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Grace Williams and her family grateful of East Cheshire Hospice’s support

Posted on by Becky Sidwell

East Cheshire Hospice came to the rescue not once but twice for Grace Williams and her family.

Her late husband Jon was supported in 2015 when he was diagnosed with an aggressive brain tumour.

Then four years later her uncle Paul Waddell (62) died in the Hospice from the same illness.

Grace is raising funds for the charity through a Born Survivor event at Capesthorne Hall on Saturday, April 27.

Grace and her late husband Jon both received support from East Cheshire Hospice.

Grace said: “We thought we had our whole lives ahead of us, with a one-year-old daughter Alana. But Jon was gone three months after diagnosis, aged 30. I was 27.

“When we first walked into the Hospice it was like getting a big hug. Everything from emotional support to physical equipment Jon so desperately needed was given to us once we arrived.

“I was stressed and not eating or sleeping. The Hospice provided respite and a safe place for us, including having meals together. I didn’t want to leave Jon as I knew I didn’t have long left with him.

“They introduced us to patients, carers and nurses who made him feel he wasn’t alone. That shared experience was so powerful.

“Rooms were like home from home. It didn’t smell clinical and wasn’t formal.

Grace’s uncle and auntie, Paul and Lindsay Wadde

“Jon felt comfortable there and received complementary therapies. I had counselling with Fay Mitchell and don’t think I’d be here without her.

“Fay helped me process the trauma of what had been going on.”

Grace was still receiving counselling when her uncle was admitted.

Grace, a graphic designer, said: “Incredibly, our family, including my auntie Lindsay, found ourselves back in the world of the Hospice. Paul passed away surrounded by the same amazing people who’d looked after Jon.

“I was there a lot with my uncle and everyone still remembered me. I could even see Paul’s room from Fay’s window.

“Staff kept us well informed and gave us plenty of hugs. They did everything. It sounds stupid but they would appear next to you with a brew.

“It was like they had a sixth sense of what will help. Working at the Hospice is definitely a calling in life.

“If I could afford to quit my job, I’d be there like a shot to volunteer. I feel I’ve got so much to give back to them which is why I’m doing this challenge.”

*To sponsor Grace visit https://shorturl.at/depqN

To enter Born Survivor visit www.eastcheshirehospice.org.uk/events/born-survivor/

Gary Henshaw’s Tombola stall in Macclesfield makes over £10,000 for Hospice

Posted on by Becky Sidwell

He’s known as the Tombola Man and is a familiar face among stallholders and shoppers at Macclesfield market.

Gary Henshaw has been raising funds for East Cheshire Hospice for almost two years with his game of lucky dip.

Unfortunately, the retired businessman was forced to shelve his tombola stall due to health issues.

But he plans to return in the spring, adding to the £10,045 he has already raised for the Hospice.

Gary Henshaw who has raised more than £10,000 for East Cheshire Hospice from his tombola stall.

It costs £1 to enter the draw with a prize won on every spin of his tombola drum.

Winners take home prizes including jewellery, watches, make-up, pens, wine and ornaments.

Gary said: “It’s a bit of fun for a wonderful cause and every penny taken goes to the Hospice.

“We have 40 balls, half with numbers on and a star prize. Even the blank balls win a prize worth more than the £1 entry.

“Virtually all the prizes are new and have been donated. Companies give me end of line products for charity. One firm has just given me half a warehouse of stuff, including bags and pens.

“I love being out there with the public. I want to thank everyone for their support, including the market, and those who’ve donated items – I couldn’t do it without them.

“I’m always looking for more unwanted gifts to include in the tombola. I give my time for free, it’s purely voluntary.”

Gary, now 71, has been in hospital with high blood pressure after two heart attacks.

He said: “I had a stall at the last treacle market and people remembered me which is nice. It was good to be back and I’ll start a regular stall outside once the weather improves.”

Gary toured pubs and clubs with his Forge the Link trivia quiz, a game he said he dreamt up in his sleep.

