Uncategorised Archives - East Cheshire Hospice

Karen Knight becomes one of the newest volunteers at the Hospice

Retirement is on the horizon for Karen Knight after a long and happy career at AstraZeneca.

She is already planning her next move after becoming one of the newest volunteers at East Cheshire Hospice.

Away from her role as a contract manager at AZ, Karen has started shadowing weekend shifts on reception at the Hospice.

AZ long servant Karen Knight who volunteers at East Cheshire Hospice.

Karen said: “I’ve been at AZ for 42 years and it’s no secret that I’ll be retiring in a couple of years.

“The thought of leaving scares me to be honest because I’ve been here since I was 17. It’s such a big part of my life and I love my job.

“I want to find something to fill that void and I’m sure the Hospice will help me do that. It’s also an opportunity to give something back.”

Karen went to Tytherington School, then exclusively for girls, before joining a building federation as a typist under a youth opportunities scheme.

She then joined ICI, later to become AZ, and has worked across sites at Alderley Park, Didsbury and Macclesfield where she has been based for the last 15 years.

Karen said: “I can honestly say I’ve never had a moment where I’ve not liked what I do at AZ. I’m so fortunate.

“My roles throughout my career have been completely satisfying. I enjoy coming to work and what I do.

“It’s been a huge part of my life and like another family. But I also need to look ahead and that’s why I started to get involved with the Hospice a few weeks ago. I want to keep my brain active when I retire.”

Karen has also served drinks to patients in A and E at Macclesfield and District General Hospital as a volunteer.

She said: “My AZ background is in procurement and contract management. I work in the department that supports the fundraising for our charity partners, the Hospice and Silklife Foodbank.

Karen said: “A friend passed away in the Hospice years ago and her family said she was so well looked after.

“I came away from my first volunteer shift thinking how nice the place is. Everyone was lovely, including visitors arriving at probably the worst moment in their lives.

“I was greeted warmly by nurses and reception staff and it’s nice to be part of that.

“I want to help make a difference.”

AstraZeneca employees raise outstanding amount of funds

Employees at AstraZeneca in Macclesfield helped to raise more than £94,000 for East Cheshire Hospice and Silklife Foodbank last year.

Staff held a range of activities from quizzes, craft events, runs and a netball tournament to support the charities.

Fundraising activities were matched by AstraZeneca which was headline sponsor of Art Fair Cheshire and the Christmas tree collection which celebrated its 25th year.

The AZ donation to the Hospice in 2024 was a staggering £47,821.

AZ employees celebrate raising more than £94,000 for East Cheshire Hospice and Silklife Foodbank.

Guy Camm, from AZ, said: “Our employees know that our local charities need all the support they can get.  We’re constantly amazed at the wide variety of fundraising activities our teams always seem to have on the go!

“We’re delighted to match the donations raised for these charities, both of which provide such crucial support to individuals and families across our community.”

Rachel Allcock, from the Hospice, said: “Working with the AZ team is such a pleasure.  Their staff never fail to raise much-needed funds for the Hospice. We’re so grateful for their unwavering support.”

AZ employees regularly donate food and other much-needed items for the foodbank through two collection points permanently based at its Macclesfield campus.

Dan Blackman, from Silklife Foodbank, said: “AZ Macclesfield’s financial contribution has helped us to make a really meaningful difference to the most vulnerable families in our local community.”

Joe Corrigan spoke of his proud links to East Cheshire Hospice

Joe Corrigan spoke of his proud links to East Cheshire Hospice when Manchester City fans celebrated his MBE.

The former goalkeeper mentioned the charity when receiving a rapturous reception in front of 53,000 fans at City’s home game with West Ham.

Big Joe, from Tytherington, received the award in the New Year’s Honours list for services to charitable fundraising.

His role as a Hospice patron includes supporting fundraising campaigns and visiting football-loving patients.

Joe made 603 appearances for City between 1967 and 1983 and made nine appearances for England. The honour took him by surprise.

He said: “Words can’t describe it – it was totally unbelievable and I’m still in a bit of state of shock.

“It’s just an amazing honour to even be considered. My first emotion was one of disbelief.

“It’s the highest honour you can get. I got the envelope and on the cover it said, ‘On His Majesty’s Service’, and at first I thought it was a tax bill!

“But then when I opened it and read the contents, I just filled up.”

Joe would visit fans in hospital with teammates in his playing days.

He said: “Now I’m in a position where I’ve got a little bit little bit more free time to be able to do more charitable things.

