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The Christmas tree collection in aid of East Cheshire Hospice will be back in full swing in 2022. Registrations are open, with organisers hoping for a green Christmas by promoting the eco-friendly benefits of buying a real tree.

The event – delayed until April this year because of the pandemic – is back on schedule again for the weekend of January  15/16. The last collection raised a record £150,000, bringing the total generated for the charity to almost £1.2m as the scheme approaches its 22nd year.

Volunteers will be collecting trees over east Cheshire and beyond. The post codes covered are CW12, SK9, SK10, SK11, SK12 and WA16. The event is sponsored by local businesses, such as main sponsors AstraZeneca, meaning all donations go straight to the Hospice. To register trees visit www.echtrees.org.uk.

Trees are recycled at the Ansa plant in West Park, Macclesfield, a centre dubbed the Mulchers Arms where refreshments are served to helpers. Co-founder Richard Raymond said: “It’ll be good to have our full team of volunteers back together again and we’re hoping the public support us as they’ve done so wonderfully well in the past.

Tree collection co-founders Richard Raymond (left) and Pete Chapman.

“Their generous donations in exchange for collecting their trees provide vital funds for the care of patients. Of course, we’ll abide by all restrictions and produce a safe environment for the collection.

“There are persuasive reasons why real trees are more eco friendly than plastic trees, most of which are manufactured in the Far East.

“These use low-grade plastics such as PVC which are almost impossible to recycle.  How would we feel if plastic pine needles were found in the belly of a whale in the ocean?

“The Carbon Trust says you need to keep a plastic tree for 10 years or more for its carbon footprint to be better than a real tree. However, a Life Cycle Analysis came to the conclusion that a figure of 20 years was more realistic.

“We recycle every tree we collect to the benefit of Cheshire farmland and this soil-improver brings life back to the soil.

“In addition, the figures for fly-tipped trees in the Cheshire East area have dramatically reduced since the Hospice collection offered a pick-up and recycling alternative.

“Make sure a tree seller has sourced it from a sustainable grower. Christmas trees are often grown on agricultural land such as steep slopes which are of no other use.”

Volunteer Juliet Lee is encouraging others to follow in her footsteps by becoming a complementary therapist at East Cheshire Hospice. The former nurse steps down shortly when her husband retires.

The Hospice is looking for qualified complementary therapists, particularly in touch therapies such as massage and reflexology.

Juliet has no hesitation in recommending a role she has performed for more than five years.

Hospice complementary therapist Juliet Lee.

She said: “I volunteer for a few hours each week. To be able to use hands-on skills to make people feel comfortable and relaxed at an extremely challenging time of their lives is very rewarding.

“I work within a closely-knit team with holistic care at its heart. The touch we all give is so important.

“Patients at this time are sadly associating ‘touch’ with needles and invasive procedures so they appreciate, by contrast, the gentle and comforting touch we can offer.

“The Hospice is a haven where they receive a  metaphorical hug and where TLC is front and centre.  Working as a complementary therapist there is wonderful!

“I think this quotation from the American poet Maya Angelou sums up the ethos behind the work we do:

“‘People will forget what you said. People will forget what you did. But people will never forget how you made them feel.’ ”

Helena Smith, from the Hospice volunteering team, said: “Our volunteer complementary therapists have such power to make a real difference to our patients.”

* Anyone interested in this role can contact Helena on 01625 664984.

Keen walker Jen Johnson wore her late mum’s wedding ring for inspiration during a coast-to-coast hike. The treasured possession is a poignant reminder of Madeline who organised walks for fellow day care patients in the Sunflower Centre at East Cheshire Hospice.

There at last!  Jen Johnson and Andrew Gregory at the end of their walk with a Hospice bag they took with them.  

Madeline, from Tytherington, died in the hospice in 2018, six years after she was diagnosed with breast cancer. She was 68 and a retired medical secretary at Macclesfield and District General Hospital. Madeline’s courage motivated Jen and fiancé Andrew Gregory during their 12-day hike from St Bees Head to Robin Hood’s Bay.

The pair raised £2,100 for the Hospice from their 200-mile walk. Jen also added a £200 long-service award from the Environment Agency where she works.

Jen Johnson and Andrew Gregory at Kidsty Pike, the highest point of their coast-to-coast walk.

