Fundraising Archives - Page 7 of 27 - East Cheshire Hospice
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Australian actors took to the stage

Posted on by Becky Sidwell

Theatregoers rallied round to support a special musical staged by an Australian amateur theatre group.

Their one-off performance of The Pirate Code at MADS Theatre in Macclesfield raised £800 for East Cheshire Hospice.

It was part of a week-long nationwide tour by Nuworks, a group of  Melbourne-based actors who financed the trip themselves.

Their hosts were Macclesfield Amateur Dramatic Society which underwrote the show as part of its 75th anniversary celebrations.

MADS management member John Chandler said: “We had a great night and want to thank everyone for coming along to support us.

“A special thanks must go to our Australian visitors for choosing Macclesfield as one of four touring venues.

“The cast joined MADS members in our bar afterwards to exchange stories about on-stage experiences, before our guests went to the Lake District the following day for their last performance before returning to Australia.

“I’m sure they took home lots of happy memories of their visit here and importantly we raised funds for a great charity.

John Chandler from MADS Theatre. 

“MADS have always been great supporters of the Hospice and it was Nuworks’ idea to donate profits from this event to such a wonderful local cause.”

* The next MADS production is The Cats Mother by Erica Murray, a black comedy which runs from September 11-16.

ends

 

Our Memory Tree is planted

Posted on by Becky Sidwell

The newest arrival at East Cheshire Hospice is a Memory Tree ready to be decorated with leaves.

Supporters can dedicate a leaf engraved with a short message to someone special.

The metal sculpture amid wild flowers in a discreet setting at the back of the Hospice is already admired by volunteer gardeners.

Among them Bob Burton, a neighbour who planted the tree with fundraiser Nik Kalka.

Fundraiser Nik Kalka (left) and gardening volunteer Bob Burton with the newly-installed Memory Tree.

Bob said: “The Memory Tree is a cracking idea and will hopefully generate income. People I know who’ve walked past say it looks like a piece of art anyway up against the wall.

“It’s a lot different than I imagined and there are small holes where leaves can be attached.

“The gardens are so serene which is how it should be round here. It’s lovely and peaceful and we have a great team of gardeners.”

Bob, a retired health and safety adviser with GMP, has volunteered at the Hospice for a year, having helped the homeless and at food banks.

A ginnel from his home of 34 years provides a cut through to the Hospice. Bob’s late brother-in-law Mel Withey was a Hospice patient.

Bob said: “I’ve always had an involvement with the charity as it’s so local. The gardeners meet every Wednesday morning, but because I live so close if I see it’s dry I can whip round and cut the grass.”

Some 400 copper, silver and bronze leaves are available and subscribers do not need a Hospice link.

A subscription is £10 a month, or £120 for a year. Employees from AstraZeneca gifted the new memorial.

The tree is easily accessible without entering the Hospice building, with parking available.

Individual Giving Fundraiser Beth England said: “Visitors can come along at any time and the gardens provide a beautiful backdrop.

“There’s privacy and with benches it’s the ideal place to reflect and remember a loved one.

“Each leaf can be inscribed with a short message if donors wish and funds raised provide vital revenue for the Hospice.”

“Your leaf will remain on the tree for a year, at which point you can choose to either renew its place for a further year or we can return the leaf to you to treasure forever.”

* 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.

Memory Tree Gardeners

Posted on by Becky Sidwell

Retired nurse Lindsay Taylor kept a promise to herself by joining the band of volunteers tending to the East Cheshire Hospice gardens.

Lindsay, from Macclesfield, said: “I was a nurse at the Hospice and always said that when I retired I’d like to garden here because I like the gardens so much.

“I wanted to give something back and have been here about four years. It’s great fun and the volunteers are such a nice friendly gang.

Gardening volunteers (from left) Carol Bonner, Lindsay Taylor, Carol Waterhouse, Pat Dawson and Olwen Gibson.

“Sometimes patients will come out and admire the gardens. The husband of one patient came out and said ‘I’ll do a bit while I’m here.’

“It was quite sweet really and everyone does appreciate the gardens.”

Fellow volunteer Carol Waterhouse left her job as Hospice ward manager in 2016 to set up a home help business.

