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East Cheshire Hospice nurse becomes a video star

Posted on 14th June 202326th May 2023 by Becky Sidwell

One of the newest nurses at East Cheshire Hospice has become a video star.

Lucy Roberts features in a ‘Day in the Life’ film explaining what it’s like to work on the ward.

The five-minute story is being sent to businesses to promote the charity’s 500 Club in which members pledge to raise £500 a year.

The camera started rolling within weeks of Lucy starting her job in January, shortly after she qualified.

Nurse Lucy Roberts during filming for an East Cheshire Hospice video.

Lucy studied a two-year masters degree at Chester University after working in care homes and getting a degree in health care.

Lucy said: “I did a 12-week placement here and fell in love with the Hospice. I quickly realised I wanted to work here and nurses and health care assistants encouraged me to apply when a vacancy came up.

“I seemed to fit in, they knew me and I felt supported. Ward clerk Julia Wild then put my name forward when the video idea came up.

“I wasn’t sure I could do it at first but knew it’d be good experience and really enjoyed making the film away from my shifts.”

Lucy narrates the film, giving an insight into her job. She said: “If you ask a nurse what a typical working day is like they’d probably just laugh at you.

“No day is typical in the health care world. Every day is different.

Morning briefing… Lucy with one of the student nurses.

“Most people enter the nursing profession to help heal patients, but for me it’s an honour to care for patients with terminal illnesses so they can pass away comfortably surrounded by their family.

“My shift starts early at 7.30 am and can finish 14 hours later. Our building is light, airy, full of smiles with a feeling of being at home.

“It can be a really stressful time for families so when we welcome a new patient and their family to the hospice our aim is to take as much anxiety away as possible.

“A big part of my day is talking to patients and family members about the care we provide.”

* For more details on joining the 500 Club and to watch the video visit eastcheshirehospice.org.uk/500-club

Email queries to lisa.ball@echospice.org.uk.

Dementia Companion John Gray shares his story

Posted on 7th June 20237th June 2023 by Becky Sidwell

Volunteer John Gray is hoping others follow in his footsteps by becoming a dementia companion for East Cheshire Hospice.

The retired engineer spends two hours a week going for a walk and a coffee with a dementia patient.

The Hospice needs more volunteers and John has a simple message for anyone tempted to help.

East Cheshire Hospice volunteer John Gray.

He said: “Give it a go. I find it extremely rewarding and it’s nice to give something back.”

John only started six months ago once renovations on his new home in Macclesfield were finished. He and wife Susan moved from St Helens to Macclesfield to be closer to their daughter.

He said: “When we were finally settled in the house I thought it was time I did some volunteering and contacted the Hospice.

“The man I go out with has become a friend. His short-term memory isn’t good but we manage fine and he brings his dog along. We always fit a coffee stop into our route.

“The break gives his wife who cares for him valuable respite and an opportunity to do something else for a couple of hours.

“I’d recommend getting involved and I know the Hospice are keen to recruit more dementia companions.

“The support from the Hospice is fantastic. They help you every step of the way.” John is also a ward volunteer for the charity.

Angela O’Mahony, from the Hospice volunteering team, said: “We’re looking for friendly, caring people willing to give a few hours every week to offer companionship to someone experiencing dementia. Volunteers are given full training and support.

“Caring for someone can be a tough job and wearing no matter how much we love them. Both the carer and the person experiencing dementia will benefit from a change of scene once a week.

“Every case varies with different circumstances, but it’s about connecting with that person. Our volunteers love working with people, it’s interesting and rewarding.

“We rely heavily on our volunteers and without them the Hospice wouldn’t be here.”

* Contact Angela on 01625 610364, or email angela.omahony@echospice.org.uk

National Volunteers Week has been running in the first week of June. The Hospice has a team of 375 volunteers who do a range of roles working at the charity’s headquarters and in the community.

New security cameras fitted at Chestergate shop

Posted on 5th April 202329th March 2023 by Becky Sidwell

A security company has stepped forward to foil thieves who stole from East Cheshire Hospice.