He said: “That was going well until Covid hit and people stopped going to pubs. It was a way to donating money to various charities.

“The Hospice struck me as a charity that affects everyone in some way. It doesn’t matter what walk of life you come from; they look after everyone.

“I thought this is a worthwhile charity and decided it was the one I wanted to concentrate the tombola on.

“A friend of mine passed away last year and spent his last two weeks there.”

* To donate contact Gary on 07776 181028 or gazhenshaw@hotmail.com

Claritas Choir looking for new Musical Director

Posted on by Becky Sidwell

Could you take over as musical director of Claritas, the East Cheshire Hospice choir?

The search is on to find a replacement for Kath Ibbotson, who hangs up her baton after a musical coffee morning at United Reformed Church on Saturday, March 23 (10-12).

Anyone interested should email claritassecretary@gmail.com with the deadline for applications at the end of this month.

Committee member Marian Mackay said: “We’re looking for an enthusiastic and imaginative MD able to balance fun and professionalism to take the choir forward and continue Kath’s good work.

Kath Ibbotson who is preparing for her final concert.

“If you have a love of music, time to devote to the choir and a wish to support the work of Hospice we’d love to hear from you.

“It’s a specialist role. Not only does the MD have to be a musician, but they also need leadership skills, personality and a well-developed sense of humour.

“Claritas welcomes singers of mixed abilities with the aim of having fun and raising money. The choir has an accompanist and the new MD will need to conduct rehearsals and performances without the accompanist occasionally.”

A fee can be paid for weekly rehearsals and concerts.  The post starts in April.

Claritas choir which is looking for a new musical director.

Rehearsals are at the Silklife Centre on Monday evenings during term time, though this is flexible.

The choir (www.claritaschoir.com) has around 45 members and organises three big fundraising concerts a year, with two at Christmas. The group also sing at other community events. New members should contact the same email address.

Get to know our Memory Tree Sculptor

Posted on by Becky Sidwell

Making trees is a growing business for talented sculptor Christopher Townsend.

His artwork is proudly on display in the gardens at East Cheshire Hospice and around the country.

The Hospice commissioned him to make a metal Memory Tree as a focal point for families and friends to remember lost loved ones.

It is proving popular, with dozens of supporters buying leaves dedicated to someone special since the tree was unveiled in October.

Another 25 subscribers are now having leaves installed.

Christopher said: “I’ve made all different kinds of sculptures over the years, but the tree appears to be the thing that has really taken off, in particular memorial trees.

Sculptor Christopher Townsend who made the East Cheshire Hospice tree.

“I’ve delivered and installed trees to charities, hospitals, crematoriums, schools and other organisations.

“I’m pleased that the East Cheshire Hospice memorial is attracting so much interest. The design is based on a theme, but it’s a one-off because of its large size.

“It took a long time to make and all the branches were hand-bent cold and then assembled and welded together.

“I’m not a blacksmith, I’m an artist using metal as a medium. The ends of each branch had to be beaten and then drilled. There are between 400 and 500 branch ends and each required physical effort, rather than using a machine or heat treatment.

“No wonder my limbs are almost falling off at the age of 50 as I’ve been doing it for 15 years!”

The Memory Tree is in a discreet peaceful setting and easily accessible without entering the Hospice building.

The Hospice is hoping more supporters will join the scheme. A subscription is £10 a month, or £120 a year.

Hospice Family and Friends Fundraising Co-ordinator Amy Williams with the Memory Tree.

A total of 400 leaves are available with the name of a loved one engraved along with a message if desired. The tree was gifted by AstraZeneca employees.

Christopher, based in Oxfordshire, said: “Whenever I deliver a tree, people usually send me pictures six months, or a year down the line, telling me how many leaves are on it and how it’s been received.

“Sculpting started as a hobby, but it’s now my work and with a family, mortgage and responsibilities it has to be commercially viable.”

* 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. To visit Christopher’s website go to www.lovethetree.com.

