Donations Archives - East Cheshire Hospice

The Hospice lottery approaches 30th anniversary

The East Cheshire Hospice lottery is still going as strong as ever as it approaches its 30th anniversary.

More than 6,500 tickets are sold each week for scheme which has raised around £5m since it began in 1995.

Tickets still cost just £1 a week with a random lucky winner receiving a surprise phone call every Tuesday morning to break the news they have won the £1,000 jackpot.

There are also 22 other cash prizes, including a second prize of £200 which is currently rolled over at £1,400.

Lottery income covers the cost of running the Sunflower Centre one day a week.

Hospice staff (from left) Celia Stanley, Louise Ball and Amy Williams with scratch cards.

Lottery manager Carol Frain said: “Our lottery gets amazing support and has done ever since it started. We get some really nice reactions from winners.

“The scheme is such an important fundraiser for the Hospice and we’d like to thank everyone for their wonderful support.

“Many of our supporters have been playing our lottery since the beginning and I suppose it’s an easy and inexpensive way to support the Hospice on a regular basis.

“We’re always on the lookout for new players who can enter via our website.”

Visit www.eastcheshirehospice.org.uk/support/lottery/. Most players pay by direct debit at £4.34 monthly.

Scratch cards are also a steady source of income for the charity. Cards are £1 and can win up to £200.

Carol said: “The scratch cards have been a welcome addition to our portfolio and are popular at Christmas and as wedding favours.”

Will Month in October raised £11,373 for East Cheshire Hospice

Allowing a month to get a will written rather than a week provided a major fundraising boost for East Cheshire Hospice.

The Hospice’s Will Month in October raised £11,373, excluding Gift Aid which is expected to take the total to more than £13,000.

It is the highest total raised by the campaign in five years, beating the £9,424 generated in the Covid year of 2020.

Beth England, from East Cheshire Hospice, with Joe Etherington, from Moneybox Wills and Trusts.

Beth England, Individual Giving Manager at the Hospice, said: “The campaign running for a full month, instead of a week, was the main reason for the increase, and the average donation was higher than before.

“We’d like to say a big thank you to everyone who took part and kindly donated, and the participating organisations who made it a success through their generous dedication of time and ongoing support of the Hospice.”

Stratford Solicitors, GPW Tax and Law and Moneybox Wills and Trusts completed 55 appointments. Moneybox, based in Tytherington, raised £5,896, excluding Gift Aid, from 24 clients.

Joe Etherington, the firm’s Head of Wills and Trusts, said: “Many of those who saw us had personal links with the Hospice one way or another. It was a fantastic result all-round and we’re delighted to have played a part in the campaign’s success.

“The fact it was Will Month made a massive difference – you can see a lot more people in four weeks than one.” *

* For more details on legacies email bengland@echospice.org.uk, or call 01625 433477.

Celebration of Life Dinner huge success in memory of family members

A celebration party thrown by Jason and Linda Walker turned into a major fundraiser for East Cheshire Hospice.

A dinner at Hilltop Country House in Prestbury raised £15,500 thanks to the generosity of friends and business pals.

More than 150 guests toasted the wonderful work of hospices, including around 20 staff from East Cheshire invited as a thank you for their work.

Jason, who runs a digital marketing company, got the idea when he saw a sign at the Hospice while visiting his late mum Pauline.

It highlighted that the charity needs to raise £7,500 a day to keep its doors open and Jason and wife Linda could not resist helping.

Supporters at the celebration dinner. Jason Walker is far right and wife Linda is sixth from the right.  

He said: “Mum was in there more than eight weeks early last year and I saw the sign while having a coffee in the visiting room. Mum said she wanted to pass away in a Hospice.

“They’re the most amazing places – you expect them to be sad and morbid but they’re jolly and wonderful.”

The owners of Hilltop provided the venue and staff without charge and threw in drinks and bar profits.

Food costs were covered by business sponsors Jleaf, MKP Developments, Platinum Independent Financial Services and Higgins Miller Solicitors.

