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The gift of a £10 note made years ago will lead to a £2m for Christmas Tree Collection

Posted on by Becky Sidwell

The gift of a £10 note made years ago will lead to a £2m windfall for hospices next month.

That is a conservative estimate of the amount some 160 hospices will raise from their various Christmas tree collections over a single weekend.

The roots of this incredible story stem from the Chapman family whose idea and dedication has benefitted East Cheshire Hospice over the last 25 years.

In 1998, Andy Chapman, then 14, was given a tenner along with fellow choristers at Prestbury Church. Their mission was to raise funds for a new church organ.

Co-founders Pete Chapman (left) and Richard Raymond at the collection last January.

Dad Pete said: “It was up to the choir what to do with the money – use it, lose it but try to do something wise with it, as in the Bible’s Parable of the Talents.

“My wife Heather had a brainwave. She suggested taking our Christmas tree and those of our neighbours to the tip on our big garden trailer.

“It would save mess in the car, the £10 could pay for diesel and we’d see what was raised.

Pete Chapman’s sons James (left) and Chris collecting trees with Caitlin Howarth in 2022.

“It was Heather’s idea – I was just the poor husband who had to implement it! We put leaflets through doors and the phone started ringing after Christmas.

“We also decided to support another charity, raising £370 for both the church fund and the Children’s Adventure Farm Trust. My employers Barclays match-funded donations.

“A Wallace and Gromit notebook contained random addresses and we drove round Bollington and Prestbury with our four sons strapped in the back of the car.

“The idea took off. People couldn’t believe how much we raised and I thought ‘we’re onto something here.’

“The next year Richard Raymond pitched up with a company truck and we advertised it more widely, collecting more trees.

“Chorister John Nichol knew the area like the back of his hand and helped with routing and mapping.

“John suggested supporting the Hospice on an ongoing basis. His mother had been a patient and the team were right behind him.

“We had lots of enthusiastic support and since then it’s grown every year. Other hospices started to catch on and we’ve encouraged them.

“I can’t believe it’s been 25 years since the hospice became the sole beneficiary. It’s flown. I can’t believe where we’ve come from and got to.

“It’s beyond our wildest dreams. It’s amazing to think that well over £2m will be collected in one weekend across the country, involving more than 2,000 volunteers.”

Jenny Pitcock uses sewing skills to make handmade goods for the Hospice

Posted on by Becky Sidwell

The sewing skills taught to Jenny Pitcock as a child by her late mother still serve her well in retirement.

Her latest venture as a volunteer is making handmade goods from old advertising banners for East Cheshire Hospice.

Jenny has created bags, purses, glasses cases and a hat from PVC once used to promote the charity’s events.

Hospice fundraiser Claire Gorton (left) with volunteer Jenny Pitcock and recycled goods.

Items are sold on stalls raising funds for the Hospice.

Jenny, from Macclesfield, can sing and sew. She is treasurer of Claritas, a renowned choir which supports the Hospice.

She is also a costume maker for Mads Theatre, so can quite literally make a drama out of her handiwork.

Jenny said: “I started recycling the banners about a year ago and work out how to use a pattern to make an interesting item.

“I cut them out and create whatever takes my fancy. It’s fun. I just sit there and use up things that would otherwise be thrown away.

“Sewing comes naturally. I’ve sewn since I was a kid. My mum, Irene, taught me and I made my own clothes when I was younger.

“Mum was born in 1922 so came from a generation that went through the war. She had two young children during rationing so had to make do and mend.

“Mum was a nurse and turned her uniform into clothing for her kids. There was no fabric so this idea of using whatever is to hand comes from there.”

Jenny, a retired software engineer, made masks for the Hospice during Covid.

“I created at work and do the same now. People think of software as boring, but you have a problem and try to solve it.

“Recycling banners is similar – you have a problem and solve it.”

Jenny had reused banners for Mads, so the Hospice asked her to do the same for them.

She said: “For a modern play there might not be much costume work, but for a recent production of Macbeth we had to make different stages of clothes showing dry blood.

“That’s what happens when you retire early. You find things to do with your time.”

Claire Gorton, Community and Events Fundraiser at the Hospice, said: “We try to use banners which don’t date, but Jenny gave us the idea of recycling those that do and it helps with our goals for sustainability.”

A spotlight on Clive and Janice Byrne

Posted on by Becky Sidwell

When artist Clive Byrne has paintings exhibited at Art Fair Cheshire no-one will be prouder than his wife Janice.

The East Cheshire Hospice volunteer wears many different hats to support the Hospice, close to her heart.

Janice will again be helping behind the scenes at the event at Macclesfield Town Hall from Thursday, September 26 until Thursday, October 3.

Janice and Clive Byrne with his art work.

