of colour is deliberate – the sunflower is the emblem of East Cheshire Hospice where Christine died of bowel cancer in January, while the daffodil is a nod to their Welsh upbringing.

The installation called ‘Threshold – On Life and Living’ is to raise awareness of the Hospice’s work and its motto ‘where people come to live.’

Kathryn Cronin at last year’s Chelsea Flower Show.

Kathryn is exhibiting at Tatton for the third time and had an installation at last year’s Chelsea Flower Show, though this display at Tatton is special for personal reasons.

She said: “This is the most ambitious installation I’ve done and it’s the one that means the most since it’s in honour of a dear long-standing friend.

“Christine loved her garden and I had to have daffodils so I dried them. As a fellow Welsh girl, we’d often cheer the Welsh rugby team when everyone else wasn’t.”

Kathryn at work in her garden. 

Fresh and dried flowers, all sustainably British grown, are arranged in wild garden style, a wooden door frame forming a living threshold.

Kathryn developed her floral passion at five inspired by her fuchsia-loving grandfather Jack.

“I would stand in his greenhouse knee high to his potting bench. The greenhouse took up half the garden at his terraced house in Cardiff. I just loved it and I think every child needs to know how to grow food or flowers.”

Kathryn with flowers for Fashion on the Edge.

Kathryn worked for AstraZeneca for 25 years and has supported the Hospice’s Fashion on the Edge show with flowers grown in her Cheshire canal side cutting garden.

Her business www.fierceblooms.com provides exclusively British flowers for weddings, funerals and other functions and she is passionate about sustainability.

Friends Christine and Christopher Jones on their 40th wedding anniversary.

“Many places grow flowers for import and that takes a lot of carbon, chemicals and air freight, but you can have beautiful British grown seasonal flowers.

“This has been the toughest year I’ve known for growing flowers due to the cold and wet. The installation will hopefully raise awareness for East Cheshire Hospice where Christine received such wonderful care.”

Coming back to East Cheshire Hospice was like coming home

Posted on by Becky Sidwell

Coming back to East Cheshire Hospice was like coming home … a quote from mum Georgia Leah reflecting on her husband Leon’s final journey.

It is 16 months since Leon, a drayman at Wincle Brewery, died from pancreatic cancer, aged 53.

His pain was so bad he was readmitted to the Hospice within 48 hours of going home following a three-week inpatient stay.

Wife Georgia is courageously sharing the couple’s story to raise awareness of how much the Hospice cares for patients like her late husband.

Ruby Leah takes on a nursing role to help her dad.

Georgia features in an emotional video produced by the Hospice and shared with supporters.

The little star of the film is three-year-old daughter Ruby who fell in love with the nurses, even helping them care for her doting dad.

Georgia said: “Leon was an amazing dad. He was so hands-on and loved spending time with Ruby.

Georgia, Ruby and Leon.  

“He started to feel pain six months after she was born and it reached the stage where he couldn’t even play with her or read her a story.

“A Macmillan nurse suggested pain management at the Hospice and he was reluctant to go in at first.

“Then he agreed to give it a try. He had his own room and Ruby loved it. That settled Leon and he felt better.

“We spent quality time together. Having a conversation and watching him read her a story and smile was everything.

“When he came out, the Hospice gave us an out of hours number and his pain suddenly got so bad that I had to ring it.

“Coming back to the Hospice was like coming home. When the ambulance took him back, I just knew they’d look after him.

“They also looked after me and were the first to give me a hug, tell me what was happening and help me make some pretty hard decisions in the few hours we’d got left.

“The nursing staff understood and knew what to say. We were also offered bereavement counselling which I found helpful.

“Ruby wanted to be a nurse, carrying medicine and hot water bottles for her dad. I bought her a nurse’s outfit from a charity shop and she carried round a doctor’s toy set. She felt she was helping and looking after Leon.

“The staff became a massive part of Ruby’s life and she’s often been back to say Hi to them.”