Sign up now to get the best discount for the popular Starlight Walk

Posted on by Becky Sidwell

Sign up now to get the best discount for the popular Starlight Walk at Capesthorne Hall on Thursday, April 18.

The cheapest ‘super early bird’ tickets priced £17.50 for adults and £12.50 for under 16s are available until February 18.

The price changes the following day to £20 and £15 respectively for the ‘early bird’ offer before the standard entry of £22.50 and £17.50 applies from March 19.

Almost 400 supporters took part last year and another bumper turn out is expected this time with walkers covering a 2.5k loop through beautiful woodland multiple times if they wish.

Starlight Walk Pic 1 – Walkers prepare to set off at last year’s Starlight Walk.

The walk, organised by East Cheshire Hospice, is an emotional journey for many, giving them a chance to remember lost loved ones.

The dusk walk will have lighting, lanterns, fire pits, points of reflection and other features to enjoy along the way.

Walkers are encouraged to raise funds for the Hospice to help fund the care of patients.

Starlight Walk Pic 2 – En route through the woods at Capesthorne Hall.

There will be live entertainment with food and drink stalls.

Community and Events Fundraiser Claire Gorton said: “The whole family is welcome to this moving and uplifting evening of remembrance.

Starlight Walk Pic 3 – A floodlit route awaits Starlight Walk entrants. 

“Our annual memory walk is an opportunity to come together and remember loved ones in a really special way.”

Well-behaved dogs are welcome and there will be no fireworks. The walking route is not accessible for wheelchairs or pushchairs.

* To register visit the Hospice website.

Will Month in October raised £11,373 for East Cheshire Hospice

Posted on by Becky Sidwell

Allowing a month to get a will written rather than a week provided a major fundraising boost for East Cheshire Hospice.

The Hospice’s Will Month in October raised £11,373, excluding Gift Aid which is expected to take the total to more than £13,000.

It is the highest total raised by the campaign in five years, beating the £9,424 generated in the Covid year of 2020.

Beth England, from East Cheshire Hospice, with Joe Etherington, from Moneybox Wills and Trusts.

Beth England, Individual Giving Manager at the Hospice, said: “The campaign running for a full month, instead of a week, was the main reason for the increase, and the average donation was higher than before.

“We’d like to say a big thank you to everyone who took part and kindly donated, and the participating organisations who made it a success through their generous dedication of time and ongoing support of the Hospice.”

Stratford Solicitors, GPW Tax and Law and Moneybox Wills and Trusts completed 55 appointments. Moneybox, based in Tytherington, raised £5,896, excluding Gift Aid, from 24 clients.

Joe Etherington, the firm’s Head of Wills and Trusts, said: “Many of those who saw us had personal links with the Hospice one way or another. It was a fantastic result all-round and we’re delighted to have played a part in the campaign’s success.

“The fact it was Will Month made a massive difference – you can see a lot more people in four weeks than one.” *

* For more details on legacies email bengland@echospice.org.uk, or call 01625 433477.

Celebration of Life Dinner huge success in memory of family members

Posted on by Becky Sidwell

A celebration party thrown by Jason and Linda Walker turned into a major fundraiser for East Cheshire Hospice.

A dinner at Hilltop Country House in Prestbury raised £15,500 thanks to the generosity of friends and business pals.

More than 150 guests toasted the wonderful work of hospices, including around 20 staff from East Cheshire invited as a thank you for their work.

Jason, who runs a digital marketing company, got the idea when he saw a sign at the Hospice while visiting his late mum Pauline.

It highlighted that the charity needs to raise £7,500 a day to keep its doors open and Jason and wife Linda could not resist helping.

Supporters at the celebration dinner. Jason Walker is far right and wife Linda is sixth from the right.  

He said: “Mum was in there more than eight weeks early last year and I saw the sign while having a coffee in the visiting room. Mum said she wanted to pass away in a Hospice.

“They’re the most amazing places – you expect them to be sad and morbid but they’re jolly and wonderful.”

