Corporate Archives - East Cheshire Hospice

Calvin Marketing – 25 Miles for 25 Years

Posted on 6th January 2021 by Luke Brightmore

Fitness enthusiast Diana Stephenson turned the 25th birthday celebrations of the marketing and public relations company she founded into a charity challenge.

Colleagues at Calvin Marketing completed a series of solo activities to raise funds for East Cheshire Hospice.

Each went 3.6 miles and covered a combined distance of 25 miles by either running, cycling, walking, hiking or horse riding.

Diana ran to the company’s Lower Withington office, her fitness routine paying off even though she had not run for three years.

Husband Peter hiked in Macclesfield Forest with their two dogs and Charlotte Gribbin also enjoyed a dog walk.

Katya Joyce cycled and Sara Wheater ran, as did Alex Brown who went backwards partly. Meanwhile, Julia Bickerton rode her horse on a farm.

Diana said: “The fundraising was a fun way to raise money for a great local charity. I haven’t had direct experience of the Hospice but know people who’ve had its support and they sing its praises.

“We wanted to do something on our home patch to celebrate Calvin’s birthday and the Hospice is certainly a worthy recipient.

“We’re delighted to celebrate 25 years and business is flying at the moment. Marketing is very much in demand and clients are needing us more than ever during the pandemic. ”

Calvin is sharing memories across social media, reminiscing on how the industry once relied on mobile phones the size of bricks and posted out press releases with large photographs.

* To donate visit www.justgiving.com/fundraising/calvin25425

Peter Stephenson on his charity hike.

Charlotte Gribbin on her dog walk.

Runner Sara Wheater was the first to complete her Calvin challenge.

JTAPE Competition Winner Amy Griffiths

Posted on 9th December 202013th January 2021 by Luke Brightmore

Nurses at East Cheshire Hospice are proudly displaying the artistic skills of one of their younger supporters Amy Griffiths.

The Sutton schoolgirl designed face shields which are being worn by Hospice staff.

Nurses at East Cheshire Hospice wearing the face shields designed by Amy.

Amy (14) won a competition run by Macclesfield company JTAPE which manufactures the PPE equipment and masking tape.

Art pupils at Fallibroome Academy were creative when teacher Dr Helen Jones told them about the competition.

Amy’s winning entry is decorated in rainbow colours with a smiley face and bears the words ‘After The Storm Comes the Rainbow’ – a message of hope amid the Covid-19 crisis.

Art student Amy Griffiths who won a design competition run by JTAPE.

Amy received a £25 Amazon gift voucher and could choose where 100 of her face shields were distributed.

There was only one destination for Amy who earlier raised £70 for the Hospice where her late grandmother Pat Bailey was a patient.

Amy set up a stall on a public footpath near her home and sold her painted rocks, asking walkers to donate via an honesty box.

Amy said: “I wanted the face shields to be simple and make people smile. Everyone has been through a lot with the pandemic, so I wanted them to be bright and colourful and bring happiness.

“I love art and was amazed I won the competition and automatically chose the Hospice.”

Amy’s painted rocks which raised £70 for East Cheshire Hospice.

Mum Emma said: “My mum died 15 years ago and attended the Sunflower Centre. The Hospice has always been close to our hearts and we’re delighted Amy has acknowledged the support it gave our family.”

Beartown Brewery Beer Donation

Posted on 2nd December 2020 by Luke Brightmore

Keeping spirits up is never a problem for nurses at East Cheshire Hospice, especially now they have a supply of free beer!

Dozens of cases of pale ale were delivered to the Hospice by Beartown Brewery as a thank you for its work during Covid-19.

East Cheshire Hospice staff with Joe and Michael Manning from Beartown Brewery.

Drinking alcohol on site is, of course, strictly forbidden but staff enjoyed an off-duty tipple at home raising a glass to the Congleton brewery.

The Hospice received a supply of Care Bear beer, a brand so-called because profits from sales have been donated to the NHS and other health care providers.

Beartown Brewery managing director Joe Manning said: “The team at Beartown felt that the fundraising had run its course, but there was value to be given in showing appreciation to the health workers as we approached Christmas in a second lockdown.

“This is our way of thanking Hospice staff and nurses for their care and dedication during such a difficult year.

“We’re a family business and were flying until the pandemic struck. We began brewing a humble 864 pints a week when the company was set up five years ago and in 2019 that figure rose to a million pints a week.

“Covid has been a dampener but we’ve used the time to promote the brand and create new revenue streams through home deliveries, retail sales, subscriptions and our drive-thru.”

Beartown Brewery is run by Joe, brother Michael and their father David Manning. The family hail from Macclesfield where head brewer Robin Pierce lives.

East Cheshire Hospice Clinical Director Sandra Jones receives a beer supply from Joe Manning, Managing Director of Beartown Brewery.

AstraZeneca’s Drive-in Cinema

Posted on 11th November 2020 by Luke Brightmore

Volunteers at the drive-in cinema.

From pharmaceuticals to films – AstraZeneca brought a touch of Hollywood glamour to their latest charity event.

