Fundraising Archives - Page 28 of 31

Update on Heather Broadbent’s Around the World Challenge

Posted on 14th August 201914th August 2019 by Luke Brightmore

Round-the-world sailor Heather Broadbent is preparing to embark on her epic voyage on Sunday (Sept 1).

Heather will spend 11 months at sea competing in the Clipper 2019-20 Round the World Yacht Race which starts at St Katherine Docks in London.

The landscape gardener, from Disley, will be on board the 70-foot ocean racing yacht GoToBermuda for her trip-of-a-lifetime.

Heather is hoping to raise £40,000 for East Cheshire Hospice where her late husband Adam (45) was a patient. Adam died of cancer in 2013.

Heather has already raised £22,750, a total boosted by £6,500 after her adventure was featured on the regional BBC 1 programme North West Tonight.

The funds will go towards supporting the charity’s Hospice @ Home service which has treated 626 patients since it began in October 2017.

Heather, who has two grown up daughters, said: “I’m so excited and can’t wait for the race to start. I’ve completed all my training and if anyone can sponsor me, they’ll be supporting a marvellous cause. My aim is to raise a pound for every mile of the 40,000-mile journey.

“I’ve already met half our crew, and everyone has been absolutely wonderful. We’ve all got the same mindset but we realise that spending so long together at sea in a confined space will be a challenge.

“I’m looking forward to visiting every port, especially Bermuda which sounds like a fabulous island.”

Heather has been appointed team co-ordinator, supervising a rota so that no-one is on duty for more than 12 hours during a 24-hour period.

Heather said: “It’s a huge honour and quite a task making sure everyone is in the right place at the right time with the correct kit.”

To help her, she will test a new Dell Latitude Rugged laptop supplied by the computer company so she can also send back pictures, vlogs and blogs.

Heather Broadbent will be travelling light at sea.

Each crew member has a 15-kilogram weight allowance, set by their team, for individual cubby holes.

Heather said: “We’re allowed to carry less weight than someone would probably take for a weekend away, but as you can imagine there’s little room on board.

“I’m taking three changes of clothing but no luxuries, so I’ll leave behind my face cream.

“I’ll have my own sleeping bag but won’t have my own bunk bed. There could be 22 people on board at any one time and due to the watch system we ‘hot-bunk.'”

Racing on board the 70 ft racing yacht GoToBermuda, Heather is one of only two women among her eight-strong amateur crew undertaking a full circumnavigation of the globe under the guidance of a professional skipper and mate.

Other crew members will join the GoToBermuda team for different legs of the journey as they compete against 10 other crews.

The fleet will call at ports in Portugal, Uruguay, South Africa, Australia, China, the Philippines, Panama, the USA (Seattle and New York), Bermuda and Derry-Londonderry, Northern Ireland, before crossing the finishing line in London 11 months later.

* To sponsor Heather and read her blogs visit eastcheshirehospice.org/heather

Lifestyle Fitness Charity Spinathon

Posted on 8th August 2019 by Luke Brightmore

Cyclists were made to sweat during a Charity Spinathon which raised almost £1,300 for the Hospice.

Some 30 members of Lifestyle Fitness, based at Macclesfield College, took part in the three-hour marathon.

Over half the donation came from sponsorship raised by fitness enthusiasts through JustGiving pages.

Lifestyle Fitness has 1,000 members in Macclesfield where classes run from 6.30 am to 9.30 pm.

The company is part of the Hospice’s popular 500 Club in which members raise at least £500 each year over a three-year period.

Club Manager Jake McKie said: “East Cheshire Hospice was the charity chosen by our members to support last year. It’s a wonderful cause which we’re delighted to help and want to thank our members for their generous fundraising.”

The next challenge is to raise £1,000 from National Fitness Day on Wed, Sept 25, when the target is to get 100 members to join a one-hour circuit class.

If you would like to be part of our 500 Club, get in touch today kbowmar@echospice.org.uk or click here to find out more!

Training for Nepal!

Posted on 8th August 20198th August 2019 by Luke Brightmore

Tackling Tegg’s Nose on a summer’s evening is one thing, but navigating Nepal in November is a completely different prospect.

But that is the challenge facing Sarah Dale and Louise Delany who must combine preparations for a Himalayan trek with jobs at East Cheshire Hospice as well as running families.

Both volunteered for the once-in-a-lifetime adventure which involves two days working on a hospice project in Kathmandu followed by an arduous five-day trek along the Ghorepani Poon Hill trail.

