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Rick Pulvertaft’s channel swim success!

Posted on by Becky Sidwell

Heroic Rick Pulvertaft felt as though he was swimming against the tide for much of his life.

He lost his parents before he was 24 and both older sisters in the last few years.

So swimming the Channel was a personal triumph for Rick, who raised more than £6,700 for East Cheshire Hospice.

His swim from a beach near Dover to headland between Calais and Boulogne almost did not happen.

Full steam ahead … Rick on his 21-mile crossing.  

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.

“Twice I went to Kent to be told it was postponed. I was gutted when the organisers said they’d give me my money back.

“In a twist of fate, a window of good weather opened and it was amazing.

“I described it like a victory parade. The sea was like a piece of glass it was so calm.

“I felt so lucky to swim the Channel and was almost in a trance.

Pic 2 – Rick Pulvertaft ready for his Channel swim.

“I didn’t feel any pain despite swinging my arms around for so long. I’d done all the hard work with my training and nutrition over the last two years, so it wasn’t as difficult as I thought.”

The sense of satisfaction was even greater for Rick after his family’s struggle with alcoholism.

His father Dr Tom Pulvertaft (59) died of liver cirrhosis in 1996; he also lost sisters Kate (56) and Janthea (49) to alcoholism, while nephew Kavan died in 2019 after three years in a coma after he tried to take his own life.

Mum Dee (61) was due to enter the Hospice in 2009 but died of skin cancer before she got there.

Rick, a kitchen designer and salesman, said: “Alcohol has devastated my family and it has been hard watching members of my family slowly kill themselves. The feeling of helplessness is even harder.”

Rick turned to drink for many years but will celebrate two years alcohol-free in December.

He said: “I chose to raise money for the Hospice because they were there for us and ready to help. The work they do for the families of loved ones with life-limiting illnesses is a light in this world that needs our help to keep shining.”

To sponsor Rick visit justgiving.com/fundraising/rick-pulvertaft.

 

East Cheshire Hospice honoured team members at its long-service staff awards

Posted on by Becky Sidwell

East Cheshire Hospice honoured team members at its first long-service staff awards since Covid.

Lady Alexis Redmond MBE, Lord-Lieutenant of Cheshire, presented certificates to staff at the celebration event at The Tytherington Club.

Hospice Trustee Board members, including Chair Will Spinks, attended the ceremony, along with Chief Executive Karyn Johnston.

Lady Redmond congratulated staff on their commitment to palliative care, while Will recognised that collectively they had amassed 175 years of service to patients and families.

Sarah Mills, a nurse for more than 20 years and now part of the Hospice @Home bank team, was among recipients.

Sarah Mills (centre) receives her long service award from Lady Redmond MBE, Lord- Lieutenant of Cheshire, and Will Spinks, Chair of the Hospice Trustee Board.

Staff celebrate at the long service awards at Tytherington.

Sunflower Centre nurse Joan-Marie Williams and Loretta Eason, an assistant there after starting as a nurse on the inpatient unit, were recognised for 15 years of service.

Awards for 10 years went to Clinical Co-ordinator Gill Tomlinson; Finance Director Shelley Seabourne and Supporter Care and Lottery Manager Carol Frain.

Reaching five years’ service were:

* Helen Singleton, from the Hospice @Home Rapid Response Service.

* Helena Smith, Voluntary Services and Community Befriending Lead.

* Susan Robinson, Healthcare Assistant.

* Amanda Stell, Finance Officer.

* Hannah George, Hospice @Home Sister.

* Helen Wilkinson, Adult Bereavement Services Lead.

* Jackie Harding, Supporter Care Assistant, Income Generation.

* Caroline Allen, Skills Support HCA.

* Conor Stubbs, Head of IT.

* Lisa Powell, Clinical Co-ordinator.

* April Green, Key Relationships Manager.

* Sharon Hurley, Sunflower Centre development.

* Louise Gorton, Handforth Shop Manager.

Accordionist John Jones was also recognised for fundraising over more than 30 years.

Snap up a ticket to ‘Living in the 80’s’

Posted on by Becky Sidwell

The owner of a family company staging a show in aid of East Cheshire Hospice has been overwhelmed by the level of local business support.

Adlington-based Intersafety is hoping to raise £5,000 from a special concert at MADS Theatre on Saturday, October 14, at 7.45 pm.

Local Intersafety customers are snapping up tickets and programme sponsorship for ‘Living in the 80s’ by The Cinema Show, which documents significant milestones during that decade.