“I’m an ambassador for East Cheshire Hospice which is a huge honour and I’m also so proud to be chairman of City’s Former Players Association, where we raise and donate money to a host of charities.”

Ex Man City keeper Joe Corrigan, who has received an MBE.

The Fishers are doing their bit for East Cheshire Hospice

Plasterer Lee Fisher will be out and about touring in his van collecting Christmas trees like he does every January.

It is very much a family affair for Lee whose wife Alex and mum Judith will join him on their road trip.

The Fishers are doing their bit for East Cheshire Hospice like dozens of other volunteers over the weekend of January 11 and 12.

Travelling far and wide picking up trees for recycling in lieu of a donation to the Hospice.

Volunteers Lee Fisher, mum Judith and wife Alex.

The next collection celebrates the 25th anniversary of an award-winning scheme which provides vital funds for patient care.

Lee, from Macclesfield, got involved 12 years ago through a link with co-founder Pete Chapman.

Lee said: “Pete’s son Rob is one of my best mates and he went round collecting Christmas trees for charity one year.

“That’s how it all started and once I got a bigger transit van for work Rob collared me and said, ‘you’re doing this tree collection.’

“I was happy to help. It’s my good deed for the year.

“I donate my van and don’t even ask for a penny in fuel. Hiring vans is a big cost which would have to come out of the pot for the Hospice.”

The Fishers’ route covers Prestbury, where Judith works part-time in the village pharmacy. Alex is an assistant head teacher at Dean Valley Community Primary School in Bollington.

Lee said: “I drive because Alex usually ends up doing some damage to the van. One year she drove into a pillar and that was pretty painful.

“Mum tells us where we’re going and I jump out with Alex and put the trees in the back of the van.

“We drop them off for mulching at West Park.

“Donations are made online and we get a booklet with all the information. It’s a good day and everyone is in high spirits.

“The scheme is extremely well run and Pete and his co-organiser Richard Raymond work so hard.

“The scheme won the Queen’s Award the other year which was well deserved.

“I grew up at the back of the Hospice. My gran used to knit blankets for them and our family know people who’ve been helped by the charity.”

Registrations are open at www.echtrees.org.uk

The collection covers postcode areas CW12, SK9, SK10, SK11, SK12 & WA16.

The scheme has also been a finalist twice in the National Recycling Awards.

Art Fair Cheshire starts tomorrow!

Art Fair Cheshire gets under way tomorrow (Thur Sept 26) showcasing the region’s finest artistic talent.

The event, in aid of East Cheshire Hospice, runs until Thursday Oct 3 at Macclesfield Town Hall.

Artists donate a percentage of sales to the charity. Admission is free and a pop-up café serves refreshments.

The exhibition features original art and sculptures, paintings, prints, jewellery, photography, ceramics and willow weaving.

The event includes work created by the next generation of budding artists, strengthening community links.

Mixed media artist Rebecca Clitheroe who is giving a talk at Art Fair Cheshire.

Youngsters part of the Hospice’s child bereavement services have submitted work made within their sessions, including framed artworks and 3D.

Meanwhile, pupils from Fallibroome Academy and Macclesfield College have submitted works based on a brief of ‘memory.’

Hospice community and events fundraiser Claire Gorton said: “Art Fair Cheshire is a great team effort, involving volunteers, art lovers and sponsors.

“This year’s event is going to be fantastic and I’d encourage people to visit and support the Hospice.”

The talks schedule is:

Sat Sept 28 11.30 am: Mixed media artist Rebecca Clitheroe explores Hidden Histories of buildings/landmarks.

2 pm: Steph Janson turns wool tops, yarns and fabrics into landscapes.

Steph Janson who appears at Art Fair Cheshire.

Sun Sept 29: 11.30 am: Painter Peter Davis talks about themes in his urban landscapes and portraits.

2 pm: Patty Callaghan demonstrates the world of papier mache art.

The exhibition is curated by Jess Flewitt, Anne Riordan and Sue Roberts. This is mainly in the large Assembly gallery upstairs in the town hall.

The biennial event, which celebrates its 25th anniversary this year, has raised around £450,000 for the Hospice.

Grandmother Anna Rains came up with the idea of staging the first exhibition. In 1998, she chaired a fundraising appeal to mark the Hospice’s 10th anniversary.

The art exhibition was an important fundraiser for the creation of the Sunflower Centre which has developed into one of the most modern health care centres in the region.

Appropriately, Anna and her original trail-blazing fundraisers attended the reopening of the refurbished centre, now known as the Sunflower Living Well Centre, in April.

