Challenge Series Archives - East Cheshire Hospice

A trip down memory lane for financial adviser Phil Jones

A visit to East Cheshire Hospice was a poignant trip down memory lane for financial adviser Phil Jones.

He had not been back to the Hospice since his mum Linda died there 25 years ago when he was a university student.

He has never forgotten how much the Hospice helped his family so was delighted when his firm JPB Financial Planning became a major donor.

Phil Jones (left) and Will Beighton after completing the Manchester half marathon.

As part of its support, he and co-director Will Beighton raised £4,470 by running the Manchester half marathon.

Will has lived in Macclesfield since he was young, so they both know the value of the Hospice to the community.

Phil said: “Family and friends kindly sponsored us to do the run and we had the backing of many generous clients.

“We’re a firm of independent financial advisers based in Macclesfield and have a lot of clients here and across East Cheshire.

“The Hospice is close to people’s hearts. A lot of them either know someone cared for by the Hospice or are conscious it could be them needing its services one day.

“We’ve also got clients who volunteer at the Hospice in different ways. It’s a wonderful place and is well run and well respected.

“Mum died of cancer aged 53 and spent her last month there, so I’ve had first-hand experience of the care and support.

“As our company is a major donor, I went back to the Hospice on a tour. It has changed a lot, though the quality of care is still just as good.”

Jill Booth has raised over £4,500 for the Hospice since 2021

Retired primary school teacher Jill Booth deserves a medal for all her fundraising for East Cheshire Hospice.

In fact, she owns plenty of medals already, all souvenirs from the dozens of races she has entered.

Jill said: “I like the bling – I like the medals. I must have about 90 of them from my different races.”

Her latest challenge was the Macclesfield 10k in a year that saw her complete the London Marathon.

Jill Booth with her collection of medals.

She said: “I took up running when I reached 50 nine years ago.”

“I’d plodded round a few Race for Lifes and my son Mike made me enter the Manchester 10k in 2016 after I’d watched him in a half marathon at university.”

Jill has raised more than £4,500 for the Hospice since 2021 when she lost good friend Liz Norton (76) who had oesophageal cancer.

Jill said: “Liz was like a second mum to me when I was growing up. She was always there for me, and we’d often put the world to rights.

“She spent her last couple of weeks at the Hospice and I saw how fantastic they were with her, and us, as visitors.

“They just gave her the most brilliant care.

“I miss her and thought I must raise some money for the Hospice. I thought what better way than to give back to the place that looked after her.”

Jill is a parkrun regular where she also volunteers.

Jill competing in the London marathon.

She said: “I run about three times a week and tried to enter an organised race every month. The atmosphere during my first marathon was amazing.

“I had tears in my eyes rounding Buckingham Palace to approach the finishing line. I never imagined I could achieve something like that.”

Jill has run 28 races for the Hospice in four years, plus the Great North Run, Manchester half marathon, walls of Dubrovnik and a 5k in the Croatian city.

She said: “Raising money in Liz’s memory made it even more wonderful and memorable.”

Her next big target is next year’s Rob Burrow marathon in Leeds.

She said: “Mike encouraged me to do that first run, though he’s not run that much since. He has been my bag carrier, though, along with my husband Andrew and they’re both good supporters.

“The school children always liked seeing my medals after a race. It was a nice way to encourage them to stay active.”

Nik Kalka takes on the ring for East Cheshire Hospice

Come and watch me get punched in the face!

That is the invitation from Nik Kalka to family and friends as he prepares for his boxing debut.

The security manager is willing to take the blows in memory of best pal Sam Burt who died in 2017, aged 27.

All proceeds from the bout are donated to East Cheshire Hospice where Sam was cared for. He was an IT technician at Fallibroome Academy.

Nik is training hard for next month’s white-collar fight night in Stoke.

Nik Kalka preparing for his boxing debut.

Nik said: “I’m sure there’s a few people who will enjoy seeing me get punched.

