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First it was Will Week – now it is Will Month

Posted on by Becky Sidwell

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

Posted on by Becky Sidwell

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.

Kevin Sinfield OBE has backed East Cheshire Hospice’s latest venture

Posted on by Becky Sidwell

Prolific fundraiser Kevin Sinfield OBE has backed East Cheshire Hospice’s latest venture.

The former Rugby League star sent a goodwill video message to fundraisers at an inaugural event to raise awareness of motor neurone disease.

The special MND day at Macclesfield Rugby Club raised almost £4,000, with proceeds shared between the MND Association and the Hospice.

Walkers take part in a wheel challenge

Supporters completed laps of the car park on wheels, an idea inspired by carer Jan Gates and implemented by Hospice senior physiotherapist Natalie Nye who organised the pilot event along with colleague Jill Harding.

Jan, whose husband Mike has MND, attends popular monthly support meetings which have been at the Hospice since 2017 and are led by a team of health professionals from there.

Jill, a health care assistant, said: “Considering the progressive  nature of the disease, those who attend our MND Wellbeing Days are the most upbeat positive people you could ever wish to meet and they’ll usually find a reason to laugh about something during the session.

“They’re a unique group of people and I can’t pay them a big enough compliment.”

Patients and carers are invited to attend the monthly Wellbeing sessions where a topic is discussed each time.

Subjects range from managing fatigue, advice about sleep and relaxation, advanced care planning, aids to communication and travel help.

The inaugural motor neurone day was a huge success.

Carers access peer support in a separate room and both patients and their carer can enjoy a relaxing complementary therapy during the sessions which are supported by volunteers including trained visitors from the MND Association.

Jill said: “It was about raising awareness of MND in collaboration with the Hospice. We couldn’t hold it there because of ongoing refurbishment work at the Sunflower Wellbeing Centre and Jan had the idea of patients and relatives doing laps using wheels as a mode of transport.

“We had wheelchairs, wheelbarrows, scooters and bikes and everyone joined in the spirit of the occasion for two great causes. The rugby club were brilliant hosts and we plan to make it an even bigger event next year.”

Natalie and Jill dressed as sunflowers to represent the Hospice emblem and volunteered for an ice bucket challenge in lieu of a minimum £50 charity donation. Prizes were donated and cake sales boosted the fundraising total.

MND Day’s poignant and emotional moment

Posted on by Becky Sidwell

The sound of a drum provided a poignant and emotional moment at the MND Day at Macclesfield Rugby Club.

Proud Sophie Usher banged the drum nine times in memory of her father Richard, a much-loved Macclesfield GP who died from motor neurone disease 18 months ago.

The number of hits honoured the No 9 shirt worn by Richard, a player for the club.

Organisers Jill Harding (left ) and Natalie Nye with Joel Millett (left) and Allan Nicholles.

Sophie’s symbolic act replicated Kevin Sinfield who became known for ‘banging the drum’ about the need to research MND.

At fundraising events Sinfield hits the drum seven times, signifying the shirt number worn by his close friend and former Leeds Rhinos team-mate Rob Burrow MBE, whose story about dealing with the debilitating disease has touched the nation.

The late Doddie Weir, another ex-rugby player, raised awareness about the illness before Sinfield took up the cause, completing several ultra sporting challenges to raise millions of pounds for MND research.

Jill Harding shows 18-month old Henry the route.

Jill Harding, co-organiser of the Macclesfield event, said: “Kevin Sinfield said he would have come along but for his coaching commitments with England Rugby Union on the day of the event.

“Sophie helped with social media and was one of many volunteers who helped make it such a memorable day.”

There is still time to donate, with proceeds shared between the MND Association and East Cheshire Hospice.

The JustGiving page for the MND Association linked to the event is still open and can be found at justgiving.com/page/macclesfieldmndfundraisingday

Sophie Usher drumming up support.   

Second Pie and Pint event this September!

Posted on by Becky Sidwell

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/

Tom Clare Calendar

Posted on by Luke Brightmore

Reality TV star Tom Clare has another starring role – as a pin-up in aid of East Cheshire Hospice.

