Fundraising Archives - Page 4 of 29 - East Cheshire Hospice
01625 610364
Skip to content

Category: Fundraising

The first garden party to mark the new Memory Tree at East Cheshire Hospice

Posted on by Becky Sidwell

The first garden party to mark the new Memory Tree at East Cheshire Hospice was a major success.

Guests honoured the memory of lost loved ones as they enjoyed afternoon tea while relaxing in the Hospice gardens.

Even the rain stayed away for an event destined to become a regular occasion on the charity’s calendar.

Almost 80 names are now engraved on leaves dedicated to the memory of someone special, even if that person has no link to the charity.

The Hospice is encouraging more people to join the scheme. Subscription is £10 a month, or £120 a year.

A total of 400 leaves are available, with the name of a loved one engraved along with a message if desired.

Representatives from AstraZeneca, whose employees gifted the memorial, attended the garden party.

Guests at the Memory Tree garden party at East Cheshire Hospice.

Rachel Allcock, the charity’s Income Generation Director, explained to guests that it now costs £9,362 a day to run the Hospice which receives 21 per cent of funding from government.

She said: “The Hospice continues to expand and we’ve recently broadened our dementia and Hospice @Home services.

“The new Sunflower Living Well Centre has also just reopened and it is thanks to the generosity of supporters like you that we’re able to make such improvements.

“Thank you to the loved ones who you honour on our Memory Tree. They would be proud to see their names up there and I’m sure they would be proud to know that your support will help others just like them.”

The Memory Tree, which was unveiled last October, is situated in a discreet peaceful setting and easily accessible without entering the main Hospice building on Millbank Drive.

Amy Williams (left) and Beth England from the Hospice beside the Memory Tree.

The metal tree, made by sculptor Christopher Townsend, was created as a way of marking the 35th anniversary of the charity which cared for its first patient in February 1988.

* To sign up to the Memory Tree visit www.eastcheshirehospice.org.uk/memory-tree.

For queries, contact amy.williams@echospice.org.uk or call 01625 665688.

Family and friends of the late Brian Barker kept their word by raising funds for East Cheshire Hospice.

Posted on by Becky Sidwell

Family and friends of the late Brian Barker kept their word by raising funds for East Cheshire Hospice.

Brian was a long-standing volunteer for the charity, helping at its Christmas tree collection.

His last involvement in January came two months before he died, aged 77.

Son-in-law Darren Smith cycled a million metres – around 660 miles – in May to raise funds.

Cyclist Darren Smith with wife Sammy, son Seb and daughter Abi.

Business partner Carl Atkinson ran the Manchester half marathon, while other donations brought the total for the Hospice to £3,231.

Darren, from Macclesfield, said: “Brian loved helping the Hospice and enjoyed his role with the tree collection every year. He asked us not to forget about the Hospice and we don’t break promises.

“I cycled 1,000 kilometres within three weeks across parts of Cheshire served by the Hospice. It was a massive effort, but worth it.”

Darren fitted his cycling around work for Manuka Money, a Gawsworth-based mortgage broker where he is director.

Carl Atkinson, Manuka Money head of marketing Alison Barber and Sammy Smith and husband Darren prepare to hand the cheque to East Cheshire Hospice.   

“I was so saddle sore I felt like John Wayne at the end of it. The longest ride was 120 kilometres in one day.

“I had booked a family holiday in the Lake District for the last week of May and didn’t fancy cycling up steep hills there, so that was an incentive to complete the challenge early.”

From left, Carl Atkinson and fellow fundraisers Emma Wilkinson-Hall, Chris Hughes and Sam Corlett at the Manchester Run.  

Darren intended cycling to Belgium but cancelled the trip after Brian’s sudden death. Instead, he covered the same distance locally.

* To donate visit www.justgiving.com/page/manukamoney-eastcheshirehospice

The countdown is under way to Art Fair Cheshir

Posted on by Becky Sidwell

The countdown is under way to Art Fair Cheshire which celebrates its 25th anniversary this year.

The biennial event in aid of East Cheshire Hospice runs from Thursday Sept 26 until Thursday Oct 3 at Macclesfield Town Hall.

The exhibition, sponsored by AstraZeneca, will showcase work from more than 50 artists who donate a percentage of sales to the Hospice.

Art Fair Cheshire is looking for volunteers to help run the exhibition which has raised around £450,000 for the Hospice.

They will continue the good work started by grandmother Anna Rains who had the idea for an art exhibition.

Volunteer Anna Rains who helped inspire Art Fair Cheshire.

