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Sentimental Jewellery Repairs Help the Hospice

Posted on by Luke Brightmore

Sentimental jewellery belonging to Vanessa Greveson has been given a new lease of life through her links with East Cheshire Hospice.

Items include a string of pearls given to Vanessa by her late husband Warren who died at the Hospice.

Help came from jewellery expert Helen Dimmick who runs Annie’s Legacy, a fundraising initiative she set up in the name of her late grandmother.

Helen donates 15 per cent of the profit from work undertaken in memory of a loved one to the Hospice which cared for Annie who inspired her love of jewellery.

The two Macclesfield women met after Vanessa read about Helen’s offer in the Hospice newsletter.

Jewellery expert Helen Dimmick who runs Annie’s Legacy.  

Vanessa said: “Helen’s naturally, bright and bubbly personality immediately connects with people.  She completely understands where bereaved people are coming from.

“I had some pieces of jewellery that were particularly meaningful to me which needed adjustments.

“The pearls from Warren needed re-stringing and I had earrings which had been made into a ring before but it wasn’t quite right, so Helen kindly made suggestions about what could be done.

Warren and Vanessa Greveson.

“I also had my mother’s items that I never wore because they didn’t fit or were damaged, so Helen was just the right person to put them back into my life.

“I can’t tell you how grateful I am because it has really made a big difference to me. Helen’s such a sensitive person and she immediately picked up on how the jewellery fits into my psyche.

“She’s so good at keeping her clients informed of exactly what’s going on which is perfect for someone like me who can hardly let go of anything.”

For Vanessa it was also a way of giving something back to the Hospice.

She said: “I knew I needed to find a jeweller who was local to me, but once I saw that Annie’s Legacy had been set up by Helen, I couldn’t pick up the phone fast enough.

“There must be so many people who inherit things that either don’t fit, or who might think ‘that’s lovely, the stones in that brooch are beautiful, but I’d rather it were a ring on my finger.’ Helen would be the person to ask and she’s very knowledgeable.”

* To contact Helen email helen@helendimmick.com, or call 07939 047056.

Hospice Events in 2021

Posted on by Luke Brightmore

Planning fundraising events is proving because of on-going uncertainty over Covid-19.

The events team are still hoping that 2021 might see a long-awaited return of mass participation events, though the pandemic continues to disrupt plans.

The Hospice switched to virtual fundraising events almost a year ago and is still also urging the public to carry on with their own initiatives to provide much-needed revenue.

The flagship Light Up The Night memory walk has been provisionally arranged, though this Adlington Hall gathering might have to be cancelled again this year.

Events Manager Beth Candy said: “We have a date in May booked for Light Up the Night, but it’s very much a wait and see and I’m afraid it’s looking unlikely unless things change dramatically.

“Last summer we held a Memory Miles virtual event involving people walking the miles themselves and raising money. That was hugely successful and we may do that again.

“Events have been the most impacted of all the income streams as we simply just haven’t been able to hold them.

“It’ll work out that we haven’t managed to hold a single event during the entire financial year which is obviously a really scary time for us, but we’re greatly supported by our community and that’s made a massive difference.

“It’s looking like another quieter year for events and we’re looking into more virtual/socially-distanced events through the year to keep the community together as we miss seeing everyone.

“I’ve also been extremely lucky to help in other parts of the team, such as the kitchen and housekeeping. That was a real eye opener and just reminds me why we fundraise and do what we do.

“It’s been a massive test for everyone having to adapt to keep those all-important donations coming in, but it’s all experience and learning on the job.”

Colleague Bethan Wade co-ordinates the popular Challenge Events Series which has seen a big increase in participants.

These include initiatives such as the current Lbs 4 £s weight loss and fitness programme; a Firewalk (Oct 22) and a Sahara trek (Nov 13-20), subject to overseas travel restrictions. A wing walk is also planned.

Beth and Bethan have also helped community fundraisers Carley Macey and Claire Gorton who assist with countless challenges undertaken by individuals and groups. The latest venture was another of the Virtual Quiz nights last Friday (Feb 5).

Beth Candy (left) and Bethan Wade  at Tough Woofer  in October 2019. It took place soon  after Bethan started her fundraising role at East Cheshire Hospice and no mass participation event has been held since.

Helen Adamson Walks for the Hospice

Posted on by Luke Brightmore

Helen Adamson decided to branch out with her own fundraising once this year’s tree collection for East Cheshire Hospice was called off.

She walked an average of more than six miles every day last month, raising more than £3,500 in the process for the Hospice.