A special 2023 calendar has been produced of the Macclesfield FC footballer who is among the cast of Love Island, the hit ITV 2 show.

Spiral Colour, the print partner for the football club, made the calendars, with proceeds from sales donated to the Hospice.

General manager Jason Carpenter came up with the idea during a chat over dinner with partner Kerry Hough and friends Dave and Louise Timmis, who own Leasing.com, sponsors of Macclesfield FC.

Jourdan Phillips and Jason Carpenter from Spiral Colour with the Tom Clare calendar.

Both girls established the Tom Clare fan club on Facebook. Calendars are available from www.tomclarefanclub.com for £9.99, including delivery.

Jason said: “The calendar started off as a bit of a laugh, even before Tom was selected for Love Island.

“He loved the idea and signed copies. His sister Laura Clare, who is an influencer, and family have also helped us promote them.

“Tom appeals to women of a certain age – he’s tall, ripped and good looking. Each month, the calendar includes photographs of Tom taken by the club photographer.”

Spiral Colour are regular supporters of the Hospice. They provide printing services for the charity and sponsor the Christmas tree collection.

Jason said: “We help the Hospice as much as possible and buying calendars will support its wonderful work. Alongside the calendar, we’ve also now created a full-sized Tom Clare cardboard cut-out which is proving great for parties.”

Will Week is Almost Here

Posted on by Luke Brightmore

East Cheshire Hospice hopes Will Week (Oct 3-7) will persuade supporters to make arrangements for their financial future.

Solicitors are waiving usual fees and donating time and expertise to help the Hospice.

They will write a single or mirror Will, or update an existing Will, in lieu of a donation.

Complete a form at www.eastcheshirehospice.org.uk/campaign/will-week/ to register interest and access contact details for participating solicitors.

GPW Tax and Law, which has a Macclesfield office, is taking part. Estate Planning Consultant Gavin Prideaux-Williams said:  “It’s never too early, but often too late to make a Will.

“If you put it off until it’s too late, this poses all sorts of problems for the people left behind. Not making a Will could mean that some, or all of your inheritance, either goes to the wrong person or even to the State.

 

“Will Week is also a great opportunity to get advice on all those questions you have, but don’t know who to ask.”

Gavin Prideaux-Williams, from GPW Tax and Law,  who are taking part in Will Week.

Beth England, Individual Giving Fundraiser for the Hospice, said: “Will Week is the perfect time to make or update your Will, especially if your marital status has changed, your financial circumstances have altered, or if you’ve moved house.

” 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 provide care for one in three of our patients.”

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

Generous gift of picnic benches for the Hospice

Posted on by Becky Sidwell

Patients and their families can relax on picnic benches in the grounds of East Cheshire Hospice thanks to a generous gift from four long-standing supporters.

Three large picnic tables, plus two benches, are dotted around the gardens providing the perfect retreat away from the hustle and bustle of the Hospice.

The benches were bought by Thelma Jackson MBE, Anna Rains, Margaret Pettener and Hazel Offer who raised more than £1,600 from a spring lunch.

Fundraisers (from left) Anna Rains, Margaret Pettener and Thelma Jackson with Hospice staff April Green and Jean Chaddock.

The benches cost £3,800, with the balance met by a kind gesture from Ford dealers Sidney Jackson & Son Ltd. Thelma’s father-in-law Sidney set up the successful car business over a century ago.

Anna hosted the lunch for 50 guests at her cottage with the four organisers cooking dishes and serving food.

Thelma said: “We had a wonderful afternoon and would like to thank everyone who came and generously supported the lunch and bought raffle tickets.

“The Hospice said they’d like to buy the benches, so it came into my mind to put the money raised from our lunch towards buying them. The girls also thought it was a fantastic idea, especially as we were buying something specific.”

Sidney Jackson & Son then stepped into make up the difference, their latest gesture as part of the firm’s long-standing support for the Hospice.

Thelma Jackson (left) and Anna Rains try the benches for size, watched by Liam Riley, General Manager at Sidney Jackson, and Margaret Pettener.

The company sponsored the charity’s Memory Walk earlier this year and provide both cars used by  the Hospice @Home service.

