Fundraising Archives - Page 12 of 29 - East Cheshire Hospice
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Christmas Handmade Goods 2022

Posted on by Becky Sidwell

Volunteers at East Cheshire Hospice have been like Santa’s elves getting ready for Christmas.

More than 50 helpers use their creative skills designing handmade goods for East Cheshire Hospice.

It is not too late to grab a bargain, with a selection of festive items on sale at the Hospice reception.

The handiwork generates £18,000 during the year for the Hospice.

Volunteer Hilary Berkin with her handmade items.

Community fundraising assistant Claire Gorton said: “We’re so grateful volunteers choose to use their creative skills to support us.

“Some sell their handmade goods to family and friends and donate the proceeds, while others donate items for sale at our reception.

“We receive items such as crocheted teddies to knitted blankets, fabric tote bags, wooden toys and unique beautiful jewellery.

“We’ve a range of Christmas stockings, tree decorations, knitted scarves and hats, chocolate orange characters and stocking fillers.

Claire wants work or community groups willing to sell handmade goods, especially cards and seasonal items, to contact her.  Email cgorton@echospice.org.uk

She said: “Grief Bears are made for our inpatient unit, while Pairs of Hearts are used within childhood bereavement and our Hospice @Home service.

“One heart is placed in the hand of the deceased, while the other is given to their loved one.”

Volunteer Hilary Berkin said: “I’m no runner or ace cake baker, so decided to put my love of quilting and sewing into making some items for the Hospice to sell to say thank you and to give something back.”

A yearly thank you event has been held for volunteers.

Christmas Tree Collection January 2023

Posted on by Becky Sidwell

The Christmas tree collection in aid of East Cheshire Hospice will be back to normal in January.

Registrations are now open, with organisers promoting the eco-friendly benefits of buying a real tree.

The event – over the weekend of January 14/15 – raised a record-equalling £150,000 for the Hospice last winter.

Unlike last year, Covid restrictions are not an issue for the 23rd year of the collection, which is believed to be the largest in the world!

More than £1.5m has been raised in that time, thanks to the generosity of donors and dozens of willing helpers.

Tree collectors in Broken Cross in 2022. James Chapman (left), brother Chris and Caitlin Howarth.

Volunteers will be collecting trees over East Cheshire and beyond. The post codes covered are CW12, SK9, SK10, SK11, SK12 and WA16.

The event is sponsored by local businesses, including main sponsors AstraZeneca, meaning all donations go straight to the Hospice. To register trees visit www.echtrees.org.uk.

Trees are recycled into mulch at the local Ansa Environmental Services plant before being industrially composted.

It is estimated that around 500 supporters have been donating Christmas trees regularly since the scheme began.

Organisers are hoping to mark that loyal dedication for the 25th anniversary of the project in 2025.

Co-founder Richard Raymond said: “It’s hard to believe that we’re about to reach our 23rd year of collecting Christmas trees for the Hospice.

“We wouldn’t have got this far without the generosity of owners of Christmas trees whose kind donations make such a difference to Hospice care.

“The funds raised are a significant contribution towards caring for patients with life-limiting illnesses and their families and carers.

“It’s good to be back to normal again after the upheaval of the last couple of years.

“There are persuasive reasons why real trees are more eco friendly than plastic trees, most of which are manufactured in the Far East. These use low-grade plastics such as PVC which are almost impossible to recycle.

“We recycle every tree we collect into a soil improver for the benefit of Cheshire farmland.”

Collection vans will leave from the Hospice in staggered starts like last year.

Potted trees will also be collected. Richard said: “We collected about 20 last time and have someone who will grow them on to be sold next year as Christmas trees in aid of the Hospice.”

Flashback to January and Christmas tree collectors (from left), Steve Bower, Gary Richards and son Criss.

Rick Pulvertaft swims the English Channel

Posted on by Becky Sidwell

The name of the Instagram page set up by Rick Pulvertaft reveals a clue about the demons he has faced most of his life.

Called the_sober_salmon_swims2france, it counts down to his Channel swim next July in aid of East Cheshire Hospice.

Rick, from Macclesfield, gave up alcohol nine months ago, fearing the addiction would ruin his life like it did for close relatives.

His father Dr Tom Pulvertaft (59) died of liver cirrhosis in 1996, and he has also lost older sisters Kate (56) and Janthea (49) to alcoholism in the last five years.

Rick Pulvertaft who is swimming the Channel in aid of East Cheshire Hospice.  

His nephew Kavan died in 2019 after three years in a coma after he tried to take his own life.

