Challenge Series Archives - Page 2 of 11 - East Cheshire Hospice

Kate Parker’s Hospice fundraising

Running has been the best medicine for Dr Kate Parker after losing her husband John four years ago.

Pounding the streets has seen Kate raise more than £8,000 for East Cheshire Hospice where he spent his final days.

John, an apprentice jeweller, died from bowel cancer aged 41, two years after diagnosis.

Kate, a consultant obstetrician and gynaecologist, said: “I find running has really helped with my grief which is probably why I’ve chosen to do that as a fundraiser.

Dr Kate Parker and late husband John.  

“John and I would run together. He was taller and faster than me, so I couldn’t always keep up with him.

“While he was ill, I found it helped deal with such a difficult diagnosis and managing to look after him.

“The last few months of his life were tough so it helped me cope. Sometimes I’d run along the street crying my eyes out, but I didn’t really care and found it therapeutic.”

John received support from the charity’s Hospice @Home team before he was admitted as an inpatient.

Kate, a Macclesfield resident since 2016, said: “The Hospice were extremely helpful managing his pain during his final days. I don’t think I’d have managed at home.

Kate with daughter Willow after a fundraising run.

“We decided it was probably better he didn’t die at home to avoid leaving memories that would have been difficult to manage for our children.”

Daughters Jess and Hannah were in their early teens when their father died, while sister Willow was 16 months old at the time. She is now five.

Kate said: “I was midway through pregnancy when John was diagnosed. Having a baby while he was undergoing cancer treatment was quite a unique experience though a good distraction for both of us.

“For John and myself to bring up Willow together, even while he was ill, was incredibly special for us.”

Kate has undertaken the last three Manchester 10k runs, the last two with partner Max, a fellow fundraiser. John’s running friends from Poynton were also an inspiration.

Running for charity … Kate and partner Max.

She said: “It’s a no-brainer really. I’m aware the Hospice isn’t funded by the NHS and relies mostly on public money for funding.

“I’m always a bit bemused by that and can’t believe that it’s not properly funded.

“I felt it was more important to fundraise for the Hospice because I can’t imagine how it would have been in those last few days if we had not been able to go there.”

Hospice IPU Sister completes Skydive

Sky diver Pippa Williams hopes other nurses aim high like her by joining East Cheshire Hospice.

Macclesfield-born Pippa raised almost £900 when she leapt out of a plane over Shropshire in a tandem parachute jump.

Pippa about to take the plunge.

Pippa is ward sister at the charity which is on the lookout for qualified nurses and health care assistants/support workers.

Daredevil antics are optional, but Pippa’s plunge with 23 other Hospice staff and supporters who raised £14,000 shows the family atmosphere there.

“It’s a privilege and an honour to work at the Hospice. It’s a warm, friendly, calm environment and we can give time to patients in their final days or weeks and support their families.

A leap into the unknown … Pippa on a mission to raise funds for the Hospice.

“We have vacancies at the moment and I would recommend joining a nursing team brilliantly supported across all areas, with phenomenal backing from the community.

“I did a sky dive for the first time as I wanted to give something back to a Hospice hopefully there for years to come for all of us if necessary.

“A parachute jump was on my bucket list. It was a glorious day and the only time I got nervous was when the door opened.”

Pippa after her sky dive.

Pippa has worked at the Hospice for nine years, the last six in her current role.

Husband Adam, son Marcus (7) and daughter Anya (2) saw the jump, along with mum Helen, who works at the Hospice, and mother-in-law Joy.

* To apply for a vacancy at the Hospice visit www.echospice.org.uk/our-current-vacancies

S&G Response take on charity challenge

Four cyclists riding through four countries in as many days covering a distance of 444 kilometres.

No wonder Nick Stone, Jonathan Spencer, Sean Harper and Tom Healey have been dubbed the fantastic four.

They are aiming to raise £10,000 for East Cheshire Hospice in memory of Tom’s uncle Brian who died of oesophageal cancer in 2009, aged 59.

Tom, from Sutton, said: “My uncle spent his last few days in the Hospice and my parents know friends who’ve been in there.

“Mum organised coffee mornings in aid of the charity, so as a group we decided to support them as they’re local and have such a big impact.”

The quartet start in Calais on July 1 before cycling to Bruges, Maastrict and Cologne.

The cyclists work for S&G Response, a Wilmslow-based outsourcing insurance company founded by Nick, from Adlington, who won a ‘Giving It Back to Charity’ award at a recent insurance industry event.

Cyclists (from left) Nick Stone, Tom Healey and Johnathan Spencer. 

