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More than 40 supporters of East Cheshire Hospice have already signed up for Trek Snowdon

Posted on by Becky Sidwell

More than 40 supporters of East Cheshire Hospice have already signed up for an overnight Mount Snowdon climb.

The nine-mile trek takes place over the weekend of August 2 and 3.

Places are still available for the climb to be accompanied by experienced mountain guide leaders.

Organisers describe the walk as challenging.

Some of the Hospice nursing staff climbing Snowdon. From left, Caroline Allen, Jill Harding, Lesley Cork and Rachael Newton.

Walkers are rewarded with stunning views across Snowdonia National Park and the changing colours of the peaks as dawn breaks.

Registration is £45 and a minimum of £330 must be raised in sponsorship.

Participants receive a hot buffet at a Llanberis hotel late on the Saturday before a 1 am registration and briefing.

Snowdon is the destination for East Cheshire Hospice trekkers.

The ascent, using Llanberis Path, starts at 2 am and takes between three and four hours.

Walkers will watch sunrise either at the summit, or on ascent, depending on their pace. Snacks are supplied along the route before a well-earned breakfast at the end.

Head torches are not supplied. The same trail is used for a two-to-three-hour descent. A welcome pack offers tips on training and trekking.

A vehicle provides back up and support and each walker receives a souvenir medal.

Excluded is travel insurance, alcoholic drinks and personal trekking equipment such as boots, poles etc.

The Hospice has run several overseas trips but wanted an event closer to home making costs more affordable for supporters.

More than a dozen nursing staff from the Hospice have signed up for the adventure. * To book visit www.eastcheshirehospice.org.uk/events/trek-2025/

Freelance musician Tim Sparks is a man of many talents

Posted on by Becky Sidwell

Freelance musician Tim Sparks is a man of many talents – and of many places!

He sings and plays guitar, ukelele and keyboard.

Another string was added to his bow a year ago when he became musical director of Claritas, the East Cheshire Hospice community choir.

He and wife Sofia have lived in Macclesfield for 15 years.

Tim Sparks playing the ukelele.

Tim said: “I was born in Bristol, grew up in Dorset, studied in Wales, worked in Scotland and have lived in Sweden.

“We moved here in 2010 when we were married and were only going to stay for two years. I never thought I’d like a grey northern town, but we love it here.”

Claritas has raised more than £50,000 for the Hospice since 2006. Tim took over when long serving director Kath Ibbotson retired.

He said: “It’s the first time I’ve led a choir. I’ve sung in many and been a musician for a long time but leading a whole group was something new.

Tim on guitar.

“It’s been a learning curve, but members have been very welcoming and positive. They keep turning up which is great.

“We had a few members leave through natural turnover, but we’ve had far more join which is encouraging.”

The departure of pianist Hilary Balsdon was another big change.

Tim said: “That’s where multi-tasking comes in. Accompanying a choir is one thing but leading a rehearsal while accompanying a choir is another.

“Any age or gender is welcome to join Claritas. There’s no formal audition as such.

Tim with Claritas choir members.

“We try to work out what voice people have and where to put them in the choir. We want singers who can hold a note.

“Our focus is on raising money for East Cheshire Hospice, making music together and having fun.

“We’re more concerned with entertaining the audience than winning competitions. Our repertoire reflects that. It’s less classically focused and more fun stuff.”

Tim trained as an engineer but quit to pursue his love of youth work and music. Websites and computers are also his passion.

Claritas choir at rehearsals.

He said: “I’ve played guitar and sung for 30 years and moved into teaching naturally. I teach guitar privately and in primary schools.

“I also run youth projects with local charity Cre8 on the Moss estate and am involved with ukelele groups at Macclesfield Music Centre.

“I love inspiring others and joke that I’m a teacher because I want more people to play music with.” * Visit www.claritaschoir.com.

Capesthorne Hall staff to be part of this years Starlight Walk

Posted on by Becky Sidwell

Staff from Capesthorne Hall will stroll round the beautiful grounds where they work as part of the Starlight Walk next Thursday (May 15).

The East Cheshire Hospice event will be an emotional occasion for many, including Lynn Newton, the venue’s business manager.

Lynn bravely took part in last year’s walk, just 10 days after losing her 85-year-old mum Aileen to cancer.

Lynn said: “I lost my mum very quickly and the walk was good for me to do.

Staff from Capesthorne at last year’s Starlight Walk. From left, Lesley Thomason, Lynn Newton, Claire Daley and Kath Jefferies.

“I debated whether I’d be able to do it, but I needed to be around people. It felt like a fitting and poignant event given the timing.

“Mum was in a hospital in the Lakes but requested to receive palliative care at home, so we used Hospice @Home which was an amazing service.