She uploaded images and biographies of exhibiting artists to the website, one of them about Clive who turned his love of art into a career after he was made redundant as a welder.

Clive gained a Fine Art degree and used his artistic skills to help teach youngsters with special needs for 20 years.

The couple are committee members at East Cheshire Sub-Aqua Club which will again loan tables and chairs for the pop-up café.

Artwork created by youngsters using the Hospice’s childhood bereavement service will have a dedicated space at the exhibition, staged every two years in aid of the charity.

Janice helps with admin at the bereavement unit, though her involvement with the charity goes far beyond there.

She is also a befriender to patients and drives visitors to the Sunflower Living Well Centre to and from their homes.

Janice also knits teddies and hearts for families attending the inpatient unit and uses fabric from swatches to make handbags sold at the Treacle Market.

All proceeds go to the Hospice for whom she trekked to Camino de Santiago and Iceland. In 12 months she will hike through the Swiss and French Alps, admitting she is ‘not a natural walker.’

Such dedication runs in the family. Mum Lorna Searls, who died last year aged 79, was a volunteer in the charity’s lottery department.

Youngest sister Angela Black (48) died at the Hospice nine years ago. Ever since Janice and older sister Katrina have been busy helping however they can.

Janice said: “Clive is a first-time exhibitor at this Art Fair and is excited and nervous about having his work displayed. I usually end up volunteering doing something and last time registered the artists.

“The Art Fair is brilliant. It’s for a wonderful cause and admission is free.”

The event is run by volunteers and is sponsored by AstraZeneca.

It 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

David Black received 30 years of volunteering recognition

Posted on by Becky Sidwell

East Cheshire Hospice held its annual thank you party for the volunteers the Hospice relies upon heavily to keep services running smoothly.

Around 140 volunteers attended the event at Mottram St Andrew village hall.

The Hospice traditionally gives long service awards each summer to those who have reached another five years of service.

Some 35 helpers received an award this year in recognition of their efforts fulfilling various roles in the Hospice itself, out in the community, or supporting the four shops.

Volunteers recognised this time included the Hospice’s longest serving volunteer Moira Gregory (was Furmage), who has completed an incredible 35 years’ service helping on the inpatient unit, while David Black has clocked up an impressive 30 years.

David Black (left) with Will Spinks, Chair of the Hospice Board of Trustees, at the volunteer thank you party.

Volunteer Services Lead Angela O’Mahony said: “We are fortunate to have about 600 volunteers in total who give their time to us for free.

“This saves the Hospice valuable money and helps us deliver the high standards of service and care that we pride ourselves on. We thank them all for their amazing dedication.”

The Hospice has several volunteers who have completed more than 30 years’ service.

A total of 19 have been involved for more than 20 years, while 65 have been giving their time for at least 10 years.

David, from Macclesfield, is retired after spending most of his career with AstraZenaca.

He said: “It’s a privilege to help at the Hospice. It’s a wonderful place to work and feel part of that voluntary team.

“If we help the Hospice that’s good, but it’s also good for us to be doing it.

“I’ve worked mainly on the inpatient unit, carrying out general duties which include pushing the tea trolley round, doing whatever I can within my capability to help the nurses get on with their job.

“I am on a Sunday morning slot at the moment and quite a big part of it is just stopping and chatting with patients and relatives if they want a chat.”

“The going around with the tea trolley is the sort of entre to speak with people if they feel they want to talk.”

Making a difference with Hospice Befrienders

Posted on by Becky Sidwell

A befriender service is making a real difference to those who feel isolated towards the end of life.

The East Cheshire Hospice scheme has been popular since it was set up 18 months ago by the Hospice’s Volunteering Lead Helena Smith.

Helena said: “The befrienders service is for people receiving palliative care, approximately in the last year of life. It’s all about the person not being a patient – it’s about being them.

“We also support their carers, whether it’s so they can have a break, or as friendship and support for them – carers can really struggle too. It’s not for people with dementia, but we do have a similar service for them.

“We have about 30 befrienders. They’re amazing, utterly exceptional people and we’d like to recruit more. I’m so lucky to have so many.

Helena Smith, Volunteering Lead at East Cheshire Hospice.

“We’re serving people who are lonely and isolated and it’s about making connections and relationships.

“We’ve a nice range of befrienders, age wise and background wise, and as the role involves a couple of hours commitment a week it can often be fitted around work.

“A couple of our volunteers work full time and visit in the evenings. They’re few and far between, but there are ways and means.

“Importantly, they’re all helping people in their own community. People may not know what needs there are around them and the service runs best when it’s helping people in their communities.

Befrienders at East Cheshire Hospice.

“We match on personality. If you’re going to spend time together, I make sure you’re going to get on.”

Helena is happy to hear from patients and carers. Users do not need to be a Hospice patient to take part, they just need to be in the last year of life, and not have a dementia diagnosis.