Nick said: “It’s going to be physically and mentally draining, but will be well worth it, especially knowing Tom’s story and why we’re doing the ride.

“We’re all semi competent cyclists and it’s a pretty cool thing to do together.”

Father and son Chris and Bradley Gibson, and Glenn Taylor, who all work for S&G, make up the support team, while colleagues are also travelling across the Channel to cheer on the group.

Sean Harper who is undertaking his fifth long-distance ride.

Motor vehicle engineer Jonathan devised the route. He said: “One thing I’ve discovered is that Google maps doesn’t work in Germany. We’re using tried and tested cycle paths where possible and have chosen a scenic route.

“We’ve all still got the fire in our bellies from our last charity ride from London to Amsterdam in 2019 and it’s great that our company is very charity oriented.”

This will be Sean Harper’s fifth long-distance ride. He said: “I started cycling after a football injury in 2010 and didn’t fancy running.

“The furthest was Blackpool to Paris and they were all organised rides but this could be tougher.”

Office manager and Executive Assistant Erica Boland said: “Cycling 280 miles in four days will be an epic challenge after a train and ferry to Calais.

“It’s a charity close to our hearts with family and friends of several employees benefitting from Hospice support. Every penny donated will help us reach our ambitious fundraising target.”

* To donate visit justgiving.com/page/fantasticfourfundraising.

Second Pie and Pint event this September!

A tasty pie and a traditional pint – the perfect ingredients for a scenic stroll with East Cheshire Hospice.

The Hospice is holding its second Pie and Pint walk, sponsored by Holdcroft, on Saturday, September 16, from 10 am.

The 10k walk starts and ends at Macclesfield Rugby Union Football Club, visiting Over Alderley, Mottram St Andrew, Prestbury and Dale Brow.

Early bird tickets available until June 30 are £25 for adults and £15 for under 18s who must be accompanied by an adult, or have written permission. Tickets provide a non-alcoholic drink for those under age.

Walkers at the first Pie and Pint event.

Challenge Events Coordinator Bethan Wade said: “The event is back by popular demand after we ran it for the first time last year.

“Walkers are urged to wear suitable clothing and footwear such as walking boots and waterproofs and not trainers as the route is challenging.

“Well-behaved dogs are welcome although there are multiple stiles on the route which some dogs may struggle with. The route isn’t accessible for wheelchairs or pushchairs.

Fundraiser Claire Gorton (left) and volunteer Catherine Atkinson.

“The entrance fee only covers the cost of the event, so we ask that everyone tries to raise at least £50 sponsorship or make a donation when booking.

“All entrants receive a custom pint glass, hi vis jacket and, of course, a pie and a pint at the end. There are three flavours – meat and potato, chicken balti and cheese and onion – plus vegan, gluten free options.”

* To enter visit eastcheshirehospice.org.uk/events/pie-and-pint/

Trek 2024 destination revealed

Supporters of East Cheshire Hospice are off on their travels again – this time to Iceland.

Places are being offered for a three-day trek to discover a country nicknamed the ‘Land of Fire and Ice’ in November 2024.

An informal open evening on Tuesday, June 6, from 7-8 pm will explain more about the trip to the Nordic island on the fringe of the Arctic circle.

Hospice Challenge Events Co-ordinator Bethan Wade said: “It’s the trip of a lifetime to some of the world’s most breathtaking natural landscapes.

Destination Iceland for East Cheshire Hospice supporters.

“Explore active volcanoes and lava fields, bubbling mud pools and hot springs, walk along two continental plates and perhaps even spot the Northern Lights.

“We’ll be hiking to Iceland’s youngest volcano Gelingaldir and neighbouring Fagradaslsfjall before exploring the ethereal peaks of Mount Hengill heritage site along the fault lines between Europe and America.

“The trek is graded moderate to challenging, with walkers covering long distances over varying terrain on consecutive days.”

A £350 registration fee is payable upon booking, with participants asked to fundraise at least £3,300 for the Hospice.

Support and fundraising ideas will be provided and a self-funded option is also available. The trip is from November 13 to 18.

The adventure is the latest undertaken by Hospice supporters, some of whom are undertaking the Camino Trail in Spain in October.

The Hospice has also been to the Sahara, Nepal and the Grand Canyon in the last few years.

Visit eastcheshirehospice.org.uk/events/trek-2023/ or email events@echospice.org.uk

Anytime Fitness take on Tough Mudder for East Cheshire Hospice

Gym enthusiasts at Anytime Fitness are toning muscles for their biggest workout yet.

Seven members of the Duke Street gym are tackling a Tough Mudder obstacle course at Heaton Park on Sunday, July 16.