“I wanted to give something back to the hospice world for its wonderful care and support.

“Mum was a fit lady and would climb the fells, swim 50 lengths a day and play golf.”

Lynn and the Capesthorne team will be back for next week’s event, sponsored by Adamley Textiles.

There will be another big turn out, but spaces are still available. Online applications close the afternoon before the event. To register visit www.eastcheshirehospice.org.uk/starlight-walk-2025.

Walkers stroll through a scenic 2.5k woodland route, with spectacular views of the historic hall and lake.

Supporters can complete multiple laps if they wish.

Lynn Newton with mum Aileen on an alpaca walk in 2023.

Many are remembering lost loved ones, pausing at reflection points illuminated with lanterns and fire pits.

Lynn said: “The little points of reflection are lovely, including tea lights and fire pits. Everyone you speak to has a personal and poignant story.

“The Bromley-Davenport family, who own Capesthorne, are huge supporters of the Hospice and do whatever they can to help.

“We hosted the Starlight Walk for the first time in 2015 and have also had a Tough Woofer event which was great fun, an outdoor cinema and we hold a Christmas carol fundraiser.

“Hopefully, the Starlight Walk is blessed with nice weather at a time of year when the grounds look stunning.

“The Bromley-Davenport family and staff at Capesthorne are delighted to be involved and are proud to support such a fantastic cause.”

Gates open at 6 pm with live entertainment and refreshments. The walk is from 7 pm.

Magician Paul David will perform various tricks, volunteering his services to thank the Hospice for caring for his late father David Morrison.

Rehearsals are well under way for Hospice Aid

Posted on by Becky Sidwell

Rehearsals are well under way for Hospice Aid, a musical extravaganza celebrating the 40th anniversary of Live Aid.

The show brings together Macclesfield’s top musical talent in aid of East Cheshire Hospice.

Tickets for the gig at Cinemac Cinema on Saturday, July 12, are available from www.eastcheshirehospice.org.uk/events/hospice-aid/

Organisers are hoping to raise at least £10,000 via ticket sales, sponsorship and donations. Doors open at 7 pm for an 8 pm start.

Hospice Aid musical director Beth Moss and her cover band Macc Woodfleet appearing at The Wharf.

Renowned music pubs The Wharf and The Button Warehouse are hosting rehearsals.

The tribute event is jointly promoted by guitarist Doug Skelton and musical director Beth Moss, a singer and pianist.

Expect cover versions of hits by Queen, Status Quo and Phil Collins among others.

Doug said: “We’re aiming to reproduce the spirit of the original event, albeit geared towards the Hospice and on a much more local level.

“It’ll be a great night of live music with a nostalgic twist. We encourage everyone to support the project alongside the Live Aid anniversary and fundraise for our local Hospice.

“Beth is doing a brilliant job pulling together a complex show.

“Artists from different musical genres are glad to be part of something special, aware this is a one-off.

“We’re grateful to The Wharf and The Button Warehouse for allowing us to use their venues on nights when they’re usually closed.

“It saves expenses so that more funds can go to the Hospice. This is another example of community effort.”

The show features a Hospice segment.

Doug said: “We are working with the Hospice to produce and present a short video at the performance, to highlight key stories from the service they provide.”

Beth and her cover band Macc Woodfleet performed at The Wharf in front of a capacity audience.

Wharf pub manager Hanna Hibell said: “Most musicians in Hospice Aid will have played at the Wharf so it’s a pleasure to help by offering our venue.

“We’re closed on Tuesdays, so it made complete sense to use our space which is set up ready for gigs. We try to have live music here at least once a month.

“A lot of pe0ple think we’re closed because there’s been a For Sale sign up for 18 months but we’re busy with bands, open mic nights and quizzes.

“The Wharf is proud to support the Hospice and to find out about our forthcomings gigs visit our Facebook page.

Guides and Trefoil Guild members have teamed up to provide comfort bags for patients and relatives at East Cheshire Hospice

Posted on by Becky Sidwell

Guides and Trefoil Guild members have teamed up to provide comfort bags for patients and relatives at East Cheshire Hospice.

The beautifully crafted bags filled with hygiene products have been gifted by Trefoil members, Guiding families and the local community.

Travel-sized toothpaste, a toothbrush, comb and a notebook and pen are inside the bags.

A personal note written on the back of a label is also attached.

Trefoil chair Libby Mooney (centre) with guide leaders Jayne Wiggett (left) and Alison Dale.

Trefoil members have used their sewing skills to make the bags with Guides helping with packaging and labelling.

The comfort bags are popular with those cared for at the Hospice.

Cheshire Border Trefoil chair Libby Mooney said: “This initiative is a wonderful example of collaboration between the Trefoil Guild and Girlguiding.

