Corporate Archives - East Cheshire Hospice

40,000 Jabs with Help of Hospice Staff

Posted on 2nd June 2021 by Luke Brightmore

More than 40,000 Covid vaccinations have been carried out at Andrews Pharmacy this year – many of them by nurses from East Cheshire Hospice.

Hospice staff have joined retired GPs and retired nurses, pharmacists and a paramedic giving jabs at the pharmacy on Kennedy Avenue, Macclesfield.

Every Tuesday two nurses from the Sunflower Centre, which had to close during the pandemic, have administered doses, with the Hospice compensated for loaning staff.

It is part of a huge vaccine roll-out at Andrews, one of the first three community pharmacies nationwide to begin inoculations in mid-January.

The operation has involved more than 170 staff and volunteers, with up to 600 jabs a day. The Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine was given until mid-May when the Pfizer jab was added for under 40s.

Lindsey Rial, HR and Business Manager at Andrews, said: “It’s been non-stop and the first few weeks were relentless but it’s been so rewarding. The look on people’s faces when they come for their vaccine makes it all so worthwhile.

“We had to apply to become a vaccine clinic and prove we could do it. Obviously, we’ve kept our core business going, running the dispensary so customers can collect prescriptions as normal.

“With such a big logistical challenge, including car parking and marshalling, there were bound to be minor bumps along the way but the positives far outweigh the negatives.

“Effectively, we had to cut the shop in two – one half for the pharmacy and the other a waiting area, fielding calls and giving jabs.

“We’ve vaccinated seven days a week on occasions and may carry on giving the Covid vaccine until March after we’ve also handed out flu jabs. ”

Andrews donated surgical masks to the Hospice early in the pandemic and held a live Zoom concert which raised £2,000 for the charity. A bake sale is also planned.

The independent pharmacy also vaccinated Hospice staff unable to attend NHS slots. The business was founded by Andrew Hodgson more than 30 years ago and also has shops on London Road and in Tytherington.

Andrews offered a free delivery service to those shielding at the start of the pandemic, with scout leaders among its many volunteers.

Lindsey said: “We want to thank everyone for their amazing help. It’s a great team effort and we’re delighted to have supported the Hospice and worked so closely with them.”

Lindsey Rial, HR and Business Manager at Andrews Pharmacy, with medicines counter assistant Sally Shaw behind the dispensary.

Our New Corporate Fundraiser!

Posted on 19th May 202114th May 2021 by Luke Brightmore

The new corporate fundraiser at East Cheshire Hospice is Chrissie Hunter who joined the charity sector 13 years ago after quitting the banking world.

She replaces Kate Bowmar who is leaving after three years in the job to start an NHS management career.

Chrissie is excited by the challenge of working with the Cheshire business community to raise funds for the Hospice.

She said: “I’ve got some big shoes to fill, but I’m very much looking forward to it and getting out and meeting people in the area.

“It’s about being out there in front of people more than anything else and helping to grow the reputation of the Hospice within the area as a corporate partner.

“Corporate fundraising is imperative for a charity. The business sector is a big pool which means there’s a lot of people to talk to. You can be talking to a boss of somewhere and all of a sudden they have 500 staff who’re involved.

“The Hospice is a fantastic facility and one of the things that stands out for me is that it’s not based on any specific life-limiting condition. It’s here for everyone in the community who needs it.”

Chrissie, whose son Seb was born in Macclesfield, changed careers after visiting a hospice during her job in commercial banking with RBS.

She said: “I looked after businesses which turned over £1m to £25m and, like everybody else, was blinkered thinking it was a job for life.

“I did a tour of a local children’s hospice because they wanted corporate fundraising and in my banking bubble didn’t even realise these places existed.

“It changed my life. I walked out and thought I was in the wrong job.

“I hounded until I was given a job as a corporate fundraiser and have been working in fundraising ever since.”

Apart from the hospice sector, Chrissie also worked at a centre for children with special needs and a domestic abuse charity.

Kate said: “I’ve loved fundraising for the hospice – it’s been amazing. I didn’t think I’d be going into an NHS management career, but the opportunity came up and I couldn’t really say no.

“I want to thank everyone from the business community who supports the Hospice. Corporate fundraising brings in significant sums of revenue and we’ve excellent relationships with the local community.”