The firm has installed a three-camera system at the charity’s shop on Chestergate which opened almost a year ago.

The company has asked to remain anonymous.

Volunteers Judith Bayley (left) and Joan Nadin at the Chestergate shop which has had security cameras fitted.

They immediately answered an appeal for help from the Hospice which became frustrated by sneak thieves who pinched goods during shop opening hours.

Designer menswear, cameras, perfume and candles were among items taken.

The Hospice now has CCTV installed thanks to the kind-hearted company who acted swiftly once they heard about the charity’s plight.

Hospice commercial manager Louise Delany said: “It was extremely generous of the company to come forward to offer this help.

“We now have a sophisticated camera security system in place which includes an intruder alarm and that should deter would-be thieves who will be caught on camera.

“The company insisted they didn’t want any recognition for their work. The owner just said ‘I think this is the right thing to do. I just want to help.’

“That’s unbelievably generous. They couldn’t do enough for us. The survey of the shop and installation was all done in the space of four or five days.

“I just don’t understand how people can steal items which our donors have so generously given to us. It baffles me to be honest.

“Thankfully, this story has a happy ending, showing the kinder side of human nature.”

Fliss, along with family, will attend Starlight Walk in memory of late Mum

Posted on 29th March 202322nd March 2023 by Becky Sidwell

They treated her like a queen! A daughter’s description of how East Cheshire Hospice looked after her late mum.

When Tanis Richards saw her daughter Fliss get married in Crete last August, there was no sign of the cancer that would take her life four months later, aged 68.

Fliss, along with sisters-in-law Amanda and Emma, are taking part in the Starlight Walk as a thank you to the Hospice.

The event will be at Capesthorne Hall on Thursday, April 27, at 6 pm, with the walk starting at 7 pm.

Fliss said: “She was an amazing mum and an amazing grandma. It all happened very quickly.

“Mum was fine at the wedding, got poorly in September and was told she had cancer the following month.

From left, Tanis Richards with daughter Fliss and daughters-in-law Emma and Amanda.

“She died on December 1 and spent her last two and a half days at the Hospice. She wasn’t there long, but staff were wonderful with her and us. They treated her like a queen.

“The whole family were there at the end, telling stories and laughing and joking. Mum’s last day on earth was how she would have wanted and that was only possible thanks to the Hospice.

“We wouldn’t have been able to do it anywhere else. They made it feel like home and made a very awful situation bearable.

“We want to give something back so we’re doing the walk and we know how much it costs to run the Hospice.”

Dad Dennis, along with Fliss’ younger triplet brothers Gareth, Christopher and Anthony, will be there to wave them off at the walk.

So will daughter Bella who received a book from a nurse which she reads when feeling sad. Bella, one of six grandchildren, was also given a Grief Bear knitted by Hospice volunteers.

Fliss said: “It was the little touches which made things easier. As a family we’re lucky we’re very close and losing mum has made us make the most of life.”

* To sponsor the family visit www.justgiving.com/team/Teamrichardsgirls

The dusk-time woodland walk, sponsored by Ford dealers Sidney Jackson, is over a 2.5km loop. The last set off time is 8.30 pm, with the event closing at 10 pm.

Entry only covers the event cost, so organisers are asking walkers to raise at least £50 in sponsorship, or make a £50 donation to the Hospice when registering.

To register visit the Hospice website.

Camino Trail Tribute

Posted on 15th February 20238th February 2023 by Becky Sidwell

Close friends of East Cheshire Hospice’s late chaplain Margaret Lillis will undertake a poignant walk in her memory.

Old school pal Bridget Fenwick will be joined daughters Clare and Yvonne and son-in-law Ori for a trek along the Camino Trail in northern Spain.

The family aim to raise £10,500 from the 115-kilometre walk from October 14-21, a trip organised by the Hospice.

Margaret Lillis with Bridget and her daughters (from left) Clare, Yvonne and Anne-Marie.

Margaret, who died last May, was godmother to Yvonne and taught her when she was deputy head at St Edward’s Catholic Primary School in Macclesfield.