“One of the main purposes of Trefoil is to support communities and causes, such as East Cheshire Hospice, which are important to us.”

Messages include ‘Hoping this brings you happiness’ and ‘Something to make you smile.’

Libby said: “It was lovely to encourage Guides to think about the messages.

“It also sets off profound conversations about why we’re doing this and why we’re giving something physical rather than making a financial donation.

“Henbury Guides donated similar gifts last year and this can be a regular donation to the Hospice.

“It’s the thought of giving something and getting girls and adults to think about why it’s important to support our community causes.”

The new products have been donated with Guiding groups and Trefoil members leading the appeal for items.

Old Millstone pub celebrate their latest fundraising challenge

Posted on by Becky Sidwell

Regulars at the Old Millstone pub held a special thank you party to celebrate their latest fundraising challenge.

A seven-strong group, including landlady Eli Feney, climbed Ben Nevis raising almost £2,500 for East Cheshire Hospice.

Eli took part in memory of her mum Susan Humphries who died six years ago, aged 63.

Regulars from the Old Millstone at the top of Ben Nevis.

It was a poignant trip for Amy Done whose great grandad was cared for by the Hospice.

Brian Izzard and daughter Jodi also made the journey, along with Emma McFadden, Adam Harrison and Anne Marie Rochford, all of them supporting the same cause.

Barmaid Lizzie Fieldson raised more funds by riding a static bike inside the pub, her bad knees ruling her out of the trip.

Eli said: “We do so much for charity that we’ve become a community hub. We help the organisation Giving Train which gives back to those in need.

“We also raise money for lots of other things and later this year we’re climbing Scafell.

Ready for the climb … from left, Anne Marie Rochford, Brian and Jodi Izzard, Adam Harrison, Amy Done, Eli Feney and Emma McFadden.

“I climbed Snowdon a couple of years ago and that was much easier compared to Ben Nevis.

“I spent many months in a Hospice when I lost my mum to cancer. Hospice care isn’t just about helping people die with dignity, it’s about helping them live out life with love.

“We held a party to thank everyone who always backs me for every event.”

Nik Kalka has ended his brief boxing career as a winner

Posted on by Becky Sidwell

Tireless fundraiser Nik Kalka has ended his brief boxing career as a winner both inside and outside the ring.

The security manager came out on top in his second and final bout, bringing the total raised for East Cheshire Hospice to more than £4,500.

That was from two white-collar fights in which his sole aim was to support the charity which cared for his late friend Sam Burt.

Nik failed to make it past the first round in November, but he bounced back four months later by knocking out his next opponent.

Nik said: “I had a huge amount of support in the first fight and lots of people came to watch me.

Nik Kalka celebrates his win.

“The fight didn’t go the way I wanted and that’s not how I wanted the story to end, so I thought I’d go back and have another go and raise a bit more money.

“I was really motivated because I knew there was a reason for it.

“I pushed myself as hard as I could because it was for a cause and in memory of Sam. I also wanted to prove to myself that I could do it.”

Nik trained solidly for eight weeks for each fight, with a break over Christmas.

“I’ve achieved what I wanted to do with these fights and completed this journey. It was only ever for the Hospice.

“I was never going to be a professional boxer. At 35, I’m too old and not good enough.

Nik Kalka powers his way to victory.

“I’d like to thank everyone who supported me and now it’s on to the next fundraising challenge.

“A lot of people wanted to see me get punched in the face and that’s what’s happened. But joking aside, I’ve raised a lot of money.

“My first opponent was a different standard, while the next fighter was someone I’d trained with.”

Sam, an IT technician at Fallibroome Academy, died in 2017, aged 27.

Nik said: “The Hospice gave Sam and his family the comfort, care, and dignity they needed, and this was my way of giving back

“The Hospice means the world to me. I’ve been overwhelmed by the incredible support for my fundraising. It genuinely made a huge difference.”

Starlight Sisters!

Posted on by Becky Sidwell

Two sisters will be back for the Starlight Walk next month to once again honour the memory of their parents.

Elaine Alston and Christine Mothershaw did not know what to expect at last year’s event, organised by East Cheshire Hospice.

Sisters Elaine Alston (left) and Christine Mothershaw with Hospice mascot Sunny the Dog.

But it was so enjoyable they are looking forward to joining scores of other walkers at Capesthorne Hall on Thursday, May 15.

Their brother Paul Moss is hoping to join them this time.

Their father David John Moss spent three weeks at the Hospice in 2023, while their mother Marina passed away in 2017.

The family are Macclesfield born and bred.

Elaine and Christine said: “We saw the best of human nature at the Starlight Walk. It was a moving occasion and we realised we weren’t alone.

Sisters Elaine Alston (left) and Christine Mothershaw at the Starlight Walk.