The instrumental group combine 80s retro sounds with large screen film footage.

Tony Skelton from Intersafety

Intersafety, founded 21 years ago, distributes personal protective equipment, clothing and workplace safety products.

Managing Director Tony Skelton commented: “I’ve been delighted at how willing and generous local businesses have been in supporting the Hospice by co-sponsoring this event with us.

“The charity is held in such high regard in Macclesfield, everyone connects with them at some level. It doesn’t matter who you speak with – someone has had a friend or relative who’s gone through the Hospice process.

“We asked our customers to support this concert and their response has been incredible. If we can raise £5,000, what a great story this is for the town in which we trade.

“All companies recognise the benefits commercially. It sends out a positive message and we’re all aware of our social and corporate responsibility.”

The show captures the dawn of mobile phones, MTV, Live Aid and outrageous 80s fashion.

* Tickets are priced at £9 (£5 for under-15s). Order online at ticketsource.co.uk/the-cinema-show.

Hospice Fundraising Assistant Nik Kalka

Posted on by Becky Sidwell

Nik Kalka admits he often struggled with answers at quizzes in aid of East Cheshire Hospice.

He was too busy serving drinks from the bar, but he knew instantly what answer to give when offered a job as a fundraiser at the charity earlier this year.

His enthusiastic reply was an emphatic Yes to a cause which is close to his heart for so many reasons.

The best reason of all was remembering how well the Hospice cared for his close friend Sam Burt.

Sam Burt who was cared for by East Cheshire Hospice.

Sam, who grew up in Sutton, had been diagnosed with a brain tumour 10 years earlier. The IT technician at Fallibroome Academy died in 2017, aged 27.

Nik said: “Sam was involved with the quizzes for four years until he passed away in 2017 after helping raise more than £16,000 for the Hospice.

“Ironically, that was about the amount it costs to pay for the care for the three days and two nights he spent at the Hospice.

“He was determined to make the best out of life despite his diagnosis. The odd seizure slowed him down, but he still threw himself into everything.

“Sam had time for everyone and was a genuinely kind and friendly guy.

“He got lots of support accessing the Hospice services. It’s a special place, something I already knew before I came here.

“But once I joined and understood more about the Hospice, its different services, the staff and how they treat patients and each other, it’s even more special than I imagined.

“It’s quite unique and universally loved within our region.

“Once someone has experienced our services, they invariably become a lifelong supporter.”

The regular quiz nights at Marlborough Primary School were not Nik’s first introduction to East Cheshire Hospice.

Nik Kalka taking the strain during a fundraising event for East Cheshire Hospice by carrying fellow supporter Rob Gorton.

He said: “I knew the quiz answers, but they weren’t necessarily the right ones!

“I first came to the Hospice in 2003 as a teenager in the army cadets when I helped at fetes.

“Then I got involved with the quiz nights through Sam Baker, from Olympus Trophies, a long-standing supporter of the Hospice.

“A quiz support group run by Alison Brammer, Paul Morrissey and Mark Watson was set up in 2013 and these events are still hugely popular, raising vast sums for the Hospice.

“Marlborough Primary School have been incredibly helpful, as have Storm Brewing.

“It’s a privilege to work at the Hospice which means so much to me.”

24-mile walk in memory of a loved one

Posted on by Becky Sidwell

A soggy end failed to dampen spirits on a special family day out climbing the Yorkshire Three Peaks.

Claire Crimes and family members took on the 24-mile walk in memory of her mother-in-law Iris, from Macclesfield.

 Iris Crimes was cared for by East Cheshire Hospice.

The group have raised more than £2,300 for East Cheshire Hospice where Iris was looked after last November.

The total was match funded by AstraZeneca where Claire works, as the Hospice is one of their chosen charities.

Claire said: “The weather was perfect for most of the day, but the heavens opened as we descended the last mountain.

From left, Craig Bracegirdle, Claire Crimes, Wayne Smith, Ben Crimes, Nat Hall and Ellie Crimes.

“It was a bit dodgy getting down with a small stream running down the rocks, so I ended up sliding down on my bottom. I finished the walk with muddy knickers and squelchy boots!”

Son Ben, daughter Ellie and her boyfriend Nat Hall, along with two of Iris’ other grandsons Wayne Smith and Craig Bracegirdle, also undertook the challenge.

Claire said: “We all wore yellow Hospice t-shirts which was fabulous as we could see each other clearly as we broke apart walking up the mountains.

