Fundraising Archives - Page 22 of 31

Dan Proctor’s Mega Marathon

Posted on 9th September 20204th September 2020 by Luke Brightmore

Dan Proctor has never even tackled a marathon before but is now preparing to run almost twice as far.

He plans to run 50 miles from Liverpool, where he has lived for the last year, to Macclesfield where he grew up.

The shortest route between Sefton Park and the Flower Pot pub is 39 miles but a detour via Warrington and St Helens makes his challenge even tougher.

Dan is raising funds for East Cheshire Hospice and was inspired by Carl Lamptey’s attempt to raise £1m for the Hospice.

Dan, a former Royal Engineer, works as a support worker at the David Lewis Centre in Bollington.

Friends will join him at various intervals to offer support, some undertaking the last five miles before joining him in a celebratory pint afterwards.

Girlfriend Anna Jenkins will be his support driver with a first aid kit, including plasters for the inevitable blisters, refreshments and lots of encouragement .

Dan will set off at 6.30 am on Saturday, October 17, and hopes to cross the finish line between nine and 11 hours later.

He said: “I’ve always kept myself in good shape and wanted to challenge myself. My longest training run is 15 miles but I’ll increase the distance to 35 miles beforehand.

“I’ll take my time. It’ll be a slow and steady run and will walk if necessary. One thing is for certain – I’ll be ready for a drink once it’s over.”

* To sponsor Dan visit justgiving.com/fundraising/daniel-proctor3.

Dan Proctor is aiming to run 50 miles in a single day.

Will Week 2020

Posted on 2nd September 20201st September 2020 by Luke Brightmore

A Macclesfield law specialist says the uncertainty surrounding Covid-19 has led to an increase in demand for legal advice.

Estate planning consultant Tina Timmins says concerns among the public over planning for the future has created a surge in inquiries.

Tina is encouraging people to sign up for Will Week, run by East Cheshire Hospice from October 5-9, when solicitors waive fees in return for a donation to the Hospice.

Tina recently joined GPW Trusts – soon to open an office on Church Street – after 16 years with Blunts Solicitors which ceased trading in June when the long-established company went into administration.

GPW Trusts specialises in Will writing, trusts, long term care planning, inheritance tax planning, powers of attorney and probate.

Tina said: “My message is to make sure you have a Will and in this changing world there are ways of protecting your assets.

“It’s important people consider their estate planning and how they can plan to prevent their wealth being eroded by future threats.”

“We’ve had a lot of calls since the start of the pandemic and I’d encourage people to sign up for Will Week as soon as possible as appointments get booked very quickly.

“People want to support the Hospice and they come along because the charity is dear to their heart. This year more than any other has highlighted the need to have a Will.”

A full list of participating solicitors is available on the Hospice website eastcheshirehospice.org.uk.

Participating solicitors can write a single or mirror Will, or update an existing Will, in return for a donation to the Hospice. Any other services are chargeable at the solicitor’s usual cost.

GPW Trusts is expanding into Macclesfield, using Tina’s experience and in-depth knowledge of estate planning, which include Power of Attorney, Court of Protection and Probate.

Tina said: “I’m delighted to be at the start of an exciting new project and this is a new office for GPW Trusts which is well established in West Cheshire and North Wales.

“Will Week is usually three weeks for me by the time Wills are drafted and signed and I enjoy helping the Hospice.”

Pre lockdown, she was a frequent visitor to the charity’s Sunflower Centre giving informal legal advice to patients and families.

Tina is based at home and online until the new Macclesfield office is ready. Visit www.gpwtrusts.co.uk.

Tina Timmins, estate planning consultant at GPW Trusts.

Maccplas Take on the Corporate Challenge

Posted on 26th August 202026th August 2020 by Luke Brightmore

Business has been booming for builders merchants Maccplas despite challenging trading conditions.

The family firm even took on two new drivers during lockdown to cope with demand.

Maccplas is one of six teams to so far enter the Virtual Corporate Challenge run by East Cheshire Hospice.

Their aim is to raise as much money as possible for the Hospice during September. The fun competition had to be delayed four months because of Covid-19.

Each group receives a £100 start-up loan and all profit made by teams from that investment at the end of the month is then donated to the Hospice.

