Fundraising Archives - Page 11 of 29 - East Cheshire Hospice
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BNI Silk support East Cheshire Hospice through fundraising

Posted on by Becky Sidwell

A business network group has given a warm welcome to East Cheshire Hospice by stepping up its fundraising efforts.

Members of BNI Silk were already long-standing supporters of the charity.

Now they are getting even more involved, with some taking part in two events in the same week at Capesthorne Hall.

They will tackle a Born Survivor obstacle course on Saturday, April 22, and the charity’s Starlight Walk on Thursday, April 27.

The Hospice is one of the newest recruits to the breakfast group which meets every Thursday, from 6.30 am.

Meetings are held online, with face-to-face gatherings once a month at Hollin Hall Hotel, Bollington.

BNI Silk has more than 20 members, including an electrician, builder, solicitor, web designer, marketing specialist and videographer.

Members of BNI Silk. From left, Ian Ellis, Arman Kizir, Kevin Cook, Joe Etherington, Lee Shore and Lisa Ball.

Mortgage adviser Lian Findler, a new vice president, said: “We’re a strong, close team and committed to helping each other.

“It’s a friendly group and has existed for many years. It’s great to have the Hospice as part of our team. They do amazing work and are vital to the area. We’re always looking at ways to help them.”

BNI Silk have two teams in a quiz in aid of the Hospice at Marlborough Primary School on Friday (March 24).

Lian’s company Mortgage Advice Bureau raised funds for the Hospice at a networking evening last year marking the firm’s 15th birthday and an office move to Tytherington.

The firm has also held a race night and a music festival in Pott Shrigley.

Another member of BNI Silk is Macclesfield company Jenny’s Blinds, set up in 1996.

Owner Steve Forrest, fitter James Pearson and admin assistant Dannii Hodgkins are taking part in Born Survivor.

Steve said: “As a business, we’d like to get more involved with the Hospice. It’s a  wonderful cause and our network group is keen to support fellow members as much as we can.”

Fellow member Diana Stephenson, who runs Calvin Marketing, is also taking part in the Starlight Walk.

She said: ‘The Hospice is such an important part of Macclesfield and it’s fantastic to know it’s there for anyone who needs its services.”

* To find out more about BNI Silk email lian.findler@mab.org.uk

For more details on Born Survivor and the Starlight Walk and other fundraising events visit www.eastcheshirehospice.org.uk

Arighi Bianchi Great Manchester Run

Posted on by Becky Sidwell

Staff at Arighi Bianchi are aiming to raise £10,000 as a thank you to East Cheshire Hospice for caring for lost loved ones.

Some 30 employees of the family-owned furniture business will take part in the AJ Bell Great Manchester Run on Sunday, May 21.

Among those running is accessory manager Cath Barlow, who met her late husband John working at Arighi Bianchi.

From left, Hospice fundraiser Bethan Wade, Arighi Bianchi’s Lucy Mather, Nick Bianchi and Cath Barlow and Hospice fundraiser Lisa Ball.

John, a van driver, died of bowel cancer a year ago and spent six weeks as a patient at the Hospice.

He was also landlord of the Ye Olde Kings Head, in the hamlet of Gurnett. One of the ales, Gurnett’s Glory, is named in his honour.

John completed the 10k in 70 minutes in 2015 and Cath’s goal is to match his time.

She said: “The Hospice were amazing looking after John and I can’t thank them enough.”

Cath is also remembering close friend Nicky Bradley, who died in 2021 and was also at the Hospice.

Accessory manager Cath Barlow who is taking part in the Great Manchester Run in memory of her husband John.  

Like Cath, Nicky was a long-serving employee at Arighi Bianchi, formerly managing the bed linen department.

Meanwhile, director Nick Bianchi will honour the memory of his uncle Tony, who was joint managing director of the landmark store for many years.

Tony died in 2017, aged 83, and was treated at the Hospice.

His grandad Antonio Bianchi, and his brother-in-law Antonio Arighi – both Italian immigrants – started the shop 169 years ago.

Arighi Bianchi will sponsor a Hospice stall in the charity village at the 10k run, with its team wearing yellow Hospice t-shirts.

Nick said: “We’ve been proud to support the Hospice since it opened its doors in 1988 and are delighted that it’s our official charity for the Run.

“The event is a wonderful way to foster a real sense of teamwork within our staff. We’ve got runners from various departments, from the cafe bar to the curtains, carpets, deliveries, marketing, sales consultants and administration.

“Arighi Bianchi and East Cheshire Hospice are two Macclesfield institutions. We’ve been here since 1854 and the Hospice has cared for family members and staff, including my uncle Tony. It’s also cared for our customers, so the Hospice is really personal to so many people.”

