Category: Events

Scores of families basked in spring sunshine at a poignant Memory Miles walk.

The East Cheshire Hospice event took place in the spectacular surroundings of Adlington Hall.

Walkers went on a one-kilometre woodland loop, admiring stunning scenery along the way.

Walkers set off at the start of Memory Miles.

For many it was an emotional journey remembering lost loved ones.

Margaret Jennings was joined by daughter Sarah-Jane Mason and sister Shirley Plant to honour the memory of Margaret’s husband Phil.

Phil, a joiner, died from pancreatic cancer a year ago, aged 73, in the comfort of his own home in Gawsworth thanks to the charity’s Hospice @Home service.

Sarah-Jane said: “Dad was a wonderful man and it was his wish that he died at home. The Hospice were amazing with their care and nothing was too much trouble.

“They came out in the middle of the night, working with other health care agencies like Macmillan.

“We can’t praise the Hospice enough for what they did for our family. Dad loved woodturning and enjoyed making three-legged stools.”

From left, Sarah-Jane Mason with mum Margaret Jennings and her sister Shirley Plant.

During a pre-walk address, health care assistant Pam Webster spoke about the Hospice’s role helping families, while Chief Executive Karyn Johnston led a minute’s silence in memory of those no longer here.

Denis and Sheila Lee, from Macclesfield, were there to remember their parents Ping and Peter and Jack and Ella.

Daughter Kirsten Froehlich and sons George (8) and Harry (13) took along four-year-old pet dog Cookie.

From left, Kirsten Froehlich, Denis Lee, George and Harry Froehlich and Sheila Lee with pet dog Cookie.

Sheila started work as a day care centre sister at the Hospice soon after it opened in 1988 and spent around 14 years working there.

Friends Peter Jones and Anita Simcock were joined by one-time rescue toy poodles Jack (20) and his son Bob (18). Anita retired from working in A and E at Macclesfield District General Hospital in January.

 Peter Jones and Anita Simcock with toy poodles Jack and Bob.

The pair were among supporters from Macclesfield Cancer Help Centre who meet at Prestbury Methodist Church every Tuesday (10 am -2 pm).

The event, sponsored by Ford dealers Sidney Jackson and Son, saw performances from music students from Fallibroome Academy and a rock choir.

Cancer centre supporters (from left) Hassan Pillai, Anne and David Hall with dog Ben, Di and Roy Waller and Sandra and George Robinson.

Events Manager Beth Candy said: “It was great to be back holding a fundraising event again after such a long time.

“We want to say a massive thank you to Adlington Hall for providing such an amazing location, our loyal supporters, sponsors and volunteers. We couldn’t do it without them all.”

East Cheshire Hospice are encouraging the public to turn up at Adlington Hall on Friday (March 25) to join its Memory Miles walk.

Online registrations via the Hospice’s website close today (Wed, March 23), but those wishing to turn up on the night are welcome to do so.

Gates open at 4 pm and the walk starts at 4.30 pm, though late comers can start at any time. The walk ends around 9 pm, with the event closing at 10 pm.

The East Cheshire Hospice memory walk is back on Friday. 

The event involves a one-kilometre woodland walk, though entrants can choose how many circuits they complete.

The imposing Hall, set in the estate’s picturesque grounds, provides a scenic backdrop for the fundraiser with entertainment for participants.

A 50-strong local rock choir will be performing, along with music students from Fallibroome Academy.

The walk, illuminated with atmospheric lighting, will have fire pits on the route and there will a special area for walkers to post personal notes remembering lost loved ones.

Events Manager Beth Candy said: “The event honours the memory of loved ones, though everyone is welcome to join us.

“Incredibly, it’s three years since we held a memory walk and we’re so looking forward to meeting up again with our supporters who we’ve missed badly during that time.

“Adlington Hall is set in beautiful surroundings and it’s worth going along just to enjoy a walk in such beautiful surroundings and at the same time raise funds for the Hospice.”

Camilla Legh is hoping the spring bulbs will be in full bloom to welcome the crowds at Adlington Hall.

Carpets of flowers would provide a colourful display and backdrop for Memory Miles on Friday, March 25.

Camilla is opening up the grounds to East Cheshire Hospice for its memory walk that evening.

Camilla Legh at her ancestral home Adlington Hall.

Gates open at 4 pm and the walk starts at 4.30 pm, though late comers can start at any time. The walk ends around 9 pm, with the event closing at 10 pm.

Adlington Hall, within a picturesque 2,000-acre estate, has been the ancestral home of the Legh family for more than seven centuries.