Kate Bowmar (left) and Chrissie Hunter who is the new corporate fundraiser at East Cheshire Hospice.

Local Businesses Provide Support For Delayed Christmas Tree Collection

Posted on 28th April 2021 by Luke Brightmore

Loyal businesses continue to play a key part helping the East Cheshire Hospice tree collection scheme run smoothly.

Cheshire Vehicle Rental has been providing vans for the last 18 years, while Bosley-based King Feeders has been lending shredders for 16 years.

The mulching machines, operated by Ansa Environmental Services staff at West Park, have recycled trees into compost for parks, gardens and Cheshire farmland.

Andrew Billing has owned King Feeders, suppliers of agricultural machinery, for more than 45 years.

He said: “The Hospice does great work caring for people with life-limiting illnesses and we’re delighted we can help the tree collection campaign raise much-needed funds.”

Managing director John Kirkby, who started Cheshire Vehicle Rental more than 50 years ago, said: “Our company is full of admiration for the volunteers who put so much effort in on behalf of the charity and we’re extremely proud to be involved in such a great local cause.

“The Hospice is self-funding and depends on contributions from our community to continue with this vital role of care and support for those in need. Let’s all pull together to ensure the Hospice meets its required objectives.”

Richard Raymond, co-founder of the collection scheme now in its 21st year, said: “We get lots of assistance in many different ways and the long-standing support of these two companies shows the affection held for the Hospice. We thank them for their commitment.”

Catherine Mooney from Cheshire Vehicle Rental which has been supporting the Christmas tree collection since 2003.

Neptune Shop Donates Flower Display

Posted on 26th April 2021 by Luke Brightmore

Patients at East Cheshire Hospice are the latest to enjoy a beautiful floral display which helped bring a splash of colour to Knutsford town centre.

The arrangement now has pride of place in the lush Hospice gardens which provide a relaxing haven for patients and visitors.

The flowers were donated by new furniture, kitchen and home interiors store Neptune Knutsford which created a week-long display on Princess Street, by St John’s Parish Church, to spread a touch of happiness amid the Covid gloom.

Each of the company’s 27 stores nationwide took part in a campaign called #lovelytoseeyouagain with the flowers, placed in barrels, then donated to a local good cause.

Neptune, which recently opened its newest store on Chelford Road, Ollerton, chose the Hospice in Macclesfield as the flowers’ final destination.

Neptune Knutsford Store Leader Joanna Makant said: “Neptune placed the displays close to each of our stores with the aim of bringing a little cheer and joy after what everyone’s gone through.

“The flowers were something for passers-by to enjoy and we’re delighted they’re now being appreciated by patients at East Cheshire Hospice.

“It’s a lovely charity and covers the area of many of our customers. The garden there is so pretty and is overlooked by rooms on the ward, allowing patients and visitors to sit outside and enjoy the scenery. The flowers are artificial so will have a much longer life.”

Neptune Knutsford opened in November 2020 and sells beautiful furniture for the kitchen, dining room, living room, bedroom and bathroom as well as home accessories.

The Hospice is the second-lowest funded in the country, receiving only 17 per cent of income from government. The charity, which costs £7,500 a day to run, provides care for patients with life-limiting illnesses, their families and carers, free of charge.

Neptune Knutsford Store Leader Joanna Makant (left) and East Cheshire Hospice Chief Executive Karyn Johnston with the floral display at the Hospice.

Corporate Challenge to Fund Bereavement Services

Posted on 3rd March 202113th May 2021 by Luke Brightmore

Bereavement services run by East Cheshire Hospice will benefit from the next Corporate Challenge in May.

Firms and other organisations are being urged to sign up for the fun competition in which entrants raise as much as possible from a £100 start-up loan.

All proceeds will go towards the expansion of the Hospice’s bereavement services for which demand has increased because of Covid-19.

East Cheshire Hospice’s Bereavement Services Lead Helen Wilkinson said: “People are more isolated and their grief compounded by restrictions, meaning they can’t hug, meet a friend, or catch up like they did.

“Some people try to squash their emotions, or keep busy, before realising there’s a problem and they can’t cope. We’re seeing that now and the delayed reaction means we’re likely to see it in the future as well.

“We encourage people to talk about it, be open and seek help. Everyone has different experiences and Covid and lockdown has heightened emotions.

