tough woofer Archives - East Cheshire Hospice

Review of the Year 2019

Posted on 16th January 2020 by Luke Brightmore

Fun and fundraising brought lots of smiles for East Cheshire Hospice supporters over the last 12 months.

Another packed colourful calendar of events meant the charity benefitted in many different ways.

Music, art, sport, fashion, travel, leisure and business were all thrown into the mix by generous donors.

Families were out in force at Light Up The Night at Capesthorne Hall, a poignant occasion which saw many walkers remember loved ones.

Community events included Splash Out! when young and old faced a series of water challenges, while dogs and owners tackled a testing obstacle course at Tough Woofer.

Taking a dip at Splash Out.

Mayor Janet Jackson in her charity shop outfit which she wore at Buckingham Palace.

Mayor of Macclesfield Coun Janet Jackson is a regular customer at the Hospice charity shop at Thornton Square where she picked up a bargain for a Royal appointment.

When she received the MBE from Prince William, Duke of Cambridge, she wore a dress and matching jacket she had bought from there for £25. Her hat cost £10.

Nick Robinson gives his speech at the Hospice’s Business Briefing

BBC journalist Nick Robinson gave a keynote speech at the Hospice’s annual Business Briefing at Alderley Park. Nick’s late father Robbie was cared for by the Hospice.

Round-the-world sailor Heather Broadbent.

Hospice supporter Heather Broadbent starts 2020 sailing off the coast of Australia.

She is aboard GoToBermuda competing in the Clipper 2019-20 Round the World Yacht Race.

Heather is going from Freemantle to the Whitsunday Islands on the latest leg of her 11-month voyage.

She is raising £40,000 for the Hospice where her late husband Adam was a patient. To donate go to dreamitnowdoit.com

Heather said: “I’m loving every minute and wouldn’t change it for the world. At sea I’m making memories and friends for life.”

Mother and daughter Kim and Nina Bennett with cockapoo Elsie at Tough Woofer.

Tough Woofer 2019

Posted on 16th January 2020 by Luke Brightmore

Every dog has its day and Tough Woofer 2019 saw the canine world support East Cheshire Hospice.

Around 300 pets tackled a 5k obstacle course at Capesthorne Hall on Sunday morning (Oct 20).

The four-legged friends, accompanied by their owners, negotiated a series of mud, water and climbing challenges, supplied by Extreme Adventure Ltd.

The picturesque estate was the perfect setting, with cars and vans having more difficulty dealing with the heavy ground than the dogs.

Beth Candy, Events Manager at the Hospice, said: “We were blessed with a lovely sunny day and want to thank everyone for coming along and making it such a special occasion.

“It wouldn’t have happened without the support of amazing volunteers and a special thanks must go to James Bunker who rescued a few vehicles from the soft ground. We’d also like to thank Capesthorne Hall for use of such a great venue.”

Owner Sue Clarke took part with eight-year-old mini wirehair dachshund Margot. Sue has an office at Alderley Park where the Hospice also has a base.

Lyndsey Annikin and her cockapoo Sky joined Abby Dellow and her Hungarian vizsla Penny. Lyndsey has a family friend cared for by the Hospice.

She said: “The Hospice has been brilliant and we’re delighted to take part in Tough Woofer as way of thanking everyone there.”

Student nurse Anna Mather was joined by mum and dad Clare and Jonathan and 18-month-old labrador Millie.

Anna said: “I’ve got friends who’ve worked at the Hospice which is so well known and we want to help such a good local cause. The dogs love the outdoors here.”

Mother and daughter Kim and Nina Bennett guided cockapoo Elsie round the course. Nina has visited the Hospice in her role as a student physiotherapist.

A Charity Village, including stalls and activities, kept dogs and owners entertained.

Are you tough enough??

Posted on 8th August 2019 by Luke Brightmore

Tough Woofer is back for 2019 and promises to be bigger, better and muddier than before!

We are urging entrants to bring along their wellies for the 5k course at Capesthorne Hall on Sunday, October 20.

More than 400 dogs and owners took part in last year’s first ever canine obstacle course event raising £30,000 for the Hospice!

The fun obstacle circuit is designed for four-legged friends and owners . The route has 15 obstacles, including water, mud and climbing challenges with the first wave leaving at 10 am.

Beth Candy, Events Assistant at the Hospice, said: “Last year’s event was extremely popular and we’re hoping even more dogs and owners will take part this time.

“Owners are telling us they want the course to be even muddier this time. It’s not a competition or a race, but simply about having a good time.

“People can enter with their dog, or by themselves or with family and friends if they don’t have a canine friend to bring along. It’ll be a fantastic family day out with live entertainment and stalls.”

People must be aged eight and over and dogs must be one year or over.

An early bird entrance fee of £30 for a dog/owner, and £20 for people only, applies until Aug 30.

The Hospice say entry fees only cover the cost of staging the event so participants are urged to raise at least £50 in sponsorship. A T-shirt, dog bandana and medals are provided.

To enter go to www.eastcheshirehospice.org.uk/toughwoofer

The Faces of Tough Woofer 2019

Posted on 8th August 2019 by Luke Brightmore

Meet the two beautiful beagles ready for a starring role as models for Tough Woofer 2019.

Roxy and Harley will have their pretty faces splashed all over banners and billboards advertising the canine event organised by our events team.

The dogs, owned by Abigail Henshall and partner Steve Abraham, won our Facebook competition to find the cutest canines.

Unsurprisingly, Roxy (9) and Harley (3) had the most likes, earning them a photo shoot to promote the event on Sunday, October 20.

The pair received plenty of votes from pupils at Tytherington School where Abigail is a PE teacher.

Roxy and Harley are following in the paw prints of golden retriever Teddy, winner of the 2018 award and owned by Abigail’s friend Sophie Mercer, a PE teacher at All Hallows Catholic College in Macclesfield.

Abigail, from Lower Withington, said: “We’ve had Roxy since she was a pup and she’s got such a baby face that people often get them confused and think she’s the younger of the two. They certainly get a lot of attention when we’re walking with members of our beagle club.

“While she’s confident and a little sassy, Harley is full of anxiety. He’s a rescue dog and had issues after being given up twice before we took him on at 18 months old.

“Harley had been attacked in kennels which made him petrified of other dogs. He was scared by the slightest noise but now has turned his life around. So much so that he’s confident enough to do Tough Woofer.

“Beagles are notoriously hard dogs to train but we knew the breed really well and they’re well trained. Roxy puts Harley in his place and he takes the lead from her but they’re great mates.”

Their group from the Wirral and North Wales Beagle Club were out in force at last year’s event and will again tackle 5k course at Capesthorne Hall.

Abigail said: “It’s great fun and raises money for such a deserving cause. The venue is ideal and I’d encourage as many dog owners as possible to attend.”

The photo shoot was carried out by Alex Wright at teneightstudios in Macclesfield. (www.teneightstudios.co.uk)