* To sponsor the Arighi Bianchi team visit www.justgiving.com/fundraising/arighi-bianchi

To enter the Run to raise funds for the Hospice visit www.greatrun.org/events/great-manchester-run/

Tom Clare Calendar

Posted on by Luke Brightmore

Reality TV star Tom Clare has another starring role – as a pin-up in aid of East Cheshire Hospice.

A special 2023 calendar has been produced of the Macclesfield FC footballer who is among the cast of Love Island, the hit ITV 2 show.

Spiral Colour, the print partner for the football club, made the calendars, with proceeds from sales donated to the Hospice.

General manager Jason Carpenter came up with the idea during a chat over dinner with partner Kerry Hough and friends Dave and Louise Timmis, who own Leasing.com, sponsors of Macclesfield FC.

Jourdan Phillips and Jason Carpenter from Spiral Colour with the Tom Clare calendar.

Both girls established the Tom Clare fan club on Facebook. Calendars are available from www.tomclarefanclub.com for £9.99, including delivery.

Jason said: “The calendar started off as a bit of a laugh, even before Tom was selected for Love Island.

“He loved the idea and signed copies. His sister Laura Clare, who is an influencer, and family have also helped us promote them.

“Tom appeals to women of a certain age – he’s tall, ripped and good looking. Each month, the calendar includes photographs of Tom taken by the club photographer.”

Spiral Colour are regular supporters of the Hospice. They provide printing services for the charity and sponsor the Christmas tree collection.

Jason said: “We help the Hospice as much as possible and buying calendars will support its wonderful work. Alongside the calendar, we’ve also now created a full-sized Tom Clare cardboard cut-out which is proving great for parties.”

Camino Trail Tribute

Posted on by Becky Sidwell

Close friends of East Cheshire Hospice’s late chaplain Margaret Lillis will undertake a poignant walk in her memory.

Old school pal Bridget Fenwick will be joined daughters Clare and Yvonne and son-in-law Ori for a trek along the Camino Trail in northern Spain.

The family aim to raise £10,500 from the 115-kilometre walk from October 14-21, a trip organised by the Hospice.

Margaret Lillis with Bridget and her daughters (from left) Clare, Yvonne and Anne-Marie.

Margaret, who died last May, was godmother to Yvonne and taught her when she was deputy head at St Edward’s Catholic Primary School in Macclesfield.

Yvonne said: “Mum and Margaret were best friends at school in London. She was a fun teacher and loved the guitar and singing.

“She adored the Hospice and took our son George on days off to give biscuits to the nurses.

“She was cared for by the Hospice and they were just incredible. It’s a spiritual walk and Margaret was a spiritual person, so it’s appropriate this is in her memory.

George Costello with Margaret Lillis.

“The route looks beautiful, but we’re slightly scared because of the training we’ve got to do. We walk our dogs, but that’s about it.”

The family are holding a fundraising ceilidh at Mottram St Andrew village hall on April 15. Everyone welcome and for tickets visit bookceilidh.eventbrite.com.

Margaret Lillis and goddaughter Yvonne Costello.

Musicians who performed at Margaret’s 70th birthday party five years ago at the same venue are making a return appearance.

Silent auction prizes include a kit worth £1,000 to convert a cycle to an electric bike.

* To donate visit www.justgiving.com/fundraising/thecamino4

Yvonne Costello and husband Ori Hellerstein who are walking the Camino Trail.

AstraZeneca supports East Cheshire Hospice

Posted on by Becky Sidwell

Staff at AstraZeneca continue to go to extraordinary lengths to support East Cheshire Hospice.

More than 250 of their employees raised £19,000 last year for the charity, with £15,000 of the total match funded by the company.

AZ also gave £3,000 to support Art Fair Cheshire and contributed the same amount to cover the cost of petrol and vans for the Christmas tree collection.

 AstraZeneca and Hospice staff at Art Fair 2022. From left, Kirrie Todd, Sophie Simpson, Rachel Allcock, Guy Camm, Dave Ennis, Lisa Ball, Karyn Johnston and Paula Postlethwaite.

AZ and its staff have donated £40,174 to the Hospice over a 12-month period.

Further good news for the charity is that AZ employees will retain the Hospice as a nominated charity for the next two years.

Hospice corporate fundraiser Lisa Ball said: “Yet again AZ and its staff have shown unbelievable support for the Hospice and we thank them for their kind generosity.

“AZ was a founding funder of the Hospice and we still have an amazing relationship with the company.”