The owners of Hilltop provided the venue and staff without charge and threw in drinks and bar profits.

Food costs were covered by business sponsors Jleaf, MKP Developments, Platinum Independent Financial Services and Higgins Miller Solicitors.

Hospice guests (back, from left) Julie Whalley, Tanya Harrington, Joan Marie Williams, Margaret Black, Tracey Pearce, Helen Henshaw, Angela Dooley and Loretta Eason. Front, Victoria Sayers and Sharon Hurley. 

That meant all proceeds from ticket sales went to the Hospice. Bands Living on iO and North Room, photographer David Murch, videographer Lana Johnson and florists Taylor Made Blooms all donated their services for free.

Jason, whose late father-in-law Roy was also a Hospice patient, said: “It was a case of beg, steal and borrow what we could to raise as much as possible for the Hospice.

“Most guests knew of someone close who has been in the Hospice and it was a way to celebrate their lives.

“We’d have been happy to have raised enough for one day’s care, but to cover the cost of two was amazing.”

Hilltop chefs (from left) Simon Osbourne, Paul Merrett and Iain Winnard who looked after guests at a Hospice fundraiser.  

“We’d like to thank Hilltop and our other sponsors for their magnificent generosity to make it such a huge success. Everyone was happy to get involved and we’re already being asked when the next event is taking place.”

Hilltop sales and marketing executive Olivia Heath said: “Our country house and marquee is a beautiful 17th century setting for weddings and events and it was a pleasure to host this party for such a wonderful cause.”

9,000 young participants took part in this years Santa Dash

Posted on by Becky Sidwell

Swimming, dancing and even a nature trail … children found all sorts of ways to support East Cheshire Hospice’s latest fundraising initiative.

Almost 9,000 youngsters took part in a Santa Dash, sponsored by Active Sport for the second year running.

Pupils from Beech Hall School took a cold dip to help East Cheshire Hospice.

Organisers are still receiving sponsorship with donations expected to match last year’s sum of almost £47,000.

Volunteers from Equilibrium Financial Planning LLP have been helping the Hospice process donations.

Fundraisers from King’s School join in the fun.  

Some 39 schools or other organisations took part, making it the biggest mass participation event run by the Hospice during the year.

Community and Events co-ordinator Claire Gorton said: “Once again we’ve had terrific support for this simple fun festive event.

“We’re overwhelmed by the response from schools and groups who’ve been inspired to raise funds for a great local cause.

“Participants come from all over east Cheshire and we’re so grateful to everyone who’s taken part or has helped with sponsorship.

Parkroyal Community School take part in the Santa Dash.

“We mix it up each time with a different theme. It was an Elf Run last year and next Christmas it’ll be a Reindeer Rush. We leave it up to groups to make it as flexible and inclusive as they can.

“One school like to boogie. Some swim, walk, run and we’ve even had a nature trail. We’re happy with whatever works for them as a group.”

Active Sport led pupils at Parkroyal Community School in a warm-up after they won a competition as early bird entrants.

From music to mulching

Posted on by Becky Sidwell

From music to mulching … father and son Tony and Doug Skelton do not mind how they raise funds for East Cheshire Hospice.

Weeks after organising a night of musical entertainment, the pair will join dozens of other volunteers at the next Christmas Tree Collection on the weekend of January 13/14.

Tony will drive one of his company vans, while Doug fetches trees from driveways of supporters donating to the Hospice.

From left, volunteer Mike Brighouse with Doug and Tony Skelton.

It is not too late to register. Visit www.echtrees.org.uk to get your tree collected. The deadline is noon on Wednesday, January 10.

Tony and Doug have already raised £8,706 for the Hospice from The Cinema Show, an 80s audio and visual show which drew a full house to MADS Theatre in October.

It was organised by Doug, who handles digital marketing at PPE firm Intersafety where Tony is Managing Director.

Last year was their first experience of the tree collection which has raised a staggering £1.75m for the Hospice since it began 24 years ago.