Helen explained: “It all started after a conversation with my husband Richard who helps with the tree collection each year.

“Once it was postponed, I decided to do something in a small way to help raise funds for the Hospice.

“It was also my 60th birthday last month, so I asked family and friends to donate to the Hospice instead of buying presents.

“I love walking and thought it’d be good to set myself a little challenge by walking at least three miles every day with a family member or friend in January.

“I ended up doing a lot more than that, completing 214 miles altogether. Two of my favourite walking routes are Hare Hill and Shutlingsloe.

“The support I’ve had has been incredible and every single pound raised will go to the Hospice which needs a lot of fundraising to provide its excellent care.”

Helen raised £6,000 for Macmillan last year by walking 26 miles around Coniston Water after she was unable to run the virtual London marathon due to spinal problems.

She was deputy manager of Macmillan Cancer Information and Support Centre at Wythenshawe Hospital before retiring in June last year.

* To sponsor Helen visit uk.virginmoneygiving.com/HelenAdamson2

Helen Adamson who walked an average of more than six miles each day in January. 

Claire Joins the Fundraising Team

Posted on by Luke Brightmore

Claire Gorton will never forget the day she started her new job at East Cheshire Hospice.

Her arrival last month coincided with the announcement of the latest national lockdown.

It was not the news Claire and the fundraising team she had just joined wanted to hear, especially after such a frustrating year for the charity.

Claire, who is Community Fundraising Assistant, said: “The new lockdown came just as I started and in my first week it should have been our Christmas tree collection which was postponed unfortunately.

“It’s a difficult time to fundraise, but also such an important time to be fundraising. It’s going to be a challenge but that’s also exciting.

“There are plenty of ways people can fundraise without coming together. Supporters are getting more creative and adapting because of the way things are and coming up with fresh ideas.”

Claire Gorton with some of her ceramics.

Claire, from Nether Alderley, had her job interview last March with her appointment delayed by Covid-19.

Her previous job as a technical demonstrator at Quarry Bank involved explaining the cotton mill’s role in the Industrial Revolution.

She said:  “It was very interesting, I learned a lot there and it was a nice place to work. I demonstrated the old machinery for hand spinning and weaving, cotton processing and the spinning mule.

“I fell in love with storytelling and engaging the visitors, but fancied a new challenge. I saw the job advertised and enjoy talking to the public and felt it’d be exciting to get people engaged in raising money for the Hospice.”

Claire already had links with the charity, her mum Pat inspiring her to join its memory walks, while a close family friend was cared for at the Hospice.

Claire said: “I’ve been to the Hospice in a visiting capacity as well, so have that understanding of what it means to patients and their families at quite difficult times.”

Meanwhile, older brother Rob is undertaking a series of fundraising challenges, including a Hospice trek to the Sahara in November.

Claire has a degree in design crafts with ceramics her speciality.

She said:  “I’ve had a small business making and selling ceramics in my spare time since I graduated from university in 2016.

“I have a little shed on the family farm where I make my ceramics which I normally sell at places like the Treacle Market,  but that’s cancelled at the moment so I’ve been selling online.”

Claire Gorton in front the kiln in her shed with her ceramics.

Will Week Raises £8,687

Posted on by Luke Brightmore

East Cheshire Hospice celebrated another successful Will Week campaign despite Covid restrictions.

£8,687 was raised thanks to the support of legal firms which donated time and expertise to help the Hospice.

Participants included GPW Trusts, which is now operating at Church Street, Macclesfield, and will be able to see clients there after the latest lockdown ends.

Other firms taking part in October’s Will Week were Poole Alcock, Spall Clark, Dunkerleys LLP, Stratford Solicitors and Alfred Newton.

Kate Bowmar, the charity’s Corporate Fundraiser, said: “Will Week is an important fundraising initiative for the Hospice, especially at the moment. The campaign raises vital funds and makes our supporters consider leaving a legacy gift in their Will to the Hospice.

“It wouldn’t be a success without the goodwill and generosity of our local solicitors and the public, so we thank everyone who supported the campaign.”

The next Hospice Will Week (Oct 4-8) will be the 10th year of the initiative.

Gavin Prideaux-Williams, Estate Planning Consultant at GPW Trusts.

Norman Meredith

Posted on by Luke Brightmore

Walker Norman Meredith has been on the go virtually non-stop since he started his charity challenge.

He completed his mission to cover 1,000 miles in 100 days on Christmas Eve but has hardly put his feet up since.

Norman Meredith during his challenge. 