She said: “We’re open for referrals. If anyone reading this article thinks it would help someone they know, then give me a call for a chat.

“This supports non-medical needs which are as vital as physical health.

“At the Hospice, we’re all about allowing people to be themselves despite their circumstances. While much of our care might require a more medical approach, this service is completely different to that.

“In at least half of cases where there is a carer, we end up supporting them quite intensively as well.”

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

Jack Hartley has added an extra round to his deliveries

Posted on by Becky Sidwell

Paper boy Jack Hartley has added an extra round to his deliveries promoting the Christmas tree collection for East Cheshire Hospice.

Jack has been handing out leaflets on Sunday mornings to help a charity which means a lot to his family.

Grandparents Philip and Olwen Hobson, from Macclesfield, died within three months of each other in 2015 and both were patients at the Hospice.

Mum Carole works for the charity as a bereavement counsellor.

Jack is volunteering by distributing leaflets for three months to earn his bronze certificate as part of the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award scheme.

Jack Hartley out on his rounds delivering leaflets.

Carole said: “Jack wanted to do something for the Hospice because of his nana and grandpa. Since he’s 14, there were limited options for how he could volunteer, so this has worked out quite well.

“I take him out and help him a bit, though he’s used to delivering because of his paper round.

“The Hospice is very special to us as a family and we like to help out and support whenever we can.”

Once the tree collection is over, Jack will deliver leaflets asking for volunteers to help those with dementia.

The Hospice runs a Dementia Befrienders service providing respite for carers and they need more assistance.

* If you can help contact angela.omahony@echospice.org.uk

Christmas Tree Collection 2024 countdown is on!

Posted on by Becky Sidwell

The countdown is under way to the trail-blazing East Cheshire Hospice Christmas Tree Collection scheme which is proving an inspiration to other charities.

Registrations are open for the 24th edition of the event over the weekend of January 13/14.

Around 130 other hospices now run similar fundraising schemes inspired by the East Cheshire Hospice model which is believed to be the largest volunteer-led Christmas tree collection in the world.

Volunteers ready to start the Christmas tree collection last January.

The scheme, sp0nsored by AstraZeneca, has raised more than £1.75m after another £150,000 was generated for patient care last winter.

Co-founders Pete Chapman and Richard Raymond have been out and about again advising other hospices since the last of nearly 7000 trees were recycled on their scheme in January.

Richard said: “It’s all systems go for us again in 2024 and hopefully the collection is just as popular.

“The other schemes started from our original idea and the inspiration we’ve given to them is the icing on the cake for us.

“Many have been in touch with us. This year for example, Pete and I have been to Leeds and Chesterfield and we had a Zoom call with a hospice in Scotland. I also went down to Harrow and Wealdstone and talked to them.

“Our message is that it’s an innovative piece of fundraising at a really important time of the year for hospices and you can build it to what you want.

Christmas tree scheme co-founders Richard Raymond (left) and Pete Chapman.

“The scheme has many spin-offs. It brings new volunteers to the hospice movement and obviously raises funds which is the crucial thing.

“There’s also the recycling element with the eco-friendly benefits, while it reaches out into the community and forms partnerships with commercial concerns.

“The other hospices think it’s a great idea and in many cases they’ve just needed the impetus and confidence. If they hit a snag, we’re on the end of a phone or email to answer any questions and point them in the right direction.”

Post codes covered by East Cheshire Hospice volunteers are once again CW12, SK9, SK10, SK11, SK12 and WA16. Collection vans will leave the Hospice in staggered starts.

Sponsorship by local business means all donations go straight to the Hospice. Organisers are already considering how to celebrate the 25th anniversary in 2025.

*To register visit www.echtrees.org.uk.

A successful Firewalk story

Posted on by Becky Sidwell

Greeting visitors with a warm smile comes naturally to Anne Brander and Julie Mills as volunteers on reception at East Cheshire Hospice.

But stepping over hot coals for the same good cause was well out of their comfort zone.

The friends braved a Fire Walk along with other fundraisers at Macclesfield Rugby Club, with some also tackling an Ice Walk over broken glass.

The pair settled just for the challenge of the burning embers and for Anne the Hospice has a special place in her heart.

Late husband Angus was a patient there in 1996. He was just 42 when he died from lung cancer.

Ready to face the fire … fundraisers get a warm reception.

Anne said: “The Fire Walk was something I wanted to do for the Hospice. Angus loved it there and it was the right place for him in his final days.

“They looked after the whole family, including our daughters Clare and Alison who were 16 and 10 at the time.

“He was peaceful and comfortable there and all these years later it’s nice to see how the Hospice has grown and how things have moved on and developed.

“Working on reception is varied meeting all sorts of people. You’re the first point of contact and it’s important you have a welcoming smiley face.

