Category: Fundraising

Managing Director Paul Dodsworth has personal and professional reasons for wanting to help East Cheshire Hospice.

His firm Estate Planning Solutions (EPS) will celebrate opening a new office in Macclesfield on September 27 by taking part in the charity’s Will Month initiative.

Participating solicitors will waive their usual fee in exchange for a donation to the Hospice during October.

Paul saw for himself what the Hospice means to families when he lost his father Peter (84) five years ago.

Paul has run EPS for 20 years and the new office on Jordangate is part of expansion plans.

Paul Dodsworth whose company Estate Planning Solutions are taking part in Will Month.

Daughter Megan (23) also works in the business and is studying for a legal executive qualification.

Paul, a fellow of the Institute of Professional Will Writers and diploma member of the Society for Trust and Estate Practitioners, said: “If people haven’t got a will they really should make one.

“It’s probably the most important document they will ever write.

“If you don’t write a will the State writes one for you and it will almost certainly not be what you want.

“We’re not just will writers – we’re estate planners as well, helping people make sure their wealth ends up with the right people at the right time.

“Most people don’t realise what you can achieve by writing the right Will to suit your circumstances and objectives.

“Many will just write a basic Will that gives everything to their children but that does nothing to protect any of their estate. It does nothing to guarantee what their children, or other beneficiaries, will inherit.

“You can use your Will as a financial planning tool and that’s what we do for 99 per cent of clients.”

The other participating solicitors are Moneybox Wills and Trusts, GPW Tax and Law, THP Law and Stratford Solicitors.

They will write single and mirror Wills or update an existing Will and waive their usual fee in exchange for a donation to the Hospice.

Contact the firms directly to make an appointment.

The campaign was a big success last year when it switched from a week-long event to a monthly initiative, allowing more flexibility.

Almost £14,000 was raised for the Hospice which cares for one in three of its patients from gifts left in Wills.

To find how to contact participating solicitors visit the Hospice website or email fundraising@echospice.org.uk or call 01625 433477.

On your marks, get set … go for the Deadly Dozen, a relay race like no other in aid of East Cheshire Hospice.

The event at Macclesfield athletics track on Saturday, October 12, combines fitness and fundraising.

Organiser Jason Curtis, owner of 5S Fitness, has been amazed by the popularity of the Deadly Dozen which involves speed and stamina.

Relay teams of four each complete three 400 metre runs and three exercise stations.

They choose which exercises to complete, though the race must be completed in the right order.

Entry is £100 a team and all proceeds go to the Hospice.

The fourth event on September 14 is full, with more than 500 tickets sold in a day.

Jason has published more than 20 books on strength and conditioning.

He said: “Deadly Dozen started as a small event in Macclesfield less than six months ago. We thought we’d get about 50 gym members and a few others turning up, but it’s just blown up.

“It’s now considered one of the fastest growing fitness races in the UK and podcasters reckon it’s going to be the next big race internationally.”

Jason has organised eight events nationally next year and is hoping to take the format to Dubai.

Competitors are put through their paces.

He said: “It’s important to help charity so we’re hoping to raise £3,000 from our October race for the Hospice.

“In the grand scheme of things, they need a lot of money but every little helps and hopefully we can build our support each year.”

* To enter visit www.deadlydozen.co.uk.

A colourful floral display brought back wonderful memories for the Jones family at Tatton Park.

A special installation at the RHS Flower Show was dedicated to Christine Jones who died of bowel cancer at East Cheshire Hospice earlier this year.

Chris Jones with 10-year-old granddaughter Florence at the installation.

It was created by close friend Kathryn Cronin whose installation ‘Threshold – On Life and Living’ helped raise awareness of the Hospice’s work and its motto ‘where people come to live.’

Daffodils and sunflowers – the Hospice emblem – featured in Kathryn’s all-British flower installation. The centrepiece was a wooden door frame which formed a living threshold.

The gardening theme was a fitting and touching tribute.

Christine’s husband Chris said: “It was wonderful and moving to visit the Hospice installation with my family.

“It made us think about our lovely Christine and remember the happy times we had in our own garden, as Christine so enjoyed looking after our plants and flowers.

“We’re extremely grateful to Kathryn for dedicating the installation to Christine’s memory. It also allowed us to say thank you to the Hospice for the amazing, dedicated care and support they offered Christine in her last few weeks.”

Kathryn said: “Many thanks for the support of Chris and his family, the RHS and East Cheshire Hospice. Flowers help us convey the words we’re often unable to express.

“The installation encouraged many meaningful conversations around the role of a hospice and especially when Christine’s family came to visit. Hopefully, it also raised the profile of the Hospice.”

Age is no barrier for Barbara Horry who continues to support East Cheshire Hospice approaching her 94^th birthday in November.

Barbara has bought a leaf on the Memory Tree in the Hospice gardens to remember husband Harold who died in 2012, aged 86.

It is her latest way of fundraising for the Hospice where Harold spent only 15 hours as a patient, though it was long enough to leave a lasting impression on his family.

Barbara with daughter Judith Scorer at a Memory Tree garden party.

Barbara has already donated proceeds from a book of family memoirs entitled The Mad Midwife of Mobberley, an affectionate account of more than 40 years as a nurse.

The hardback was written by granddaughter Lydia to mark Barbara’s 90^th birthday.

Harold was a leading figure in the scout movement, spending 20 years as Alderley’s district commissioner. Barbara raised more than £200,000 for the scouts over five decades.

Barbara said: “The Memory Tree is a lovely way to maintain our family’s link with the Hospice and to thank them for the care Harold received.

“He was only at the Hospice for a short time after he was transferred from hospital, but we’re so grateful for their care, kindness and compassion.”

The metal sculpture, gifted by AZ employees, has leaves engraved with a short message to someone special if desired. Subscriptions are £10 a month, or £120 for a year.

* To sign up to the Memory Tree visit www.eastcheshirehospice.org.uk/memory-tree.

For queries, contact amy.williams@echospice.org.uk or call 01625 665688