Jen said: “The walk was a tribute to my mum because she just loved walking. She co-ordinated hikes for the group at the Sunflower Centre and I know she’d have loved the route we took.

“I gave mum’s ring a little rub if we had a tough day walking up hills and it was nice to do something in her memory.

“The walk was exhilarating and was on our challenges-to-do list. We led a very simple and free life for 12 days.

“All I had to do was get up, eat a good breakfast, make sure I’d got everything in my bag and walk.

“The views were phenomenal, particularly in the Lake District and at the start where we could see the Isle of Man and Scotland.

Jen Johnson and Andrew Gregory in the Lake District.

“Then we headed inland for the hills. The hikes were beautiful and every single day you couldn’t wipe the smile off my face.

“We loved the challenge and never was it not worth it. All the stress of work and everyday life just fell away as we went back to basics.”

Dad Richard sings with the Hospice choir and the family will always be grateful to the charity for the care given to Madeline.

Jen said: “The staff were brilliant and we wanted to give something back.  The Hospice is such a special place and while mum was ill there was a strong support network for her and dad. We felt like a family in a home, everyone was so good.”

Madeline’s granddaughter Matilda Johnson, who is Jen’s niece,  also did a sponsored swim in aid of the Hospice in 2018.

* To sponsor Jen and Andrew visit justgiving.com/fundraising/jen-and-andy-go-walking

It was a case of lucky 13 for a lottery syndicate from Woburn Court retirement apartments in Poynton. The 26-strong syndicate scooped a £3,000 rollover prize in the East Cheshire Hospice lottery.

Each member received £115 and it is not the first time they have struck lucky. Several years ago they also shared the weekly £1,000 jackpot. Syndicate organiser Carole Clarke said:  “We have 13 numbers in the draw and we’re very fortunate to win again. It was a lovely surprise.

Some members of the winning syndicate from Woburn Court receive their cheque from lottery organisers Carol Frain  and Celia Stanley.  

“The Hospice organisers came in to present our cheque and that also gave us the chance to buy Christmas cards and diaries from them.”

The syndicate was set up by the late Betty Flanagan. Carole, a grandmother of four, said: “Betty was a great supporter of the Hospice and I was happy to take over running the syndicate for a very good cause.

“We see our lottery membership as way of making a donation, so winning was a bonus. One of our residents volunteers there and others have associations with the charity. We like to support them when we can.”

The lottery generates £324,000 a year which funds one day of care each week in the Sunflower Centre. Tickets are £1 with a weekly jackpot of £1,000, plus 22 other cash prizes, including a second prize of £200, which can rollover.  Entry at £4.34 a month can be via direct debit, debit card or cheque.

* To join visit eastcheshirehospice.org.uk/support/lottery or call 01625 433477 (Ext 2).

Optician Graham Doyle and his colleagues kept their eyes firmly focussed on the job when they bravely tackled a Firewalk. The fearless four took stepping over hot coals in their stride as they aim to raise an impressive £1,000 for East Cheshire Hospice.

Graham was joined by son Edward, Kate Brocklehurst and Emma Titchen, all of whom work at James Doyle Opticians in Wilmslow. There to watch them was Graham’s wife Raffaella.

Fire walkers from James Doyle Opticians (from left) Kate Brocklehurst, Edward Doyle, Graham Doyle and Emma Titchen

The team were among a host of daring volunteers who faced the challenge at the Hospice’s headquarters on Millbank Drive.

Graham said: “The motivation was that we work in the health care sector and very sadly my mother died of cancer at the Hospice. A close neighbour and long-term customer was also a patient there.

“We’re all very proud to have completed the challenge. Everyone’s worked so hard during these difficult times and it was a great team building exercise.

“The organiser got us all revved up, and as more wood was chopped up for the fire, you had to keep telling yourself  ‘I think I can, I think I can – I can!'”

Mission accomplished – firewalkers cool down after their challenge. 

  The Hospice is hoping to raise at least £9,400 from the event which had to be postponed last year.

Graham said: “The Hospice are so imaginative with their events and it was a pleasure to support their fundraising activities.”

One of the country’s top medical experts Professor Alistair Burns CBE has been appointed a Patron of East Cheshire Hospice. Prof Burns is the National Clinical Director for Dementia and Older People’s Mental Health at NHS England and NHS Improvement.