“Those grieving shouldn’t wear a mask metaphorically and friends, relatives and society can help by listening and offer empathy. Bereavement is hard anyway. Now more than ever, people are recognising the need for support.”

Helen Wilkinson, Bereavement Services Lead at East Cheshire Hospice.

Last year’s Corporate Challenge raised £12,226 and was won by Equilibrium Financial Planning which has also entered this time, along with Leap 29. All profit made by teams during May is donated to the Hospice.

* For more details go to www.eastcheshirehospice.org.uk/corporate-challenge

AstraZeneca 2020 Fundraising

Posted on 24th February 2021 by Luke Brightmore

AstraZeneca and its employees made a donation of more than £21,000 to East Cheshire Hospice last year.

A total of £12,080 was raised from various fundraising initiatives, including a drive-in cinema on the AZ Campus car park on Charter Way.

The company added a further £9,075, providing a welcome bonus for the charity which endured a tough financial year due to Covid-19.

The cinema experience raised £1,200, while a running challenge between AZ staff in Macclesfield and colleagues in Sweden contributed a similar amount.

AZ also matched donations by staff for 2020 Christmas tree collection, the Hospice’s Now More than Ever Appeal and a Christmas jumper day.

Staff also sold key rings and mask adaptors in aid of the charity, while Sodexo catering staff at AZ made regular cake donations and provided advent calendars.

Kate Bowmar, the Hospice’s Corporate Fundraiser, said: “We can’t thank AstraZeneca enough for their amazing support once again in 2020. It’s been a tough last 12 months for the Hospice and the enthusiasm and commitment shown by AZ is so heart warming, especially in these difficult times.”

Guy Camm, AZ’s Macclesfield Campus FM Development Manager, said: “We’re proud of our long-standing partnership with the Hospice and, of course, our staff who rallied to the cause in fantastic style in 2020.

“I’m sure that dedication will continue in 2021 through our support for several local charities, including the Hospice.”

Sodexo employees Tim Stevens and Dawn Walsh delivering advent calendars to the Hospice.

Sentimental Jewellery Repairs Help the Hospice

Posted on 17th February 202112th February 2021 by Luke Brightmore

Sentimental jewellery belonging to Vanessa Greveson has been given a new lease of life through her links with East Cheshire Hospice.

Items include a string of pearls given to Vanessa by her late husband Warren who died at the Hospice.

Help came from jewellery expert Helen Dimmick who runs Annie’s Legacy, a fundraising initiative she set up in the name of her late grandmother.

Helen donates 15 per cent of the profit from work undertaken in memory of a loved one to the Hospice which cared for Annie who inspired her love of jewellery.

The two Macclesfield women met after Vanessa read about Helen’s offer in the Hospice newsletter.

Jewellery expert Helen Dimmick who runs Annie’s Legacy.

Vanessa said: “Helen’s naturally, bright and bubbly personality immediately connects with people. She completely understands where bereaved people are coming from.

“I had some pieces of jewellery that were particularly meaningful to me which needed adjustments.

“The pearls from Warren needed re-stringing and I had earrings which had been made into a ring before but it wasn’t quite right, so Helen kindly made suggestions about what could be done.

Warren and Vanessa Greveson.

“I also had my mother’s items that I never wore because they didn’t fit or were damaged, so Helen was just the right person to put them back into my life.

“I can’t tell you how grateful I am because it has really made a big difference to me. Helen’s such a sensitive person and she immediately picked up on how the jewellery fits into my psyche.

“She’s so good at keeping her clients informed of exactly what’s going on which is perfect for someone like me who can hardly let go of anything.”

For Vanessa it was also a way of giving something back to the Hospice.

She said: “I knew I needed to find a jeweller who was local to me, but once I saw that Annie’s Legacy had been set up by Helen, I couldn’t pick up the phone fast enough.

“There must be so many people who inherit things that either don’t fit, or who might think ‘that’s lovely, the stones in that brooch are beautiful, but I’d rather it were a ring on my finger.’ Helen would be the person to ask and she’s very knowledgeable.”

* To contact Helen email helen@helendimmick.com, or call 07939 047056.

Will Week Raises £8,687

Posted on 3rd February 2021 by Luke Brightmore

East Cheshire Hospice celebrated another successful Will Week campaign despite Covid restrictions.

£8,687 was raised thanks to the support of legal firms which donated time and expertise to help the Hospice.