Maccplas is running a football results prediction competition as part of its fundraising. Visitors to its yard on the Hurdsfield Industrial Estate have also been donating.

In addition, the company will make a £1,000 donation to the Hospice which it supports on a regular basis.

Maccplas is owned by husband and wife Paul and Lynn Carter, with son Scott and daughter Shell also involved in running the business.

Shell said: “We were able to carry on trading during lockdown because we’re classed as an essential business. We’ve been so busy and employed a couple of extra staff who’d been laid off from other jobs to help with deliveries.

“Getting supplies has been a nightmare and we’d like to thank our loyal customers for their continued support during this difficult time. We’re delighted to support the Hospice and know lots of people who’ve been patients there.”

Maccplas driver Andy Watt.

Other entrants are health care communications agency Bioscript, winners in 2018 when they made a £2,000 profit; Ivy Leaf pub; recruitment firm Leap29; Equilibrium Asset Management and The Tytherington Club.

There is still time to enter an event which last year raised £9,000, including £3,240 from winners McCann Health Medical.

All funds raised from this campaign will go towards our emergency Now More Than Ever appeal to recover lost income due to Covid-19.

Hospice Corporate Relationships Manager Kate Bowmar said: “It’s been a tough year for everyone, including businesses and we’d like to thank them for supporting the Hospice.

“We’d welcome more entrants and companies can raise money in any way they like as long as it complies to current government guidelines on social distancing etc.”

To enter visit eastcheshirehospice.org.uk/virtual-corporate-challenge.

AstraZeneca Go the Extra Mile

Posted on 26th August 2020 by Luke Brightmore

Employees from AstraZeneca went the extra mile once again as Macclesfield took on Gothenburg in a fun charity challenge.

Some 84 staff based at the Macclesfield site came out on top against their Swedish colleagues in a competition to cover the furthest distance.

The Cheshire team covered 1,065 kilometres compared to 795 by their Scandinavian rivals.

Employees could walk or run 5k or 10k and the Macclesfield group raised around £1,000 from their efforts for East Cheshire Hospice.

The fastest local runners were Kristy Gill and Paul Thompson (5k) and Billy Hicks and Angela Jordan (10k).

Fundraisers during the AstraZeneca challenge. From left, Nick Markley, Peta Sinclair and Angela Jordan.

The challenge was organised by the company’s Pharmaceutical Technology and Development graduates.

Global Graduate Associate Harriet Hampshire said: “The event created a sense of togetherness for employees when working from home, and encouraged people to enjoy the outdoors while contributing to a great charity.

“It was great we won the distance challenge and our Swedish colleagues won a photography-based challenge, donating to their local charity.”

AstraZenaca has raised more than £60,000 for the Hospice in the last two years alone.

The company has supported the Hospice since it first opened its doors in 1988 and was an original founding business contributing to building costs.

Pour Moi Charity Edit

Posted on 12th August 2020 by Luke Brightmore

Sales of lingerie, swimwear, sportswear and loungewear have resulted in a staggering £26,750 donation to East Cheshire Hospice.

The Hospice is one of four charities sharing £107,000 – half of two months of sales from a Charity Edit collection run by Pour Moi.

Pour Moi Head of Operations Rachel Kirk Lockley (left) with Kate Bowmar, Corporate Fundraiser at East Cheshire Hospice.

The company, with its main distribution centre on the Hurdsfield Estate, was set up in a small office in Macclesfield 15 years ago and is now an established global brand.

It was founded by owner Michael Thomson, from Macclesfield, who wanted to help the charities recover from the effects of the Covid-19 crisis.

Age UK, Samaritans and RISE, a domestic violence charity in Brighton where the company is now based, have also received the same amount.

Michael said: “At a time when everything is a little uncertain, it’s been amazing to raise such a fantastic sum of money for four very worthwhile charities with our first charity campaign. We know it means so much to them and it will help to provide vital funds for these charities in their greatest hour of need.

“Our customers have really supported us throughout the whole two months of this campaign and we really can’t thank them enough. It made me think how we can do more going forward to support good causes in the future and help vulnerable people when they need it most.”

Hospice Chief Executive Karyn Johnston said: “East Cheshire Hospice has been extremely proud to partner with Pour Moi and be part of their Charity Edit campaign.

