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Why not take the plunge and make a bungee jump for East Cheshire Hospice?

Posted on by Becky Sidwell

Why not take the plunge and make a bungee jump for East Cheshire Hospice?

Thrill-seekers are invited to take a giant leap over Tatton Park in aid of the much-loved Hospice.

Organisers the UK Bungee Club claim the 300 ft drop is the highest regular jump in the country.

Fundraiser Luke Hughes who is organising a bungee challenge.

The Hospice has partnered with Run for Charity for the event held over a picturesque lake on the weekends of April 13/14, July 6/7 and October 12/13.

Entrants will have a few seconds to appreciate the vast deer park and stunning scenery before leaping off a platform suspended from a crane.

Luke Hughes, Community and Events Assistant at the Hospice, said: “Dare you get involved in this exciting challenge? It’s not for the faint-hearted but it may be on your bucket list.

Fundraiser Luke Hughes who is organising a bungee challenge.

“We know from experience that lots of our supporters take part in wild and wacky adventures to raise funds and hopefully this challenge will appeal to those with a head for heights.

“This is the first time we’ve teamed up with Run for Charity and there will be lots more challenges available in the future.

“The benefit is that we don’t need to worry about the logistics and cost of putting on these events, but it’s easy for supporters to sign up and support the Hospice.”

To enter visit www.runforcharity.com/east-cheshire-hospice-/tatton-bungee.

Entry is £120 (plus £4.80 booking fee) and entrants must agree to raise £200 for the Hospice.

Hospice team take on Born Survivor!

Posted on by Becky Sidwell

Bereavement counsellor Helen Wilkinson will not take no for an answer recruiting volunteers for a Born Survivor challenge.

She has already persuaded several colleagues from East Cheshire Hospice to join her tackling a 10k assault course at Capesthorne Hall on Saturday, April 27.

Helen said: “I’m still trying to rope people in. A lot of people seem to be busy that weekend and everyone is welcome to join us.”

* To enter visit www.eastcheshirehospice.org.uk/events/born-survivor/

Volunteers include Liam Lawton from accounts, wife Claire and his sister Hannah. They are taking part in memory of Liam’s grandmother Glenise who died in the Hospice last June.

The Hospice team in the Born Survivor event. From left, Luke Hughes, Hannah Bentham, Liam Lawton, Laura Lamptey, Helen Wilkinson, Debbie Kassas and Sue Milligan.

Glenise would have been 80 on the day of the event, making it an event more poignant occasion for the family.

Other members of the Hospice team are People and Development Lead Laura Lamptey and HR advisor Hannah Bentham.

Hospice @Home sister Sue Milligan and Dementia Lead/Specialist Nurse Debbie Kassas are also competing, along with fundraiser Luke Oldham and long-serving volunteer Janet Dean who helps out mainly on reception.

Helen said: “It’s a privilege to work at the Hospice as a therapist providing counselling to family and friends before and after their loved one has died.

“Working with people at their very core. This challenge is for you, your loved ones and our amazing team who I’m lucky to work with.”

* To sponsor Helen visit https://shorturl.at/sIMSX

Grace Williams and her family grateful of East Cheshire Hospice’s support

Posted on by Becky Sidwell

East Cheshire Hospice came to the rescue not once but twice for Grace Williams and her family.

Her late husband Jon was supported in 2015 when he was diagnosed with an aggressive brain tumour.

Then four years later her uncle Paul Waddell (62) died in the Hospice from the same illness.

Grace is raising funds for the charity through a Born Survivor event at Capesthorne Hall on Saturday, April 27.

Grace and her late husband Jon both received support from East Cheshire Hospice.

Grace said: “We thought we had our whole lives ahead of us, with a one-year-old daughter Alana. But Jon was gone three months after diagnosis, aged 30. I was 27.

“When we first walked into the Hospice it was like getting a big hug. Everything from emotional support to physical equipment Jon so desperately needed was given to us once we arrived.

“I was stressed and not eating or sleeping. The Hospice provided respite and a safe place for us, including having meals together. I didn’t want to leave Jon as I knew I didn’t have long left with him.

“They introduced us to patients, carers and nurses who made him feel he wasn’t alone. That shared experience was so powerful.