Back in 1998, she chaired a fundraising appeal to mark the Hospice’s 10th anniversary.

The dedication of Anna and her fellow pioneers provided the financial help to build the Sunflower Centre which remains an important hub for patient care.

Indeed, it was fitting that Anna and her original fundraisers attended the reopening of the refurbished centre a few weeks ago.

Their vision and drive provided the inspiration for the initial project with the art exhibition a key fundraiser.

This year’s displays will be organised in-house by the Hospice after previous co-chairs Georgie Johnson and Steven Dalton stepped aside after running the last two exhibitions on a voluntary basis.

Hospice Community and Events Fundraiser Claire Gorton said: “Georgie and Steven did a wonderful job with the support of volunteers and we’re so grateful to them all.

Macclesfield artist Francesca de Campora with her work at Art Fair Cheshire.

“Art Fair Cheshire has established a superb reputation and our aim is to build on that success. We want to organise a unique event which showcases art and celebrates community and giving.

“We want to further strengthen its links to the Hospice and what is happening here, including involving our Memory Tree unveiled last year.

“In addition to a fantastic exhibition, we’ll have a pop up café, artist tours and talks. Artists of all ages will hopefully take part, including school and college students.

Visitors enjoy works of art at the last exhibition in 2022.

”The Assembly Gallery will feature original art and sculptures, while the Capesthorne Gallery will exhibit jewellery, photography, glassware, ceramics, millinery, willow weaving as well as paintings and prints.

“We want it to be accessible and will need plenty of volunteers to get involved with the many different aspects of such a large project.”

The event is open from 10.30 am until 4 pm each day. For more details and to find out how to exhibit or volunteer visit www.theartfair.org.uk

A determined family honour their memories and raise funds for East Cheshire Hospice

Posted on by Becky Sidwell

The last 12 months have been a year to forget for Viv Denny and her siblings after losing their brother and mother.

But they were determined to honour their memories by climbing Mount Snowdon with friends, raising £3,460 for East Cheshire Hospice.

Gary Paluk, a self-taught software developer and programmer, spent a month in the Hospice where he died on Christmas Eve, aged 45.

Their mum Christine Barnett, a retired retail assistant, passed away four months earlier, having suffered heart failure unexpectedly.

Viv said: “We did the walk to remember them both. It was an awful year and we never really had a chance to grieve mum’s loss because we were on this journey with Gary.

“It was a huge shock when he was diagnosed with colon cancer in August 2021. He survived emergency surgery and had a further operation to remove tumours from his liver.

Gary with wife Neung, sisters Sharron and Viv and brother Ash at East Cheshire Hospice.

“It was his wish to return to Thailand, his second home, for a holiday. However, once the cancer spread he wasn’t able to travel. His wife Neung is from there and he wanted to say his goodbyes to her family.

“We didn’t think he’d be here for his birthday last November, but he proved us all wrong again. He then went into the Hospice and they gave us all another month together.

“What an amazing place. You don’t realise it until you’re in their care and see exactly what they do.

“They’re incredible. His wife and nine-year-old son Isaac were able to stay overnight in an adjoining room to be with Gary. The Hospice make a difference to the whole family, not just the patient.

“Nothing was too much trouble. The weekend before Gary passed away they laid on a buffet and drinks in the family room with a visit from Father Christmas.

“The memories are precious to us all. Isaac also received three bears with his dad’s voice recorded in them, which will forever be a precious gift.

Snowdon climbers (from left), Neung Paluk, Jenny Smallwood, Isaac Paluk, Jayne Woosey, Viv Denny, Sharron Whittaker, Ash Paluk and Donna Denny. 

“Once Hospice staff know your name, they don’t forget you. Many people must pass through those doors, but they know who you are and who you’re connected to. The care is personal.”

Friends joined Viv’s sister Sharron, brother Ash, Neung and Isaac for the Snowdon challenge. Isaac did not make it to the top, but he has promised to do so when he is older to make his dad proud.

* To donate visit justgiving.com/page/vivian-denny-1711287669619

Next stop half a million pounds!

Posted on by Becky Sidwell

Next stop half a million pounds! That is the promise from fundraisers What Women Want after a triumphant and emotional fashion show.

The five girls raised £7,000 from the event, taking the overall total donated to East Cheshire Hospice over the last 15 years to a staggering £410,000.

Models who have all experienced cancer took to the catwalk to entertain guests at Tytherington High School.

There was a special surprise too for the WWW quintet who received a lifetime achievement award from the then Macclesfield mayor Cllr Chris Wilcock.