There they will enjoy stunning views of the Annapurna mountain range staying in tea-houses and lodges. Temperatures will range from 25C to -5 at night.

Sarah and Louise are part of a nine-strong group from East Cheshire Hospice, each pledging to raise at least £3,500 for the charity which undertook a Grand Canyon trek last year.

Sarah, who is Clinical Director at the Hospice, said: “I’m petrified and the more I think about it the worse it gets, but it’ll be an amazing challenge.

“I don’t really like flying, I’ll miss my kids and husband and I’m not good with bugs or getting cold. The chance to see how palliative care works in a different country motivated me initially and I’d happily spend all the time at the hospice out there, but that’s not the idea.

“I thought we’d be meandering through villages but each day there are tough walks with a 3,500 metre climb.”

Sarah and Louise are walking through Macclesfield Forest, or climbing Tegg’s Nose, four times a week as preparation.

Louise, the Hospice’s Commercial Manager, said: ” I don’t think I’ve done any challenge before so we’re both out of our comfort zone. We want to be fit enough so our experience is a good one and we don’t suffer.

“Working full time five days a week, plus family commitments and the practice walks is time-consuming and at the same time we’re trying to fundraise.

“Sarah is from the clinical side and I’m from admin and we’re glad we’re supporting each other. Our aim is to raise £7,500 which is how much it costs to run the Hospice for a day.”

The pair are grateful for the support of the Broken Cross Club which is hosting a bingo afternoon on Sunday, Sept 15, and a race night on Friday, Oct 4.

* To sponsor them go to justgiving.com/fundraising/sarah-dale32 and justgiving.com/fundraising/louise-delany.

Are you tough enough??

Posted on 8th August 2019 by Luke Brightmore

Tough Woofer is back for 2019 and promises to be bigger, better and muddier than before!

We are urging entrants to bring along their wellies for the 5k course at Capesthorne Hall on Sunday, October 20.

More than 400 dogs and owners took part in last year’s first ever canine obstacle course event raising £30,000 for the Hospice!

The fun obstacle circuit is designed for four-legged friends and owners . The route has 15 obstacles, including water, mud and climbing challenges with the first wave leaving at 10 am.

Beth Candy, Events Assistant at the Hospice, said: “Last year’s event was extremely popular and we’re hoping even more dogs and owners will take part this time.

“Owners are telling us they want the course to be even muddier this time. It’s not a competition or a race, but simply about having a good time.

“People can enter with their dog, or by themselves or with family and friends if they don’t have a canine friend to bring along. It’ll be a fantastic family day out with live entertainment and stalls.”

People must be aged eight and over and dogs must be one year or over.

An early bird entrance fee of £30 for a dog/owner, and £20 for people only, applies until Aug 30.

The Hospice say entry fees only cover the cost of staging the event so participants are urged to raise at least £50 in sponsorship. A T-shirt, dog bandana and medals are provided.

To enter go to www.eastcheshirehospice.org.uk/toughwoofer

The Faces of Tough Woofer 2019

Posted on 8th August 2019 by Luke Brightmore

Meet the two beautiful beagles ready for a starring role as models for Tough Woofer 2019.

Roxy and Harley will have their pretty faces splashed all over banners and billboards advertising the canine event organised by our events team.

The dogs, owned by Abigail Henshall and partner Steve Abraham, won our Facebook competition to find the cutest canines.

Unsurprisingly, Roxy (9) and Harley (3) had the most likes, earning them a photo shoot to promote the event on Sunday, October 20.

The pair received plenty of votes from pupils at Tytherington School where Abigail is a PE teacher.

Roxy and Harley are following in the paw prints of golden retriever Teddy, winner of the 2018 award and owned by Abigail’s friend Sophie Mercer, a PE teacher at All Hallows Catholic College in Macclesfield.

Abigail, from Lower Withington, said: “We’ve had Roxy since she was a pup and she’s got such a baby face that people often get them confused and think she’s the younger of the two. They certainly get a lot of attention when we’re walking with members of our beagle club.

“While she’s confident and a little sassy, Harley is full of anxiety. He’s a rescue dog and had issues after being given up twice before we took him on at 18 months old.

“Harley had been attacked in kennels which made him petrified of other dogs. He was scared by the slightest noise but now has turned his life around. So much so that he’s confident enough to do Tough Woofer.