Yvonne said: “Mum and Margaret were best friends at school in London. She was a fun teacher and loved the guitar and singing.

“She adored the Hospice and took our son George on days off to give biscuits to the nurses.

“She was cared for by the Hospice and they were just incredible. It’s a spiritual walk and Margaret was a spiritual person, so it’s appropriate this is in her memory.

George Costello with Margaret Lillis.

“The route looks beautiful, but we’re slightly scared because of the training we’ve got to do. We walk our dogs, but that’s about it.”

The family are holding a fundraising ceilidh at Mottram St Andrew village hall on April 15. Everyone welcome and for tickets visit bookceilidh.eventbrite.com.

Margaret Lillis and goddaughter Yvonne Costello.

Musicians who performed at Margaret’s 70th birthday party five years ago at the same venue are making a return appearance.

Silent auction prizes include a kit worth £1,000 to convert a cycle to an electric bike.

* To donate visit www.justgiving.com/fundraising/thecamino4

Yvonne Costello and husband Ori Hellerstein who are walking the Camino Trail.

Singing Together’s new venue!

Posted on 15th February 20238th February 2023 by Becky Sidwell

Singing and dancing is putting a spring in the step of dementia patients at East Cheshire Hospice.

Live monthly musical entertainment at Broken Cross Club is the perfect remedy for them.

Classes had to move from the Hospice’s Sunflower Wellbeing Centre due to their popularity.

Around 50 Singing Together members meet between 10.30 am and noon on the first Friday of each month.

From left, singer Tony Boyle with volunteers Ann Marriott, Tessa Hughes and Tracey O’Keefe and Hospice staff Debbie Callow and Paul Dale.

They enjoy a musical trip down memory lane, while entertained by singer and guitarist Tony Boyle.

The sessions are run by Admiral Nurse Debbie Callow and dementia nurse Paul Dale, a committee member at Broken Cross.

Debbie said: “We’d outgrown the Hospice premises and had reached the point where we were going to have to start turning people away. We didn’t want to do that so looked for an alternative venue.

“The club have been brilliant and we can’t thank the manager Linda Longden enough.

Enjoying the spotlight….dancers Richard and Rosemary Yorke.

“We have a proper dance floor. One wheelchair user couldn’t really join in before on the carpet at the Hospice and had difficulty moving around easily.

“Now her carer spins her round the dance floor and she’s joining in which is lovely to see.

“Patients don’t necessarily have to dance and the sessions definitely have a positive impact on people.

“Some might not communicate as much, but if the right song comes on it just triggers something and suddenly they’re up dancing.

“A lady came last month for the first time and her daughter had to plead with her to get out of the car to come in. She didn’t want to do it, but by the end had made lots of friends and told us how much she loved it and asked if she could return.

Strutting their stuff…the Singing Together group get into the groove.

“Someone may be losing their ability to have a conversation and forget certain words, yet put a song on and they can remember all the words.

“The brain remembers anything with rhythm differently to everyday language. Singing helps trigger memories.”

Patients need a dementia diagnoses to attend. Contact 01625 666990 for more details from the Hospice.

Linda has worked at Broken Cross for more than 20 years, the last 14 as manager.

She said: “We’re delighted to hire out the room free of charge to the Hospice, as we do for all fundraising events held in aid of the charity. Our members are always keen to help such a wonderful local cause.”

Reverend Dr Marion Tugwood joins East Cheshire Hospice

Posted on 1st February 202310th February 2023 by Becky Sidwell

The new chaplain at East Cheshire Hospice is no stranger to the charity.

Reverend Dr Marion Tugwood was a regular visitor to the Hospice in her role as minister at Macclesfield United Reformed Church.

Marion spent 10 years with the church and often provided pastoral care for patients at end-of-life and their loved ones.

Her first official duty in her new role was the Light Up a Life service at St Michael and All Angels Church in December.

She said: “The service took place two days after I started so I was thrown in at the deep end, but it went well and people seemed to value the time to reflect on the life of their loved one. The church was full for this moving occasion.