“Rooms were like home from home. It didn’t smell clinical and wasn’t formal.

Grace’s uncle and auntie, Paul and Lindsay Wadde

“Jon felt comfortable there and received complementary therapies. I had counselling with Fay Mitchell and don’t think I’d be here without her.

“Fay helped me process the trauma of what had been going on.”

Grace was still receiving counselling when her uncle was admitted.

Grace, a graphic designer, said: “Incredibly, our family, including my auntie Lindsay, found ourselves back in the world of the Hospice. Paul passed away surrounded by the same amazing people who’d looked after Jon.

“I was there a lot with my uncle and everyone still remembered me. I could even see Paul’s room from Fay’s window.

“Staff kept us well informed and gave us plenty of hugs. They did everything. It sounds stupid but they would appear next to you with a brew.

“It was like they had a sixth sense of what will help. Working at the Hospice is definitely a calling in life.

“If I could afford to quit my job, I’d be there like a shot to volunteer. I feel I’ve got so much to give back to them which is why I’m doing this challenge.”

*To sponsor Grace visit https://shorturl.at/depqN

To enter Born Survivor visit www.eastcheshirehospice.org.uk/events/born-survivor/

The daring endeavours of the Bentham brothers

Posted on by Becky Sidwell

The daring endeavours of the Bentham brothers show no sign of ending despite reaching their fundraising target.

George and Tom have raised £7,548 for East Cheshire Hospice where their late father Mark (58) was a patient four years ago.

More than two thirds came from a gruelling 195-mile coast-to-coast canoe challenge lasting nine days, taking the brothers from the Irish Sea to the North Sea.

They met their goal of raising the cost of a day’s care at the Hospice by completing a Born Survivor, while Tom also completed a triathlon even though he dislikes cycling.

Back on dry land … Tom Bentham (left) and brother George.

Tom said: “I’m petrified of cycling after a motorbike crash when I was young, and the roads are just too dangerous. I’ll stick to the water from now on.”

The swim element in north Wales was cancelled due to fog but Tom, joined by friends Martin Thomson and Tom Bickersteth, still insisted on doing the water discipline once the race ended, honouring a promise to donors to complete a triathlon.

The brothers have their sights set on running a marathon in 2025.

Tom and George tackling their canoeing challenge.

Tom said: “We’re delighted we’ve done what we set out to do in our dad’s memory. It’s fantastic to raise so much for such a vitally important cause in his name and fund those who need hospice services next.

“We still have our canoe and will probably take to water again at some point. We’ve wanted to do a marathon and what better place than Athens, the birthplace of the event!”

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.”

Monika Pollard is always reaching for heights

Posted on by Becky Sidwell

Playing basketball means Monika Pollard is always reaching for heights.

But climbing to Everest base camp was a different ball game altogether.

Monika, who owns Tiny Adventures children’s day nursery in Macclesfield, was fundraising for East Cheshire Hospice.

The trip was in memory of her mother-in-law Theresa Connolly who died almost 10 years ago, aged 73.

Monika, a keen hiker, had always wanted to undertake an Everest expedition, though her adventure was more eventful than planned.

Monika Pollard on her Everest climb.

She said: “We were supposed to fly to Lukla, the second most dangerous airport in the world, but it was closed due to bad weather.

“Instead, we drove through Nepal in a jeep for more than 24 hours and then slept for barely three hours before a 12-hour walk on the first day.

“It meant we were thrown in at the deep end, adding a further 30 kilometres to our walk which was 140k altogether.

“It took us 10 days to get to base camp where I suffered terrible altitude sickness. So much so I felt like I was drunk.

Mission accomplished … Monika at base camp.

“I was with two other girls and it was so bad that on the way down we got a helicopter ride back to Katmandu.

“The hike was much harder than anticipated. I’m physically fit, but I struggled breathing as the air was so thin.

“No one prepares for you how difficult it is mentally. At first, I said I’d never do it again, but if someone asked me I’d return.

“Walking is not a problem for me. I play basketball and am physically fit.”

Monika is a member of the Macc Town Raiders and Congleton Grizzlies basketball teams.

Monika with fellow climbers.