Doug said: “As rookies last January we didn’t know what to expect. We decided to give it a go and threw ourselves in at the deep end.

“It was utterly exhausting, but a good laugh and great fun. Tony does the driving and I lug trees, though he claims jokingly that he’s the only one who does a bit of everything.

“We all met up in the pub afterwards to celebrate our achievements and soon forgot about any aching limbs.”

Ansa depot recyclers playing their part in the tree collection scheme a year ago.

The Skeltons were joined by fellow volunteer Mike Brighouse and Hospice Director Sarah Dale BEM on their two days of travels.

Trees were mulched at Swift Tree Services at Adlington Industrial Estate where Intersafety is also located.  They will also be recycled at the Ansa plant at West Park this year as usual.

The scheme, sponsored by AstraZeneca, raised £150,000 last year. Sponsorship means that all proceeds go towards patient care.

Co-founders Richard Raymond and Pete Chapman also supported The Cinema Show which featured nostalgic musical interpretations of Live Aid, MTV, mobile phones and 80s fashion.

Doug said: “We had a phenomenal night and the response from sponsors was amazing. It was another example of local companies and supporters coming together in aid of the Hospice.”

Post codes covered on the tree collection are CW12, SK9, SK10, SK11, SK12 and WA16.

A memorable year comes to an end for supporters of East Cheshire Hospice.

Posted on by Becky Sidwell

A memorable year comes to an end for supporters of East Cheshire Hospice.

All kinds of activities and acts of kindness raised funds for the charity with plenty to look forward to in 2024.

Entries are already open for the next Starlight Walk at Capesthorne Hall on Thursday, April 18.

The Starlight Walk is back at Capesthorne Hall in April.

More than 400 walkers took part last April – the biggest turnout for a Hospice event since before Covid.

A Memory Tree was unveiled in the Hospice gardens.

Leaves are dedicated to the memory of someone special, even if they have no link to the Hospice.

A ribbon-cutting ceremony was attended by families who have joined the scheme.

AstraZeneca employee representative Katie Morelli cuts the ribbon to open the Memory Tree watched by colleague Guy Camm (left), Hospice Chief Executive Karyn Johnston and Chair of the Trustee Board Will Spinks.

Representatives from AstraZeneca, whose employees gifted the new memorial, attended the unveiling.

Macclesfield dad Carl Lamptey received deserved accolades for his prolific fundraising for various causes.

Caring Carl won Cheshire’s Silk 106.9 Pride of Cheshire prize at the Local Hero 2023 Awards, days after receiving a civic award from Macclesfield mayor Cllr Fiona Wilson.

Carl Lamptey with his Silk 106.9 award. 

His Team Rainbow has raised more than £70,000 for the Hospice where wife Sarah died of breast cancer in 2014, aged 36.

The next foreign trip for Hospice supporters is a trek to Iceland in November.

On the plane will be Louise Troyano whose late husband Luis, a Hospice patient in 2020, starred in The Great British Bake Off.

The graphic designer was runner-up in the hit BBC show.

Luis Troyano on The Great British Bake Off.

Louise said: “Luis left me a note and one of the things he told me was to travel. We went on lots of holidays and Iceland is on my bucket list.

“When the Hospice trip popped up, I thought it’s ticking that box and helping the Hospice.”

Rick Pulvertaft swam the Channel raising more than £6,700, though he nearly did not make it.

Rick Pulvertaft ready for his Channel swim.

Bad weather twice left him stranded on shore before he got the go ahead and completed the 21-mile crossing in just under 13 hours.

Rick, from Macclesfield, said: “It was a roller-coaster ride emotionally as I was at the mercy of the weather. I felt so lucky to swim the Channel and was almost in a trance.”

Nursery owner Monika Pollard climbed to Everest base camp in memory of her mother-in-law Theresa Connolly.

Monika Pollard climbing Everest.

It was tough going, though, as she suffered altitude sickness.

Monika said: “The hike was much harder than anticipated. I’m physically fit, but I struggled breathing as the air was so thin.”

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