She said: “I came back on to the nursing register in 2021 during Covid and do bank shifts for Hospice @Home now I’m semi-retired.

“Gardening here is a lovely thing to do and all we want is to make a difference.”

Olwen Gibson is one of the newest gardening recruits. She said: “I realised I’d got the time and wanted to do something useful. It’s such an enjoyable outdoor activity.”

Carol Bonner, a volunteer for two years, said: “It gets me out and about and I like the idea of a Hospice and what they do. I’ve got the time to help and prefer to be outdoors rather than inside.”

Sunflower Centre Refurbishment

Posted on by Luke Brightmore

A major project is under way to transform the Sunflower Wellbeing Centre at East Cheshire Hospice.

Work on the £1.25m refurbishment began last month and is expected to be completed in January 2024.

The modern stylish complex will be much better equipped to meet a rapidly growing need for the charity’s services.

A computer image of the new Sunflower Wellbeing Centre.

Patient and carer capacity is expected to more than double from a current weekly rate of 179 to 400 within two years of completion.

Crucially, more services will operate simultaneously and in the evenings and at weekends.

The extended seven-day working will facilitate greater community engagement, improving integration with the local healthcare strategy of everyone living well for longer.

The Sunflower Centre – the hub of the Hospice’s outpatient services – opened as a day care centre with the Hospice welcoming its first day patients in May 2000. The facility has been extended since but is now outdated and unable to meet demand.

Rachel Allcock, Income Generation Director at the Hospice, said: “The new Sunflower Wellbeing Centre will be a valuable resource for the community. We anticipate being able to accommodate local support groups and other community activities.

“It’s an exciting project and something we’ve wanted to carry out for a long time, but just haven’t been able to do.

“The previous centre served us well, but was no longer fit for purpose. We’ve saved money over time to fund the project, knowing that at some stage we wanted to undertake this work.

“We’ve also applied for specific grants and trust donations so that no income from fundraising which covers day-to-day running costs will be used.”

Rachel Allcock, Income Generation Director at East Cheshire Hospice.

The Sunflower entrance is located to the side of the main reception which is unaffected by the changes.

The radical new design was developed over three years, based on patient, staff and volunteer experiences.

The refurbishments have sustainability in mind, with running costs not expected to increase significantly since the operational floor space is only slightly extended.

The new-look Sunflower Wellbeing Centre.

Any increased heating costs due to extended opening hours will be partly offset by using more efficient heating/cooling systems and a solar-panelled roof.

The projected number of users excludes off-site programmes co-ordinated by the Sunflower team. It also excludes separate work to expand dementia services into community venues.

In total, the Hospice will reach an estimated 1,360 people, some 80 per cent of those living with, or dying from, a life-limiting illness.

Future-Proofing Hospice Facilities

Posted on by Luke Brightmore

Day hospice services have been temporarily moved to other areas for six months during refurbishment work.

The Hospice is adapting facilities, including using the Chapel to accommodate patients.

Some will access outpatient services remotely as happened successfully during Covid. The experiences from that crisis period have been invaluable planning contingencies during the building phase.

The pandemic put a major strain on the Hospice with the effects of the virus still being felt.

Rachel Allcock, Director of Income Generation, said: “We are getting patients coming to us much later in diagnosis who are really poorly because they didn’t want to burden the NHS with their symptoms during Covid.

“It’s a similar story at other hospices although the after-effects of Covid should be temporary. The main reason, though, for a projected rise in patient numbers is an ageing population.

“The refurbished Sunflower Wellbeing Centre will give us the perfect opportunity to re-launch existing services, promote new activity and collaborate with health care professionals, faith and community groups to increase our overall support for the communities we serve.

A glimpse of the future at East Cheshire Hospice.

“We’re hoping to cater for people at every stage of their journey and for all disease groups, including drop-in facilities for the newly-diagnosed.

“Our aim is to encompass that whole need rather than the limited need in a building only able to host one thing at a time.”

Many more volunteers will be needed to help deliver the expanded services.

A glimpse of the future at East Cheshire Hospice.

A huge success at Fashion on the Edge

Posted on by Becky Sidwell

A colourful Fashion on the Edge show provided one of the highlights of the summer fundraising season for East Cheshire Hospice.