A one-kilometre route through woodland known as The Wilderness will allow walkers to enjoy wonderful scenery and raise money from sponsorship.

Camilla, a Hospice Vice President, is taking part along with husband Peter and their rescue greyhound Pepper will be joining them.

Camilla said: “The Hospice is an essential part of the community and I’d encourage as many people as possible to come along to enjoy the walk and support the charity.

“Hopefully, it’s a sunny evening and the spring bulbs, which are weather dependent, will be here by then.

“It’s a lovely woodland walk with lots of little features and is ideal for families and dogs.

“I’m delighted we’re hosting the event this year and hope it’s a big fundraiser for the Hospice. Anyone can sign up for the walk and you don’t necessarily need a connection to the charity.”

Camilla has spent several years volunteering at the Hospice once a month to help with flower arranging.

Camilla said: “We put flowers which have been donated in patient rooms, on the ward and on reception.

“It can be a traumatic time for patients and families and the flowers are only a small gesture but they bring cheer and often give relatives something to talk about. We talk to the patients if they’re able and we really enjoy helping.

“The Hospice is amazing place and quite unique. It always feels happy and serene and a calm environment.”

Adult entry to Memory Miles is £20; children under 16 are £15. Visit the Hospice website to enter. Participants receive a Memory Miles T-shirt, wristband and key ring.

It is all systems go for the next Memory Miles walk in the magnificent grounds of Adlington Hall.

The date is Friday, March 25, and registrations are now open, with all ages welcome.

Visit the Hospice website to sign up for an event which has been missing from the charity’s fundraising calendar since 2019.

Organisers are planning a special evening as Memory Miles, formerly known as Light Up The Night and the Starlight Walk, makes its comeback.

The event honours the memory of loved ones, though everyone is welcome to join in.

Gates open at 4 pm with the walk starting an hour later, although late comers can start at any time.  The walk ends around 8 pm with the event closing at 9 pm.

Events Manager Beth Candy said: “To celebrate the return of our memory walk after two difficult years, we’ve a shorter but fantastic route planned around the beautiful grounds of Adlington Hall.

“Participants will receive a Memory Miles T-shirt, wristband and key ring when they register.

“There’ll be a stage with live music and food and drinks stalls, so you can get together with friends and family and prepare for the walk.

“The walk features atmospheric lighting along the route and fire pits and points of interest for walkers to remember their loved ones.

“There’ll be more opportunities for refreshments and for soaking up the atmosphere after the walk, or you can complete the route multiple times.”

Many supporters took part in a virtual version of Memory Miles in 2020, racking up more than 3,000 miles individually and raising more than £6,000 for the Hospice.

The Hospice is asking walkers to get sponsored and dedicate fundraising to someone special.

Beth said:  “Whether you raise £10 or hundreds of pounds, your support will directly help people in your community who need it most.

“East Cheshire Hospice is the second lowest-funded Hospice, so fundraising is essential to keeping  our services going.

“Sadly, the impact of Covid-19 over the last two years meant that fundraising has been much more difficult.

“Luckily, our community is the greatest there is and showed us generosity we couldn’t have predicted.

“Although we’re finally able to begin holding our fundraising events and activities again, we’ve a lot of catching up to do and need your continued support to help us go the distance.”

Adult entry is £20 and children under 16 are £15.

Walkers will be out in force in the countryside on Sunday (Feb 6) before enjoying a well-earned pie and a pint.

The 10k walk in aid of East Cheshire Hospice starts from Macclesfield Rugby Union Football Club.

                                                                            Hospice marketing  team Becky Sidwell and Luke Brightmore getting a taste of the Pie and Pint experience.

Visit this page to find out if booking is still available.

Tickets are £25 for adults and £15 for under 18s who must be accompanied by an adult or have written permission.

The route goes to Over Alderley before a half way refreshment stop at Mottram St Andrew. Prestbury is the next visit before Dale Brow and then back to the rugby club.

Walkers are advised to wear suitable clothing and footwear such as walking boots and waterproofs. Training shoes should be avoided because the challenging route could be muddy.

The entry fee only covers the cost of staging the event so walkers are asked to raise sponsorship which goes directly towards caring for patients.

All entrants receive a custom pint glass, hi vis jacket and a pie and a pint at the end.

Three pie flavours are available – meat and potato, chicken balti and cheese and onion, plus vegan, gluten free options.

East Cheshire Hospice has unveiled a packed programme of exciting events for supporters in 2022.