Rick, a kitchen designer and salesman, lost both parents by the age of 23.

Mum Dee (61) was due to go to the Hospice in 2009, but died of skin cancer before getting there.

Rick said: “Mum’s death was the only one not directly linked to alcoholism. Alcohol has devastated my family. It’s been hard watching members of my family slowly kill themselves.

“The feeling of helplessness is even harder and I was slowly heading in the same direction. I’m 36 now and have probably been drinking since 13.

“I decided I was going to stop drinking last December. I had a choice to stand up and face my problems, or carry on covering my feelings of hurt and pain with whisky and Stella Artois.

“I chose to hang up my pint pot, face my emotions and even go a step further and challenge my mind to all-out war to be better for my family.

Rick Pulvertaft who has set himself a sporting challenge after giving up alcohol.

“I’m nine months sober. Emotions are difficult sometimes, but no-one died from an emotion. People always say ‘I’d die for my family.’ I’ll say ‘I’m going to live for mine.’

“I couldn’t have done it without my wife Sarah, who’s been so supportive and reminded me I’d always wanted to swim the Channel. That was the catalyst.

“Gym and swimming keep me out of the pub. I’m the salmon swimming upstream. I want to be there for my two daughters Isla (10) and Ginny (2).

“I’m supporting the Hospice who were there for us and ready to help. The work they do for the families of loved ones with life-limiting illnesses is a light in this world that needs our help to keep shining.”

* To sponsor Rick visit justgiving.com/fundraising/rick-pulvertaft.

Will Week is Almost Here

Posted on by Luke Brightmore

East Cheshire Hospice hopes Will Week (Oct 3-7) will persuade supporters to make arrangements for their financial future.

Solicitors are waiving usual fees and donating time and expertise to help the Hospice.

They will write a single or mirror Will, or update an existing Will, in lieu of a donation.

Complete a form at www.eastcheshirehospice.org.uk/campaign/will-week/ to register interest and access contact details for participating solicitors.

GPW Tax and Law, which has a Macclesfield office, is taking part. Estate Planning Consultant Gavin Prideaux-Williams said:  “It’s never too early, but often too late to make a Will.

“If you put it off until it’s too late, this poses all sorts of problems for the people left behind. Not making a Will could mean that some, or all of your inheritance, either goes to the wrong person or even to the State.

 

“Will Week is also a great opportunity to get advice on all those questions you have, but don’t know who to ask.”

Gavin Prideaux-Williams, from GPW Tax and Law,  who are taking part in Will Week.

Beth England, Individual Giving Fundraiser for the Hospice, said: “Will Week is the perfect time to make or update your Will, especially if your marital status has changed, your financial circumstances have altered, or if you’ve moved house.

” There’s no obligation to leave a gift to the Hospice in your Will, but if you’d like to do so, your solicitor can help. Legacy gifts provide care for one in three of our patients.”

* For more details on legacies email bengland@echospice.org.uk, or call 01625 433477.

Canoe Against Cancer Afternoon Tea (postponed)

Posted on by Luke Brightmore

Please note that this event has been postponed with a new date pending.

An afternoon tea is being organised to give two brothers a rousing send-off before their amazing canoe challenge.

Tea, cakes and a glass of fizz will be served at Hollin House Hotel, Bollington, at noon on Sunday (Aug 21).

The gathering, which is open to the public, will toast Tom and George Bentham and wish them bon voyage for their 184-mile paddle almost three weeks later.

Aiming high…canoeists George and Tom Bentham are hoping to raise £15,000 for charity.

Proceeds will go towards the brothers’ fundraising appeal for East Cheshire Hospice where their father Mark, a chef, died of cancer in September, 2019, aged 58.

They hope to raise £15,000, with funds split with Macmillan.

The brothers are aiming to canoe coast-to-coast in nine days. They start at Glasson Dock, near Lancaster, ending at the Humber.

Canals, commercial waterways, small rivers, tidal rivers and seaways all feature in the complex route.

The pair had never sat in a canoe until they bought a two-man vessel earlier this year.

The informal afternoon tea is organised by Tom’s wife Hannah. She said: “Tom and George will give a brief outline of their challenge. They’ve done a lot of training and have been extremely dedicated.”

Two young singers will provide entertainment. Tickets are £25 for adults, £20 for children. For more details contact Hannah on 07964 701027.

Tom Bentham getting ready for his canoe challenge.

Holly Thompson’s 600km Spanish Trek

Posted on by Luke Brightmore

Student Holly Thompson prepared for her graduation ceremony by walking across northern Spain in scorching temperatures.