“Joking aside, it’s a great way to raise funds for East Cheshire Hospice, which is an incredible place and holds a very special spot in my heart.

“Sam passed away at the Hospice and was the kind of friend who could light up a room with his smile, make you laugh until your sides hurt, and who, quite frankly, would be the first in line to see me take a punch.

“He fought bravely against illness and, when the time came, the Hospice provided him with the care and comfort that both he and his family desperately needed.

“For those who might not know, the Hospice isn’t just a place where people go in their final days. It’s a sanctuary that offers care and support not only to those living with life-limiting illnesses, but also to their families.

Sam Burt who was cared for by East Cheshire Hospice

“They provide specialist care, pain management, emotional support, and even bereavement counselling. The hospice’s compassionate approach ensures that no one faces these difficult times alone, and they do it all with a warmth and dedication that’s truly remarkable.

“I’m honouring Sam’s memory and giving back to the place that was there for him when it mattered most.”

Nik’s opponent for three two-minute rounds will be a fighter of similar height, weight and ability.

He said: “I could have done a run but wanted to leave my comfort zone. The idea of being punched repeatedly is nerve-wracking but win or lose the Hospice is the winner.

“I thank everyone for their support. Let’s make this fight one to remember – for all the right reasons. See you in the ring, or maybe A and E.”

* To donate visit justgiving.com/page/nik-kalka-1723579053156

Take on Trek Snowden at night in 2025

Many have climbed Mount Snowdon, but few have scaled the famous Welsh peak overnight.

But that is the incentive for East Cheshire Hospice supporters who sign up to the Hospice’s latest challenge.

The nine-mile trek takes place over the weekend of August 2/3 next year.

An overnight Snowdon trek is the challenge facing East Cheshire Hospice supporters.

The reward for walkers as they reach the summit is a breathtaking view of the sun rising across Snowdonia National Park and the changing colours of the peaks as dawn breaks.

Experienced mountain guide leaders will assist trekkers every step of the way with safety the No 1 priority on a walk described as ‘challenging’ by organisers.

Places can be booked by visiting www.eastcheshirehospice.org.uk/events/trek-2025/

Registration is £45 and a minimum of £330 must be raised in sponsorship.

Participants will get a hot buffet at a hotel in Llanberis before a 1 am registration and briefing.

The ascent using the Llanberis Path starts at 2 am and takes between three and four hours.

Snowdon at sunrise.

Walkers will watch the sunset either at the summit, or on the ascent, depending on their speed. Snacks are supplied along the route before a well-earned breakfast on completion.

Head torches will be supplied with the same trail used for a descent expected to take two to three hours.

A welcome pack offers tips on training and trekking.

A vehicle will provide back up and support and each walker receives a souvenir medal.

Excluded is travel insurance, alcoholic drinks and personal trekking equipment such as boots, poles etc.

How many squats can you manage within the space of a month?

How many squats can you manage within the space of a month?

Whatever the number then get down and join Squatober, the latest fun fundraising challenge run by East Cheshire Hospice.

Hospice staff getting ready to take part in Squatober. From left, Luke Hughes, Sarah Elvin, Becky Sidwell and Luke Oldham.

It could be a way to better health for yourself while at the same time helping the lives of others.

The Hospice is daring supporters to complete 2,000 squats during October.

Luke Hughes, the charity’s community and events assistant said: “It doesn’t necessarily need to be that many squats.

“The number depends entirely on what is realistic for each individual. Squats can be done at home, outside, work or in the gym.

“This is an online virtual fundraiser and updates will be shared on Facebook, though you don’t need to be on social media and can receive emails instead.

“It’s an exciting opportunity to challenge yourself physically, set new fitness goals and make a positive difference in your community.

“Whether you’re a fitness enthusiast or a beginner looking to improve your strength, Squatober welcomes everyone to join in and contribute to a fantastic cause.

“Squats engage lower body muscles and improve overall strength and endurance.”