The Art Fair sponsored by AstraZeneca, opens from 10.30 am until 4 pm daily. For more details visit www.theartfair.org.uk

The world of virtual reality has arrived at East Cheshire Hospice

The world of virtual reality has arrived at East Cheshire Hospice as new technology further aids staff and patients.

The Hospice has been loaned three VR headsets by Macclesfield and District General Hospital.

The fully immersive 360-degree vision will further enhance training and therapy.

Conor Stubbs, Head of IT, said: “The headsets have a range of apps which can be used for simulated clinical-based training. This might include medicine management and how to physically move and handle patients.

“This enables our Practice Education Facilitator to deliver training to clinical staff in new ways.

“The headsets allow hands-on physical interaction with objects in a room so a more hands on experience of learning and an engaging way of delivering training.

IT staff demonstrate the VR headsets

“The headsets are linked to an iPad so people can see what is happening on the headsets, making it easier to share with others during group training and also for nurses supporting service users with VR.

“We’ve always had plans for VR in our digital strategy but the generous loan from the Hospital means we’ve been able to fast forward our adoption.

“We’re also hoping to roll out VR to patients and service users. For example, they could be used for child therapy services allowing young people to use the headsets for relaxation, interactive games and mindfulness content.

“Those who use our dementia and outpatient services can enjoy relaxing scenes, whether in a garden, by the beach or re-visiting their favourite places.

“It’s an exciting project with lots of possibilities and patients and staff will always be at the heart of our plans.”

The Hospice introduced smart technology earlier this year when the Sunflower Living Well Centre reopened after extensive refurbishment.

* A Folk Night in aid of East Cheshire Hospice is a sell-out.

Acts will play audience favourites at Prestbury Village Club on Friday, September 27 (8 pm).

Organiser Mike Fairhurst is bass player with Now and Then. Singer guitarist Chris Hearn and folk duo Mike and John will also perform.

Mike Fairhurst said: “It’s a fun evening and our group will hand out song sheets, encouraging guests to have a good sing song.

“This is the fourth year it has been in aid of the Hospice.”

Step back into your childhood with Papier Mache Patty

Step back into your childhood with Papier Mache Patty at Art Fair Cheshire.

Artist Patty Callaghan will be explaining how to make papier mache models at Macclesfield Town Hall on Sunday, September 29, at 2 pm.

Her 45-minute talk is one of many attractions at Art Fair Cheshire which is sponsored by AstraZeneca and is in aid of East Cheshire Hospice.

Patty Callaghan with her models.

The event (Thur Sept 26-Thur Oct 3) showcases work from more than 50 artists who donate a percentage of proceeds to the Hospice. Admission is free.

Patty, from Macclesfield, has been an Art Fair regular since it expanded to include a craft gallery.

She said: “I’m taking along my models, some partly finished, and others completed, to talk through processes, materials and answer questions.

“My bread-and-butter work is running art classes and workshops, but I also spend a lot of time making papier mache models.

“I like reusing stuff due to be thrown out. The models are made of newspaper and I use magazine pages to find the right colours.

“I often do commissions. It might be a family pet, recreated in papier mache as a special gift for that person who is hard to buy for.

“Most figures are made as commissions, usually portraits to mark a special anniversary or birthday. I had one request for a narrow boat as an anniversary present.

“When people come to my workshop, they always say it’s a nice and relaxed thing to do and  like being a child again, messing about with glue and paper.”

Patty runs regular workshops and there will be an opportunity at the talk to sign up for her next session.

She said: “I make my own glue. You don’t want to dip your hands in glue when you don’t know what’s in it.

“I use flour and water and add vinegar and sugar to act as a preservative. It’s then cooked to make it really sticky and it works well.

“Using household ingredients is eco-friendly. It’s quite niche and there aren’t many artists making things out of paper mache. It’s also cheap, accessible and great fun.”

* Visit www.pattycallaghan.com to find out more.

Art Fair Cheshire, run by volunteers, features original art and sculptures, paintings, prints, jewellery, photography, glassware, ceramics, millinery and willow weaving.

The event opens from 10.30 am until 4 pm each day. For more details visit www.theartfair.org.uk

Alfred’s Bar and Dine Quiz Nights

Regulars at Alfred’s Bar and Dine are becoming film and television quiz buffs.

Monthly quizzes at the town centre venue have raised more than £1,500 so far for East Cheshire Hospice.

Cult American television sitcom Friends was the theme for the latest quiz as customers tested their knowledge on six young adults living in Manhattan.

Disney films, Harry Potter and Gavin and Stacey have been other themes at the fun nights.

Alfred’s deputy manager Craig Trodden.