Thelma – the last Mayor of the Borough of Macclesfield in 2008 -has been fundraising for the charity since before it opened in 1988.

She said: “I’m proud to have supported the Hospice since day one and was there when the first sod was dug.

“It was nice to be there at the beginning and although I haven’t been able to visit as much recently, I still support the Hospice.

“It’s been difficult for them in the last couple of years because of the pandemic when everyone’s had a tough time.”

Anna has also been a fundraiser since the start and chaired the Hospice’s 10th anniversary appeal to  build the Sunflower Centre.

A total of £300,000 was raised and it was Anna’s idea to hold an art exhibition. She set up Art Fair Cheshire in 1998, a biennial event still thriving today.

The benches allow visitors to have a quiet time and remember friends and relatives.

Heather Broadbent Completes Her Round-the-World Voyage

Posted on by Luke Brightmore

Round-the-world sailor Heather Broadbent has finally finished her epic voyage – almost three years since she first set sail!

Heather was one of only two crew members who completed every leg of the 48,000-mile journey on board the yacht GoToBermuda.

She has raised almost £31,000 for East Cheshire Hospice where her late husband Adam (45) was a patient.

Heather is still hoping to get close to her fundraising target of £40,000 for the Hospice @Home service.

Home at last…Heather Broadbent completes her round-the-world voyage.

The Disley landscape gardener travelled to the Philippines in February to resume a race delayed for two years because of the pandemic.

Before the break, she had sailed to South America, South Africa and Australia.

Once the race resumed, she raced across the Pacific to Seattle, through the Panama Canal to Bermuda and on to New York before Derry/Londonderry and finally finished in London.

Heather said: “I’m so relieved it’s all over. I was wary about going back after such a long break due to the Covid outbreak, but am so pleased I did.

“I would have kicked myself if I’d not finished it off. I enjoyed the second half of the race better than the first and the sailing more after I went back.

“Crossing the North Pacific was the highlight, it covers so much of the planet, while the Panama Canal was an adventure in itself.

“We came second on the leg to Bermuda which until then was our best finishing position. It was our team homecoming, we were greeted like conquering heroes. The buzz and vibe was amazing.

“We then came first on the Atlantic leg, recording the fastest time in the history of the Clipper Race for that crossing which took us 13 days.

“Lastly, we sailed over the top of Scotland to London through the Pentland Firth, a strait near the Orkneys which can be quite treacherous.”

Heather will now enjoy a well-earned rest. She said: “I’m going to press reset and spend some time in my garden and have a think about what’s next.

“At the moment I’ve no great plans to go sailing again, but never say never.

“It would be great to get closer to my fundraising target and I’ve had a few more donations with the race ending.

” Supporters can still donate because Hospice @Home is such a wonderful service.”

Heather Broadbent covered 48,000 miles during her epic voyage.

* To sponsor Heather visit www.justgiving.com/dreamitnowdoit.

STEPtember!

Posted on by Luke Brightmore

Do you count how many steps you walk each day?

East Cheshire Hospice is asking supporters to take one step a day for every £1 needed to run the Hospice.

The Steptember challenge – in September – involves 7,500 steps a day, reflecting the amount of money needed to keep the Hospice going daily.

To sign up visit the Hospice website where walkers can also set up a JustGiving page to help with fundraising.

Challenge Events Coordinator Bethan Wade said: “In the 30 days of September, we’re asking you to strap on your walking boots for this fun, fitness, fundraising challenge.

“Everyone who registers receives a pack including a t-shirt, wristband and a step totaliser to help you keep track of progress, plus other handy items.

“If 7,500 steps a day sounds too much, don’t worry. Taking part is the main thing and if you’d prefer to set a lower target that’s fine.

“We’re not asking people to raise £7,500 with their challenge because that’s an awful lot, but every penny helps.

“So we’d encourage participants to tell everyone what they’re doing and why, and ask them if they’ll sponsor them. Our web page has a quick guide on using a smartphone to track steps.”

* Visit www.eastcheshirehospice.org.uk/events/steptember

Step this way…Hospice @Home team members  (from left) Sue Milligan, Rachel Barker, Tess Cleaver and Denise Unwin join the Steptember challenge.

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