The What Women Want group with Cllr Chris Wilcock. From left, Julie Barnes, Jayne Carter, Jo Millward, Jill Harding and Elaine Burgess.

It was a deserved reward for Julie Barnes, Jo Millward, Jill Harding, Elaine Burgess and Jayne Carter whose amazing dedication has raised such a prolific amount for the Hospice from various fashion shows, balls and bingo nights.

Jayne, the group’s chair, said: “Our fourth fashion show was another fabulous occasion. It was so humbling to see all the models in action. They all either have cancer, are in recovery from the disease or have someone who has passed away from it.

“Their courage was amazing and thank them for putting themselves in the spotlight.”

Olliers Photography captured the models strutting their stuff in clothing provided by SOS Fashions and John Douglas. The event was sponsored by Lynne Stevens from STD Developments.

The work goes on for the WWW women. Jayne said: “The next stop is half a million pounds and we’ll continue doing our fundraising events.

“We were thrilled to receive our civic award from the mayor to cap a wonderful night.”

The Shoemaker of Havana at MADS theatre this July

Posted on by Becky Sidwell

An award-winning Australian theatre company is returning to Macclesfield after a successful appearance a year ago.

Nuworks will be performing The Shoemaker of Havana at MADS Theatre on Tuesday, July 2 (7.30 pm).

The one-off date is in aid of East Cheshire Hospice which received a donation of £800 from their last performance.

The Pirate Code at MADS Theatre last summer.

The group is hosted by Macclesfield Amateur Dramatic Society which rolled out the welcome mat last summer when the Australian actors performed The Pirate Code.

It was one of several trips to the UK undertaken by the cast of Nuworks who pay their own way on overseas trips.

The next production tells the story of elderly Alvaro Garcia, shoemaker for Cuban revolutionaries Fidel Castro, his brother Raul and Che Guevara.

The Shoemaker of Havana which is coming to Macclesfield.

Other characters are John and Robert Kennedy, Barbara Walters and Nikita Khrushchev.

Nuworks are a not-for-profit group who write, devise and compose their own music.

Their next UK tour includes a performance at the Buxton Fringe.

MADS management member John Chandler said: “We’re delighted to welcome back our Australian friends. They were a big hit last year and this year’s production will be just as popular and entertaining.

John Chandler from MADS Theatre. 

“I met them during a family trip to Melbourne and that led to them visiting Macclesfield. They must have enjoyed themselves because they’re keen to come back.

“MADS offers an authentic theatre experience and we’re thrilled that proceeds will once again be donated to East Cheshire Hospice, a charity we’ve supported many times.”

David Dunn, founder and artistic director of Nuworks, said: “We had a great time in Macclesfield. We establish relations with like-minded people, such as MADS, on the basis of having an adventure, meeting new friends and fundraising for charity.

“The audience in Macclesfield gave us a typically warm northern welcome and I’m sure they’ll enjoy our latest production which has been well received, including the Adelaide Fringe, the second largest in the world.”

* The show is suitable for aged 12 and over. Tickets priced £15 are available from www.madstheatre.org

Craft-Collective Market

Posted on by Becky Sidwell

Kind-hearted Jennie Jones has spent her life helping others.

So when illness forced her to give up her job as a carer, she turned to her creative skills to support the community.

She now has a stall inside her market at Townley Hall which she runs jointly with business partner David Barnett.

Jennie Jones (centre) with hamper winners Charles and Patricia.

Almost 20 traders have stalls at Craft-Collective Market, held from 10.30 am until 3.30 pm on the first Saturday of each month.

Its chosen charity East Cheshire Hospice receives proceeds from a monthly raffle for a luxury hamper made up of goodies donated by traders.

Jennie worked in mental health and autism for many years until five major abdominal operations led to a change of career.

She said: “Once I realised I could no longer be a carer, I decided to do something else to benefit the community.

“While recovering from surgery, I started using my craft skills to give something back.

“The market has gone extremely well since we opened in April and I’m sure there’ll be more Hospice donations when customers come through the door on Saturday (June 1).

“The Hospice is a lifeline when people are going through such a dark time. The charity is an important cause for traders and it’s nice that our craft family has such a diversity of talent.

“We’re combining creativity, community and craftsmanship.”

Have you got any spare room to store items used to raise funds for East Cheshire Hospice?

Posted on by Becky Sidwell

Have you got any spare room to store items used to raise funds for East Cheshire Hospice?

Fundraiser Gary Henshaw is looking for somewhere to accommodate goods he either sells at his market stall or uses for his tombola stall.

All proceeds go to the Hospice which has received donations of around £12,000 since Gary started his fundraising two years ago.