* To watch the video visit eastcheshirehospice.org.uk/campaign/georgias-story/

The first garden party to mark the new Memory Tree at East Cheshire Hospice

Posted on by Becky Sidwell

The first garden party to mark the new Memory Tree at East Cheshire Hospice was a major success.

Guests honoured the memory of lost loved ones as they enjoyed afternoon tea while relaxing in the Hospice gardens.

Even the rain stayed away for an event destined to become a regular occasion on the charity’s calendar.

Almost 80 names are now engraved on leaves dedicated to the memory of someone special, even if that person has no link to the charity.

The Hospice is encouraging more people to join the scheme. Subscription is £10 a month, or £120 a year.

A total of 400 leaves are available, with the name of a loved one engraved along with a message if desired.

Representatives from AstraZeneca, whose employees gifted the memorial, attended the garden party.

Guests at the Memory Tree garden party at East Cheshire Hospice.

Rachel Allcock, the charity’s Income Generation Director, explained to guests that it now costs £9,362 a day to run the Hospice which receives 21 per cent of funding from government.

She said: “The Hospice continues to expand and we’ve recently broadened our dementia and Hospice @Home services.

“The new Sunflower Living Well Centre has also just reopened and it is thanks to the generosity of supporters like you that we’re able to make such improvements.

“Thank you to the loved ones who you honour on our Memory Tree. They would be proud to see their names up there and I’m sure they would be proud to know that your support will help others just like them.”

The Memory Tree, which was unveiled last October, is situated in a discreet peaceful setting and easily accessible without entering the main Hospice building on Millbank Drive.

Amy Williams (left) and Beth England from the Hospice beside the Memory Tree.

The metal tree, made by sculptor Christopher Townsend, was created as a way of marking the 35th anniversary of the charity which cared for its first patient in February 1988.

* To sign up to the Memory Tree visit www.eastcheshirehospice.org.uk/memory-tree.

For queries, contact amy.williams@echospice.org.uk or call 01625 665688.

Family and friends of the late Brian Barker kept their word by raising funds for East Cheshire Hospice.

Posted on by Becky Sidwell

Family and friends of the late Brian Barker kept their word by raising funds for East Cheshire Hospice.

Brian was a long-standing volunteer for the charity, helping at its Christmas tree collection.

His last involvement in January came two months before he died, aged 77.

Son-in-law Darren Smith cycled a million metres – around 660 miles – in May to raise funds.

Cyclist Darren Smith with wife Sammy, son Seb and daughter Abi.

Business partner Carl Atkinson ran the Manchester half marathon, while other donations brought the total for the Hospice to £3,231.

Darren, from Macclesfield, said: “Brian loved helping the Hospice and enjoyed his role with the tree collection every year. He asked us not to forget about the Hospice and we don’t break promises.

“I cycled 1,000 kilometres within three weeks across parts of Cheshire served by the Hospice. It was a massive effort, but worth it.”

Darren fitted his cycling around work for Manuka Money, a Gawsworth-based mortgage broker where he is director.

Carl Atkinson, Manuka Money head of marketing Alison Barber and Sammy Smith and husband Darren prepare to hand the cheque to East Cheshire Hospice.   

“I was so saddle sore I felt like John Wayne at the end of it. The longest ride was 120 kilometres in one day.

“I had booked a family holiday in the Lake District for the last week of May and didn’t fancy cycling up steep hills there, so that was an incentive to complete the challenge early.”

From left, Carl Atkinson and fellow fundraisers Emma Wilkinson-Hall, Chris Hughes and Sam Corlett at the Manchester Run.  

Darren intended cycling to Belgium but cancelled the trip after Brian’s sudden death. Instead, he covered the same distance locally.

* To donate visit www.justgiving.com/page/manukamoney-eastcheshirehospice

The countdown is under way to Art Fair Cheshir

Posted on by Becky Sidwell

The countdown is under way to Art Fair Cheshire which celebrates its 25th anniversary this year.

The biennial event in aid of East Cheshire Hospice runs from Thursday Sept 26 until Thursday Oct 3 at Macclesfield Town Hall.