“Thank you to all of the staff and customers who have gone above and beyond to help those in need at a time of national crisis, the funds received by the Hospice will help us to make a genuine difference to local people living with life-limiting illnesses.”

Sisters Holly and Danielle Dover know all about the Hospice because their father Dave is a driver there.

Sisters Holly (left) and Danielle Dover from Pour Moi.

Head of Operations Rachel Kirk Lockley has personal experience of the Hospice after her father Alan died there in 2010.

Pour Moi Head of Operations Rachel Kirk Lockley (left) and Danielle Dover.

Face Coverings

Posted on 5th August 2020 by Luke Brightmore

Talented seamstress Shelagh Julian has made a variety of items since she started sewing more than 80 years ago.

Her highlight was making the dress she wore when she married her late husband John 69 years ago.

Now she has added a new product to her hobby by creating face masks for East Cheshire Hospice.

Shelagh is part of a 35-strong team of volunteers making masks which are in big demand and raising vital funds.

Shelagh Julian with her customised East Cheshire Hospice face masks.

Shelagh (89) has already made more than 200 masks which are sold in exchange for a suggested £3 donation to the Hospice.

She has helped the Hospice since moving from Plymouth to Macclesfield 13 years ago.

Shelagh, who has four great grandchildren and was a registered nurse, said: “Sewing gives me a great deal of pleasure and I’m lucky to be healthy enough to do it.

“I probably spend three hours a day on average sewing and enjoy watching things materialise. It’s a lovely feeling when you can make something that’s wanted and raises funds for the Hospice.

“Friends and neighbours have been extremely generous donating materials and the masks have been even more popular now they must be worn in shops.”

* Masks are available at the Hospice reception; The Poachers Inn; The Tytherington Club; Kelley’s Dry Cleaners, Broken Cross; Macclesfield Golf Club; St Alban’s Church; New Life Church, Congleton and St Michael’s Church, Macclesfield.

More outlets have said they will sell masks once the Hospice has further stock.

Annie’s legacy

Posted on 5th August 20203rd August 2020 by Luke Brightmore

Helen Dimmick inherited her love of jewellery from her late grandmother Annie, a gem who twinkled in her eyes.

The wedding ring Annie gave her before she died at East Cheshire Hospice in 1994 is the most precious thing she owns.

Helen, now a leading jewellery specialist, is passing on her expertise to thank the Hospice for caring for Annie all those years ago.

She is donating 15 per cent of profits on all work undertaken in memory of a loved one. This includes resizing rings, remodelling jewellery, recycling gold for cash, or even creating bespoke items.

Jewellery expert Helen Dimmick.

Helen, from Macclesfield, has fond memories of weekend visits to her grandmother.

She said: “I’d play with her treasure box full of costume jewellery – the decorative effect and fun we had dressing up together was priceless.

“Nana also loved precious jewellery and having worked in a mill all her life she saved and appreciated the finer things in life.

Helen and brother James with their grandmother Annie Dimmick.

“Accompanying her to antique fairs, I recall her keen eye spotting a bargain or unusual jewel. By far the most important thing to her was her wedding ring.

“Sadly she was widowed at an early age, but the love and memories contained in this simple 22ct yellow gold band mean it’s the most precious thing I own.”

Helen will be offering advice at Arighi Bianchi on Wednesday afternoons by appointment. Zoom calls are also available. Her email is helen@helendimmick.com, or call 07939 047056.

Helen, a qualified gemmologist and diamond grader, said: “I’m passionate about people and jewellery which has a sentimental value higher than its material value, though that’s increasing as gold prices rise.

“Jewellery can also be given a new lease of life. For instance, one lady had her husband’s ashes put in a locket and for another client we adapted a signet ring to include a wedding photograph.

“We’re only ever guardians of jewellery for a fleeting moment in time, as precious metals and gemstones have a durability ensuring they’re passed through generations.

“My nana is my guardian angel and I appreciate and respect the special care and dignity only a hospice can provide and which she received at East Cheshire Hospice.”

Annie Dimmick pictured in 1968 at the wedding of Helen’s parents.

John Jones

Posted on 22nd July 2020 by Luke Brightmore

Musician John Jones has spent more than 30 years cheering up patients playing songs on his accordion.

Lockdown has limited his fundraising appearances lately and allowed him to reflect on personal sadness after losing his wife June (76) in March.