Norman, from Mottram St Andrew, said: “I think I rested for one day once I’d finished, but I’ve become so addicted to walking I’ve been out on seven or eight mile walks every day.

“It’s been great for my general fitness, I’ve lost weight and slept like a baby. I’d definitely recommend the exercise.”

Norman is raising funds for East Cheshire Hospice in memory of his father Dennis (86) who died in November 2018.

Dennis was chairman of the Macclesfield-based Prince Albert Angling Society – one of the biggest fishing clubs in Europe – for 25 years.

In his final days he was cared for by Hospice @Home nurses.

Norman said: “The Hospice were magnificent and I’d like everyone to know just how good they were. I vowed to do some fundraising and given the current circumstances felt it was appropriate to do something now.”

“The Hospice needs all the financial help it can get at this difficult time. Care is provided free of charge so any fundraising makes a difference.”

Dennis Meredith and wife Alma.

The retired sales executive used various routes as he kept to his average distance of 10 miles a day.

“I was amazed how many new friends I made who live within half a mile of my house just by going for a walk. People I didn’t know before would stop for a chat.”

A weekly route was to Aldi where he bought two bottles of Chilean Pinot Noir. “I became known as Clinking Norman because I’d got my favourite tipple in my rucksack.

“I was always very active, running marathons and half marathons, and played sport and have enjoyed walking.”

* To sponsor Norman visit justgiving.com/fundraising/norman-meredith

Norman Meredith on his 1,000-mile walk in aid of East Cheshire Hospice.

Jola Designs

Posted on by Luke Brightmore

Friends Jayne Hadfield and Nicky Bradley took a risk opening a town centre shop after the first lockdown but the move has paid off for them.

The co-owners of Jola Designs ran the business successfully from their homes before opening the Beech Lane store in September.

Jayne and Nicky have chosen East Cheshire Hospice as their charity of the year for 2021.

A percentage of sales from a Hospice collection, including cushions, aprons and bags, have already being donated to the charity.

The two Macclesfield women met while working for Arighi Bianchi.

Their careers then went in different directions but they remained close friends and eventually turned their craft hobby into a profitable business, starting off at trade fairs selling cushions and cards to retailers.

The shop and website now boasts an extensive product range, including gifts, clothing, home, baby and accessories.

Jayne said: “We had no expectations after opening the shop, especially as it was probably the worst time in history to start a business but the support has been amazing.

“We’ve traded for a few years and having a shop window allows us to show people in Macclesfield what we do. So for many we’re a new company.

“It’s been a weird time for everyone but felt we had to be brave and there’s a lot more we can do.”

Nicky Bradley (left) and Jayne Hadfield with their Hospice collection at Jola Designs.

 

Jola Designs is a family affair. Nicky’s parents Paul and Carol help out, while daughter Ellie runs NaughtyBirds, a women’s clothing brand based at the shop.

Nicky said: “Jayne designs and is the creative inspiration, while I focus on sales.  We spent a lot of time between homes where we had workshops in our garages.

“It then reached the point where we had to decide whether to go full time. Some products are generic, but we also specialise in creating personalised bespoke items. ”

Their only regret is that Jayne’s husband Ged is not around to see their success. Ged died of a heart attack in 2016, aged 53.

Jayne said: “Ged urged us on and backed us all the way. He would have been so proud to see how we’ve done. Nicky was my rock and saved me when Ged died, encouraging me to carry on and make it work.”

Although they started January with the shop closed due to restrictions, they continue to trade online and look forward to reopening again soon.

Find more ways to support the Hospice by shopping online here.

Charity of the Year 2021

Posted on by Luke Brightmore

East Cheshire Hospice is hoping the local business community will again rally round in 2021.

The Hospice is urging companies, or any other organisations, to adopt it as their chosen charity of the year.

Another way of helping is through membership of its 500 Club which sees businesses pledge to raise a minimum of £500 every 12 months over a three-year period.

 

Corporate Fundraiser Kate Bowmar said: “The charity of the year initiative is a traditional way for companies to align their fundraising efforts with one charity throughout the year.

“We’re grateful to those which have already signed up for 2021 and would ask any others interested in supporting us to get in touch.

“Our 500 Club also has well over 20 members and their on-going commitment means so much to us, especially in such a difficult financial climate.

“The charity sector has suffered because of Covid-19 and the Hospice has been hurt badly by a lack of fundraising income, though thankfully our corporate supporters continue to amaze us with their backing.”

 

Remap Consulting, based at Alderley Park, was one of several companies which ran fundraising events as part of its charity of the year support. Others included AstraZeneca, Leap29, Spirit Medical Communications Group and Chess ICT.