Paula Postlethwaite and chef Karl Griffiths, from AZ caterers Sodexo, delivered a tasty hot pot lunch to Christmas tree volunteers.

Sophie Simpson, from ClubAZ, has also helped staff fulfil personal challenges, including fundraising during STEPtember. AZ also held several markets.

Guy Camm,  AZ’s Macclesfield Campus FM Development Manager, said: “We’re proud of our long-standing partnership with the Hospice and, of course, our staff who rallied to the cause in fantastic style in 2022.

“I’m sure that dedication will continue in 2023 through our support for several local charities, including the Hospice”

AstraZeneca representatives (from left) Paula Postlethwaite, Sophie Simpson and Guy Camm with Hospice staff Lisa Ball, Karyn Johnston and Rachel Allcock.

Starlight Walk is back for 2023

Posted on by Becky Sidwell

Spring will soon be in the air which means the countdown is under way for the Starlight Walk.

The popular event, organised by East Cheshire Hospice, is back at Capesthorne Hall this year.

It will be staged on Thursday, April 27, at 6 pm in the picturesque grounds of the estate. The walk starts at 7 pm.

It is four years since Capesthorne last staged the walk in memory of loved ones. The event was at Adlington Hall last year after a Covid break.

Walkers at Adlington Hall in 2022.

An Early Bird offer of £17.50 for adults and £12.50 for children (up to 16) is available before February 23. Prices are then £20 and £15.

The dusk-time woodland walk, sponsored by Ford dealers Sidney Jackson, is over a 2.5km loop featuring atmospheric lighting and fire pits.

Walkers can complete the course multiple times. The last set off time is 8.30 pm, with the event closing at 10 pm.

The walk the last time it was held at Capesthorne Hall in 2019.

Entry only covers the event cost, so organisers are asking walkers to raise at least £50 in sponsorship, or make a £50 donation to the Hospice when registering.

Events Manager Beth Candy said: “Walkers are encouraged to raise funds for the Hospice to help fund the care of patients both now and in the future.

“We’ll have live entertainment, food and drink stalls including alcohol, and each walker receives a wooden medal. The whole family is welcome to this moving and uplifting evening of remembrance.”

Registration is now open via the Hospice website.

Bumper Challenge round up 2022

Posted on by Becky Sidwell

A trek through the Sahara Desert rounded off a memorable year of challenges undertaken by East Cheshire Hospice supporters.

A bumper £183,000 was raised during the year from the tireless efforts of hundreds of dedicated volunteers.

A 20-strong group went to Morocco to sleep under the stars and scale sand dunes in scorching temperatures.

Sahara trekkers (from left) Ellie Heaton, Rob Gorton, Jo Helm, Dave Helm, Alison Brammer, Loz Broome.

Among them was Hospice Challenge Events co-ordinator Bethan Wade. She said: “Our Challenge series had its best year yet in 2022.

“After coming out of Covid, we had such a good year with fundraisers undertaking all sorts of crazy challenges.

“We had wing walks, head shaves, fire walks, marathons and much more. We appreciate times are tough, so everyone’s continued support doesn’t go unnoticed.

“Every penny donated goes towards the vital care we provide at our Hospice and out in the community.”

A fire walk and ice walk is planned for 2023 and other fun events will be announced shortly. A skydive in May is already fully subscribed.

The deadline for a Camino Trail adventure in northern Spain in October has passed, but walkers wishing to go can contact Bethan to check any late availability. Email bwade@echospice.org.uk.

Many individuals tackle challenges single-handedly like nine-year-old James Hurley who completed 50 circuits of White Nancy dressed as Star Wars character Kylo Ren, raising more than £300.

James Hurley during his White Nancy challenge.

Bethan said: “It’s amazing what people do to help us and if they want any advice on ideas for challenges please contact us on 01625 433477.”

A focus on Born Survivor 2023

Posted on by Becky Sidwell

HR and recruitment specialist Andrea Mason is ready to go through the pain barrier again for East Cheshire Hospice.

Andrea is tackling Born Survivor, a gruelling obstacle course at Capesthorne Hall on Saturday, April 22.

Work colleagues at Leap29 will also attempt the challenge, as will her partner Jason Lowe.

Jason is partner at Equilibrium Financial Planning, where staff are also gearing up to face the course designed by Royal Marine commandos.

Andrea Mason after last year’s Born Survivor.

Andrea, from Macclesfield, has personal as well as professional reasons for supporting the Hospice.

Her late grandfather Alfie Pimblott was a patient at the Hospice many years ago.