The quiz master is Liv Poole, who owns the Quizzly Bears, and there are prizes for the winners.

The next quiz is on Tuesday, August 6, with music, film and television from the 2000s decade as the theme.

To reserve a place call 01625 420010 or message on social media. Entry is £2 per person or £10 for a table of up to six.

General manager Louise Anderson said: “A lot of our customers have a connection with the Hospice through family or friends, so we’re delighted to help out in this way.

“The Hospice is a great local charity which is why we’re doing what we can to support it. The quizzes have been really popular and we’d like to thank everyone for their support.”

Follow Alfreds, located at Park Green, on their socials to keep up to date with future quizzes.

Golfer Liz Stott takes on incredible golf challenge

Golfer Liz Stott is the latest member of her family to undertake a tough sporting challenge.

Husband Chris has sailed across the Atlantic, while sons Andrew and James have also pushed themselves to the limit with their own tests of endurance.

Chris with sons James (left) and Andrew on their Atlantic adventure.

Not to be outdone, Liz played 72 holes of golf on the longest day to raise funds for East Cheshire Hospice.

Liz teed off at 6 am on Friday June 21 and sank her final putt 13 hours later.

Friend Celia Stanley, who works in the lottery team at the Hospice, played the last of four rounds with Liz who walked the course.

Other members of The Tytherington Club who either caddied or played alongside Liz were Jill Hone, Jane Ambler, Beth Attwell, Sue Hunter, Fiona Weems, Kath Lees, Anne Dutoy and Marg Jordan.

The transatlantic crew with Chris Stott (second from left) and Bryan Hammond (far right).

Liz donated £5 to the charity for every lost golf ball meaning an additional £30. The Tytherington club team gave £200, one of many donations.

Sporting activity runs in her family. On the longest day three years ago, son Andrew cycled from his home in Southampton to Macclesfield, while younger brother James completed his first ironman in Barcelona last year.

Meanwhile, Chris is almost home after sailing with their two sons from Bermuda, where Andrew lives, to the Azores.

Liz on the 18th green at The Tytherington Club.

Chris is bringing home the boat on which he and five others, including Bryan Hammond, from Macclesfield, sailed from Gran Canaria to St Lucia – the shortest transatlantic westward crossing – last November.

Liz, from Prestbury, said: “I come from a family who aren’t afraid to take on a challenge, though mine wasn’t quite as adventurous as theirs.

“I suppose I wanted to do my own challenge and raise some money while doing it. The Hospice is very special in our community.  I won’t be the only one who’s had friends and family who’ve been cared for there, so it was an easy decision to raise the money for the Hospice.”

Liz Stott with her supporters. 

“I want to thank The Tytherington Club for their support, including the loan of buggies, my friends for keeping me going and everyone who donated.

“It was a memorable day, even though it was exhausting.”

Liz with Fiona Weems (left) and Beth Attwell.

Ian Shoreman, Tytherington’s club director, said: “We’re all extremely proud of what Liz has done. Playing 72 holes on a difficult course is a long walk, requiring lots of effort for a great cause.”

* To donate visit www.justgiving.com/page/liz-stott-72holes

The Hospice has retained its Navajo Charter status

East Cheshire Hospice has received further approval for its work with the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer (plus) community.

The Hospice has retained its Navajo Charter status, an equality mark supported by LGTBQ+ community networks across Cheshire and Merseyside.

The Hospice partners with two other charities – St Luke’s in Winsford and Hospice of The Good Shepherd in Backford – to ensure end-of-life care is fully inclusive.

They appointed Ellen Coleman as lead focusing on equality, diversity and inclusiveness for staff and volunteers.

East Cheshire has now been re-issued with its Charter mark following a detailed review which showed it successfully met the needs of patients, staff and volunteers.

The Hospice trained five champions to increase staff awareness of barriers to health care.

Sarah Dale BEM, Clinical Director of Quality and Innovation at the Hospice, said: “We were given an action plan two years ago and had to show that we’re an organisation which is invested in making change and ensuring our services are more accessible.

Sarah Dale BEM, Clinical Director of Quality and Innovation at East Cheshire Hospice.

“We needed to show we had a clear equality and diversity strategy which links in with the Hospice aims and objectives.

“Ellen has been pivotal helping us achieve our goals.

“This new endorsement signifies good practice, commitment and a knowledge of the specific needs, issues and barriers facing the LGBTQ+ community.

“One such challenge is use of the right language in an appropriate way.

“Our progress has been recognised and equality, diversity and inclusivity remain at the top of our agenda.”