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Leaving a Legacy for the Hospice

Posted on by Luke Brightmore

Legacy gifts make up about a third of East Cheshire Hospice’s fundraising income.

Donors usually leave either a fixed amount, or a percentage of their estate, in their will.

The absence of major fundraising events over the last year because of Covid-19 has left the Hospice struggling for income even more.

Beth England, Individual Giving Fundraiser, said: “We’re here to look after you and your loved one, should you ever need us and understand more than most how important family is.

“Therefore once you’ve looked after your family in your will, we ask you to consider leaving a gift to the Hospice.

“Such a gift is a big decision but it’s one that makes a very real and lasting difference to the lives of people affected by life-limiting illness, long into the future.

“The past year has shown without doubt that we can’t predict the future and the need for our care is only growing.

“Your support through a gift in your will, will help future generations access our vital care. We can’t even begin to express how much we appreciate every legacy gift that we receive.

“It’s so special to know that someone has trusted us to continue their legacy through the work we do in the community.”

* For more information about legacies contact Beth England at legacies@echospice.org.uk.

Beth England, Individual Giving Fundraiser at East Cheshire Hospice.

Coming soon… Memory Miles 2021!

Posted on by Luke Brightmore

At long last East Cheshire Hospice can finally look ahead to its next mass participation event!

A Memory Miles walk is scheduled for Friday, August 27, at Adlington Hall, some 16 months after it should have been held there.

Walkers enjoying the memory walk two years ago.

The event will bring to a close a Virtual Memory Miles  campaign between May 1 and August 31.

That same initiative during the first lockdown last year raised over £10,000. Except this time the climax will feature a walk bringing everyone together.

Before then supporters are invited to undertake their own challenge, either walking, running, cycling, skating, swimming or any other way of getting around.

It is also a chance to honour lost loved ones, though anyone can take part.

The same applies to the Memory Miles walk – formerly Light Up The Night –  which is one-kilometre woodland route at picturesque Adlington Hall.

Walkers can complete the course as often as they wish, with entertainment, stalls and refreshments, from 4 pm, adhering to any government guidelines.

Registration details for  the walk will be announced soon on the website, along with the free-to-enter Virtual Memory Miles.

Events Manager Beth Candy said: “It’s great to be back with an actual event at which we can all get together again after such a long time.

“Our supporters have been loyal and patient over the last year or so and Memory Miles is a celebration of lost loved ones and the frustrating time we’ve spent apart from family and friends.”

The last memory walk in 2019.

Barbara Horry

Posted on by Luke Brightmore

Harold Horry only spent 15 hours as a patient at East Cheshire Hospice but it was long enough to leave a lasting impression on his family.

They have never forgotten the care the former AstraZeneca employee received in those final precious hours before he died in 2012, aged 86.

So much so that wife Barbara has donated proceeds from a book of family memoirs to the Hospice as a thank you.

The hardback, entitled The Mad Midwife of Mobberley, was written by granddaughter Lydia, a keen writer.

It is an affectionate account of Barbara’s nursing experiences over almost 40 years and was Lydia’s present to celebrate her grandmother’s 90th birthday in November.

Barbara Horry with her book of family memoirs.

The Mad Midwife of Mobberley, written by Barbara’s granddaughter Lydia.

Family and friends bought copies for £10, raising £350 for the Hospice where Barbara admits she would have liked to have worked.

Harold was a leading figure in the scouting movement, spending 20 years as Alderley’s district commissioner. Barbara has raised more than £200,000 for the scouts over five decades.

Harold worked in package design for ICI and later AZ, spending more than 50 years with the company, based at Alderley Park and then Macclesfield.

Barbara said: “Fortunately, the Hospice found a bed for Harold and we just managed to get him there from the hospital in Manchester in time. He arrived after lunchtime and died early the next morning.

“He was only there for 15 hours but we were so grateful for the care he received in that short time.

“The Hospice do a wonderful job and I admire the work they do there not only for patients, but also for the families who’re so well looked after as well.

“We were so grateful for the Hospice’s compassion and understanding during our time of grief and will never forget their kindness.

“Lydia enjoys books and writing and her book contains tales of funny incidents in my life, including my early experiences as a district nurse and midwife.

“It’s been popular with family and friends and we’re all glad to have raised money for the Hospice which will always be close to our hearts.”