Her best friend from school, Yvonne Costello-Hellerstein, is the goddaughter of Margaret Lillis, the Hospice chaplain who died last year.

Andrea and Yvonne honoured Margaret’s memory at the Hospice’s Winter Ball in November.

Andrea is Head of HR and Talent at recruitment firm Leap 29, a Hospice corporate supporter, along with Equilibrium.

Andrea said: “We’re quite an active workforce and people in our business love this sort of challenge. It allows us to all work together as a team. It’s not just a fundraising event, it’s fantastic for team building and employee engagement.

“Our people love coming together to raise money for the hospice and Born Survivor is the perfect way to raise funds and have fun with your colleagues.

“A group of us did Born Survivor last year and it was tough. I only did the 5k course, whereas this time I want to challenge myself even further so have opted for the 10k circuit with 30 obstacles.

Andrea Mason and colleagues celebrate completing Born Survivor.

“By taking on a harder challenge this year, I hope to raise even more for the hospice and the incredible work they do.

“Staff decided to support the Hospice a few years ago. Leap 29 try to encourage charitable giving and everyone has a day off each year, either to volunteer or do an event like Born Survivor.

“We also have a dedicated culture team who think of new ideas for charitable events and how we can support the Hospice.”

Jason with wife Andrea and daughter Sacha.

Jason is climbing Mount Kilimanjaro next month to raise funds for the Hospice.

Meanwhile, Yvonne is undertaking the Camino Trail in northern Spain in October as part of a Hospice trip. The five-day trek covers 115  kilometres.

Entry to Born Survivor is £50 and to sign up visit the Hospice website eastcheshirehospice.org.uk. There are 5k or 10 options and entrants must be at least 16.

* To support Andrea and her colleagues visit justgiving.com/teams/Leap29ECH

Winter Ball Success

Posted on by Luke Brightmore

A glittering night had even more sparkle for a lucky guest who won a diamond pendant.

The star prize worth £15,000 went to an anonymous diner at a Winter Ball organised by the Hospice.

The black-tie event, held in a special marquee in the grounds of Macclesfield Rugby Club, raised more than £35,000 for the charity.

Guests at the Winter Ball, in aid of East Cheshire Hospice.  

The luxurious one-carat diamond was donated by Greeba, Michael and David Jones from PR Jones Jewellers, long-standing supporters of the Hospice.

The ball made a long-awaited return to the social calendar after a four-year absence.

Organiser Beth Candy, who is Events Manager at the Hospice, said: “We had a terrific night and want to say a special thank you to all those who attended and helped us raise such a wonderful amount for the Hospice.

“Thank you also to the Jones family for the generous donation of the diamond pendant, which was won by one of our loyal supporters.

“The venue was ideal and the rugby club were perfect hosts. We appreciate their support which meant we could stage the event virtually round the corner from the Hospice.”

Ventriloquist Jamie Leahey, runner-up on ITV show Britain’s Got Talent, entertained the audience with his cheeky chicken Chuck.

String Infusion, an all-female electric and acoustic string group, were also a hit. The event was sponsored by Superbowl UK and hosted by Mike Toolan.

Ventriloquist Jamie Leahey and Chuck with guests.

James Hurley Hospice fundraiser

Posted on by Becky Sidwell

The sight of Star Wars baddy Kylo Ren circling White Nancy must have frightened a few walkers enjoying a weekend stroll.

Alas there was nothing to fear from a different galaxy.

It was James Hurley dressed as the fictional character raising funds for East Cheshire Hospice where his mum Sharon works.

Fundraiser James Hurley enjoying the view from White Nancy.  

Star Wars fan James walked to the top carrying a collection bucket before completing 50 circuits of the monument.

The nine-year-old’s efforts raised £312, well above his initial £200 target.

Walkers donated, along with friends and family, including sister Emma (13).

Class mates and teachers at St Alban’s Catholic Primary School, where he is in year five, also supported his adventure.

Sharon is the sister at the Sunflower Wellbeing Centre.

She said: “It was James’ idea to walk round White Nancy. With me working at the Hospice, he just decided one day that he wanted to raise money for the Hospice.

May the force be with you…James as Star Wars character Kylo Ren.

“I’m really proud and quite touched that he wanted to do it.  I don’t talk too much about my work, but he knows I look after poorly people.

“Walkers were clapping James as he walked back down through Bollington village after completing his journey. He’s always loved Star Wars and has plenty of costumes.”

St Alban’s have also held cake sales as part of their support for the Hospice.

Unmasked….James sports his East Cheshire Hospice top.    

* Any supporters wishing to fundraise for the Hospice can email fundraising@echospice.org.uk

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