Widely regarded as the country’s senior expert on dementia, Prof Burns, formerly of Macclesfield,  hopes his extensive clinical experience will benefit the Hospice. He is Professor of Old Age Psychiatry at The University of Manchester and an Honorary Consultant Old Age Psychiatrist in the Greater Manchester Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust. He was awarded the CBE in 2015 for contributions to health and social care, in particular dementia, an illness which affects more than 850,000 people in the UK and could reach one million by 2025.

 Professor Alistair Burns CBE who is the new Patron of East Cheshire Hospice.

The Hospice, which has already developed some specialised dementia services but wants to do more, is thrilled to have such an eminent clinician on board.

Prof Burns said: “It’s a privilege to be involved with such a landmark organisation as East Cheshire Hospice which is taking a fantastic initiative with its dementia care. “I’ll be doing all I can to promote East Cheshire Hospice’s work and that of the hospice movement in general.

“Medical practice is partly about sharing experiences, and examples of good practice, nationally and internationally and I’ll make sure people are aware of the work in the Hospice and encourage others to do the same. “I’m also sure there are ideas from the recent information and research into dementia which I can bring into discussions with the Hospice.”

Prof Burns has published more than 350 papers and 25 books about his research into the mental health problems of older people, in particular dementia and Alzheimer’s, its most common cause. Cheshire has been home for Prof Burns for the last 30 years. “It’s got the best walks, the best pubs and the best restaurants – it’s a great place to live,” said the Glasgow-born father-of-two whose work drew him to Manchester. He was made an honorary fellow of the Royal College of Psychiatrists in 2016 and for 20 years was editor of the International Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry.

Hospice Chief Executive Karyn Johnston said: “We are honoured that Professor Burns has agreed to become a Hospice patron. He is hugely respected within the clinical profession for his outstanding contributions towards dementia and the well-being of older people.”

Professor Alistair Burns CBE joins BBC broadcaster Nick Robinson and actor Charlie Lawson as patrons of East Cheshire Hospice. Prof Burns offers a fascinating insight into dementia’s effects on society.

Nick Robinson, one of the patrons at East Cheshire Hospice

He said: “There’s no doubt dementia is more recognised than it was 20 years ago when symptoms like memory loss were put down to normal ageing. “Dementia is the most feared illness for over 50s, probably because of the uncertainty around the condition and people losing the ability to care for themselves.

“There’s still a stigma about dementia that cancer has overcome very dramatically through improved treatments and public awareness. “People were reluctant to come forward for assessment and treatment because of a perception that nothing more could be done.

“However, over the last 10 or 20 years there’s been a huge interest in dementia and the positive things being articulated that you can live well with dementia.

“The parallels between cancer and dementia are quite stark in a way. As a medical student, part of my training was that you shouldn’t say the ‘C’ word because it’d frighten people talking about a tumour or a growth.

“There was a fear of the ‘C’ word and in some ways dementia is where cancer was a generation ago.

“Dementia is called by some a terminal illness because it can shorten life significantly. Like cancer it affects people in different ways and hospices’ end-of-life palliative approach to cancer is also applicable to dementia.

“The hospice movement has articulated that person-centred personal approach for cancer for many years and now it’s something we’re trying to emulate in dementia care.

“We know that caring for someone with dementia is just about the most stressful thing you can do. It’s not just the person themselves, it’s the effect that it has on the family as well.

“The numbers for those affected by dementia can easily be multiplied by two, probably by three and possibly by four when you consider the effect on families and carers.

“Connection is vital for people with dementia. It’s an illness that cuts you off from your families, cuts you off from your community and, at the end stages, will cut you off from yourself because of difficulties with memory.”

Mental health among older people is part of Prof Burns’ remit. He said: “The message we try to put forward for depression and anxiety in older people is that it’s a treatable condition similar to dementia.

“The idea that ‘I’m old and, of course, I’ll be depressed’ isn’t true. Treatments such as medication, counselling and talking therapies are important and effective in dealing with common forms of mental health such as anxiety and depression in older people.

“It’s not a case of the stiff upper lip – people should recognise there is support and treatment available.”

Volunteer Julie Candy is bringing a touch of Hollywood glamour to her 50th birthday celebrations.

The film fan will be in the audience for a Drive-In Cinema at Capesthorne Hall on Sunday, October 17. Family favourite Moana and the 80s classic Dirty Dancing are being screened by East Cheshire Hospice. Gates open at 6 pm for Moana (6.30 pm start) and at 9 pm for Dirty Dancing (9.30 pm start).