Barbara celebrating her 90th birthday.

Rearranging the Christmas Tree Collection

Posted on by Luke Brightmore

Does anyone still have a Christmas tree that needs collecting?

True to its word East Cheshire Hospice is keeping a promise to pick up trees registered under its collection scheme.

The service had to be postponed once Cheshire went back into lockdown at the start of the year.

The vast majority of donors refused the offer of a refund to help the Hospice financially.

Some even contributed even though they were not among more than 6,000 registrations for the tree collection.

The collection is now scheduled for the week of April 19 following the easing of restrictions, though plans would be reviewed if the government road map out of lockdown changes.

The team are contacting supporters asking if they still have a tree for collection. A date will be arranged that week once numbers and locations are known.

Staff at the Ansa recycling plant in West Park in 2019.

Community Fundraiser Carley Macey said: “It’s impossible to tell at this point how many remaining trees need collecting. That’s why we’re sending out an email to figure out how many vans and volunteers we need.

“If you no longer need your tree collecting please do nothing and we’ll assume that anyone who doesn’t complete the form no longer requires collection.

“We want to thank everyone for their patience. This has been an extremely difficult situation for the collection organisers, volunteers and the Hospice. With so many people involved in making the collection happen, the safety of everyone must be our top priority.”

Christmas Tree Collection team are aware that 66 people have disposed of their own tree so far.  The delayed collection is for trees already registered and no new registrations can be taken.

Supporters’ generosity means the tree campaign alone has already paid for 20 days of care so far. It costs £7,500 a day for the charity to provide its services free of charge.

Carley said: “We received such an encouraging response when we announced our decision to postpone.

“While we did receive some requests for a refund, we also saw such generosity from our community from additional donations made towards the collection and the Hospice.

“We’re so incredibly grateful and humbled by these gestures and while we celebrate the amount raised, it also puts into perspective the funds we need to generate all the time.”

* To get your registered tree collected, or make a donation, visit www.echtrees.org.uk

Volunteers before the2020 Christmas tree collection.

High Flyer Teresa Recommends Wing Walk

Posted on by Luke Brightmore

Are you daring enough to do a wing walk just like fearless mum Teresa Pipon?

The high-flyer took to the skies almost two years ago for East Cheshire Hospice.

Her message for the Hospice’s wing walk on Monday, June 21, is to sign up and prepare to be strapped in.

Ready for take off… Teresa prepares for her wing walk.

Teresa said: “I’ve always been a daredevil and wanted to do something big for my 50th birthday.

“I didn’t want presents, so asked for donations instead to the Hospice which did a wonderful job of caring for my dad Lewis Smith who died in 2013.

“I loved the wing walk. It was exhilarating and frightening and I’d certainly recommend it.”

Teresa’s wing walk.

The aerial adventure, organised by AeroSuperBatics, is at an airfield in Cirencester, Gloucestershire, where Teresa did her walk.

Places are limited and the event may extend to a second day depending on demand. Wing walkers must be at least 18, no taller than 6 ft 2 in and no heavier than 14 stone, with a waist measurement of 40″ or less while wearing warm clothing and a jacket.

The cost is a £150 deposit upon registration and a guarantee to raise a minimum of £500 sponsorship.

Like Teresa, wing walkers will be harnessed on top of a 1940s Boeing Stearman biplane after getting full safety guidance.

Teresa said: “It was quite nerve-wracking. Staff put you at ease for the whole experience and I remember feeling the force of the wind against me.

“The pilot asked if I wanted to stay on a level but I let him do some dips, dives and banked turns. You aren’t allowed to loop-the-loop on your first wing walk.

“I’d done a tandem sky jump from 15,000 feet in New Zealand, but this was scarier as I was on my own.

“I had intended doing yoga poses, but barely let go and thankfully the whole experience was filmed.

“I must admit I enjoyed the family lunch with a drink afterwards with my husband Nigel, daughter Holly and son Jack.”

Safe landing…Teresa celebrates her aerial adventure.

Teresa, who raised almost £1,000, is a regular at major Hospice events. Her fundraising is match- funded by HSBC UK where she is a Senior Business Development Manager for Mortgage Intermediaries.