Grease was the word for the Macclesfield company which staged a drive-in cinema, raising almost £1,200 for East Cheshire Hospice.

The 70s musical classic was shown after family cartoon favourite Trolls World Tour in the AZ Campus car park on Charter Way.

Around 75 drivers – each making a suggested minimum donation of £15 – enjoyed the entertainment with the sound played through car radios.

Covid restrictions meant the staple cinema diet of popcorn could not be sold so families took refreshments. Temporary toilets were provided and cleaned regularly under strict safety precautions.

Guy Camm, AZ’s Macclesfield Campus FM Development Manager, said: “We have a long-standing relationship with East Cheshire Hospice and wanted to carry on supporting them during the pandemic.

“A lot of our normal fundraising events and initiatives on the Campus have been put on hold so we’ve had to think of alternative ways of raising money for the Hospice in a Covid secure way.

“Employees had the option to watch Grease or Trolls World from the comfort of their car, ensuring the event could be completely Covid secure and socially distanced.

“We’ve had excellent feedback from the evening and can use it as a platform for future fundraising during these challenging times.

“The Hospice does a fantastic job supporting Macclesfield and surrounding areas with its support for people with life-limiting illnesses and we’re proud to support them.

“They’re an inspiration to us all and we’ll continue to work in partnership with them to make the most of the fantastic fundraising capabilities we have within AZ.”

AZ also raffled DVDs of the films to boost fundraising.

The drive-in cinema at AstraZeneca.

The Tytherington Club’s Corporate Challenge

Posted on 21st October 202019th October 2020 by Luke Brightmore

A new era dawns at The Tytherington Club at the end of next month when it opens a plush 65-bedroom hotel.

The countdown continued to the November 30 opening with members supporting a month-long charity campaign run by East Cheshire Hospice.

The country club donated £554 as part of a Corporate Challenge which raised a record total of £12,226 for the Hospice.

Tytherington should have welcomed its first hotel guests in the spring but had to delay opening because of Covid-19.

Liz Turner, Event Sales Assistant at the club, said: “These are exciting times for The Tytherington Club with the forthcoming opening of our new hotel development.

“Our members are keen supporters of the Hospice so were delighted to take part in the Corporate Challenge.

“It’s been a difficult time for every business and unfortunately our plans were delayed because of the pandemic.

“Thankfully, work is now nearing completion and with Macclesfield such a popular destination the hotel will be a great addition to our existing facilities and meet the need for accommodation.”

The club ran several Corporate Challenge events, including gym members cycling the combined distance between Land’s End and John O’Groats led by instructor Rebecca Jackson. They also paid £5 for classes on National Fitness Day when instructors waived their fees.

Gym members at The Tytherington Club limbering up to support East Cheshire Hospice.

Golfers guessed the number of tees in a bowl while spa guests had a similar nail varnish challenge. Raffle prizes included a hotel stay and golf on its championship course.

Liz said: “I used to work at the Hospice so know first-hand what a wonderful place it is and how much they rely on donations.”

The Corporate Challenge was won by Equilibrium Financial Planning who raised £4,620. Builders merchants MaccPlas came second with recruitment firm Leap 29 third.

Bioscript, the 7i Group and the Ivy Leaf pub also took part. Each group received a £100 start-up loan and all profit from that investment was donated to the Hospice.

Kate Bowmar, Corporate Relationship Manager at the Hospice, said: “We’d like to thank the businesses for taking part and entering into the spirit of a fun competition. They raised an amazing total, especially during such a difficult year for everyone.”

East Cheshire Hospice Community Fundraiser Carley Macey (left) with Liz Turner, Event Sales Assistant at The Tytherington Club.

Norfox Donation

Posted on 15th October 202012th October 2020 by Luke Brightmore

East Cheshire Hospice were delighted to receive a £1,500 donation from NORFOX recently as part of the organisation’s ongoing support towards North West hospices.

As the second lowest funded hospice in the UK and with the cancellation of fundraising events and activities in the Covid-19 pandemic, East Cheshire Hospice has suffered a severe impact on its ability to generate sustainable income.

In a letter of thanks to NORFOX, Corporate Fundraiser at East Cheshire Hospice Kate Bowmar wrote: “The fact that you are thinking of ways to support others at what is a worrying time for us all speaks volumes for your kindness.

“Thanks to you and your supporters, we can continue to offer vital care to those who currently need it the most.”

Chair of NORFOX Stewart Grant added: “We all know families that have been wholly cared for by our regional Hospices like East Cheshire at times of severe illness and bereavement and they deserve our continuing gratitude, support and generosity,”

Geoff Gittins tackles the Gritstone Trail for the Hospice

Posted on 11th September 2020 by Amy Chatwood

Keen walker Geoff Gittins is dedicating his most ambitious challenge to the memory of friends and relatives.

Geoff, from Macclesfield, will tackle the 35-mile Gritstone Trail as a tribute to father Harold, uncle Leslie Singleton and fellow walker Sandra Baran.

Sandra, who worked with Geoff at AstraZeneca, died earlier this year and like his two relatives was cared for by East Cheshire Hospice.