Tickets are £25 per car for one film, or £35 for both.  To book visit eastcheshirehospice.org.uk/events/drive-in-cinema/

Julie said: “I’ve never been to a drive-in cinema before, so it’ll be nice to try new things for my 50th birthday which is three days before.

“My husband Chris and our friends are coming along and we’ll take a picnic, have a few drinks and enjoy both films. I like going to the Cinemac in Macclesfield and I’m looking forward to seeing the new James Bond film.

“I volunteer in the Sunflower Centre at the Hospice. That means I see first-hand the incredibly dedicated staff and services provided to different groups in our community and realise the importance of supporting Hospice fundraising events.”

Julie Candy (right) and friend Nicola Darlingtonn getting in the mood for the Drive In Cinema.

Pizzas, popcorn and candy floss will be available and cinema goers can take their own snacks and drinks. Social distancing measures will be in place.

Hospice Marketing Manager Luke Brightmore said: “Guests can choose to watch either film, or stay for a full movie marathon at a discounted rate, all from the safety and comfort of their own vehicle.”

Support from legacies has helped East Cheshire Hospice overcome a challenging financial  period. Gifts from wills make up about a third of the Hospice’s fundraising income. Donors usually leave either a fixed amount, or a percentage of their estate, in their will.

The Hospice wants to thank donors for their loyal support during the Covid crisis and hopes others will help them in the same way.  The request comes as the charity prepares to host its Will Week from Monday, October 4, until Friday, October 8.

Beth England, Individual Giving Fundraiser, said: “There’s no doubt that legacies have helped get us through the last year. “We’ve had to cancel fundraising events, but the one thing that hasn’t changed has been gifts left in wills.

Beth England, Individual Giving Fundraiser at East Cheshire Hospice.

“Fortunately, that income has been stable and hasn’t fluctuated and we’re extremely grateful.

“The last 18 months have shown how hard it is to predict the future and your gifts help secure the future of the Hospice enabling future generations to access our vital care.

“Around only a third of legacy donors let the Hospice know in advance that they intend to leave a gift.

 

However, Beth would prefer that potential donors inform them a gift will be on its way eventually, hopefully later rather than sooner.

She said: “We realise it’s a sensitive subject and understand completely that many people prefer to keep their wishes private.

“However, if possible we’d like to be made aware of people’s intentions since it allows us to plan accurately for the future.

“Importantly, it also means we can say thank you and offer people the chance to see the Hospice and precisely how their donation will provide future care.

“By supporting Will Week, people can also learn the most tax-efficient way to make a donation if they wish to do so.”

 

Participating solicitors are GPW Trusts, Moneybox Wills and Trusts, Stratford Solicitors, and Poole and Alcock. Appointments can be booked directly and solicitors will waive fees in return for a donation to the Hospice. Solicitors will write a single or mirror Will, or update an existing Will. Any other services are chargeable at the solicitor’s usual cost.

Some solicitors have limited availability for Zoom appointments which can be requested on booking.

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

A thriving Probus club which is just getting back to normal after Covid-19 has raised £1,700 for East Cheshire Hospice. The donation was made by club President Dr Gordon Archer on behalf of fellow members of The Second Macclesfield Probus Club. The funds were raised from his President’s Day last month which included a bowls tournament at Siddington Village Hall, won for the second year in a row by Ray Coyne.

From left, The Second Macclesfield Probus Club Secretary David Potts, President Dr Gordon Archer and East Cheshire Hospice Community Fundraiser Claire Gorton.

Dr Archer, a retired medical consultant, nominated the Hospice as his chosen charity. He said: “I’d like to thank all our members, relatives and friends for their generous support and we’re delighted to have raised this significant amount for such a worthwhile cause.

“I know from my long experience in the medical profession the vital role the Hospice plays in providing end-of-life care.

“Over the years some of our members have received that care and compassion from East Cheshire Hospice, which is an essential part of our community and relies heavily on donations to keep going.”

Club members were able to get together again last week for the first time in almost 18 months. Meetings are held on the third Wednesday of each month at St. Thomas’ Church Hall, Henbury, but have been taking place online during the pandemic.

Club secretary David Potts – himself a past president – said: “We have more than 50 members and had a good turnout for our Zoom meetings. “It wasn’t quite the same, though, as getting together again when we made sure we took strict Covid precautions.”