Hospice guests (back, from left) Julie Whalley, Tanya Harrington, Joan Marie Williams, Margaret Black, Tracey Pearce, Helen Henshaw, Angela Dooley and Loretta Eason. Front, Victoria Sayers and Sharon Hurley. 

That meant all proceeds from ticket sales went to the Hospice. Bands Living on iO and North Room, photographer David Murch, videographer Lana Johnson and florists Taylor Made Blooms all donated their services for free.

Jason, whose late father-in-law Roy was also a Hospice patient, said: “It was a case of beg, steal and borrow what we could to raise as much as possible for the Hospice.

“Most guests knew of someone close who has been in the Hospice and it was a way to celebrate their lives.

“We’d have been happy to have raised enough for one day’s care, but to cover the cost of two was amazing.”

Hilltop chefs (from left) Simon Osbourne, Paul Merrett and Iain Winnard who looked after guests at a Hospice fundraiser.  

“We’d like to thank Hilltop and our other sponsors for their magnificent generosity to make it such a huge success. Everyone was happy to get involved and we’re already being asked when the next event is taking place.”

Hilltop sales and marketing executive Olivia Heath said: “Our country house and marquee is a beautiful 17th century setting for weddings and events and it was a pleasure to host this party for such a wonderful cause.”

9,000 young participants took part in this years Santa Dash

Swimming, dancing and even a nature trail … children found all sorts of ways to support East Cheshire Hospice’s latest fundraising initiative.

Almost 9,000 youngsters took part in a Santa Dash, sponsored by Active Sport for the second year running.

Pupils from Beech Hall School took a cold dip to help East Cheshire Hospice.

Organisers are still receiving sponsorship with donations expected to match last year’s sum of almost £47,000.

Volunteers from Equilibrium Financial Planning LLP have been helping the Hospice process donations.

Fundraisers from King’s School join in the fun.  

Some 39 schools or other organisations took part, making it the biggest mass participation event run by the Hospice during the year.

Community and Events co-ordinator Claire Gorton said: “Once again we’ve had terrific support for this simple fun festive event.

“We’re overwhelmed by the response from schools and groups who’ve been inspired to raise funds for a great local cause.

“Participants come from all over east Cheshire and we’re so grateful to everyone who’s taken part or has helped with sponsorship.

Parkroyal Community School take part in the Santa Dash.

“We mix it up each time with a different theme. It was an Elf Run last year and next Christmas it’ll be a Reindeer Rush. We leave it up to groups to make it as flexible and inclusive as they can.

“One school like to boogie. Some swim, walk, run and we’ve even had a nature trail. We’re happy with whatever works for them as a group.”

Active Sport led pupils at Parkroyal Community School in a warm-up after they won a competition as early bird entrants.

Generous philanthropists have donated £300,000 to East Cheshire Hospice

Two of the country’s most generous philanthropists have donated £300,000 to East Cheshire Hospice.

Billionaires Julia and Hans Rausing have already given an initial £100,000 grant, with the same amount due in each of the next two years.

It is part of an £8.7m grant from the couple to 27 hospices nationwide to help them meet the significant increase in day-to-day running costs, caused by inflation and high energy prices.

The Hospice has benefitted because of its Cheshire post code, as has St Luke’s Hospice in Winsford.

Hans and Julia Rausing who have made a large donation to East Cheshire Hospice.

Julia’s roots are in the county and she is a keen supporter of charities in the area.

She was brought up at Doddington Hall, her family’s 35,000-acre estate near Nantwich, by her father Sir Evelyn Delves Broughton and mother Helen Mary Shore, a barrister.

Her husband Hans is the grandson of the founder of the food packaging giant Tetra Pak.

The Rausings donate around £50m a year to organisations working in health and wellbeing, welfare and education and arts and culture.

Julia and Hans said: “The rising cost of living has left hospices in a perilous financial position. We know many are receiving fewer or smaller donations than in previous years, so we hope that these grants can be a lifeline, enabling these wonderful hospices to continue providing care and support in their communities across the UK.”