Manager Chavez Johnson and trainer Jamie Ormesher will join them for the 10k challenge in aid of East Cheshire Hospice.

Chavez said: “Now we’ll see how fit we all are! It’s a daunting test, but worth it for such a wonderful cause.

“The Hospice is close to the hearts of so many of our 700 members.

“We’re aiming to raise £1,000. There’s a mix of ability, but we’re in it together as a team.

“The gym is thriving, especially during a cost of living crisis. We did have 900 members pre-Covid, but gyms suffered a big drop in numbers then and we’ve done well to recover.”

The team is Grace Henderson, Francesca O’Brien, Adam Cheadle, Yang Voon, Gavin Trevena, Andy Baker and Tom Bentham.

Tough Mudder challengers. Back row (from left), Adam Cheadle, Yang Voon, Grace Henderson, Francesca O’Brien, Tom Bentham and Gavin Trevena. Front,  Jamie Ormesher and Chavez Johnson.

Tom completed a canoe paddle across England last year with brother George in memory of their late father Mark, a Hospice patient.

Tom said: “It’s a pleasure to be part of this team while continuing to raise money for East Cheshire Hospice.

“It’s been lovely meeting more like-minded individuals who want to make a positive impact in the community, by rising to the Tough Mudder challenge!”

Tom is also doing a triathlon in Wales in September, assuming he gets a bike by then.

* To sponsor the Anytime Fitness team visit www.gofund.me/37d4b6da

Fliss, along with family, will attend Starlight Walk in memory of late Mum

They treated her like a queen! A daughter’s description of how East Cheshire Hospice looked after her late mum.

When Tanis Richards saw her daughter Fliss get married in Crete last August, there was no sign of the cancer that would take her life four months later, aged 68.

Fliss, along with sisters-in-law Amanda and Emma, are taking part in the Starlight Walk as a thank you to the Hospice.

The event will be at Capesthorne Hall on Thursday, April 27, at 6 pm, with the walk starting at 7 pm.

Fliss said: “She was an amazing mum and an amazing grandma. It all happened very quickly.

“Mum was fine at the wedding, got poorly in September and was told she had cancer the following month.

From left, Tanis Richards with daughter Fliss and daughters-in-law Emma and Amanda. 

“She died on December 1 and spent her last two and a half days at the Hospice. She wasn’t there long, but staff were wonderful with her and us. They treated her like a queen.

“The whole family were there at the end, telling stories and laughing and joking. Mum’s last day on earth was how she would have wanted and that was only possible thanks to the Hospice.

“We wouldn’t have been able to do it anywhere else. They made it feel like home and made a very awful situation bearable.

“We want to give something back so we’re doing the walk and we know how much it costs to run the Hospice.”

Dad Dennis, along with Fliss’ younger triplet brothers Gareth, Christopher and Anthony, will be there to wave them off at the walk.

So will daughter Bella who received a book from a nurse which she reads when feeling sad. Bella, one of six grandchildren, was also given a Grief Bear knitted by Hospice volunteers.

Fliss said: “It was the little touches which made things easier. As a family we’re lucky we’re very close and losing mum has made us make the most of life.”

* To sponsor the family visit www.justgiving.com/team/Teamrichardsgirls

The dusk-time woodland walk, sponsored by Ford dealers Sidney Jackson, is over a 2.5km loop. The last set off time is 8.30 pm, with the event closing at 10 pm.

Entry only covers the event cost, so organisers are asking walkers to raise at least £50 in sponsorship, or make a £50 donation to the Hospice when registering.

To register visit the Hospice website.

Camino Trail Tribute

Close friends of East Cheshire Hospice’s late chaplain Margaret Lillis will undertake a poignant walk in her memory.

Old school pal Bridget Fenwick will be joined daughters Clare and Yvonne and son-in-law Ori for a trek along the Camino Trail in northern Spain.

The family aim to raise £10,500 from the 115-kilometre walk from October 14-21, a trip organised by the Hospice.

Margaret Lillis with Bridget and her daughters (from left) Clare, Yvonne and Anne-Marie.

Margaret, who died last May, was godmother to Yvonne and taught her when she was deputy head at St Edward’s Catholic Primary School in Macclesfield.

Yvonne said: “Mum and Margaret were best friends at school in London. She was a fun teacher and loved the guitar and singing.

“She adored the Hospice and took our son George on days off to give biscuits to the nurses.

“She was cared for by the Hospice and they were just incredible. It’s a spiritual walk and Margaret was a spiritual person, so it’s appropriate this is in her memory.

George Costello with Margaret Lillis.

“The route looks beautiful, but we’re slightly scared because of the training we’ve got to do. We walk our dogs, but that’s about it.”