Team-mates have supported her fundraising which has reached £1,584. Husband Kevin works for the London Stock Exchange which may match fund the total.

Monika, from Slovakia, has also put collection buckets at her two nurseries and the Hospice charity shop at Thornton Square.

She said: “I decided to raise funds for Hospice because we live in Macclesfield and all our friends are here. I had a wonderful relationship with my mother-in-law who was devoted to her four granddaughters.

Monika enjoying the view.

“She was supposed to go into a hospice near her home in Burnley, but didn’t live long enough due to her oesophageal cancer.

“Hospices wouldn’t exist without fundraising and they provide palliative care at the time of greatest need.”

* To donate visit justgiving.com/page/monika-pollard-1679060855262

Hospice Chaplain takes on Fire and Ice Walk

Posted on by Becky Sidwell

East Cheshire Hospice Chaplain Marion Tugwood is the latest to accept the brave challenge of a Fire and Ice Walk.

There are still a few spaces left if you can pluck up the courage to tread on hot coals and broken glass.

There is a choice of one or both challenges on Thursday, November 9, at Macclesfield Rugby Club.

Hospice Chaplain Marion Tugwood who is tackling a Fire and Ice Walk.

Funeral director Richard Morrey persuaded Marion to take part. He said: “I know Marion very well and encouraged her to get out of her high heels and walk on hot coals.”

Marion said: “I’m happy to take up the challenge, especially as the event is about raising funds for the Hospice. In for a penny in for a pound, so I’ll be doing both the Fire and Ice walks.”

Richard did the fire challenge in 2018. He said: “It was wonderful. The coaching instructor was amazing and we felt so invigorated by the end of his talk.

“They explained everything during the safety briefing and said that it won’t hurt and doesn’t burn. The advice is just to follow their simple rules.

Last year’s Fire Walk at East Cheshire Hospice.   

 

“I’ve watched a couple of You Tube videos of glass walks and trust the staff organising it. I’ll believe everything they tell me.

“It’s a question of mind over matter basically and putting one foot in front of the other and being careful.”

* To enter the Fire and Ice walks visit eastcheshirehospice.org.uk/events/fire-and-ice-walk/

Richard Morrey takes on Fire and Ice Walk

Posted on by Becky Sidwell

Funeral director Richard Morrey sees for himself the care given by East Cheshire Hospice.

The nature of his work with Andrew Smith Funeral Services means he has regular contact with families using its services.

He can also vouch personally, as well as professionally, for the Hospice after his late father Eric was a patient there in 2017.

Plenty of reasons then for Richard to take part in a Fire and Ice Walk in aid of the charity on Thursday, November 9, at Macclesfield Rugby Club, from 6 pm.

Richard said: “The Hospice were very good to me and my family when my father passed away.

Funeral director Richard Morrey.

“He spent three weeks at the Hospice and the care for him, my mum Lynda and the rest of our family was first class.

“I’ve been involved with them since I started in the funeral industry 12 years ago. They’re a wonderful organisation.

“My father was a herdsman and also did a lot of work for the council as a youth leader.

“I also know the care they give to people because I speak to families every day arranging funerals.

“Families who come into the Hospice say the same as me. The care is amazing and I try to encourage as many people as possible to donate to the Hospice or fundraise for them.

“I went to see a gentleman there who wanted to chat through his wishes, and his family were saying how staff rally round and support them. It’s also such a calming environment.”

Andrew Smith Funeral Services is a member of the charity’s 500 Club which means they pledge to raise £500 each year for the Hospice.

Richard Morrey with his certificate after his first Fire Walk. 

Richard, an employee for more than eight years, said: “We’re keen to support the Hospice in every way we can. We know the Hospice is pretty much self-funded for everything that happens there and we want to help.”

Older sister Justine took part in a late-night walk for the Hospice shortly after their father died.

Richard said: “I wanted to up the ante on my sister so I did the Firewalk in 2018 and now I’m looking go one stage further by walking on both glass and fire.”

* To sponsor Richard visit justgiving.com/page/richard-morrey-1690378079152

24-mile walk in memory of a loved one

Posted on by Becky Sidwell

A soggy end failed to dampen spirits on a special family day out climbing the Yorkshire Three Peaks.