The retired businessman said: “I’m desperate for an empty garage or a room with easy access once a week to store gifts in.

“I’m also looking for more unwanted gifts I can use for my tombola stall or sell on my stall. Every penny goes to the Hospice which is such a fantastic cause.”

Every entry in the tombola wins a prize. Entry is £1, the same price as any item sold on his stall located outside St Michael’s Church at the next Treacle Market on Sunday (May 26).

Market owners Becky and husband Andy Thompson have another bumper line up of stalls, plus music at the popular market.

Stallholder Gary Henshaw (left) with Treacle Market owners Becky and Andy Thompson and Alex Williams (right). 

The couple teamed up with former Manchester City goalkeeper Alex Williams to raise £200 for the Hospice from sales of his autobiography at the last event.

Gary said: “There’s a wonderful community spirit at the market. Football fans of all ages supporting many different teams came along to say hello to Alex.”

* If you can help Gary call him on 07776 181028 or email gazhenshaw@hotmail.com

A million metres in May challenge

Posted on by Becky Sidwell

Cyclist Darren Smith is involved in a race against time to complete a million metres in May.

At the halfway stage he is well on course to ride 1,000 kilometres in aid of East Cheshire Hospice.

His journey is dedicated to the memory of his father-in-law Brian Barker who died in March, aged 77.

Brian was a long-standing volunteer for the Hospice’s Christmas tree collection scheme, forging a close connection with the Hospice.

Brian Barker who was a volunteer for East Cheshire Hospice.

Darren, from Macclesfield, had intended cycling to Belgium as a fundraising challenge but the trip was cancelled due to Brian’s sudden death.

Darren said: “I wanted to keep my promise to raise funds and would have travelled about 1,000 kilometres by going to Belgium.

“Instead, I decided to ride the same distance – a million metres – throughout May. That means I’m cycling between 30 to 40 kilometres most days, with longer rides at weekends.”

Work commitments have complicated the challenge for Darren, a director of Manuka Money, a Gawsworth-based mortgage broker.

He said: “I set up the brokerage two years ago. Having worked for big corporates, I was acutely aware of how people can get lost in the process so we provide a more personalised concierge service.

“Our company is getting behind my bike ride to let everyone know about the Hospice’s wonderful work. I’m trying to turn a negative into a positive and make it a fitting tribute to Brian and all those who receive care there.”

Darren is visiting as many of the communities served by the Hospice, supported by wife Sammy, son Sebastian (14) and daughter Abigail (10).

An issue is a family holiday in the Lake District in the last week of May. He said: I may be sweating over the hills there if I don’t get enough metres covered by then.

Darren Smith (far right) with (from left) business partner Carl Atkinson, Hospice fundraiser Luke Oldham and Manuka Money’s head of marketing Alison Barber. 

“At 6ft 2in, I’m built more for rugby than cycling. I only got into the sport by going on a friend’s 50th birthday weekend and we ended up cycling in the Alps between Italy and Slovenia. I just enjoy the outdoors”.

“Brian was always amazed by how little revenue the Hospice gets from the government. The charity relies heavily on donations and charity events like mine.”

* To sponsor Darren visit www.justgiving.com/page/manukamoney-eastcheshirehospice

Harry Newton takes on Great Manchester Run 2024

Posted on by Becky Sidwell

Running machine Harry Newton is raring to go for his next big challenge later this month.

The 86-year-old grandad has entered the AJ Bell Great Manchester Run on Sunday, May 26.

Harry Newton who has raised more than £50,000 for charity from running.

Harry will skip the 10k event, preferring to tackle an alternative half marathon which might seem like a stroll after another stirring performance in last month’s London marathon.

The Macclesfield Harrier raised £1,700 for East Cheshire Hospice from his endeavours, bringing his total raised for various charities over the years to well over £50,000.

Harry said: “Running keeps me fit and I’ll keep going as long as my body allows me. The Hospice does wonderful work for the community and the prospect of raising money is a big motivator when the going gets tough near the end of a race.”

Harry was thought to be the fastest over 85 in the London marathon, his time of six hours 19 minutes earning him seventh place in the over 80 category.

The retired grocer is already eyeing up next year’s London race, though tempting wife Phyllis to run is a non-starter.

Harry said: “Phyllis is my No 1 fan and is always there cheering me on from the sidelines with family and friends. She’s not a runner, though, and prefers to be among the crowd.”

Harry has now completed 29 marathons, an incredible achievement considering his first was at the age of 57. His favourite has been the London marathon which he has completed 21 times.

Sign up to news and event updates
Follow us on