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Craft-Collective Market

Posted on by Becky Sidwell

Kind-hearted Jennie Jones has spent her life helping others.

So when illness forced her to give up her job as a carer, she turned to her creative skills to support the community.

She now has a stall inside her market at Townley Hall which she runs jointly with business partner David Barnett.

Jennie Jones (centre) with hamper winners Charles and Patricia.

Almost 20 traders have stalls at Craft-Collective Market, held from 10.30 am until 3.30 pm on the first Saturday of each month.

Its chosen charity East Cheshire Hospice receives proceeds from a monthly raffle for a luxury hamper made up of goodies donated by traders.

Jennie worked in mental health and autism for many years until five major abdominal operations led to a change of career.

She said: “Once I realised I could no longer be a carer, I decided to do something else to benefit the community.

“While recovering from surgery, I started using my craft skills to give something back.

“The market has gone extremely well since we opened in April and I’m sure there’ll be more Hospice donations when customers come through the door on Saturday (June 1).

“The Hospice is a lifeline when people are going through such a dark time. The charity is an important cause for traders and it’s nice that our craft family has such a diversity of talent.

“We’re combining creativity, community and craftsmanship.”

Have you got any spare room to store items used to raise funds for East Cheshire Hospice?

Posted on by Becky Sidwell

Have you got any spare room to store items used to raise funds for East Cheshire Hospice?

Fundraiser Gary Henshaw is looking for somewhere to accommodate goods he either sells at his market stall or uses for his tombola stall.

All proceeds go to the Hospice which has received donations of around £12,000 since Gary started his fundraising two years ago.

The retired businessman said: “I’m desperate for an empty garage or a room with easy access once a week to store gifts in.

“I’m also looking for more unwanted gifts I can use for my tombola stall or sell on my stall. Every penny goes to the Hospice which is such a fantastic cause.”

Every entry in the tombola wins a prize. Entry is £1, the same price as any item sold on his stall located outside St Michael’s Church at the next Treacle Market on Sunday (May 26).

Market owners Becky and husband Andy Thompson have another bumper line up of stalls, plus music at the popular market.

Stallholder Gary Henshaw (left) with Treacle Market owners Becky and Andy Thompson and Alex Williams (right). 

The couple teamed up with former Manchester City goalkeeper Alex Williams to raise £200 for the Hospice from sales of his autobiography at the last event.

Gary said: “There’s a wonderful community spirit at the market. Football fans of all ages supporting many different teams came along to say hello to Alex.”

* If you can help Gary call him on 07776 181028 or email gazhenshaw@hotmail.com

A million metres in May challenge

Posted on by Becky Sidwell

Cyclist Darren Smith is involved in a race against time to complete a million metres in May.

At the halfway stage he is well on course to ride 1,000 kilometres in aid of East Cheshire Hospice.

His journey is dedicated to the memory of his father-in-law Brian Barker who died in March, aged 77.

Brian was a long-standing volunteer for the Hospice’s Christmas tree collection scheme, forging a close connection with the Hospice.

Brian Barker who was a volunteer for East Cheshire Hospice.

Darren, from Macclesfield, had intended cycling to Belgium as a fundraising challenge but the trip was cancelled due to Brian’s sudden death.

Darren said: “I wanted to keep my promise to raise funds and would have travelled about 1,000 kilometres by going to Belgium.

“Instead, I decided to ride the same distance – a million metres – throughout May. That means I’m cycling between 30 to 40 kilometres most days, with longer rides at weekends.”

Work commitments have complicated the challenge for Darren, a director of Manuka Money, a Gawsworth-based mortgage broker.

He said: “I set up the brokerage two years ago. Having worked for big corporates, I was acutely aware of how people can get lost in the process so we provide a more personalised concierge service.

“Our company is getting behind my bike ride to let everyone know about the Hospice’s wonderful work. I’m trying to turn a negative into a positive and make it a fitting tribute to Brian and all those who receive care there.”

Darren is visiting as many of the communities served by the Hospice, supported by wife Sammy, son Sebastian (14) and daughter Abigail (10).

An issue is a family holiday in the Lake District in the last week of May. He said: I may be sweating over the hills there if I don’t get enough metres covered by then.