The exhibition, sponsored by AstraZeneca, will showcase work from more than 50 artists who donate a percentage of sales to the Hospice.

Art Fair Cheshire is looking for volunteers to help run the exhibition which has raised around £450,000 for the Hospice.

They will continue the good work started by grandmother Anna Rains who had the idea for an art exhibition.

Volunteer Anna Rains who helped inspire Art Fair Cheshire.

Back in 1998, she chaired a fundraising appeal to mark the Hospice’s 10th anniversary.

The dedication of Anna and her fellow pioneers provided the financial help to build the Sunflower Centre which remains an important hub for patient care.

Indeed, it was fitting that Anna and her original fundraisers attended the reopening of the refurbished centre a few weeks ago.

Their vision and drive provided the inspiration for the initial project with the art exhibition a key fundraiser.

This year’s displays will be organised in-house by the Hospice after previous co-chairs Georgie Johnson and Steven Dalton stepped aside after running the last two exhibitions on a voluntary basis.

Hospice Community and Events Fundraiser Claire Gorton said: “Georgie and Steven did a wonderful job with the support of volunteers and we’re so grateful to them all.

Macclesfield artist Francesca de Campora with her work at Art Fair Cheshire.

“Art Fair Cheshire has established a superb reputation and our aim is to build on that success. We want to organise a unique event which showcases art and celebrates community and giving.

“We want to further strengthen its links to the Hospice and what is happening here, including involving our Memory Tree unveiled last year.

“In addition to a fantastic exhibition, we’ll have a pop up café, artist tours and talks. Artists of all ages will hopefully take part, including school and college students.

Visitors enjoy works of art at the last exhibition in 2022.

”The Assembly Gallery will feature original art and sculptures, while the Capesthorne Gallery will exhibit jewellery, photography, glassware, ceramics, millinery, willow weaving as well as paintings and prints.

“We want it to be accessible and will need plenty of volunteers to get involved with the many different aspects of such a large project.”

The event is open from 10.30 am until 4 pm each day. For more details and to find out how to exhibit or volunteer visit www.theartfair.org.uk

A determined family honour their memories and raise funds for East Cheshire Hospice

Posted on by Becky Sidwell

The last 12 months have been a year to forget for Viv Denny and her siblings after losing their brother and mother.

But they were determined to honour their memories by climbing Mount Snowdon with friends, raising £3,460 for East Cheshire Hospice.

Gary Paluk, a self-taught software developer and programmer, spent a month in the Hospice where he died on Christmas Eve, aged 45.

Their mum Christine Barnett, a retired retail assistant, passed away four months earlier, having suffered heart failure unexpectedly.

Viv said: “We did the walk to remember them both. It was an awful year and we never really had a chance to grieve mum’s loss because we were on this journey with Gary.

“It was a huge shock when he was diagnosed with colon cancer in August 2021. He survived emergency surgery and had a further operation to remove tumours from his liver.

Gary with wife Neung, sisters Sharron and Viv and brother Ash at East Cheshire Hospice.

“It was his wish to return to Thailand, his second home, for a holiday. However, once the cancer spread he wasn’t able to travel. His wife Neung is from there and he wanted to say his goodbyes to her family.

“We didn’t think he’d be here for his birthday last November, but he proved us all wrong again. He then went into the Hospice and they gave us all another month together.

“What an amazing place. You don’t realise it until you’re in their care and see exactly what they do.

“They’re incredible. His wife and nine-year-old son Isaac were able to stay overnight in an adjoining room to be with Gary. The Hospice make a difference to the whole family, not just the patient.

“Nothing was too much trouble. The weekend before Gary passed away they laid on a buffet and drinks in the family room with a visit from Father Christmas.

“The memories are precious to us all. Isaac also received three bears with his dad’s voice recorded in them, which will forever be a precious gift.

Snowdon climbers (from left), Neung Paluk, Jenny Smallwood, Isaac Paluk, Jayne Woosey, Viv Denny, Sharron Whittaker, Ash Paluk and Donna Denny. 