A highlight will be a Memory Walk at Adlington Hall on Friday, March 25, with registrations due to open soon.

Amazingly, it will be three years since the last such event happened. Entries open soon and walkers can find out more on the Hospice website.

The fundraising programme starts with a Pie and a Pint walk over a 10k loop from Macclesfield Rugby Club on Sunday, February 6.

Then comes the Memory Walk and the rest of the schedule reads:

• Art Fair Cheshire – May 26 to June 5
• Fashion on the Edge – June 22
• Hospice to Hospice walk – July 2
• Wing walk – July 11
• Firewalk – Oct 27
• Trek Sahara – Nov 12-19

A new event is the Hospice to Hospice walk.

Participants will walk from Warrington to Macclesfield, or Macclesfield to Warrington – starting and finishing at either St Rocco’s Hospice or East Cheshire Hospice.

It is over the marathon distance of 26 miles with a half-marathon version also an option.

The biennial Art Fair at Macclesfield Town Hall is re-scheduled for this coming May after it was held over from September amid uncertainty over the pandemic.

The last event in 2019 raised £45,000 for the charity’s art therapy unit. The fair has donated around £300,000 to the Hospice since 1999.

Fashion on the Edge will be a lavish ladies lunch and colourful fashion show in a marquee at Alderley Edge Cricket Club.

The wing walk is back by popular demand. Daredevils will once again take to the skies over an air field in Gloucestershire strapped to a classic 1940s Boeing Stearman biplane.

Volunteers at last year’s Firewalk.

The Firewalk is another fundraising favourite, while the deadline for entries for Trek Sahara is  January 21.  Adventurers who fancy a 50k desert walk before voluntary work at a community project in Marrakech can contact the Hospice.

The wing walk is back in July.

Events Manager Beth Candy said: “Hopefully, there’s something for everyone in 2022 and we look forward to welcoming back our supporters in large numbers after the frustrations of the last two years.

“Obviously, we’ll continue to monitor the Covid situation closely and will take all necessary precautions to ensure the health and safety of all participants.

“These events are vital to us. Not just for the funds generated through sponsorship towards patient care, but also the community involvement which we’ve missed so much.”

ends

A tasty pie and a traditional pint – that’s the welcome awaiting walkers at a new fundraising event organised by East Cheshire Hospice.

A 10k walk on Sunday, February 6, starts and ends at Macclesfield Rugby Union Football Club.

Pie and Pint, starting at 10 am, is a scenic stroll through the Cheshire countryside.

The route visits Over Alderley before a half way refreshment stop at Mottram St Andrew. Prestbury is the next port of call before the last stretch into Dale Brow and back to the rugby club.

Hospice fundraisers Bethan Wade (left) and Beth Candy practice the Pie and Pint route.

Tickets are £25 for adults and £15 for under 18s who must be accompanied by an adult or have written permission. Tickets will also provide a non-alcoholic drink.

Challenge Events Coordinator Bethan Wade said: “It’s a new event and a great way to get into shape for the spring.

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

Fundraiser Beth Candy shows the way on the Pie and Pint route.

“The entry fee only covers the cost of staging the event, so we’re asking walkers to raise sponsorship which will go directly towards caring for patients.

“All entrants will 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. Walkers  can watch the rugby afterwards if they wish.”

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

East Cheshire Hospice is inviting the public to join its Light Up A Life service from the comfort of their own homes again. The special Christmas broadcast will be streamed live on the Hospice website and  Facebook page on Saturday, December 4, at 3 pm.

The annual service is by tradition an opportunity to remember lost loved ones, though everyone is welcome. The remembrance event was held at St Michael and All Angels Church, Macclesfield, until two years ago.

A Tree of Memories will be on display in the Hospice Chapel. The symbolic tree is decorated with personalised baubles dedicated by supporters to someone special.

Bethan Wade, Challenge Events Co-ordinator, said: “The broadcast will be a little different than our usual Light Up A Life service, but will feature music, readings and staff from around the Hospice and will be suitable for people of all faiths and none.

Bethan Wade from East Cheshire Hospice with one of the Light Up A Life packs. 

“In another year of uncertainty, let’s join together to remember those who mean the most.

“While nothing compares to gathering in person, this year we felt it would be responsible to celebrate virtually once again.”

A recording of the service will also be available. A Light Up a Life pack can also be ordered via the website for a donation.

The pack includes a candle, LUAL bauble, two festive tea bags, a mince pie recipe and a vegan and gluten-free mince pie recipe.

* For more details visit eastcheshirehospice.org.uk/lual/