Darren Smith (far right) with (from left) business partner Carl Atkinson, Hospice fundraiser Luke Oldham and Manuka Money’s head of marketing Alison Barber. 

“At 6ft 2in, I’m built more for rugby than cycling. I only got into the sport by going on a friend’s 50th birthday weekend and we ended up cycling in the Alps between Italy and Slovenia. I just enjoy the outdoors”.

“Brian was always amazed by how little revenue the Hospice gets from the government. The charity relies heavily on donations and charity events like mine.”

* To sponsor Darren visit www.justgiving.com/page/manukamoney-eastcheshirehospice

Harry Newton takes on Great Manchester Run 2024

Posted on by Becky Sidwell

Running machine Harry Newton is raring to go for his next big challenge later this month.

The 86-year-old grandad has entered the AJ Bell Great Manchester Run on Sunday, May 26.

Harry Newton who has raised more than £50,000 for charity from running.

Harry will skip the 10k event, preferring to tackle an alternative half marathon which might seem like a stroll after another stirring performance in last month’s London marathon.

The Macclesfield Harrier raised £1,700 for East Cheshire Hospice from his endeavours, bringing his total raised for various charities over the years to well over £50,000.

Harry said: “Running keeps me fit and I’ll keep going as long as my body allows me. The Hospice does wonderful work for the community and the prospect of raising money is a big motivator when the going gets tough near the end of a race.”

Harry was thought to be the fastest over 85 in the London marathon, his time of six hours 19 minutes earning him seventh place in the over 80 category.

The retired grocer is already eyeing up next year’s London race, though tempting wife Phyllis to run is a non-starter.

Harry said: “Phyllis is my No 1 fan and is always there cheering me on from the sidelines with family and friends. She’s not a runner, though, and prefers to be among the crowd.”

Harry has now completed 29 marathons, an incredible achievement considering his first was at the age of 57. His favourite has been the London marathon which he has completed 21 times.

Steve Nixon enjoys going for a relaxing run

Posted on by Becky Sidwell

Steve Nixon enjoys going for a relaxing run – whether driving his veteran car or wearing running shoes.

He will need to go the extra mile when he attempts to run the length of Hadrian’s Wall in aid of East Cheshire Hospice in June.

The gruelling 70-mile adventure will be the toughest challenge yet for Steve who warmed up last weekend by competing in the Madrid marathon.

Steve after completing the London Marathon in 2013.

Steve and wife Beverley often enjoy driving through Macclesfield in their dark green 1913 Model T F0rd. The collector’s item also appears at Macclesfield parkrun and veteran car rallies.

As does their 1903 Darracq which has been used by the Tytherington couple for the London to Brighton Run.

However, the two motoring masterpieces will stay in the garage when Steve undertakes his epic run from Carlisle Castle to Newcastle.

Instead, Beverley will drive their Ford Fiesta as support vehicle, aiming to call at five pit stops along the way.

A classic look … Steve and Beverley in costume with their Model T Ford. 

Steve said: “I’ll need some moral support, plus new socks no doubt! The route is a mixture of roads, paths and cross-country.

“It starts at 7 am with a 26-hour limit and I aim to complete the course in under 18 hours, hopefully with a westerly wind to push me along.”

Steve, a semi-retired business executive, has run marathons in 10 different locations, including Paris and Athens. The Lisbon race is on his schedule for October, while his first was in London in 2013.

He said: “I’ve had a few relatives and friends pass through the Hospice which is why my Hadrian’s Wall run is for them.

“They’re a local charity and gave me my first entry to the London marathon so I’ve always felt a certain allegiance to the Hospice.

The Nixons at Hyde Park Corner in their 1903 Darracq for the London to Brighton run.

“A lot of those supporting me also have some connection to the Hospice.

“The furthest I’ve run before is 35 miles over the hilly Gritstone Trail. The Wall, as it is known, is twice as far with a total climb of almost 4,000 feet.

“I wanted to do something big for my next challenge. Like any marathon, it’ll be more mental than physical. Keeping moving and staying focused will be hard work.

“Unlike the city marathons the 1,500 runners will be spread out so I may run many miles on my own before reaching the next pit stop.”