Participants included GPW Trusts, which is now operating at Church Street, Macclesfield, and will be able to see clients there after the latest lockdown ends.

Other firms taking part in October’s Will Week were Poole Alcock, Spall Clark, Dunkerleys LLP, Stratford Solicitors and Alfred Newton.

Kate Bowmar, the charity’s Corporate Fundraiser, said: “Will Week is an important fundraising initiative for the Hospice, especially at the moment. The campaign raises vital funds and makes our supporters consider leaving a legacy gift in their Will to the Hospice.

“It wouldn’t be a success without the goodwill and generosity of our local solicitors and the public, so we thank everyone who supported the campaign.”

The next Hospice Will Week (Oct 4-8) will be the 10th year of the initiative.

Gavin Prideaux-Williams, Estate Planning Consultant at GPW Trusts.

Jola Designs

Posted on 20th January 2021 by Luke Brightmore

Friends Jayne Hadfield and Nicky Bradley took a risk opening a town centre shop after the first lockdown but the move has paid off for them.

The co-owners of Jola Designs ran the business successfully from their homes before opening the Beech Lane store in September.

Jayne and Nicky have chosen East Cheshire Hospice as their charity of the year for 2021.

A percentage of sales from a Hospice collection, including cushions, aprons and bags, have already being donated to the charity.

The two Macclesfield women met while working for Arighi Bianchi.

Their careers then went in different directions but they remained close friends and eventually turned their craft hobby into a profitable business, starting off at trade fairs selling cushions and cards to retailers.

The shop and website now boasts an extensive product range, including gifts, clothing, home, baby and accessories.

Jayne said: “We had no expectations after opening the shop, especially as it was probably the worst time in history to start a business but the support has been amazing.

“We’ve traded for a few years and having a shop window allows us to show people in Macclesfield what we do. So for many we’re a new company.

“It’s been a weird time for everyone but felt we had to be brave and there’s a lot more we can do.”

Nicky Bradley (left) and Jayne Hadfield with their Hospice collection at Jola Designs.

Jola Designs is a family affair. Nicky’s parents Paul and Carol help out, while daughter Ellie runs NaughtyBirds, a women’s clothing brand based at the shop.

Nicky said: “Jayne designs and is the creative inspiration, while I focus on sales. We spent a lot of time between homes where we had workshops in our garages.

“It then reached the point where we had to decide whether to go full time. Some products are generic, but we also specialise in creating personalised bespoke items. ”

Their only regret is that Jayne’s husband Ged is not around to see their success. Ged died of a heart attack in 2016, aged 53.

Jayne said: “Ged urged us on and backed us all the way. He would have been so proud to see how we’ve done. Nicky was my rock and saved me when Ged died, encouraging me to carry on and make it work.”

Although they started January with the shop closed due to restrictions, they continue to trade online and look forward to reopening again soon.

Find more ways to support the Hospice by shopping online here.

Charity of the Year 2021

Posted on 20th January 202113th May 2021 by Luke Brightmore

East Cheshire Hospice is hoping the local business community will again rally round in 2021.

The Hospice is urging companies, or any other organisations, to adopt it as their chosen charity of the year.

Another way of helping is through membership of its 500 Club which sees businesses pledge to raise a minimum of £500 every 12 months over a three-year period.

Corporate Fundraiser Kate Bowmar said: “The charity of the year initiative is a traditional way for companies to align their fundraising efforts with one charity throughout the year.

“We’re grateful to those which have already signed up for 2021 and would ask any others interested in supporting us to get in touch.

“Our 500 Club also has well over 20 members and their on-going commitment means so much to us, especially in such a difficult financial climate.

“The charity sector has suffered because of Covid-19 and the Hospice has been hurt badly by a lack of fundraising income, though thankfully our corporate supporters continue to amaze us with their backing.”

Remap Consulting, based at Alderley Park, was one of several companies which ran fundraising events as part of its charity of the year support. Others included AstraZeneca, Leap29, Spirit Medical Communications Group and Chess ICT.

Kate said: “Companies don’t often decide on their charitable support until the New Year so our message to them and any other groups is to please bear us in mind.”

* Contact the team via fundraising@echospice.org.uk.

Kate Bowmar (third right) from East Cheshire Hospice with staff from Leek United Building Society which is a member of the 500 Club.