Reverend Dr Marion Tugwood, the new chaplain at East Cheshire Hospice.

“My brief is to look after the whole Hospice, so I’m here for volunteers, staff as well as obviously patients and their relatives.”

From 2018, Marion held a wider role assisting 12 churches, including Macclesfield, as part of a Missional Partnership for the United Reformed Church.

She said: “The role involved training and equipping churches to be more self-sufficient without relying on a single minister.

“It was about building skills and increasing people’s ability to evangelise and to work with their own communities.”

“My chaplaincy work is similar to what I did before as I’m using my worship leading skills. But in other ways it’s different as there is greater emphasis on pastoral care.

“I’m getting to know families, patient and staff and am delighted to be part of a charity which is so highly regarded in east Cheshire and beyond.”

“The atmosphere here is calm and peaceful. People aren’t rushed in the way they are in some other care settings.”

For the last seven years Marion has helped run 15th Macclesfield Sea Scouts Group.

She was a founder of the Street Angels project in Macclesfield, a church initiative set up 12 years ago.

She said: “The job of Street Angels is to bring calm. We’re out on Saturdays between 10.30 pm and 3 am and pick up people who’ve fallen over. We also give out flip flops and bottles of water to people who may be the worse for wear.

“We’re not the police and not the council and just hang out and interact with people enjoying themselves and having a good time.”

To find out more about chaplaincy and view upcoming services, events and news, please go to www.eastcheshirehospice.org.uk/spiritual-support.

Shrigley Hall Bake Off

Posted on 19th October 202219th October 2022 by Becky Sidwell

Maintenance manager Tony Hatch showed he is just as handy in the kitchen at home as at work at Shrigley Hall Hotel and Spa.

Tony won the title Shrigley Hall master baker in a fun competition between colleagues as part of their fundraising campaign for East Cheshire Hospice.

His orange and almond sponge with a gin and marmalade drizzle, mascarpone and lemon curd cream, tickled the taste buds of general manager Vicky Marshman, who was the judge.

Tasty work for the volunteer cake makers at Shrigley Hall.

More than 20 Shrigley employees each paid £5 to bake cakes, which went down a treat with colleagues and hotel guests who made donations.

Shrigley Hall has already raised £5,700, beating its £5,000 target with another five months left of fundraising for its nominated charity.

Vicky was also part of a six-strong team which completed the Yorkshire Three Peaks in September. She said: “We completed the 25-mile hike, including 5,000 feet of ascent, within 12 hours which was our target.

Three Peaks hikers (from left): Alistair Brown (Financial Controller), Vicky Marshman (General Manager); Lee Smith (Head Chef) and Tim Hudspith (Marketing Manager).

“There were no tears or tantrums, just plenty of sore feet after a lovely day in the Yorkshire Dales in glorious autumn weather. We’re delighted with how our fundraising is going for the Hospice, which is much-loved.”

The hotel raised £3,500 from its golf day and held a 70s and 80s party night. Other fundraising initiatives include Shrigley Sunflower cocktails created by head bar manager Andy Gaskell and walking maps for guests who make a donation.

Shrigley Hall, with 155 bedrooms, opened a new spa facility with an outdoor infinity pool in 2020.

LGBTQ+ development facilitator

Posted on 27th July 202220th July 2022 by Becky Sidwell

East Cheshire Hospice is involved in a pioneering project aimed at providing patients from the LGTBQ+ community with better support.

The charity is one of the three Cheshire hospices benefitting from a £22,000 grant from Cheshire Freemasons, in partnership with Hospice UK.

St Luke’s, Winsford, and Hospice of The Good Shepherd, Backford, are also involved in the 12-month scheme.

The project improves accessibility to hospice services for LGBTQ+ people by ensuring support is fully inclusive and meets the needs of all patients.

LGBTQ+ development facilitator Ellen Coleman offers support and training for staff across the three hospices to improve their approach and make them more accessible.

Her role includes providing additional resources, making policy changes and ensuring databases and paperwork are inclusive.