Kate said: “Companies don’t often decide on their charitable support until the New Year so our message to them and any other groups is to please bear us in mind.”

* Contact the team via fundraising@echospice.org.uk.

Kate Bowmar (third right) from East Cheshire Hospice with staff from Leek United Building Society which is a member of the 500 Club.

Christmas Tree Collection Postponed

Posted on by Luke Brightmore

Devastated organisers have apologised after reluctantly calling off the East Cheshire Hospice Christmas tree collection.

The decision to cancel last weekend’s collection was forced upon organisers after the country went into a new national lockdown.

A refund will be offered to more than 6,000 customers who had registered their trees on the charity’s website www.echtrees.org.uk.

Donors can decline that option if they wish, helping the Hospice financially during the toughest time in its 32-year history.

Another option is for customers to have their trees collected once lockdown restrictions are lifted and it is safe to do so.

However, it is unclear when this later collection can take place because of uncertainty over the length of the latest lockdown period.

It is the first time in the scheme’s 21-year history the collection has not taken place. Four years ago it was delayed by a week because of bad weather.

Organisers desperately disappointed by having to make the decision insist the scheme will be back in full swing in 2022.

Volunteers helping at a previous collection.

The cancellation is another serious financial blow to the Hospice as the tree campaign is one of its flagship fundraising events of the year.

Months of meticulous planning had again gone into this year’s scheme.

Officials had carefully considered safety restrictions caused by Covid-19, with volunteers and driving teams kept in family/support bubbles.

Further discussions were then held after the end-of-year announcement that Cheshire was going into Tier 4, with the decision made that it was safe to continue.

However, any hopes the collection could still go ahead ended once the third lockdown was imposed.

Organisers immediately halted tree registrations before concluding the collection could not go ahead.

A Hospice statement said: “We’re truly sorry we’ve had to make this decision but the safety of our community and all involved in making the collection happen must come first. Therefore, we must postpone for a safer time and follow the government’s guidance to stay at home.

“This is a devastating blow to the Hospice after an extremely challenging year for fundraising, having been unable to hold a major fundraising event since the last Christmas Tree Collection in January 2020!

“The collection is one of our biggest annual campaigns generating vital funds that we rely on to continue to provide our care. ”

Volunteers before last year’s Christmas tree collection.

James Bunker – Christmas Tree Collection Volunteer

Posted on by Luke Brightmore

*Please note that the Christmas Tree Collection has now been postponed and some information in this article may be out of date. For more information click here.*

 

James Bunker was not even born when East Cheshire Hospice’s first Christmas tree collection took place in 2001.

But the teenager is now a key part of operations as the scheme celebrates its coming of age this weekend (Jan 9-10).

He was just 13 when he first volunteered for the collection with his dad Richard by joining the team on vans collecting trees for recycling.

James, who is 20 in March, is still out on the vans collecting trees each January, but is also increasingly involved in the planning and co-ordination process, assisting organisers Richard Raymond and Pete Chapman.

He was on the helpline before and after last year’s tree collection, spending the actual weekend on a round with his dad.

Richard and Pete began the pioneering collection which now collects around 7,500 trees and raises in excess of £100,000 for the Hospice each year.

James said: “Richard and Pete do an absolutely incredible job organising and co-ordinating the collection each year, spending more than three months on the event with all the planning.

“I’m still quite young, but I’m keen to do as much as I can to help them and pick up tips on how it works so that in future years I can help as much as is needed.

“The Hospice are keen to ensure the long-term sustainability of the collection to make sure it carries on for years to come as it’s such a vital part of their fundraising.”

James is a manager in Wilmslow for Mitchell’s and Butlers who operate pubs, bars and restaurants all over the UK. He also freelances as an event manager for large-scale public sporting events and  works on major Hospice fundraising events.

James Bunker and Richard Raymond, co-founder of the East Cheshire Hospice Christmas tree collection scheme.

Route planning company 121 Systems optimises journeys for the 40-strong fleet of vans, a service it provides voluntarily to more than 50 charities.

Managing director Chris Sisson said: “There are a number of reasons we help East Cheshire Hospice. The collection brings the community together, donations go directly towards caring for patients facing challenges at end-of-life and trees are recycled so there are also environmental benefits.”

The company is one of many providing support, including main sponsors AstraZeneca. Organisers are asking tree customers to be patient about collections of their tree due to Covid restrictions.

* For any queries email echtrees@echospice.org.uk or call the Customer Care Helpline 01625 708939.

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