Category: Fundraising

East Cheshire Hospice has launched an interactive tool on their website to help potential fundraisers.

The Challenge Ideas Generator web page suggests ways of getting involved with events to support the Hospice.

The Hospice fundraising team came up with the easy-to-use guide as a response to the phenomenal success of supporter-led initiatives over the last six months.

The donations given as sponsorship for these initiatives have provided a lifeline for the Hospice after it was forced to cancel all official events six months ago because of Covid-19.

Hospice Marketing Manager Amy Chatwood said: “This new interactive Challenge Ideas Generator is basically a summary of just over 100 ideas and events as inspiration for ways of fundraising.

“The challenge generator breaks down into categories, such as how difficult a challenge someone wants to undertake and whether they want to do it on their own, or in a group.

“It could be anything from a bike ride, walk, run, swim, Three Peaks Challenge or even sky diving. The short interactive form is designed to help people help us because we still urgently need ongoing support.

“We’ve been overwhelmed by the enthusiasm shown by people who’ve wanted to get involved with the Hospice over the summer.

“The community has responded to the challenge and we’ve been so grateful for that support. Thankfully, it seems people are still up for the challenge and our new web page is designed to assist them.”

* Visit eastcheshirehospice.org.uk/ideas for more details.

Rachel Gledhill had to borrow a bike and buy running shoes for her first triathlon.

She did at least own a wetsuit for the one-mile swim across Pickmere Lake which started her endurance challenge.

Heavy rain meant there was no way of drying off for a 40k bike ride to Chelford before a 10k run uphill to East Cheshire Hospice.

There she was met by nurses who toasted her success after four-and-a-half hour journey in bad conditions.

Heavy rain could not deter Rachel from completing her triathlon.

Rachel’s exploits raised £3,100 for the charity in memory of her husband Tom’s grandad Roy Lee, from Chelford.

Roy (78) died in the Hospice four years ago and the family never forgot the care he received.

Rachel said: “Tom’s grandad took me under  his wing and I always said I’d do something to pay the Hospice back, especially as it needs thousands of pounds each day to stay open.

“The care was unbelievable and Hospice made him so comfortable. He was so happy there in his final days.”

Rachel with her husband Tom’s grandad Roy Lee.

Rachel, who works for property developers DeTrafford, was joined by friends and family en route to keep her spirits up.

Sister-in-law  Leanne Tully and her daughter Isabelle (8) ran the last mile with her from Broken Cross.

Rachel said: “A triathlon is not my thing at all and I had to borrow a bike and buy proper running shoes. I started exercising during lockdown and really enjoyed it and that inspired me.

“Two triathlons I’d entered were cancelled so I took matters into my own hands and created my own route. Unfortunately, it was one of the wettest days on record so there was no chance of getting dry after the swim section.

“Five supporters joined me on the bike ride and three on the run and I’m overwhelmed by everyone’s support and generosity and want to thank them for donating.”

* To support Rachel visit justgiving.com/fundraising/rachelsfirsttri.

Rachel with Miley Morris (left) and Isabelle Tully.    

Gaynor Webb has a burning desire to help East Cheshire Hospice.

That is why she is daring to walk over hot coals at a Firewalk on Friday, November 6.

Family and friends will watch her challenge via a live stream because of Covid-19 restrictions.

Strict safety guidelines will be in place for the event, from 7 pm, at the Hospice’s Millbank Drive site.

The Hospice was forced to cancel several high-profile fundraising events this year but is going ahead with its Firewalk with social distancing in place and a limit on spectators.

Gaynor, from Macclesfield, is a regular supporter of the Hospice, volunteering at various events.

She said: “I’m strangely excited by the idea of walking on fire for the first time. It’s the fear of the unknown and a challenge you might get anxious or scared by, but actually doesn’t turn out to be as bad as you expected.

“Some people might think I’m either daft or brave, but I try to make a difference. It’s a feel good factor for me and I always get a sense of pride when I’m doing something to help the Hospice.”

Gaynor, who has worked at AstraZeneca for 22 years, is hoping to raise £1,000. To sponsor her visit justgiving.com/fundraising/Gaynor-Webb4?

Gaynor said: “I’ve done a tour of the Hospice and it’s a beautiful place. I help the charity whenever I can, especially with Covid-19 which has meant it’s had to cancel various fundraising events.

“It’s missed out on so much and thankfully people are still focussed on donating in the current crisis.”

The Hospice still has places available for Firewalk and entrants will receive online safety training from organisers.  To enter visit eastcheshirehospice.org.uk/events/firewalk/

Gaynor Webb who is tackling a Firewalk in aid of East Cheshire Hospice.

Bethan Wade, Challenge Events Coordinator at the Hospice, said: “It’s safe and fun and ideal for anyone who fancies a challenge and wants to raise funds for the Hospice.

“It’s a relief that we can finally stage an outdoor fundraising event again after such a long wait and we must stress that social distancing safety guidelines will be fully adhered to.

“Live streaming will also reduce spectator numbers. The £30 registration fee covers the cost of the event and any additional sponsorship raised goes directly towards the vital care provided by the Hospice.

“It costs £7,500 to keep the Hospice running for one day so every penny raised is important, especially at this difficult and emotional time.”

Veteran runner Harry Newton will be there in spirit when he tackles the Virtual London Marathon on Sunday (Oct 4).

Like thousands of fellow runners, the 82-year-old cannot be in the capital and will start and finish instead at East Cheshire Hospice for which he is fundraising.

Harry, from Macclesfield, has completed the London marathon an amazing 16 times, the quickest aged 70 when he ran the course in under four hours.

He averages 100 miles a month in training and will settle for a time of around five and a half hours this time.

Organisers of the marathon, postponed from April, are only allowing elite runners to run the course because of Covid-19.

However, Harry, like other virtual entrants, will get an official time – and a medal  – by recording his time on an app.

He will undertake four circuits of a route to Henbury.

Harry said: “I ran a marathon round my garden on the day the race should have taken place in April.

“It’s a shame I can’t be there but I’ve got an entry for future London marathons and will keep going as long as I can.

“The Hospice does amazing work and any donations will keep me going when it gets tough in the last few miles.”

Harry, a retired grocer and sub-postmaster, had to miss the race in 2009 when he was diagnosed with lymphoma.

* To sponsor him visit justgiving.com/fundraising/harrysvirtuallondonmarathon.

Harry Newton who is running the Virtual London Marathon on Sunday October 4th 2020.