The family are holding a fundraising ceilidh at Mottram St Andrew village hall on April 15. Everyone welcome and for tickets visit bookceilidh.eventbrite.com.

Margaret Lillis and goddaughter Yvonne Costello.

Musicians who performed at Margaret’s 70th birthday party five years ago at the same venue are making a return appearance.

Silent auction prizes include a kit worth £1,000 to convert a cycle to an electric bike.

* To donate visit www.justgiving.com/fundraising/thecamino4

Yvonne Costello and husband Ori Hellerstein who are walking the Camino Trail.

Bumper Challenge round up 2022

A trek through the Sahara Desert rounded off a memorable year of challenges undertaken by East Cheshire Hospice supporters.

A bumper £183,000 was raised during the year from the tireless efforts of hundreds of dedicated volunteers.

A 20-strong group went to Morocco to sleep under the stars and scale sand dunes in scorching temperatures.

Sahara trekkers (from left) Ellie Heaton, Rob Gorton, Jo Helm, Dave Helm, Alison Brammer, Loz Broome.

Among them was Hospice Challenge Events co-ordinator Bethan Wade. She said: “Our Challenge series had its best year yet in 2022.

“After coming out of Covid, we had such a good year with fundraisers undertaking all sorts of crazy challenges.

“We had wing walks, head shaves, fire walks, marathons and much more. We appreciate times are tough, so everyone’s continued support doesn’t go unnoticed.

“Every penny donated goes towards the vital care we provide at our Hospice and out in the community.”

A fire walk and ice walk is planned for 2023 and other fun events will be announced shortly. A skydive in May is already fully subscribed.

The deadline for a Camino Trail adventure in northern Spain in October has passed, but walkers wishing to go can contact Bethan to check any late availability. Email bwade@echospice.org.uk.

Many individuals tackle challenges single-handedly like nine-year-old James Hurley who completed 50 circuits of White Nancy dressed as Star Wars character Kylo Ren, raising more than £300.

James Hurley during his White Nancy challenge.

Bethan said: “It’s amazing what people do to help us and if they want any advice on ideas for challenges please contact us on 01625 433477.”

A focus on Born Survivor 2023

HR and recruitment specialist Andrea Mason is ready to go through the pain barrier again for East Cheshire Hospice.

Andrea is tackling Born Survivor, a gruelling obstacle course at Capesthorne Hall on Saturday, April 22.

Work colleagues at Leap29 will also attempt the challenge, as will her partner Jason Lowe.

Jason is partner at Equilibrium Financial Planning, where staff are also gearing up to face the course designed by Royal Marine commandos.

Andrea Mason after last year’s Born Survivor.

Andrea, from Macclesfield, has personal as well as professional reasons for supporting the Hospice.

Her late grandfather Alfie Pimblott was a patient at the Hospice many years ago.

Her best friend from school, Yvonne Costello-Hellerstein, is the goddaughter of Margaret Lillis, the Hospice chaplain who died last year.

Andrea and Yvonne honoured Margaret’s memory at the Hospice’s Winter Ball in November.

Andrea is Head of HR and Talent at recruitment firm Leap 29, a Hospice corporate supporter, along with Equilibrium.

Andrea said: “We’re quite an active workforce and people in our business love this sort of challenge. It allows us to all work together as a team. It’s not just a fundraising event, it’s fantastic for team building and employee engagement.

“Our people love coming together to raise money for the hospice and Born Survivor is the perfect way to raise funds and have fun with your colleagues.

“A group of us did Born Survivor last year and it was tough. I only did the 5k course, whereas this time I want to challenge myself even further so have opted for the 10k circuit with 30 obstacles.

Andrea Mason and colleagues celebrate completing Born Survivor.

“By taking on a harder challenge this year, I hope to raise even more for the hospice and the incredible work they do.

“Staff decided to support the Hospice a few years ago. Leap 29 try to encourage charitable giving and everyone has a day off each year, either to volunteer or do an event like Born Survivor.

“We also have a dedicated culture team who think of new ideas for charitable events and how we can support the Hospice.”

Jason with wife Andrea and daughter Sacha.

Jason is climbing Mount Kilimanjaro next month to raise funds for the Hospice.

Meanwhile, Yvonne is undertaking the Camino Trail in northern Spain in October as part of a Hospice trip. The five-day trek covers 115  kilometres.

Entry to Born Survivor is £50 and to sign up visit the Hospice website eastcheshirehospice.org.uk. There are 5k or 10 options and entrants must be at least 16.

* To support Andrea and her colleagues visit justgiving.com/teams/Leap29ECH