“We stayed together as a group even though the younger ones would have completed it in a faster time, and they waited for me at the top of each peak.”

“We all looked after each other and completed the walk within the 12-hour time limit which was marvellous.

“We wanted to give something back for the way the Hospice cared for Iris. They were so lovely with her and all the family and it was our way of saying thank you.

“They’re all angels at the Hospice and made everything as comfortable as possible. We wanted to do something in Iris’ memory.”

A week later Ben also undertook a tandem sky dive to raise funds.

Daring Ben Crimes parachuted from 15,000 feet.  

Claire said: “It was his first parachute jump and he was the only one in his group who jumped from 15,000 feet.

“He said if he’s going to do it he may as well do it full-on from three miles up. He said it was amazing and if ever anyone had thought about doing it – do it!”

“We’d like to thank family and friends for the very kind donations and also the people we met along the way who also donated.”

To donate to their fundraising visit www.shorturl.at/tBRS6

Former team-mates continue to honour the memory of football fanatic Col Smith.

Posted on by Becky Sidwell

Former team-mates continue to honour the memory of football fanatic Col Smith.

The Macclesfield Parish manager died of cancer in 2020, aged 52.

Col Smith

Ever since, two teams he played for – Parish and St Peter’s which are part of the same club – have staged an annual charity match as a tribute.

The latest encounter at St George’s Park, Windmill Street, raised £278 for East Cheshire Hospice where Col spent his final days.

A close game ended in a 2-1 victory for St Peter’s which meant they retained the Col Smith Memorial Trophy.

Players from Macclesfield Parish and St Peter’s at this year’s memorial game. 

Col, of Higher Hurdsfield, was ill for 10 years but stayed involved with club which plays in the South Manchester and Cheshire Christian Football League.

He combined a passion for football with his deep love of the Christian faith and was a member of Bollington Life Church.

Parish manager David Mayers said: “We continue to stage the match in honour of our friend and former player and manager. St Peter’s lead the series 2-1 after a draw the first year.

“We don’t have to push the players to take part. They want to be part of it because a lot of them have friends or relatives who’ve been cared for by the Hospice.

“It’s a big part of many people’s lives in Macclesfield and we’re delighted to raise funds for such a good cause.”

Bollington-based company supports Pie and Pint

Posted on by Becky Sidwell

Barry Jones licked his lips when he signed up for a Pie and a Pint challenge.

But he was unaware a 10k walk was also part of the East Cheshire Hospice event on Saturday, September 16, from 10 am.

Barry said: “I didn’t realise it was a walk – I thought it was just a pie and a pint, but never mind.

“I like a pint and enjoy a pie now and then. I play football occasionally and train my son’s team, but that’s about as energetic as I get.”

Madison O’Neill (left) and Barry Jones with Lisa Ball, corporate fundraiser at East Cheshire Hospice.

Barry works in the sales team at Cutler Cleaning Supplies Ltd which provides cleaning and janitorial products for the Hospice.

The Bollington-based company has also joined the 500 club which means it donates £500 to the charity each year.

Sales manager Madison O’Neill, who is a keen walker, will join Barry on the walk.

He said: “We support the Hospice as much as possible and regularly donate surplus stock.”

There are still spaces left in the walk, sponsored Holdcroft. To enter visit www.echospice.org.uk/pie-and-pint

The route starts and ends at Macclesfield Rugby Club, visiting Over Alderley, Mottram St Andrew, Prestbury and Dale Brow.

Under 18s must be accompanied by an adult or have written permission. Tickets include a non-alcoholic drink for those under age.

Walkers need to wear suitable clothing and footwear, preferably walking boots and waterproofs rather than trainers due to the challenging route. Entrants receive a pie and a pint at the finish.

Louise Troyano is cooking up something special.

Posted on by Becky Sidwell

Her late husband starred in The Great British Bake Off – now Louise Troyano is cooking up something special.

The art worker is going on a trek in Iceland organised by East Cheshire Hospice.

The three-day trip in November 2024 coincides with what would have been the couple’s 19th wedding anniversary.

Luis and Louise on their wedding day in 2005.

Louise said: “I’m doing something that creates a new memory of that day. I always try to do something new on the days you’re supposed to be sad on.”

She has happy memories of how husband Luis was treated at the Hospice where he spent several weeks in the autumn of 2020.

The graphic designer died of oesophageal cancer aged 49, five years after he finished runner-up in the hit BBC show presented by Mel Giedroyc and Sue Perkins.