From left, Ellen Coleman with Kate Estcourt from St Luke’s Hospice and Simon Palfreyman, Harry Wright and Steve Simpson from Cheshire Freemasons.

East Cheshire has also trained five champions to raise the level of staff knowledge around how best to support LGBTQ+ patients.

Ellen said: “The fact I’m hired purely to work on this project is quite a new thing and hopefully other hospices around the country will adopt a similar approach soon.

“Initiatives focused on equality, diversity and inclusivity are often combined with other roles in many organisations in health care and social care settings.

“East Cheshire Hospice have fully embraced the project and part of my role is to deliver training so when staff engage with patients, families and colleagues they are confident about using the right language. During recruitment the right questions must also be asked.”

Research by the charity Stonewall shows many LGBTQ+ people avoid accessing health and social care services due to a fear of discrimination, or a history of negative experiences.

Ellen said: “The three hospices in Cheshire want to remove this fear for LGBTQ+ people. The response has been fantastic and we aim to provide continuity after the initial 12-month project.”

Sarah Dale, Director of Quality, Innovation and Collaboration at East Cheshire Hospice, said: “We’re extremely grateful for this grant from Cheshire Freemasons, which will help members of the LGBTQ+ community who want to access our services feel like they have a safe, supportive, and welcoming space to do so.

“Palliative and end of life care is about having one chance to get it right, so it’s really important that people from all communities feel comfortable and are able to talk about everything that’s important to them, including their gender identity and sexuality.”

The grant from Cheshire Freemasons is through the Masonic Charitable Foundation, which is funded by freemasons, their families and friends, from across England and Wales.

Harry Wright, from Cheshire Freemasons, said: “I’m very pleased that we’re supporting this vital project which is working hard to help more members of the LGBTQ+ community feel like they’re welcome to access health services and support.

“Although it’s a great shame that there is still a need for this kind of work, I’m very glad that these three hospices are reinforcing their commitment to treat all patients with respect, regardless of their sexuality or gender.”

Befriending Service at East Cheshire Hospice

Posted on 13th July 202226th March 2024 by Becky Sidwell

East Cheshire Hospice has launched a new befriending service for those in the last year of life who feel isolated and those who care for them.

Users do not need to be a Hospice patient to take part and they can ask their nurse, doctor or social worker to refer them.

The Hospice is also looking for more volunteers willing to befriend those in need.

The pilot project, funded by Cheshire East Council, is run by the Hospice Voluntary Services Co-ordinator Helena Smith.

Helena Smith who has set up a new befriending service at East Cheshire Hospice.

Helena said: “Isolation and loneliness, which have a real impact on health, are the key themes here. People might not use other Hospice services and might need only this from us and that’s fine.

“It’s for those with palliative care needs and is a really effective way to support their non-medical needs, which we increasingly recognise should have parity with physical health.

“The mental health benefits you get from social contact, and knowing someone cares, are really important.

“It is worth stressing that carers can also feel isolated and this project is also for them.”

Users need a referral from a health or social care professional, like a GP or district nurse.

Helena is looking not just at the medical network of palliative care teams and GP surgeries to find users.

She said: “In addition, I’m also contacting social prescribers, social workers, churches, community groups and food banks. I want to see who can benefit.”

In her spare time Helena is a befriender for Pure Insight, a charity supporting care leavers.

She said: “It gives me great pleasure watching the young person I see in an evening flourish. I know I’m making a difference and know befrienders will get that same feeling from this service. I know it can be done.”

Helena already has a dozen volunteers and wants more, hoping flexible arrangements at weekends and evening will not dissuade full-time workers.

She said: “Volunteers have different skills, whether it’s offering advice, setting up a computer or referring to other organisations, in addition to kindness and caring.

“Basically, it’s doing what you or I might do for someone we care about, but if people are isolated they don’t necessarily have someone to fight their corner like that.

“Volunteers need to be patient, kind and good listeners with a couple of hours a week to give.”

* Call the team on 01925 664984 or email volunteers@echospice.org.uk for more details.