Rachel Allcock, Income Generation Director at East Cheshire Hospice, said: “We extend our heartfelt thanks to Julia and Hans Rausing for their extraordinary generosity and for championing the cause of hospice care.

“We’re overwhelmed with gratitude and this significant contribution will help us enhance our services and make a meaningful difference to the lives of patients and families.

“Julia and Hans are beacons of kindness and their support will resonate for years to come, bringing comfort and solace to those facing challenging times.

“East Cheshire Hospice faces severe economic challenges like the rest of the hospice sector and we rely on the goodwill of donors whether their support is large or small.

“It has been a particularly tough few years for us financially with the pandemic, soaring energy costs and a rise in the general cost of living.

“Yet despite these setbacks, we continue to serve our community with the highest possible standards of palliative care.”

Festive cards on sale at East Cheshire Hospice

To purchase Christmas cards please visit www.eastcheshirehospice.org.uk/support/christmas-cards.

East Cheshire Hospice is hoping for another merry Christmas selling festive cards.

The charity raises around £20,000 each year from supporters buying packs of 10 cards for £4 and pocket diaries for £2.

They are available at Hospice shops in Thornton Square and Chestergate in Macclesfield, plus its Handforth and Poynton outlets.

Libraries at Macclesfield and Wilmslow and Knutsford Cinema are also selling them until Saturday Dec 9.

Hospice volunteer Caroline Taylor (left) with commercial manager Louise Delany.

Cards are also available from the Hospice reception, the Hospice website and via leaflets sent to supporters. Postal sales incur an admin charge.

Commercial Manager Louise Delany said: “Our Christmas cards are always big sellers and a great way to support the Hospice.

“They’re excellent quality with nice designs and we’d urge customers to hurry up and buy them as certain designs sell out quickly.”

The Hospice is enjoying another healthy retail year with high demand for items donated by supporters.

Louise said: “The support from customers and donors is amazing. Long may that continue because every pound generated goes directly to the care of patients, their families and carers.

“Staff put in a tremendous amount of hard work, going above and beyond. Social media posts help and our shops are full of a variety of goods, from a £1 rail up to designer wear.

“Furniture is always a good seller and we’d like more if possible. We offer free collection and also carry out house clearances.”

* For further details call 07917 942273 or email furniture@echospice.org.uk.

The first subscriber to the Memory Tree

The first subscriber to the Memory Tree scheme was Susan Washburn who was happy to support East Cheshire Hospice.

Susan will never forget how the charity helped her mum Mae Crandle who died in January, aged 89.

Susan said: “Mum was an inpatient for more than two weeks. She would have liked to have come home from hospital, but it would have been too difficult to look after her.

“Hospital was great, but the Hospice was a big change and staff could spend more time with mum.

“Mum loved looking out into the courtyard here and I think the Memory Tree is a brilliant idea. The gardens are so nice.”

Susan stayed in an adjoining room, supported by daughters Flora and Katie and family friend Nathan Azubuike.

Susan Washburn and daughter Katie by the Memory Tree.

Mae, from Glasgow, worked on the computer help desk at the National Nuclear Corporation in Knutsford.

Susan said: “I could hear nurses talking to her and it was just like she was their mum. It was just incredible and so perfect.

“But it wasn’t just the nursing staff. Everyone was so helpful, including volunteers and cleaners.

“You can take home your leaf after a year, but we’ll keep it on the tree forever.”

Daughter Katie said: “I wasn’t sure I’d want to come back here because it was where my gran died, but I’ve lots of good memories because of how kind the nurses were.

“They got to know her and us and really cared about her. It’s nice to be back.”

24-mile walk in memory of a loved one

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

First it was Will Week – now it is Will Month

First it was Will Week – now it is Will Month, giving East Cheshire Hospice supporters more time to prepare their financial future.

Participating firms are donating their time and expertise to help the charity throughout October.

They will write single and mirror Wills or update an existing Will and donate the entire fee to East Cheshire Hospice.

Beth England, Individual Giving Manager at the Hospice, said: “We’ve decided to change to the whole of October rather than just a week to give supporters more time and flexibility to book their appointments.