Luis on The Great British Bake Off.

Judges Mary Berry and Paul Hollywood were dazzled by Luis’ delicious chocolate mousse and tropical Manchester tart.

Louise said: “Luis was excited to be on a show he watched religiously. He was the star baker for bread week and was good at making bread. To be fair, he was good at everything.

“He did all the cooking at home and made birthday cakes for everyone. Since he died, I’ve had to learn to cook for myself.

“He 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.

The Troyanos on holiday.

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

“Luis died in October 2020 during Covid when we had to wear masks so it was weird. The Hospice staff were lovely, but I can’t remember all the names of the nurses now.

“It’s really sad and I feel bad because I probably wouldn’t be able to recognise them because they needed to be in masks.

“The staff were great. All of them. They were really nice and I knew the late chaplain Margaret, who was wonderful.”

Luis and Louise on their travels.

Louise is preparing for her Iceland adventure by carrying a rucksack full of recipe books.

She said: “I love walking and will need to carry water so am getting used to the weight.”

She works at the advertising agency McCann Manchester and in the admissions hut at Lyme Park entrance.

Louise and McCann colleagues are organising a bake off in Luis’ memory raising funds for the Hospice.

* To sponsor her visit justgiving.com/fundraising/louise-troyano

Do you fancy visiting the edge of the Arctic circle?

Posted on by Becky Sidwell

Do you fancy visiting the edge of the Arctic circle?

East Cheshire Hospice still has a few places left on its Iceland adventure between November 13-18 next year.

The three-day trek is graded moderate to challenging with walkers covering an average of 12 kilometres a day over varying terrain.

The journey ends with a chance to explore Reykjavik, the world’s most northern capital.

The hike visits active volcanoes and lava fields, bubbling mud pools and hot springs.

The natural wonders of Iceland.

Walkers will also travel along the fault lines between Europe and America, with a chance of seeing the Northern Lights.

Three open evenings at the Hospice on Tuesdays Sept 12 and 19 and Monday, Sept 25 (all at 7 pm) will be a chance to learn more details.

People can attend one of the sessions without booking or email events@echospice.org.uk for more information.

Hospice Community and Events Assistant Nik Kalka said: “Iceland is known as the ‘Land of Fire and Ice’ because of its breathtaking natural landscapes.

Fundraiser Nik Kalka.

“It’s the trip of a lifetime and at the same time it’s a great way for walkers to support the Hospice.”

The entry deadline is November. A full breakdown of costs and fundraising, as well as testimonials from previous trek participants, will be given at the open evenings.

To find out more about the Iceland trip visit eastcheshirehospice.org.uk/trekiceland or contact the fundraising team on 01625 433477.

Prestbury Golf Day success 2023

Posted on by Becky Sidwell

A golf day went with such a swing that a record amount was raised for East Cheshire Hospice.

The long-standing event at Prestbury Golf Club raised £15,135, a 50 per cent increase on the previous best in 2022.

The winning Allmand-Smith team. From left, Adam, Martin, Jacqueline and William.

The Allmand-Smith team came out on top, with Martin, wife Jacqueline and sons Adam and William collecting an impressive 92 points to take home the Mactex Trophy.

They were among 22 teams enjoying the refurbished Prestbury course where redesigned bunkers and major earth works have brought the course up to modern standards.

The event has been running for 35 years and is the flagship competition on Prestbury’s charity golf calendar.

The Holmes Naden team. From left, Paul Garrity, Rob Thorneycroft, Edward Naden and Mike Taylor. 

It was again organised by John Davies, Director of Mactex Properties Ltd, and ex-golf professional Nigel Preston, from Interflex.

John, who was involved in the first tournament, said: “We’d like to thank everyone for their generous support yet again.

“Our main sponsors estate agents Holmes Naden were superb, with numerous businesses and volunteers also involved, including Amanda Cross from Sphere UK, Victoria Devon and Claire Gorton, Carley Macey and Nik Kalka from the Hospice.

Organisers, volunteers and Hospice staff. From left, Nik Kalka, Nigel Preston, Carley Macey, Claire Gorton, Vicky Devon, Paul Bianchi, Mandy Cross and John Davies.

“Once again Prestbury were wonderful hosts and it was a pleasure to be among the first to play their new-look course.

“It’s fantastic we raised enough to cover the Hospice’s running costs for two days.

“That means supporting local people with end-of-life care, their families and carers both at home and in the Hospice.”

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