She said: “My mum Mary, who lives in Macclesfield, got great comfort and support from the Hospice. Dad had the best possible care.”

* For more wing walk details visit www.eastcheshirehospice.org.uk.

Teresa with her dad Lewis on a family holiday in Jersey.

Join Our Easter Eggstravaganza

Posted on by Luke Brightmore

East Cheshire Hospice is inviting supporters to join an Easter Eggstravaganza from March 29-April 5.

A fundraising pack has ideas about how to take part, along with recipes, decorations and scorecards.

It could be a bake-off style competition, or simply spending time with family and friends eating cake and drinking coffee.

There is also an ECH Bake Off on Facebook on Saturday, April 3, when culinary enthusiasts can bake along with the team at the Hospice.

Community Fundraiser Carley Macey said: “Many of our supporters are very creative so we know there’ll be some great masterpieces from the Bake Off.

“We’d love people to do some Easter-themed fundraising for the Hospice with those who mean a lot to you, whether in person or virtually.

“The aim is to get a few people together at a convenient time that week, have some fun and raise money for a good cause.

“It could be family, friends, classmates, or work colleagues and over Zoom or face-to-face, as long as government guidelines are followed.

“It’s open to all ages and every penny helps the Hospice.”

Hospice supporter Charlotte Buckley (5) got in some practice by baking a cake with her mum Jennifer.

Hospice supporter Charlotte Buckley getting ready for the Easter Eggstravaganza.

Corporate Challenge to Fund Bereavement Services

Posted on by Luke Brightmore

Bereavement services run by East Cheshire Hospice will benefit from the next Corporate Challenge in May.

Firms and other organisations are being urged to sign up for the fun competition in which entrants  raise as much as possible from a £100 start-up loan.

All proceeds will go towards the expansion of the Hospice’s bereavement services for which demand has increased because of Covid-19.

East Cheshire Hospice’s Bereavement Services Lead Helen Wilkinson said: “People are more isolated and their grief compounded by restrictions, meaning they can’t hug, meet a friend, or catch up like they did.

“Some people try to squash their emotions, or keep busy, before realising there’s a problem and they can’t cope. We’re seeing that now and the delayed reaction means we’re likely to see it in the future as well.

“We encourage people to talk about it, be open and seek help. Everyone has different experiences and Covid and lockdown has heightened emotions.

“Those grieving shouldn’t wear a mask metaphorically and friends, relatives and society can help by  listening and offer empathy.  Bereavement is hard anyway.  Now more than ever, people are recognising the need for support.”

Helen Wilkinson, Bereavement Services Lead at East Cheshire Hospice.

Last year’s Corporate Challenge raised £12,226 and was won by Equilibrium Financial Planning which has also entered this time, along with Leap 29. All profit made by teams during May is donated to the Hospice.

* For more details go to www.eastcheshirehospice.org.uk/corporate-challenge

Abi and Kyla Swap Lbs for £s

Posted on by Luke Brightmore

Sisters-in-laws Abi Lowe and Kyla Eyre have joined forces in a fitness drive to raise funds for East Cheshire Hospice.

The pair are honouring the memory of Abi’s oldest sister Christabel who died of cancer in the Hospice in 2012, aged 27.

The care she received inspired them to sign up to the Hospice’s health initiative Lbs 4 £s.

The Hospice requires £7,500 a day to keep going and provides its services free of charge.

Abi, from Macclesfield, said: “It’s mind blowing that only 17 per cent of funds comes from the government and the Hospice has to rely on the community for the rest of its income.

“When we read that fact we thought it was absolutely crazy so we wanted to make sure we gave something back after they were so amazing with Christabel.

“The hospice provided above and beyond care for her and ensured she had everything she needed, as well as supporting our family during an unbelievably tough time.

“It’s ridiculous that government funding is so low for such a crucial thing. I know so many people in the Cheshire area use the Hospice, or have been touched by it in some way.”

Abi Lowe (left) and Kyla Eyre who are aiming to raise £2,000 for East Cheshire Hospice.

The pair are on course to raise £2,000 before the end of March when the 12-week fitness and well-being programme ends.

Alongside their healthy lifestyle changes, they have organised a virtual raffle in which small local  businesses have generously donated prizes such as hot tub hire, beauty treatments, restaurant vouchers, lockdown birthday celebrations and alcohol packages.