* To sponsor Steve visit https://shorturl.at/htwCR

Alex Williams has made a temporary transfer to East Cheshire Hospice

Posted on by Becky Sidwell

Former Manchester City goalkeeper Alex Williams has made a temporary transfer to East Cheshire Hospice – for a one-off fundraiser.

He will be at the charity’s stall at the Treacle Market in Macclesfield between 11 am and 1 pm on Sunday, April 28.

Alex is selling copies of his autobiography You Saw Me Standing Alone, with proceeds donated to the Hospice.

The book costs £15 and a share of sales also goes to City in the Community, the club’s charitable arm.

Former goalkeeper Alex Williams who will be at the Treacle Market.

Alex’s book tells how he overcame racism in the 1980s as the country’s first modern day black goalkeeper.

He succeeded Joe Corrigan, a Hospice patron, as keeper in City’s first team.

Alex was invited by Gary Henshaw, whose tombola stall at Macclesfield’s markets has raised more than £10,000 for the Hospice.

Alex was a pioneer of community football, culminating in schemes such as Macclesfield FC’s Community Sports Trust.

He retired last year after more than 30 years running City’s programme.

One of his last acts was to present the Premier League trophy to captain Ilkay Gundogan.

Alex said: “I’m delighted to be helping the Hospice, which is a wonderful cause and another example of great community spirit.

“I was at the Macclesfield branch of the City supporters’ club recently and know the town is full of Blues.”

Gary said: “Alex is a man of the people and a friend of the stars, as described in his book. Come along and have a chat and raise more funds for the Hospice.”

Gary Henshaw with his tombola stall. 

Why not take the plunge and make a bungee jump for East Cheshire Hospice?

Posted on by Becky Sidwell

Why not take the plunge and make a bungee jump for East Cheshire Hospice?

Thrill-seekers are invited to take a giant leap over Tatton Park in aid of the much-loved Hospice.

Organisers the UK Bungee Club claim the 300 ft drop is the highest regular jump in the country.

Fundraiser Luke Hughes who is organising a bungee challenge.

The Hospice has partnered with Run for Charity for the event held over a picturesque lake on the weekends of April 13/14, July 6/7 and October 12/13.

Entrants will have a few seconds to appreciate the vast deer park and stunning scenery before leaping off a platform suspended from a crane.

Luke Hughes, Community and Events Assistant at the Hospice, said: “Dare you get involved in this exciting challenge? It’s not for the faint-hearted but it may be on your bucket list.

Fundraiser Luke Hughes who is organising a bungee challenge.

“We know from experience that lots of our supporters take part in wild and wacky adventures to raise funds and hopefully this challenge will appeal to those with a head for heights.

“This is the first time we’ve teamed up with Run for Charity and there will be lots more challenges available in the future.

“The benefit is that we don’t need to worry about the logistics and cost of putting on these events, but it’s easy for supporters to sign up and support the Hospice.”

To enter visit www.runforcharity.com/east-cheshire-hospice-/tatton-bungee.

Entry is £120 (plus £4.80 booking fee) and entrants must agree to raise £200 for the Hospice.

Cloud to Ground support East Cheshire Hospice

Posted on by Becky Sidwell

Lightning protection specialists Cloud to Ground have always been struck by the care given by East Cheshire Hospice.

So it was an easy decision to donate their £1,000 profit from installation work on the Hospice’s refurbished Sunflower Living Well Centre.

Director Damien Bethell also has a personal reason for supporting the Hospice.

Damien Bethell, director of Cloud to Ground.

A family friend received end-of-life care from the Hospice after she was diagnosed with bowel cancer.

Damien said: “It was a pretty dark time, if I’m honest, for her family, but the Hospice were fantastic. They support so many families going through the worst time in their lives.

“It’s nice to be support the Hospice and we’ll continue that help, whether it’s through annual compliance testing, or any future work.

“We’re only a small business and rely on having that work to make donations like this.”

Damien has been involved in the lightning protection industry for more than 20 years.

He said: “I was born and raised in Macclesfield where our business, which is relatively new, is based.

“A lightning protection system is very much like a fire alarm – you don’t use it every day but you’re glad you’ve got it when you need it.