She took great pride in her husband raising more than £300,000 for charity from his performances, including £89,000 for East Cheshire Hospice.

John, from Macclesfield, said: “I’ve had a lot of touching comments since June died and although she was quite shy she always supported me.

“It’s been frustrating during Covid because I can’t play at the Hospice, in the hospital corridor or in nursing homes where I entertained residents with their favourite songs.

“It’s a privilege and a pleasure to support the Hospice and Macclesfield District General Hospital and in particular their staff in ICU where June sadly passed away after receiving such wonderful and dedicated care.”

John (78) still has the antique accordion his father Edgar played, providing many happy childhood memories and inspiring him to learn to play the instrument.

John, with his charity donation box, plays his blue accordion sporting the badge of his beloved Manchester City for public appearances.

He received the MBE from Princess Anne at Buckingham Palace in 2012 for charitable work and three days later was sat behind the goal where Sergio Aguero scored to clinch the club’s long-awaited title triumph in 2012.

John and his wife June at Buckingham Palace when he received the MBE in 2012.

John, a retired structural engineer, worked in the bridges section for Manchester City Council.

He said: “I’m grateful to all my colleagues in Stockport Accordion Club who’ve supported the Hospice by performing an annual concert at Broken Cross Club. We were due to play our 20th anniversary concert in December.

“The event has wonderful support from the local community who look forward to it with great enthusiasm.

“I’ve made lots of friends with people who’ve enjoyed my music. I performed outside the Hospice a few weeks ago with singer Helen England, a performance which is on the Hospice Facebook page.”

John Jones and his beloved accordion.

Firgus’ Summer Holiday

Posted on 22nd July 2020 by Luke Brightmore

Firgus, the East Cheshire Hospice virtual Christmas tree, has enjoyed a summer holiday – unlike the rest of us!

His travels took him far and wide, raising an impressive £4,750 for the Hospice.

He started his month-long journey camping in Macclesfield Forest and also sent postcards from an Algarve beach, surfing in Australia, celeb spotting in LA and a catch up with Santa at the North Pole.

Hospice supporters denied their own travels by Covid-19 entered into the spirit of things with generous donations.

Firgus’ foreign adventure was the idea of Pete Chapman and wife Heather. Pete and friend Richard Raymond are co-founders of the Christmas tree collection which has been running for 20 years in aid of the Hospice.

Pete Chapman (left) and Richard Raymond post Firgus’ holiday progress on the notice board in Prestbury.

Richard said: “It was a little bit of fun and a way for our loyal Christmas tree supporters to help the Hospice at a time when its fundraising activities have been badly affected.

“We’d like to thank everyone who contributed and it won’t be long before we turn our attentions towards our usual Christmas collection.”

A picture competition themed on ‘What Your Christmas Tree Does in Summer?’ was won by the Ashworth family from Prestbury with their tree sporting sunglasses in a paddling pool.

The Ashworth family winning picture

Regular Giving Fundraising Update

Posted on 8th July 2020 by Luke Brightmore

The new Regular Giving campaign launched by East Cheshire Hospice comes amid ongoing uncertainty over future fundraising events.

With traditional ways of raising income via mass gathering events currently unavailable, the Hospice has turned to other methods of attracting help from the public.

Individual Giving Fundraiser Beth England said: “Our Now More than Ever campaign was launched as a result of Covid-19 and received amazing immediate support. We hope to keep that momentum and this latest campaign ties in quite nicely as a follow on.

“We had a massive influx of one-off donations from people doing community-spirited events, including online, but as lives return to normal we won’t have as many of those fundraising initiatives.

“We’ll put on events in a safe socially-distant environment when we can, but without those events that’s why fundraising through Regular Giving is so important.”

Beth’s new role, which also includes securing help from legacies, was created in February when she moved from the Hospice’s community fundraising team.

“We’ve always had the option for people to sign up to Regular Giving, but there’s now more of a focus.

“Covid-19 put a spanner in the works for preparations, but now is the right time to re-launch because we need long-term consistent help.

“It gives us stability and a reliable income. It’s really important to know that money will be coming in every month as we plan for the future and figure out new ways of fundraising so we can keep our services going.”

Beth England, Individual Giving Fundraiser at East Cheshire Hospice.