“Beagles are notoriously hard dogs to train but we knew the breed really well and they’re well trained. Roxy puts Harley in his place and he takes the lead from her but they’re great mates.”

Their group from the Wirral and North Wales Beagle Club were out in force at last year’s event and will again tackle 5k course at Capesthorne Hall.

Abigail said: “It’s great fun and raises money for such a deserving cause. The venue is ideal and I’d encourage as many dog owners as possible to attend.”

The photo shoot was carried out by Alex Wright at teneightstudios in Macclesfield. (www.teneightstudios.co.uk)

In conversation with Susie MacMurray

Posted on 17th July 2019 by Luke Brightmore

See for yourself one of Cheshire’s newest and most amazing pieces of artwork – and meet the artist who created it.

Susie MacMurray will be in conversation during her spectacular Gathering exhibition in the Staircase Hall in the Mansion at Tatton Park.

Her opening talk is Thurs 25th July and further conversations are on Thurs 15th Aug, and Fri 29 Sept (all times 12.30 pm to 1 pm).

Susie will be explaining about the piece, inspired by East Cheshire Hospice, and her influences and practise.

Talks are free though usual mansion entry applies. Spaces are limited and groups are welcome. To register go to www.gatheringattatton.com/visit.

The installation, featuring thousands of hand-stitched elements, is suspended from the Mansion’s grand rotunda. It is on display until Oct 6 as part of Art Fair Cheshire 2019.

During the exhibition elements can be bought in unique editions, with all profits supporting Hospice care.

Individual elements are £30; small sculpture £500 (limited edition of 75); large sculpture £1,500 (limited to 15) and a painted watercolour of Gathering is £225 (75 only). Each is signed and numbered by the artist.

For more details go to www.gatheringattatton.com/store.

Pieces will be available for collection from mid October 2019. Postage charges will apply for purchases sent.

Art Fair Cheshire celebrates its 20th year with an exhibition at Macclesfield Town Hall (Thurs, Sept 26 – Thurs, Oct 3). For more details go to www.theartfair.org.uk.

Richard Raymond is Nightrider

Posted on 17th July 2019 by Luke Brightmore

Teamwork is usually the key to Richard Raymond’s fundraising for East Cheshire Hospice.

As co-founder of the charity’s Christmas Tree Collection, he plays a pivotal role in a large-scale operation which has so far raised more than £1m.

But his latest fundraising challenge was very much a single-handed effort as he undertook a 50 kilometre night ride through Merseyside.

Richard, from Macclesfield, raised more than £400 from Nightrider 2019 which began at Pier Head and took him through the Mersey Tunnel which was closed to traffic for the event.

Richard said: “I come from Chester originally and had wanted to follow a cycle trail around the Wirral so as an occasional social cyclist couldn’t resist the opportunity.

“My wave of cyclists set off at 11.10 pm when the city centre streets were packed with people partying. When I returned at around 2.30 pm they were still out there enjoying themselves!

“I noticed the Hospice had got spare places in the event and this was my chance to do a bit of personal fundraising for this fantastic local charity.”

Believe it or not but even during the height of summer, collecting Christmas trees is never far from the thoughts of Richard and the scheme’s co-founder Pete Chapman.

The 2019 collection raised £136,000 net which meant it broke the £1m mark overall for fundraising for the Hospice.

The next collection on the weekend of January 11 and 12 will bring another special milestone.

Richard said: “It’s our 20th anniversary in 2020 so we’re already thinking about marketing and promotion around that theme. We’re also looking at routing so there’s a lot to consider even now.

“It’s a major challenge but one we enjoy immensely, especially as we have such a dedicated team of volunteers and generous donors. Once again we’ll be relying on the spirit and enthusiasm of our supporters next year.”

M-Fest made impact

Posted on 17th July 2019 by Luke Brightmore

A mortgage business brought the music festival scene to Pott Shrigley, raising £1,511.47 for East Cheshire Hospice.

Visitors to M-Fest, organised by Mortgage Advice Bureau, enjoyed a distinct local flavour at the one-day bash held in a field.

The BBQ food and drink was free, having been supplied by butcher Jeremy Heathcote and the mortgage company, in return for a donation to charity.

Singer songwriter Ellie Grice, soul and funk band Treme and Cheshire-based band Taylor and Co provided musical entertainment.

Carly Green, Senior Mortgage Adviser at Mortgage Advice Bureau in Bollington, had the idea of M-Fest and directors Tom Barrass and Ian Pollock quickly backed the project.