Volunteers Anne Brander (left) and Julie Mills at the Fire Walk. 

“I felt a great sense of achievement doing the Fire Walk. There was a great atmosphere with everyone cheering each other on and I was proud to be part of it.

“I was slightly nervous and excited but wasn’t scared. It was something I really wanted to do.”

Anne and Julie met through education circles. Anne worked at Wilmslow High School and both attended admissions appeals with Julie employed by Cheshire East Council.

Julie said: “We go back a while and got together and said let’s have a go at the Fire Walk.

“We supported each other and the Hospice and also to prove to ourselves that we can do silly things at our age.

“We’re aware how much it costs to keep the Hospice going and it’s much needed by the community.

“Volunteering is rewarding. I like meeting people and wanted to do something for the community when I retired.

“I was apprehensive but common sense told me it’s mind over matter. Someone won’t ask me to do something when I’m going to get injured. I’m not saying I won’t do the Ice Walk next time.”

Britain in Bloom awards

Posted on by Becky Sidwell

Volunteer gardeners at East Cheshire Hospice are celebrating after earning an accolade at the Britain in Bloom awards.

East Cheshire Hospice received a certificate in the Hospice category at the RHS regional awards.

Judges made their recommendation after touring the remodelled Hospice grounds.

Some of the volunteer gardeners with their RHS certificate.

The space includes a sensory garden, vegetable and herb patch and a memory garden.

The RHS honour is reward for the hard work from gardening enthusiasts who have painstakingly created a lay-out designed to provide a peaceful retreat for patients and visitors.

Volunteers from corporate supporters also helped with digging and preparing the grounds for planting.

Michelle Walker-Brown, the Hospice general services manager, said: “We’re delighted to receive this recognition at the Britain in Bloom awards.

“Every category is highly competitive so to get this acknowledgement from the RHS is reward for the terrific efforts made by volunteers and staff.

“We place great emphasis on sustainability both indoors and outdoors at the Hospice with energy efficiency vitally important.”

The Hospice is undergoing a renovation of its Sunflower Wellbeing Centre, limiting garden design work in that corner of the site. The work is due to finish in the New Year.

The Hospice uses water butts to reduce reliance on mains supplies; grows fruit and vegetables in empty laundry liquid tubs and uses old tyres from Hospice @Home cars for planters as part of its green initiative.

The Hospice featured in the gold award won by Macclesfield at last year’s RHS awards.

East Cheshire Hospice goes for Britain in Bloom

Posted on by Becky Sidwell

Judges have been casting their expert eye over the gardens at East Cheshire Hospice for the Britain in Bloom awards.

The Hospice is hoping to win the hospice category at the RHS regional awards with the results announced next month.

Gardening enthusiasts have been hard at work creating a floral wonderland for patients and visitors after businesses answered a plea for help.

Volunteers from corporate supporters Leap 29 and Barclays helped dig and prepare the grounds before planting took place.

 Michelle Walker-Brown from the Hospice with Ryan Simpson (left) from Viridis Plants and David Hadley from Creative Gardens and Driveways

Bramhall-based Creative Gardens and Driveways, owned by David Hadley, organised a £1,000 plant donation from supplier Viridis Plants for the makeover.

David ensured expert horticultural advice was given. He said: “When I heard the appeal, I knew immediately that we had to help.

“Plants play such an uplifting role in our lives and it was clear the hospice recognised the comfort that spending time among nature brings patients and their families.

“It was an honour to help a local organisation in need.”

Volunteer Hospice gardeners played a key role in activities overseen by Michelle Walker-Brown, the charity’s general services manager.

Michelle said: “It has been a real team effort and we’re so grateful for all the help. Having peaceful and beautiful plants in the Hospice grounds makes a genuine difference to families.

Flower power…another donation arrives at East Cheshire Hospice.

“The community spirit is amazing, showing once more just how much the public and business care about our patients.”

Judges toured the revamped Hospice grounds, which include a sensory garden, vegetable and herb patch and a memory garden.

The Hospice’s green credentials have already earned a business award with sustainability at the heart of each outdoor area. For example …

* Water butts reduce reliance on mains supplies.

* Empty laundry liquid tubs were cleaned to grow strawberries and salad vegetables for patient menus.

* Baked bean and plum tomato tins gave new life to house plants.

* Old tyres from Hospice @Home cars were turned into planters, along with wooden pallets.

Wildflowers planted around the hospice grounds attract bees and butterflies.

Daffodils, tulips, crocus, hyacinth and snowdrop bulbs bloom each year around the grounds and in pots. Small Christmas trees replanted in a nursery area will be re-potted in internal gardens outside patient rooms and wards.

The Hospice was part of the gold award won by Macclesfield at the 2022 awards and is going for more glory after learning there is a hospice category this year.

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