David, a retired civil servant, helped set the lottery at the Hospice in 1995, a task which included door-to-door visits to recruit members.

He became lottery manager for a while, helping make the scheme the success it still is today. The lottery funds three days of care each week in the charity’s Sunflower Centre.

The group was founded in 1992 by members of the original Macclesfield & District Probus club, hence the use of the word Second in the club title.

The club is open to retired professional and business people and has an active social side involving  wives and partners. Probus has a keen walking group, plus bowling and bridge sections.

* For more details visit the website www.maccprobus2.co.uk or email David Potts secretary@maccprobus2.co.uk

A new wing at East Cheshire Hospice entirely funded by the amazing generosity of Proseal uk Ltd has officially opened. The extension at the charity’s site on Millbank Drive, Macclesfield, will be known as ‘The Proseal Wing’ honouring the name of the company co-founded by Steve Malone and Rob Hargreaves.

Ribbon cutting – Steve Barnett, Karyn Johnston, Derek Barrett (Proseal Technical Director), Will Spinks (Hospice Trustee), Robbie Hargreaves, David Briggs, Lee Hodson (Proseal Head of Business Intelligence)

The building will act as a Co-ordinated Care Hub for the charity’s ‘Hospice @Home’ service, which has been an overwhelming success since it began almost four years ago, and the new Coordinated Care service, developed to help to guide both the patient and their family through the complexity of end-of-life care.

The clinical leadership team and some support services will also be based in the new two-storey block which is sited at the back of the Hospice and links the clinical ward with the administration unit.

Hospice Senior Management Team – Debbie Alexander, Sarah Dale, Shelley Seabourne, Karyn Johnston, Rachel Allcock, Sandra Jones

Contractors finished the 10-month project on schedule without causing any disruption to the charity’s day-to-day care provisions. ‘Hospice @Home’ and the Coordinated Care Service has been funded by so-called ‘Hospice Angels’ who pledged to support the service over its first five years.

East Cheshire Hospice Chief Executive Karyn Johnston said: “We’re delighted and proud to be able to open this new building which provides such a valuable and significant resource to our community and is an essential part of our plans for the future. “It’s only been possible thanks to the generosity of Proseal’s co-founders Steve Malone and Rob Hargreaves and we thank them sincerely.

Steve Barnett, Will Spinks, Lee Hodson, David Briggs, Robbie Hargreaves, Karyn Johnston, Derek Barrett

“The Proseal wing allows the Hospice to move into the next stage of our ‘Hospice @Home’ project, putting East Cheshire Hospice at the centre of co-ordinating palliative care in our community.

“It means that more people than ever before will be able to access end-of-life care and support at home, and receive specialist care if needed at the Hospice.”

Steve and Rob co-founded Adlington based tray sealing specialist Proseal in 1998 and say the donation made in 2019, is on the behalf of all Proseal employees, whose hard work and dedication enabled them to make this important contribution.

They said: “We have enjoyed immense success and growth in the 23 years since Proseal was established, and none of this could have been achieved without the fantastic support and commitment of everyone within the business.”

“Proseal therefore wanted to give something back to the local community. We chose the Christie Cancer Centre and East Cheshire Hospice as the recipients because of the vital work they do, which any of us at Proseal, as well as our families and friends, may have to call on at some point.”

Proseal has been a global success, receiving the Queen’s Award for Enterprise in 2018 in recognition of its international trade exports. Proseal became part of the Chicago-based JBT Corporation two years ago and employs 400 people at Adlington, part of a 6000-strong global workforce. Steve and Robbie are long-standing supporters of fundraising group ‘What Women Want’ and their £1m donation to the Hospice came via their link with that fundraising committee.

What Women Want – Jayne Carter, Jill Harding, Julie Barnes, Elaine Burgess, Jo Millward

In addition, ‘What Women Want’ have funded a car so Hospice @Home staff can visit patients at home as part of their on-going support, dating back many years.

‘Hospice @Home’ extends end-of-life care into people’s homes providing hands-on medical care, psychological support, symptom management, end-of- life care and care after death.

* East Cheshire Hospice is the second lowest funded in the country, receiving 17 per cent of the income it needs to keep going from government. It costs £7,500 a day to provide palliative care for patients, their family and carers.