Carly said: “We couldn’t have hoped for a more successful event. Our aim was to bring the local community together and raise money for a brilliant cause and I think we achieved that.

“More than 300 people registered to attend and many more turned up on the day. We’d like to thank the local community for making the day special, but most of all our staff and business partners for getting behind the festival.

“We also made a small donation to St Christopher’s Church in Pott Shrigley for their support in helping organise it.”

The rain couldn’t stop Splash Out!

Posted on 17th July 2019 by Luke Brightmore

Splash Out! brought more water than East Cheshire Hospice had expected but getting wet was always going to happen.

The first of almost 850 entrants defied the rain before skies brightened for later starters at Alderley Park.

The new-look event, sponsored by RRG Toyota in Macclesfield, saw families tackle five fun water challenges on the five-kilometre course.

Obstacles included a giant slippery slide and a wobbly floating bridge. The event was held in partnership with Francis House Children’s Hospice.

Jo Boyd, Events Manager at East Cheshire Hospice, said: “We’d like to thank everyone for coming along and raising much-needed funds for the Hospice.

“In particular, we’d like to thank Alderley Park for hosting us again and our sponsors RRG Toyota for their kind support. The event wouldn’t have happened without our volunteers and we’d also like to thank stallholders for their contribution.”

The Hospice’s next big fundraising event is Tough Woofer, on Sunday October 20.

Macclesfield Rugby Union FC turned Splash Out! into a pre-season warm up as more than 20 members took part.

Among their group were Jason and Jess Williamson and sons Finn and Monty, both 12, and nine-year-old Woody who plays for the club’s under 10s team.

Jason said: “It’s a good way for everyone from the club to bond before the new season and raise money for such a great cause.”

Claire Mitchell, from Macclesfield, and daughter Amy O’Hara (7), whose grandma Linda Mitchell used to volunteer for the Hospice, also took part.

Parents and pupils from Gawsworth Primary School were there in force with Claire Smith, herself a former teacher, firmly in their thoughts.

Gawsworth Primary class mates Maisie Sinclair and Grace Davis, both 9, also took part. Grace’s mum Miranda works at AstraZeneca, keen supporters of the Hospice.

Claire Hammond and daughter Amy, along with friends Mel Hitchener and Rachel Gilchrist, were remembering late family and friends who were cared for by the Hospice.

Corporate Challenge 2019 was a brilliant success!

Posted on 17th July 2019 by Luke Brightmore

East Cheshire businesses have gone head to head in a corporate challenge which tested their money-making abilities.

The challenge was to turn £100 into as much profit as possible over a month by devising and taking part in fundraising activities to raise funds for East Cheshire Hospice.

The winning company, McCann Health Medical, rose to the challenge with a flurry of fundraising activity with employees throughout the company supporting their King Edward Street colleagues to raise £3,240.

Their Global President, Charlie Buckwell, said the company was delighted to win the challenge.

“We are very proud to support such an important cause as East Cheshire Hospice, and the incredible work they do,” he said.

Amongst the employees who took part were Account Co-Ordinator, Lucy Hall and Senior Medical Writer, Chris Whittle.

Lucy said: “It was a really fun way to ignite some friendly competition and be creative, all in honour of raising money for an amazing cause.”

And Chris, who took part in a 10K run to raise money said: “Winning the corporate challenge collectively as a company seems to have been a win-win for everyone, as we raised money for an incredibly crucial and worthwhile cause.”

And Melanie Garfitt from the company’s social events team echoed the sentiments. “From start to finish, we found the challenge very rewarding as a company. We tried to make sure the real winners were East Cheshire Hospice.”

The team award for the most creative ideas went to Pan European Networks, a digital publishing company from Congleton where all 26 members of staff took part in a host of fundraising events from cycling the equivalent of Land’s End to John O’Groats at a gym, to dressing up in Game of Thrones outfits for the day.

Their general manager, Stephanie Davies, helped organise the company challenge which raised almost £1500 for the Hospice.

“By far, I think our most popular fundraiser was the raffle for three-days holiday!”, she said. “As a cancer survivor, I was lucky enough to access the facilities at the Hospice 13 years ago, and many of us in the company were keen to support their work.”

Other businesses that took part in the challenge were Context Public Relations; Bioscript; Chess ICT and Ashfield Healthcare Communications and together all the businesses raised almost £8500.