May 2025 - East Cheshire Hospice

East Cheshire Hospice voted as Charity of the Year 2025/26 for East Cheshire Chamber of Commerce

Members of a leading business group voted East Cheshire Hospice as its Charity of the Year for 2025/26.

East Cheshire Chamber of Commerce announced their support for the Hospice at the organisation’s 2025 Annual Business Awards.

Funds will be raised for the charity at key events during the year.

Laura Tomlinson (left) and Luke Oldham from East Cheshire Hospice with Rebecca Gwynn from sponsors Tinsdills Solicitors.

Hospice Corporate Fundraiser Luke Oldham said: “We’re thrilled to have been selected. This incredible honour is testament to the compassionate work the Hospice carries out in our community.

“We’re deeply grateful for the opportunity to collaborate with such an esteemed organisation and to raise awareness for the vital services East Cheshire Hospice provides to families in need.

“With the support of the Chamber, we look forward to a year of impactful partnerships, community-driven events, and making a real difference to the lives of so many people. Together, we can achieve remarkable things.”

Award winners at the East Cheshire Chamber of Commerce event at De Vere Cranage Estate.

Liz Longmore, the Chamber’s Event and Membership Co-ordinator, said: “We’re proud to support East Cheshire Hospice as our Charity of the Year and are committed to raising vital funds to support the incredible work they do for families and communities.

“Beyond fundraising, this partnership is about shining a light on their invaluable efforts and raising awareness of the impact they make every day.”

It is the first time the Hospice has been chosen by the Chamber which had many contenders, especially as it covers such a large area.

Capesthorne Hall staff to be part of this years Starlight Walk

Staff from Capesthorne Hall will stroll round the beautiful grounds where they work as part of the Starlight Walk next Thursday (May 15).

The East Cheshire Hospice event will be an emotional occasion for many, including Lynn Newton, the venue’s business manager.

Lynn bravely took part in last year’s walk, just 10 days after losing her 85-year-old mum Aileen to cancer.

Lynn said: “I lost my mum very quickly and the walk was good for me to do.

Staff from Capesthorne at last year’s Starlight Walk. From left, Lesley Thomason, Lynn Newton, Claire Daley and Kath Jefferies.

“I debated whether I’d be able to do it, but I needed to be around people. It felt like a fitting and poignant event given the timing.

“Mum was in a hospital in the Lakes but requested to receive palliative care at home, so we used Hospice @Home which was an amazing service.

“I wanted to give something back to the hospice world for its wonderful care and support.

“Mum was a fit lady and would climb the fells, swim 50 lengths a day and play golf.”

Lynn and the Capesthorne team will be back for next week’s event, sponsored by Adamley Textiles.

There will be another big turn out, but spaces are still available. Online applications close the afternoon before the event. To register visit www.eastcheshirehospice.org.uk/starlight-walk-2025.

Walkers stroll through a scenic 2.5k woodland route, with spectacular views of the historic hall and lake.

Supporters can complete multiple laps if they wish.

Lynn Newton with mum Aileen on an alpaca walk in 2023.

Many are remembering lost loved ones, pausing at reflection points illuminated with lanterns and fire pits.

Lynn said: “The little points of reflection are lovely, including tea lights and fire pits. Everyone you speak to has a personal and poignant story.

“The Bromley-Davenport family, who own Capesthorne, are huge supporters of the Hospice and do whatever they can to help.

“We hosted the Starlight Walk for the first time in 2015 and have also had a Tough Woofer event which was great fun, an outdoor cinema and we hold a Christmas carol fundraiser.

“Hopefully, the Starlight Walk is blessed with nice weather at a time of year when the grounds look stunning.

“The Bromley-Davenport family and staff at Capesthorne are delighted to be involved and are proud to support such a fantastic cause.”

Gates open at 6 pm with live entertainment and refreshments. The walk is from 7 pm.

Magician Paul David will perform various tricks, volunteering his services to thank the Hospice for caring for his late father David Morrison.