Kyla said: “We’re grateful for all the help and everyone has been so generous – both the local companies who’ve donated products and services and those who’ve bought raffle tickets. We’re blown away by the community spirit and generosity.

“I’ve already lost a stone in weight, helped by healthy eating and online work outs such as yoga sessions. Friends and family have spurred us on for encouragement.

“It’s amazing knowing you’re helping such a worthy cause while helping yourself.”

The virtual raffle is still on- going with plenty more prizes to be won, including party venue hire, photography sessions, afternoon teas, home fragrance packages.

* To get involved visit www.facebook.com/virtualraffleECH

AstraZeneca 2020 Fundraising

Posted on by Luke Brightmore

AstraZeneca and its employees made a donation of more than £21,000 to East Cheshire Hospice last year.

A total of £12,080 was raised from various fundraising initiatives, including a drive-in cinema on the AZ Campus car park on Charter Way.

The company added a further £9,075, providing a welcome bonus for the charity which endured a tough financial year due to Covid-19.

The cinema experience raised £1,200, while a running challenge between AZ staff in Macclesfield and colleagues in Sweden contributed a similar amount.

AZ also matched donations by staff for 2020 Christmas tree collection, the Hospice’s Now More than Ever Appeal and a Christmas jumper day.

Staff also sold key rings and mask adaptors in aid of the charity, while Sodexo catering staff at AZ made regular cake donations and provided advent calendars.

Kate Bowmar, the Hospice’s Corporate Fundraiser, said: “We can’t thank AstraZeneca enough for their amazing support once again in 2020. It’s been a tough last 12 months for the Hospice and the enthusiasm and commitment shown by AZ is so heart warming, especially in these difficult times.”

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 2020.

“I’m sure that dedication will continue in 2021 through our support for several local charities, including the Hospice.”

Sodexo employees Tim Stevens and Dawn Walsh delivering advent calendars to the Hospice.

Quizmasters’ Profiles

Posted on by Luke Brightmore

There is one question quiz hosts Paul Morrissey and Mark Watson cannot answer.

When will East Cheshire Hospice quiz teams finally meet up again without the aid of Zoom?

It is 16 months since the last quiz at Marlborough Primary School where it was always a social event as much as a test of general knowledge.

Organisers have held six virtual quizzes since during the pandemic, raising an impressive £7,471 online. The next quiz is on Friday, March 5.

The ECH quiz team have raised more than £38,000 for the Hospice in seven years when Paul and Mark have been firing the questions.

The last quiz drew 89 teams with contestants dotted all over the country.

Quiz masters Paul Morrissey (left) and Mark Watson.

Paul said: “It’s good that people can take part from anywhere, but where we lose out is we can’t hold raffles and sell beer like we do at the face-to-face quizzes. So being able to raise the same amount of money is a challenge.

“It’s about striking the right balance with questions. We don’t want them too hard because there’s a range of different people, particularly at the Hospice quizzes.

“People enjoy the face-to-face get-togethers as much for the crack as the quiz itself.  We do try to push the social side and encourage people to have a good time.”

Paul, who was a Hospice trustee for seven years and is now a vice president, is retired from AstraZeneca where he spent more than 30 years.

He is a quiz veteran like Mark who runs the Macclesfield Quiz League and they are team-mates for the Nags Head ‘B’.

Past quiz host Dave Robinson helps with music rounds at the school events, while the tireless Alison Brammer is co-organiser. Nik Kalka usually runs the bar and now helps with technology. Community Fundraiser Carley Macey co-ordinates for the Hospice.

Quiz bar team (from left) Rick Cohen, Nik Kalka and Mike Kemp.

Mark said: “I’ve got a good memory for facts which frankly aren’t much use anywhere else. Questions which don’t do me the slightest good in real life work really well in this forum!”

“I’ve known Paul a long time – fellow Manchester City supporter – and we get on well and pull each other’s leg. Hopefully, we provide some entertainment.”

Mark retired as a Police Inspector in 2012 and is co-ordinator for the charity Cheshire Crimebeat. He was awarded the MBE for services to community policing, having worked closely on Gypsy, Roma and Traveller communities for many years.

 

To join the next quiz on Friday March 5th, go to https://www.eastcheshirehospice.org.uk/virtual-quiz

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