Geoff will be joined by David Baker, a fellow director at The Switched On Solutions Group (SOSG), for the three-day walk from Disley to Kidsgrove across the Cheshire plain.

Their company is part of the charity’s 500 Club in which members raise at least £500 a year over a three-year period.

Geoff said: “I enjoy walking but haven’t attempted anything like this before and it will be challenging. We’re aiming to raise £1,000 for a charity which is close to my heart.”

Geoff, who is also a Hospice lottery volunteer, is an authorised partner for multi-service providers UW (Utility Warehouse). For each new customer he makes a donation to the Hospice.

Geoff said: “We offer free online reviews so businesses and home owners can lower costs by getting the best deals and benefit themselves and the Hospice at the same time.”

* To sponsor Geoff visit justgiving.com/fundraising/ech-sosg-gritstone.

From left to right:

David Baker who is joining co-director Geoff Gittins for the 35-mile walk.

David Baker (left) and Geoff Gittins with wives Katherine Baker and Janet Gittins.

Geoff Gittins who is tackling the Gritstone Trail Challenge.

Will Week 2020

Posted on 11th September 2020 by Amy Chatwood

A Macclesfield law specialist says the uncertainty surrounding Covid-19 has led to an increase in demand for legal advice.

Estate planning consultant Tina Timmins says concerns among the public over planning for the future has created a surge in inquiries.

Tina is encouraging people to sign up for Will Week, run by East Cheshire Hospice from October 5-9, when solicitors waive fees in return for a donation to the charity.

Tina recently joined GPW Trusts – soon to open an office on Church Street – after 16 years with Blunts Solicitors which ceased trading in June when the long-established company went into administration.

GPW Trusts specialises in Will writing, trusts, long term care planning, inheritance tax planning, powers of attorney and probate.

Tina said: “My message is to make sure you have a Will and in this changing world there are ways of protecting your assets.

“It’s important people consider their estate planning and how they can plan to prevent their wealth being eroded by future threats.”

“We’ve had a lot of calls since the start of the pandemic and I’d encourage people to sign up for Will Week as soon as possible as appointments get booked very quickly.

“People want to support the Hospice and they come along because the charity is dear to their heart. This year more than any other has highlighted the need to have a Will.”

A full list of participating solicitors is available on the Hospice website eastcheshirehospice.org.uk.

Participating solicitors can write a single or mirror Will, or update an existing Will, in return for a donation to the Hospice. Any other services are chargeable at the solicitor’s usual cost.

GPW Trusts is expanding into Macclesfield, using Tina’s experience and in-depth knowledge of estate planning, which include Power of Attorney, Court of Protection and Probate.

Tina said: “I’m delighted to be at the start of an exciting new project and this is a new office for GPW Trusts which is well established in West Cheshire and North Wales.

“Will Week is usually three weeks for me by the time Wills are drafted and signed and I enjoy helping the Hospice.”

Pre lockdown, she was a frequent visitor to the charity’s Sunflower Centre giving informal legal advice to patients and families.

Tina is based at home and online until the new Macclesfield office is ready. Visit www.gpwtrusts.co.uk.

East Cheshire Hospice Gets a Helping Hand

Posted on 4th September 20204th September 2020 by Luke Brightmore

East Cheshire Hospice is celebrating the opening of its new charity shop on Park Lane in Poynton this week.

The boutique will specialise in rediscovered treasures and was at risk of never being able to open its doors due to the fundraising challenges covid-19 has posed.

However, thanks to the gifts in kind and donations from local companies, it will open its doors to the public on Saturday 5^th September 2020. Warrington based Caddick Construction is the latest to provide a helping hand, providing a £5,000 donation towards the shop’s fixtures and fittings.

l-r Aaron Day of Caddick Construction and Kate Bowmar of East Cheshire Hospice

Aaron Day, Site Manager at Caddick Construction, said: “Our team are delivering new developments at Alderley Park and our client, Bruntwood, introduced us to the East Cheshire Hospice team. We were delighted to make a donation to support such an important local charity and wish them the best of luck with the new boutique and their on-going fundraising efforts.”

Kate Bowmar, corporate fundraiser for East Cheshire Hospice, said: “The donations from Caddick Construction and other local businesses have been instrumental in the delivery of our new Poynton shop.

“The pandemic has had a huge impact on every charity’s fundraising efforts and earlier this year it looked as though we might not be able to open the new shop. We’re delighted to have been able to complete the fit out and create a fantastic welcoming environment that will encourage people to visit, discover treasures and hopefully donate pre-loved items, helping palliative care services across our local community.”

Will Week 2020

Posted on 2nd September 20201st September 2020 by Luke Brightmore

A Macclesfield law specialist says the uncertainty surrounding Covid-19 has led to an increase in demand for legal advice.

Estate planning consultant Tina Timmins says concerns among the public over planning for the future has created a surge in inquiries.

Tina is encouraging people to sign up for Will Week, run by East Cheshire Hospice from October 5-9, when solicitors waive fees in return for a donation to the Hospice.