The last month-long initiative organised by the Hospice was March through March which raised more than £2,000. The event involved taking at least 300,000 steps.

To register for Squatober visit www.eastcheshirehospice.org.uk/squatober.

For more details call Luke on 01625 666998 or email luke.hughes@echospice.org.uk

Steve Axon complete inflatable 5K

Bouncing around on an inflatable obstacle course gave Steve Axon good reason to raise more than £400 for East Cheshire Hospice.

Steve was remembering his late father Barry, a firefighter and security guard at AstraZeneca, who died of cancer aged 64.

Joining Steve for his fun challenge in Knutsford was a friend who benefits from his work.

Steve Axon after his inflatable challenge.

Steve, from Macclesfield, delivers training for staff who provide supportive living for adults with learning difficulties and mental health problems.

Steve said: “My friend wanted to do a sponsored challenge and raising funds for the Hospice seemed the obvious thing to do.

“When my dad was in there many years ago the Hospice was fabulous with him.

“They don’t just look after the patient they look after the family as well and my mum virtually moved in there.

Steve completing his obstacle course.

“The Hospice is such a worthwhile and vital resource for the community and much needed for people towards the end of life.”

Steve also undertakes support work himself. He said: “We have supported people who have gone into the Hospice for end-of-life care.

“I did work there for a while as an auxiliary nurse. It’s a great place to work and the ethos is beautiful.”

Steve has also completed a tandem parachute jump for the Hospice.

Lucas Jackson is tackling the Three Peaks Challenge

Scaling the highest peaks in England, Scotland and Wales within the space of 24 hours is the challenge facing Lucas Jackson.

Spurring him on will be the memory of his mum Annalisa who died of cancer in January, aged 52.

Lucas Jackson with mum Annalisa.

Lucas, from Macclesfield, has already raised more than £2,200 for East Cheshire Hospice where his mum spent her final days.

Lucas is tackling the Three Peaks Challenge with close friend Ben Dewe this weekend (Aug 3-4).

Lucas’ dad Simon will drive the pair on their adventure which starts at Ben Nevis and is followed by Scafell and then Snowdon.

Lucas during his Snowdon climb last year.

Annalisa, an accountant based in Manchester, died within weeks of diagnosis.

Lucas, an apprentice engineer, said: “Mum was the best person ever and it was a great shock to lose her. It all happened so quickly.

“The care she received at the Hospice was amazing and this is my way of thanking them for looking after her and many others.

“I climbed Snowdon and Scafell last year, so Ben Nevis is the only peak I’ve not visited but doing them at once is completely different.

“Thankfully dad has volunteered to drive so we can focus on the walking.

“Ben and I enjoy going to the gym and walk a lot so we’re quite active, but it’ll be tough, especially within a 24-hour target.

“I think I might book a few days off work afterwards.”

* To sponsor Lucas visit https://www.justgiving.com/page/lucas-jackson-3peaks

Hospice Gets New Wi-Fi System

Visitors to East Cheshire Hospice are enjoying the benefits of a new sophisticated Wi-Fi system.

The equipment was installed thanks to the generosity of a visitor who noticed a weak signal at the Millbank Drive facility.

East Cheshire Hospice Entrance

* East Cheshire Hospice has a new Wi-Fi system.

He experienced the Wi-Fi problem while visiting his wife and used business contacts to secure a more modern wireless set-up.

Patients, families, carers and staff are taking advantage of the improvements.

Conor Stubbs, the Hospice’s Head of IT, said: “We’ve had excellent feedback from staff, patients and visitors who tell us that connection is reliable and fast across our site.

“It’s made a big impact on the patient and staff experience, allowing them to stay connected and seamlessly browse the web, stream and video call.

“Thank you to everyone involved for their generous support and hard work on this project which has made a big difference.

“Our old system was slowing down and didn’t meet Hospice needs, especially as we’ve expanded and grown as an organisation. New Wi-Fi was in the pipeline but was fast-tracked thanks to this kind offer.”