“Once Hospice staff know your name, they don’t forget you. Many people must pass through those doors, but they know who you are and who you’re connected to. The care is personal.”

Friends joined Viv’s sister Sharron, brother Ash, Neung and Isaac for the Snowdon challenge. Isaac did not make it to the top, but he has promised to do so when he is older to make his dad proud.

* To donate visit justgiving.com/page/vivian-denny-1711287669619

Next stop half a million pounds!

Posted on by Becky Sidwell

Next stop half a million pounds! That is the promise from fundraisers What Women Want after a triumphant and emotional fashion show.

The five girls raised £7,000 from the event, taking the overall total donated to East Cheshire Hospice over the last 15 years to a staggering £410,000.

Models who have all experienced cancer took to the catwalk to entertain guests at Tytherington High School.

There was a special surprise too for the WWW quintet who received a lifetime achievement award from the then Macclesfield mayor Cllr Chris Wilcock.

The What Women Want group with Cllr Chris Wilcock. From left, Julie Barnes, Jayne Carter, Jo Millward, Jill Harding and Elaine Burgess.

It was a deserved reward for Julie Barnes, Jo Millward, Jill Harding, Elaine Burgess and Jayne Carter whose amazing dedication has raised such a prolific amount for the Hospice from various fashion shows, balls and bingo nights.

Jayne, the group’s chair, said: “Our fourth fashion show was another fabulous occasion. It was so humbling to see all the models in action. They all either have cancer, are in recovery from the disease or have someone who has passed away from it.

“Their courage was amazing and thank them for putting themselves in the spotlight.”

Olliers Photography captured the models strutting their stuff in clothing provided by SOS Fashions and John Douglas. The event was sponsored by Lynne Stevens from STD Developments.

The work goes on for the WWW women. Jayne said: “The next stop is half a million pounds and we’ll continue doing our fundraising events.

“We were thrilled to receive our civic award from the mayor to cap a wonderful night.”

The Shoemaker of Havana at MADS theatre this July

Posted on by Becky Sidwell

An award-winning Australian theatre company is returning to Macclesfield after a successful appearance a year ago.

Nuworks will be performing The Shoemaker of Havana at MADS Theatre on Tuesday, July 2 (7.30 pm).

The one-off date is in aid of East Cheshire Hospice which received a donation of £800 from their last performance.

The Pirate Code at MADS Theatre last summer.

The group is hosted by Macclesfield Amateur Dramatic Society which rolled out the welcome mat last summer when the Australian actors performed The Pirate Code.

It was one of several trips to the UK undertaken by the cast of Nuworks who pay their own way on overseas trips.

The next production tells the story of elderly Alvaro Garcia, shoemaker for Cuban revolutionaries Fidel Castro, his brother Raul and Che Guevara.

The Shoemaker of Havana which is coming to Macclesfield.

Other characters are John and Robert Kennedy, Barbara Walters and Nikita Khrushchev.

Nuworks are a not-for-profit group who write, devise and compose their own music.

Their next UK tour includes a performance at the Buxton Fringe.

MADS management member John Chandler said: “We’re delighted to welcome back our Australian friends. They were a big hit last year and this year’s production will be just as popular and entertaining.

John Chandler from MADS Theatre. 

“I met them during a family trip to Melbourne and that led to them visiting Macclesfield. They must have enjoyed themselves because they’re keen to come back.

“MADS offers an authentic theatre experience and we’re thrilled that proceeds will once again be donated to East Cheshire Hospice, a charity we’ve supported many times.”

David Dunn, founder and artistic director of Nuworks, said: “We had a great time in Macclesfield. We establish relations with like-minded people, such as MADS, on the basis of having an adventure, meeting new friends and fundraising for charity.

“The audience in Macclesfield gave us a typically warm northern welcome and I’m sure they’ll enjoy our latest production which has been well received, including the Adelaide Fringe, the second largest in the world.”

* The show is suitable for aged 12 and over. Tickets priced £15 are available from www.madstheatre.org

Sign up to news and event updates
Follow us on