More than 260 guests raised a staggering £25,000 for the Hospice at the annual ladies lunch.

The centrepiece of the occasion was a fashion show by volunteer models wearing latest trends by local boutiques OutDazl and The Edit.

Guests at Fashion on the Edge. 

The event, inside a marquee at Alderley Edge Cricket Club, was sponsored by McAlister Family Law, with Pettengell Wealth Management sponsoring drinks.

They were in plentiful supply, as were beauty, home ware and clothing stalls. Floral arrangements courtesy of local companies added a further touch of glamour.

Hospice fundraiser Bethan Wade said: “We had a fantastic time and special thanks must go to the brilliant group of ladies who help organise the event each year.

Fun and fundraising for East Cheshire Hospice.

“Thanks also to our sponsors and everyone who enjoyed the afternoon and donated in so many ways.”

It was Bethan’s final event before she leaves the Hospice fundraising team for a new challenge.

She said: “I’ve had a wonderful time here. It’s been a real thrill to work with my colleagues and members of the community who’ve been so generous with their support.”

* The Hospice is on the lookout for a community and events fundraiser to join its team. The role involves cultivating relationships with individuals and groups, coordinating volunteers and organising events.

The closing date is July 9. To apply visit www.eastcheshirehospice.org.uk/our-current-vacancies.

Second Pie and Pint event this September!

Posted on by Becky Sidwell

A tasty pie and a traditional pint – the perfect ingredients for a scenic stroll with East Cheshire Hospice.

The Hospice is holding its second Pie and Pint walk, sponsored by Holdcroft, on Saturday, September 16, from 10 am.

The 10k walk starts and ends at Macclesfield Rugby Union Football Club, visiting Over Alderley, Mottram St Andrew, Prestbury and Dale Brow.

Early bird tickets available until June 30 are £25 for adults and £15 for under 18s who must be accompanied by an adult, or have written permission. Tickets provide a non-alcoholic drink for those under age.

Walkers at the first Pie and Pint event.

Challenge Events Coordinator Bethan Wade said: “The event is back by popular demand after we ran it for the first time last year.

“Walkers are urged to wear suitable clothing and footwear such as walking boots and waterproofs and not trainers as the route is challenging.

“Well-behaved dogs are welcome although there are multiple stiles on the route which some dogs may struggle with. The route isn’t accessible for wheelchairs or pushchairs.

Fundraiser Claire Gorton (left) and volunteer Catherine Atkinson.

“The entrance fee only covers the cost of the event, so we ask that everyone tries to raise at least £50 sponsorship or make a donation when booking.

“All entrants receive a custom pint glass, hi vis jacket and, of course, a pie and a pint at the end. There are three flavours – meat and potato, chicken balti and cheese and onion – plus vegan, gluten free options.”

* To enter visit eastcheshirehospice.org.uk/events/pie-and-pint/

Pye Ash Farm supports the Hospice

Posted on by Becky Sidwell

Breeding farm animals runs in the Gilman family and so does raising funds for East Cheshire Hospice.

They have raised more than £11,000 for the charity in just over two years through pumpkin mazes and lambing live events.

They own Pye Ash Farm, in Bosley, where face painting sessions have proved as popular with children as cattle and sheep.

Three generations work on a farm family owned since the 1930s.

From left, friends Lizzie Jones, Martha Gilman and Jemma Long with Pippy and Scrappy.

James’ father Joe – now almost 90 – still keeps an eye on what is going on at the farm and helps with car parking at seasonal events.

James is one of the country’s top sheepdog trainers and held trials for charity last year. The accomplished dog handler has represented England many times.

Indeed, in 2007 he won One Man and His Dog, a popular BBC television series.

James developed an interest 40 years ago when he bought his first dog Jill for £5. The sheepdogs he now trains are eighth generation.

Farm team members (from left) James Gilman, Lizzie Jones, Lizzie Clark, Kiera Bradley, Jane Gilman, Ash Imber and George Gilman.

Daughter Martha said: “Dad takes great pride in breeding and owning dogs and his lessons for local farmers and handlers are extremely popular.

“He just got the bug for sheepdog training and it became his passion, along with running the farm.