Conor Stubbs

* Conor Stubbs, Head of IT at East Cheshire Hospice.

* The Hospice is looking for runners willing to raise funds for them in the London Landmarks half marathon on Sunday, April 6, 2025.

The race is the only half marathon to go through both the City of London and the City of Westminster.

The route starts at Pall Mall and finishes by Downing Street, taking in iconic landmarks such as Big Ben and St Paul’s Cathedral.

London Landmarks half marathon

* Visit our events page to find current challenge events.

A million metres in May challenge

Cyclist Darren Smith is involved in a race against time to complete a million metres in May.

At the halfway stage he is well on course to ride 1,000 kilometres in aid of East Cheshire Hospice.

His journey is dedicated to the memory of his father-in-law Brian Barker who died in March, aged 77.

Brian was a long-standing volunteer for the Hospice’s Christmas tree collection scheme, forging a close connection with the Hospice.

Brian Barker who was a volunteer for East Cheshire Hospice.

Darren, from Macclesfield, had intended cycling to Belgium as a fundraising challenge but the trip was cancelled due to Brian’s sudden death.

Darren said: “I wanted to keep my promise to raise funds and would have travelled about 1,000 kilometres by going to Belgium.

“Instead, I decided to ride the same distance – a million metres – throughout May. That means I’m cycling between 30 to 40 kilometres most days, with longer rides at weekends.”

Work commitments have complicated the challenge for Darren, a director of Manuka Money, a Gawsworth-based mortgage broker.

He said: “I set up the brokerage two years ago. Having worked for big corporates, I was acutely aware of how people can get lost in the process so we provide a more personalised concierge service.

“Our company is getting behind my bike ride to let everyone know about the Hospice’s wonderful work. I’m trying to turn a negative into a positive and make it a fitting tribute to Brian and all those who receive care there.”

Darren is visiting as many of the communities served by the Hospice, supported by wife Sammy, son Sebastian (14) and daughter Abigail (10).

An issue is a family holiday in the Lake District in the last week of May. He said: I may be sweating over the hills there if I don’t get enough metres covered by then.

Darren Smith (far right) with (from left) business partner Carl Atkinson, Hospice fundraiser Luke Oldham and Manuka Money’s head of marketing Alison Barber. 

“At 6ft 2in, I’m built more for rugby than cycling. I only got into the sport by going on a friend’s 50th birthday weekend and we ended up cycling in the Alps between Italy and Slovenia. I just enjoy the outdoors”.

“Brian was always amazed by how little revenue the Hospice gets from the government. The charity relies heavily on donations and charity events like mine.”

* To sponsor Darren visit www.justgiving.com/page/manukamoney-eastcheshirehospice

Harry Newton takes on Great Manchester Run 2024

Running machine Harry Newton is raring to go for his next big challenge later this month.

The 86-year-old grandad has entered the AJ Bell Great Manchester Run on Sunday, May 26.

Harry Newton who has raised more than £50,000 for charity from running.

Harry will skip the 10k event, preferring to tackle an alternative half marathon which might seem like a stroll after another stirring performance in last month’s London marathon.

The Macclesfield Harrier raised £1,700 for East Cheshire Hospice from his endeavours, bringing his total raised for various charities over the years to well over £50,000.

Harry said: “Running keeps me fit and I’ll keep going as long as my body allows me. The Hospice does wonderful work for the community and the prospect of raising money is a big motivator when the going gets tough near the end of a race.”

Harry was thought to be the fastest over 85 in the London marathon, his time of six hours 19 minutes earning him seventh place in the over 80 category.

The retired grocer is already eyeing up next year’s London race, though tempting wife Phyllis to run is a non-starter.

Harry said: “Phyllis is my No 1 fan and is always there cheering me on from the sidelines with family and friends. She’s not a runner, though, and prefers to be among the crowd.”

Harry has now completed 29 marathons, an incredible achievement considering his first was at the age of 57. His favourite has been the London marathon which he has completed 21 times.