Claire Crimes and family members took on the 24-mile walk in memory of her mother-in-law Iris, from Macclesfield.

 Iris Crimes was cared for by East Cheshire Hospice.

The group have raised more than £2,300 for East Cheshire Hospice where Iris was looked after last November.

The total was match funded by AstraZeneca where Claire works, as the Hospice is one of their chosen charities.

Claire said: “The weather was perfect for most of the day, but the heavens opened as we descended the last mountain.

From left, Craig Bracegirdle, Claire Crimes, Wayne Smith, Ben Crimes, Nat Hall and Ellie Crimes.

“It was a bit dodgy getting down with a small stream running down the rocks, so I ended up sliding down on my bottom. I finished the walk with muddy knickers and squelchy boots!”

Son Ben, daughter Ellie and her boyfriend Nat Hall, along with two of Iris’ other grandsons Wayne Smith and Craig Bracegirdle, also undertook the challenge.

Claire said: “We all wore yellow Hospice t-shirts which was fabulous as we could see each other clearly as we broke apart walking up the mountains.

“We stayed together as a group even though the younger ones would have completed it in a faster time, and they waited for me at the top of each peak.”

“We all looked after each other and completed the walk within the 12-hour time limit which was marvellous.

“We wanted to give something back for the way the Hospice cared for Iris. They were so lovely with her and all the family and it was our way of saying thank you.

“They’re all angels at the Hospice and made everything as comfortable as possible. We wanted to do something in Iris’ memory.”

A week later Ben also undertook a tandem sky dive to raise funds.

Daring Ben Crimes parachuted from 15,000 feet.  

Claire said: “It was his first parachute jump and he was the only one in his group who jumped from 15,000 feet.

“He said if he’s going to do it he may as well do it full-on from three miles up. He said it was amazing and if ever anyone had thought about doing it – do it!”

“We’d like to thank family and friends for the very kind donations and also the people we met along the way who also donated.”

To donate to their fundraising visit www.shorturl.at/tBRS6

Louise Troyano is cooking up something special.

Posted on by Becky Sidwell

Her late husband starred in The Great British Bake Off – now Louise Troyano is cooking up something special.

The art worker is going on a trek in Iceland organised by East Cheshire Hospice.

The three-day trip in November 2024 coincides with what would have been the couple’s 19th wedding anniversary.

Luis and Louise on their wedding day in 2005.

Louise said: “I’m doing something that creates a new memory of that day. I always try to do something new on the days you’re supposed to be sad on.”

She has happy memories of how husband Luis was treated at the Hospice where he spent several weeks in the autumn of 2020.

The graphic designer died of oesophageal cancer aged 49, five years after he finished runner-up in the hit BBC show presented by Mel Giedroyc and Sue Perkins.

Luis on The Great British Bake Off.

Judges Mary Berry and Paul Hollywood were dazzled by Luis’ delicious chocolate mousse and tropical Manchester tart.

Louise said: “Luis was excited to be on a show he watched religiously. He was the star baker for bread week and was good at making bread. To be fair, he was good at everything.

“He did all the cooking at home and made birthday cakes for everyone. Since he died, I’ve had to learn to cook for myself.

“He left me a note and one of the things he told me was to travel. We went on lots of holidays and Iceland is on my bucket list.

The Troyanos on holiday.

“When the Hospice trip popped up, I thought it’s ticking that box and helping the Hospice.”

“Luis died in October 2020 during Covid when we had to wear masks so it was weird. The Hospice staff were lovely, but I can’t remember all the names of the nurses now.

“It’s really sad and I feel bad because I probably wouldn’t be able to recognise them because they needed to be in masks.

“The staff were great. All of them. They were really nice and I knew the late chaplain Margaret, who was wonderful.”

Luis and Louise on their travels.

Louise is preparing for her Iceland adventure by carrying a rucksack full of recipe books.

She said: “I love walking and will need to carry water so am getting used to the weight.”

She works at the advertising agency McCann Manchester and in the admissions hut at Lyme Park entrance.

Louise and McCann colleagues are organising a bake off in Luis’ memory raising funds for the Hospice.

* To sponsor her visit justgiving.com/fundraising/louise-troyano

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