“We have 500 sheep of different breeds, 100 head of Hereford cows, pigs, chickens, ducks, turkeys and around 10 sheepdogs at any one time.”

James Gilman and sheepdog Harry.

Bees are also part of life. James’ wife Jane is a beekeeper, a hobby she combines with teaching in Wincle and helping train dogs.

Martha and brother George will get involved at events, while George’s fiancée Liz is a vet which is useful. Their friend Jemma Long is a willing helper.

Martha said: “East Cheshire is our nearest hospice and close to the hearts of a lot of people we know.

“We’ve raised more than £14,000 for charity, mostly for the Hospice, from donations, including for face painting.

Farm workers (from left, back) Olivia Wain, Martha Gilman, Winnie Bullock, Sarah Nixon, Grace Gibbs. Front, Jane Gilman, Lizzie Clark, Kiera Bradley, James Gilman, Paige Jepson.

“The TV show brought sheepdog competition to the public attention. It involves how well the dog and handler work together getting sheep through gates.”

Pye Ash Farm will host sheepdog trials in August next year and their next event is a Pumpkin Maze this October. Visit pyeashfarm.co.uk.

Spread the summer sun with our Sunflower Raffle

Posted on by Becky Sidwell

A Sunflower Raffle is hoping to spread summer sunshine for East Cheshire Hospice patients.

Tickets at £1 are on sale for the draw made on Friday, July 14. The first prize is a cash prize of £1,000, with £200 and £100 prizes also be won.

The raffle raised more than £30,000 for the Hospice when it was last held two years ago.

Individual Giving Manager Beth England said: “The raffle helped us provide care and support to countless people and we hope it will be bigger and better this year.

“The cost-of-living crisis has impacted so many people and the Hospice is no different.

“Drastically rising energy costs pose a real threat to our current and future services and taking part will help ease those costs and enable us to continue to care for local families.”

Prizes are sponsored by Thorneycroft Solicitors, a company which supports the charity in many different ways.

Hospice health care assistant Pam Webster advertises the Sunflower Raffle.

Tickets are available from Hospice reception and www.eastcheshirehospice.org.uk/campaign/raffle2023/

Closing date is July 7 and players must be 18 or over. Winners will be contacted by phone or email.

* Gardens will be open to the public next month when green-fingered gurus show off their pride and joy.

David and Melita Turner open their garden at 18 Highfield Road, Bollington, on June 10 and 11, while Bill and Julie North invite visitors to 60 Kennedy Avenue, Macclesfield, on June 11.

Goostrey Open Gardens involving 15 different venues is on the same Sunday. Full details on the Hospice website.

Trek 2024 destination revealed

Posted on by Becky Sidwell

Supporters of East Cheshire Hospice are off on their travels again – this time to Iceland.

Places are being offered for a three-day trek to discover a country nicknamed the ‘Land of Fire and Ice’ in November 2024.

An informal open evening on Tuesday, June 6, from 7-8 pm will explain more about the trip to the Nordic island on the fringe of the Arctic circle.

Hospice Challenge Events Co-ordinator Bethan Wade said: “It’s the trip of a lifetime to some of the world’s most breathtaking natural landscapes.

Destination Iceland for East Cheshire Hospice supporters.

“Explore active volcanoes and lava fields, bubbling mud pools and hot springs, walk along two continental plates and perhaps even spot the Northern Lights.

“We’ll be hiking to Iceland’s youngest volcano Gelingaldir and neighbouring Fagradaslsfjall before exploring the ethereal peaks of Mount Hengill heritage site along the fault lines between Europe and America.

“The trek is graded moderate to challenging, with walkers covering long distances over varying terrain on consecutive days.”

A £350 registration fee is payable upon booking, with participants asked to fundraise at least £3,300 for the Hospice.

Support and fundraising ideas will be provided and a self-funded option is also available. The trip is from November 13 to 18.

The adventure is the latest undertaken by Hospice supporters, some of whom are undertaking the Camino Trail in Spain in October.

The Hospice has also been to the Sahara, Nepal and the Grand Canyon in the last few years.

Visit eastcheshirehospice.org.uk/events/trek-2023/ or email events@echospice.org.uk

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