“It means participating solicitors can offer more appointments and supporters can choose a booking based around their own availability.”

Last year’s campaign raised £10,287, with more than £1,200 of the total from people adding Gift Aid to their donation.

Complete a form at eastcheshirehospice.org.uk/campaign/will-month/ to register interest and access contact details for participating solicitors in Macclesfield, Poynton and Bollington; email fundraising@echospice.org.uk or call 01625 433477.

Moneybox Wills and Trusts, based in Tytherington, raised £3,500 last year.

Joe Etherington from Moneybox Wills and Trusts

Joe Etherington, the firm’s Head of Wills and Trusts, said: “The Will initiative was a great success last year and we’ll be involved again next month when hopefully we can improve on that total.

“People are now more open about discussing making a Will – the subject isn’t as old fashioned and taboo as before.

“It’s important people get qualified advice, especially if your marital status or financial circumstances have changed, or if you’ve moved house.”

Beth said: “All solicitors are providing their time and expertise at no cost in order to raise vital donations for the Hospice, so please consider the value of your solicitor’s time when making your donation.”

Legacy gifts provide care for one in three of Hospice patients.

Beth said: “There’s no obligation to leave a gift to the Hospice in your Will, but if you’d like to do so, your solicitor can help.

“Legacy gifts offer a stable and long-term source of funding for the Hospice. That stability allows us to plan and deliver services effectively, without being solely dependent on fluctuations in other forms of donations or external funding.

“They also enable us to expand and improve our services, helping us to meet the growing demand for Hospice services.”

* For more details on legacies email bengland@echospice.org.uk, or call 01625 433477.

East Cheshire Hospice goes for Britain in Bloom

Judges have been casting their expert eye over the gardens at East Cheshire Hospice for the Britain in Bloom awards.

The Hospice is hoping to win the hospice category at the RHS regional awards with the results announced next month.

Gardening enthusiasts have been hard at work creating a floral wonderland for patients and visitors after businesses answered a plea for help.

Volunteers from corporate supporters Leap 29 and Barclays helped dig and prepare the grounds before planting took place.

 Michelle Walker-Brown from the Hospice with Ryan Simpson (left) from Viridis Plants and David Hadley from Creative Gardens and Driveways

Bramhall-based Creative Gardens and Driveways, owned by David Hadley, organised a £1,000 plant donation from supplier Viridis Plants for the makeover.

David ensured expert horticultural advice was given. He said: “When I heard the appeal, I knew immediately that we had to help.

“Plants play such an uplifting role in our lives and it was clear the hospice recognised the comfort that spending time among nature brings patients and their families.

“It was an honour to help a local organisation in need.”

Volunteer Hospice gardeners played a key role in activities overseen by Michelle Walker-Brown, the charity’s general services manager.

Michelle said: “It has been a real team effort and we’re so grateful for all the help. Having peaceful and beautiful plants in the Hospice grounds makes a genuine difference to families.

Flower power…another donation arrives at East Cheshire Hospice.

“The community spirit is amazing, showing once more just how much the public and business care about our patients.”

Judges toured the revamped Hospice grounds, which include a sensory garden, vegetable and herb patch and a memory garden.

The Hospice’s green credentials have already earned a business award with sustainability at the heart of each outdoor area. For example …

* Water butts reduce reliance on mains supplies.

* Empty laundry liquid tubs were cleaned to grow strawberries and salad vegetables for patient menus.

* Baked bean and plum tomato tins gave new life to house plants.

* Old tyres from Hospice @Home cars were turned into planters, along with wooden pallets.

Wildflowers planted around the hospice grounds attract bees and butterflies.

Daffodils, tulips, crocus, hyacinth and snowdrop bulbs bloom each year around the grounds and in pots. Small Christmas trees replanted in a nursery area will be re-potted in internal gardens outside patient rooms and wards.

The Hospice was part of the gold award won by Macclesfield at the 2022 awards and is going for more glory after learning there is a hospice category this year.