“We witnessed friends and families supporting each other and took away feel-good memories.

“We felt we were helping the Hospice and giving back the support they’d given us, especially at our most vulnerable time.

“We’ll always continue to support the excellent service of the Hospice in any way we can.”

The walk, sponsored by Adamley Textiles, starts at 7 pm. The 2.5k course winds through beautiful grounds with stops for reflection.

Elaine said: “We went round four times, though you can choose how far you walk.

“On the third lap, we found a spot by the lake and placed a candle each for mum and dad. We were shining a light for them in their memory and it was a special moment.”

The siblings, all retired, were able to spend quality time with their parents.

Elaine was a midwife, and both Christine and Paul worked in a bank. Latterly, Christine was a ward clerk at the Spire Regency Hospital.

Elaine said: “Having worked in the NHS, I felt the Hospice really did give individual quality care and you want more people to have this same opportunity if needed.

“Dad had a short illness. We were eternally grateful to the Hospice, including afterwards. At the walk they looked after us, making us feel special and a valued family.

“Every time we see Hospice staff they talk about dad. I’m amazed they can remember he liked Macclesfield Town and his other great passion was crown green bowling at West Park.

“It makes you think that if they’re doing that for us, they’re doing it for everyone else as well.” * To register visit www.eastcheshirehospice.org.uk/starlight-walk-2025

Claritas will add a musical flavour to the Treacle Market

Posted on by Becky Sidwell

Claritas will add a musical flavour t0 the Treacle Market from 1 pm on Sunday, April 27.

Bring your singing voices as the East Cheshire Hospice community choir entertains visitors with a repertoire of well-known songs.

The choir has raised more than £50,000 for the Hospice since it was formed almost 20 years ago.

Claritas choir which is appearing at the Treacle Market.

Members rehearse every Monday in the chapel at the Hospice under the guidance of Tim Sparks who took over as musical director last year.

As well as conducting the choir, all-rounder Tim plays keyboard, guitar and ukelele.

Claritas chair Gail Robinson said: “The choir underwent a big change with the retirement of our excellent long-serving director Kath Ibbotson and the departure of our wonderful pianist Hilary Balsdon who moved down south.

“Tim is a fantastic replacement and so versatile. We’ve got about 15 new members taking our membership up to about 58. After Covid we went down to about 30.

“The acoustics in the chapel are excellent and we have a lot of good fun enjoying singing, while raising money for such a deserving cause.

“People are welcome to join us and can find out more from our website www.claritaschoir.com.”

The group also sing at Christmas concerts, including Light Up a Life services organised by the Hospice.

Gail’s many interests include flower arranging at the Hospice and volunteering in its gardens, while husband Lawrence drives furniture vans and collects Christmas trees for the Hospice.

The Hospice’s new head of fundraising

Posted on by Becky Sidwell

First impressions soon convinced Laura Tomlinson that she made the right choice joining East Cheshire Hospice.

The Hospice’s new head of fundraising leads a team without whom the Hospice would not exist.

Such is the department’s importance inspiring the public to give generously to a cause dear to its heart.

Laura is already loving her role after only a few weeks in post.

Laura Tomlinson, the new head of fundraising at East Cheshire Hospice.

She said: “You can feel the passion and energy here and that’s what I want to bring too.

“I like that we’re ambitious in what we do. We’re trying to lead the way and set the benchmark for other hospices.

“My initial impression is how warm and welcoming the Hospice is and I’m bowled over by the depth of support we provide.

“It’s easy to think it’s a hospice with end-of-life care, an inpatient unit, and Hospice @Home.

“But there’s so much more that we do, like all the support we offer to help a person’s wellbeing at the Sunflower Centre and out in the community.”

Laura has spent 11 years in the charity sector. She worked at Marie Curie before taking a gap year travelling with younger sisters Anna and Josie and two friends.

Then came eight years at Maggie’s where she was fundraising manager at its cancer support centre in Oldham.

Laura said: “I knew from Marie Curie that I loved fundraising. It ticks all the boxes for me.

“I enjoy meeting amazing people from all walks of life who give time, energy and love to a charity.

“I love the buzz of organising events that bring people together and championing people in their fundraising.

“I had a taste of everything at Maggie’s, from working with corporate partners, to cheering on people climbing mountains, to supporting fundraisers holding bake sales, and everything in between!

“Being under the same roof as those who receive invaluable care is important to me.”

Fundraising is vital as the Hospice gets only 21 per cent of income from government, meaning an additional £9,362 is needed every day.

Laura said: “I never fail to be amazed by the generosity of people, whether they’re donating, fundraising, or giving us their time. People always find a way to help.”

“Everyone comes together and that’s special. It’s an absolute privilege to be here.

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