“Lightning protection has been around a long time, but until recently wasn’t taken very seriously. Since 2019, most commercial buildings have needed it as part of risk assessment within health and safety regulations.”

Cloud to Ground are co-sponsors of a bikeathon organised by the charity Just Drop-In on Saturday, May 11.

Barry Oldfield sets a new personal goal for this years Starlight Walk

Posted on by Becky Sidwell

Completing next month’s Starlight Walk will be an achievement in itself for grandfather Barry Oldfield.

Ill health will force him to take things easy as he strolls round woodland at Capesthorne Hall on Thursday, April 18.

It will be an emotional journey for Barry as he honours the memory of wife June who died of cancer in January 2021, aged 58.

Barry and June Oldfield on their wedding day in 1980.

He won’t be lacking support, though. Sons Barry, Paul and Andrew are joining him for the popular walk organised by East Cheshire Hospice.

Hundreds of other walkers will take part, many also remembering lost loved ones.

Barry, from Macclesfield, said: “I’m not very well, but I thought I’d give it another go after doing the walk with Barry and Paul last year.

“Andrew is also coming along this time to help. My health is getting worse and I have difficulty breathing due to COPD, osteoarthritis in my knees and neuropathy in my hands and feet.

Happier times … June and Barry on holiday.

“Last year we managed two laps, though it took us a long time to get round. My aim this time to get round the 2.5k course once.

“In a way, it’d be an achievement to do that.

“The atmosphere at the event is superb and that helps me. I’ll be thinking of June and the nurses who did such a fantastic job caring for her.”

June died within months of diagnosis and overcame Covid during a hospital stay. Once home, she was looked after by the East Cheshire Hospice @ Home palliative care team.

June was a long-time care team leader at Ingersley Court, Bollington,

Barry said: “The nurses were brilliant as were all her carers. The Hospice nurses looked after me as well. After June died, they still came to see me to make sure I was alright.”

Barry was an army veteran for 34 years, retiring in 2012 to drive a refuse lorry for Cheshire East Council.

The Hospice is still inviting entries for the walk. Gates open at 6 pm with the walk from 7 pm.

Barry Oldfield with Hospice fundraiser Amy Williams.

Participants can walk the route as often as they wish. Lighting, lanterns, fire pits, points of reflection and other features to enjoy along the way.

Entry is £22.50 and £17.50 for under 16s. To enter visit the Hospice website.

Walkers are encouraged to raise funds for the Hospice to help fund the care of patients.

There will be live entertainment with food and drink stalls.

Hospice team take on Born Survivor!

Posted on by Becky Sidwell

Bereavement counsellor Helen Wilkinson will not take no for an answer recruiting volunteers for a Born Survivor challenge.

She has already persuaded several colleagues from East Cheshire Hospice to join her tackling a 10k assault course at Capesthorne Hall on Saturday, April 27.

Helen said: “I’m still trying to rope people in. A lot of people seem to be busy that weekend and everyone is welcome to join us.”

* To enter visit www.eastcheshirehospice.org.uk/events/born-survivor/

Volunteers include Liam Lawton from accounts, wife Claire and his sister Hannah. They are taking part in memory of Liam’s grandmother Glenise who died in the Hospice last June.

The Hospice team in the Born Survivor event. From left, Luke Hughes, Hannah Bentham, Liam Lawton, Laura Lamptey, Helen Wilkinson, Debbie Kassas and Sue Milligan.

Glenise would have been 80 on the day of the event, making it an event more poignant occasion for the family.

Other members of the Hospice team are People and Development Lead Laura Lamptey and HR advisor Hannah Bentham.

Hospice @Home sister Sue Milligan and Dementia Lead/Specialist Nurse Debbie Kassas are also competing, along with fundraiser Luke Oldham and long-serving volunteer Janet Dean who helps out mainly on reception.

Helen said: “It’s a privilege to work at the Hospice as a therapist providing counselling to family and friends before and after their loved one has died.

“Working with people at their very core. This challenge is for you, your loved ones and our amazing team who I’m lucky to work with.”

* To sponsor Helen visit https://shorturl.at/sIMSX

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