 

Student Holly Thompson who raised funds in memory of her friend Alex Boyle.

 

The heatwave that affected Europe did not cool Holly’s enthusiasm for a trek in memory of close friend Alex Boyle, from Macclesfield.

Alex died from a rare form of bone cancer in 2019 and was a patient at East Cheshire Hospice.

Holly, with four friends, walked part of the Camino del Norte, a route along the Bay of Biscay from Santander to Santiago de Compostela.

A journey of almost 600 kilometres was crammed into three weeks as one of the group had to be back to work.

 

Holly Thompson on her Spanish adventure.

 

Holly, who raised more than £1,000 for the Hospice, said:  “The walk’s been popular with pilgrims since medieval times, ending at the cathedral in Santiago.

“We were walking in temperatures of 38 degrees some days, so started at 5.30 am when it was much cooler. Thankfully, there were water fountains along the route and one day the elevation was 1,800 metres.

“I really enjoyed the experience and all we did was wake up, walk, find shelter and food. But because I’m vegan that was challenging at times.

“My knees started giving away near the end and were pretty painful, but it was worth it in memory of Alex.

“He’d beaten cancer once and unfortunately it came back a lot stronger a few months later. He tried to stay at home as long as possible and then went into the Hospice.

“His family said how good the Hospice were and I know it runs on 80 per cent donations which is absolutely insane, so I decided I wanted to do something to help.

“Other families who’re going through the same thing will need their support and I know how important it was for his family.”

 

Alex Boyle who was a patient at East Cheshire Hospice.

 

No sooner had Holly returned than she was graduating from Lancaster University with a degree in physics. Further studies can wait as she is travelling to south east Asia and then Australia.

Holly said: “There are different walking routes in northern Spain and I’d recommend it to anyone. It was lovely meeting different people and we’ll  do it again next year, but another route.”

* The Hospice is organising a five-day trek on the Camino way in northern Spain from Oct 14-21 year.

For more details about the 115-kilometre walk visit eastcheshirehospice.org.uk/events/trek-2023

Heather Broadbent Completes Her Round-the-World Voyage

Posted on by Luke Brightmore

Round-the-world sailor Heather Broadbent has finally finished her epic voyage – almost three years since she first set sail!

Heather was one of only two crew members who completed every leg of the 48,000-mile journey on board the yacht GoToBermuda.

She has raised almost £31,000 for East Cheshire Hospice where her late husband Adam (45) was a patient.

Heather is still hoping to get close to her fundraising target of £40,000 for the Hospice @Home service.

Home at last…Heather Broadbent completes her round-the-world voyage.

The Disley landscape gardener travelled to the Philippines in February to resume a race delayed for two years because of the pandemic.

Before the break, she had sailed to South America, South Africa and Australia.

Once the race resumed, she raced across the Pacific to Seattle, through the Panama Canal to Bermuda and on to New York before Derry/Londonderry and finally finished in London.

Heather said: “I’m so relieved it’s all over. I was wary about going back after such a long break due to the Covid outbreak, but am so pleased I did.

“I would have kicked myself if I’d not finished it off. I enjoyed the second half of the race better than the first and the sailing more after I went back.

“Crossing the North Pacific was the highlight, it covers so much of the planet, while the Panama Canal was an adventure in itself.

“We came second on the leg to Bermuda which until then was our best finishing position. It was our team homecoming, we were greeted like conquering heroes. The buzz and vibe was amazing.

“We then came first on the Atlantic leg, recording the fastest time in the history of the Clipper Race for that crossing which took us 13 days.

“Lastly, we sailed over the top of Scotland to London through the Pentland Firth, a strait near the Orkneys which can be quite treacherous.”

Heather will now enjoy a well-earned rest. She said: “I’m going to press reset and spend some time in my garden and have a think about what’s next.

“At the moment I’ve no great plans to go sailing again, but never say never.

“It would be great to get closer to my fundraising target and I’ve had a few more donations with the race ending.

” Supporters can still donate because Hospice @Home is such a wonderful service.”

Heather Broadbent covered 48,000 miles during her epic voyage.

* To sponsor Heather visit www.justgiving.com/dreamitnowdoit.

STEPtember!

Posted on by Luke Brightmore

Do you count how many steps you walk each day?

East Cheshire Hospice is asking supporters to take one step a day for every £1 needed to run the Hospice.

The Steptember challenge – in September – involves 7,500 steps a day, reflecting the amount of money needed to keep the Hospice going daily.

To sign up visit the Hospice website where walkers can also set up a JustGiving page to help with fundraising.

Challenge Events Coordinator Bethan Wade said: “In the 30 days of September, we’re asking you to strap on your walking boots for this fun, fitness, fundraising challenge.

“Everyone who registers receives a pack including a t-shirt, wristband and a step totaliser to help you keep track of progress, plus other handy items.

“If 7,500 steps a day sounds too much, don’t worry. Taking part is the main thing and if you’d prefer to set a lower target that’s fine.

“We’re not asking people to raise £7,500 with their challenge because that’s an awful lot, but every penny helps.

“So we’d encourage participants to tell everyone what they’re doing and why, and ask them if they’ll sponsor them. Our web page has a quick guide on using a smartphone to track steps.”

* Visit www.eastcheshirehospice.org.uk/events/steptember

Step this way…Hospice @Home team members  (from left) Sue Milligan, Rachel Barker, Tess Cleaver and Denise Unwin join the Steptember challenge.

Ali Mitchell’s Wingwalk experience

Posted on by Becky Sidwell

Thrill seeker Ali Mitchell has vowed to return to the skies for more after her wing walk debut.

Next time the district nurse will be attempting loop-the-loops on to the top of a biplane.

Ali, from Hurdsfield, joined other daredevils at an airfield in Gloucestershire, all raising money for East Cheshire Hospice.

Ali said: “It was amazing and something I’ve always wanted to do. I’ve done a sky dive before and I’m a bit of an adrenalin junkie, so it was on my bucket list and have ticked it off now.”

She said: “It was a pleasant experience, but I was waiting for an adrenalin rush and didn’t get one.

Wing walker Ali Mitchell.

“Maybe it was because pilot was fantastic at what he was doing, or that it was such a beautiful day and very calm up there.

“I didn’t even feel the plane landing. Next time I’ll do the loop-the-loop for a bit of a tummy flip. They’re only allowed on a second flight.

“The experience is so safety conscious and you’re so well strapped in. A couple of others chose a more thrilling ride with the plane on its side, but I wanted it more sedate for the first time.

“The instructors were fantastic and I can’t praise them enough, they were brilliant.

“I was also wearing shorts so next time I might wear long pants as my skin was wobbling a bit and the worst part was climbing on to the wing.”

Ali has close ties with the Hospice. She said: “I work out-of-hours as a nurse so liaise very closely with the Hospice @Home team and that’s how I know how amazing they are.

“It’s a fantastic resource that we’ve got in our area and we’re so lucky to have it. I had a friend who passed away in there unfortunately in her 40s.

District nurse Ali Mitch (centre) with fellow wing walkers from East Cheshire Hospice and their pilot Dave.

“I think it’s appalling they have to rely on charity to fund them and we should all try to do as much as we can to support the Hospice.

“I know money is tight at the moment and people are being generous with sponsorship.”

Husband Joey saw Ali take to the skies, promising to join her next time.

Meanwhile, Ali is signing up for a sky dive organised by the Hospice on Saturday, May 13, with full details announced soon.

Elaine completes her head shave for East Cheshire Hospice

Posted on by Becky Sidwell

Elaine Taylor kept her promise to get her head shaved as a show of support for East Cheshire Hospice patients.

One patient in particular who had lost all her hair inspired Elaine, a health care assistant, to face the chop at the hairdressers.

Daughter Jade and daughter-in-law Lorri Taylor were there to witness the big moment.

Elaine, who is part of the Hospice @Home team, said: “I was nervous before and didn’t know what to expect. It was emotional because of why I was doing it and the meaning behind it.

Before…..Elaine Taylor preparing for her head shave.

“It felt liberating and was a bizarre feeling. I didn’t think I’d feel quite as good as I did when I came out.

“My partner Steve O’Neill was pleasantly surprised and said it really suited me. I went into the Hospice to show my colleagues and they were also blown away by it.

“Our dog Eva didn’t flinch when she saw my new look and just wagged her tail.

“I’ve had a lot of support from people at work who understand why I’ve done it because of the patients we care for.

After ….Elaine is congratulated by daughter Jade.

“One lady I’d cared for of similar age, with children and a dog like me, had quite an effect on me. Sadly, she didn’t have any choice whether she lost her hair.

“I love my job and can’t imagine doing anything else.”

Elaine has easily beaten her initial fundraising target, raising more than £1,700 so far.

*  To support Elaine visit www.justgiving.com/fundraising/Elaine-Taylor40

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