Volunteering Archives - Page 2 of 5 - East Cheshire Hospice

Prestbury Pharmacy fundraises for East Cheshire Hospice

A chemist shop has joined forces with craft makers to come up with the right prescription for East Cheshire Hospice.

More than £7,600 has been raised from customer donations at Prestbury Village Pharmacy over three years.

Angela Ball, dispenser at Prestbury Village Pharmacy, which supports craft makers.

In exchange, shoppers pick one of countless items made by crafters with proceeds donated to the charity.

The volunteers started off as a group making scrubs for healthcare professionals in Covid and then turned their attention to face masks.

Founder Sheila MacLaren said: “When the need for face coverings diminished we decided it would be nice to stay together as a group.

“We could also meet face-to-face after restrictions were lifted, only ever having waved at each other from a distance previously.

“With the help of Ruth Moyes and Angela Raval, we morphed into a craft group and broadened it to more than just sewing. We now also knit, crotchet, make cards and patchwork. We also make novelties at Easter and Christmas.

Sheila MacLaren (left) with fellow members of Prestbury Craft Group.

“We’re extremely grateful to pharmacist David Wood and his staff for allowing us to put items on display with proceeds collected in a tin.”

Around 15-20 of the group meet every Wednesday from 1.30 pm to 3.30 pm at the Legh Arms. Coffee, tea, cake, crafting and chatting are on the agenda.

David said: “We’re a community pharmacy, so are delighted to help how we can. The craft group make some amazing designs all for a good cause which is our fantastic Hospice.”

Gail and Lawrence Robinson’s volunteering journey

Gardening, baking cakes, singing, flower arranging and moving furniture…all to help East Cheshire Hospice.

That is a typical week for volunteers Lawrence and Gail Robinson whose vocation in life is to help others.

The Macclesfield couple are continuing a family tradition.

Lawrence, a retired solicitor, said: “It’s inbred and we’re carrying on from how our parents lived their lives.

“They were very involved in the community and that’s how we see life, helping others, or doing things for them.”

Wife Gail will garden at the Hospice every Wednesday from March 1, as part of the 12-strong group who have already been out planting snowdrops in the new courtyard.

Gail is also a stand-by flower arranger, bakes cakes for coffee mornings and sings in Claritas Choir, which supports the Hospice.

Their next concert is at Packhorse Bowling Club on March 23.

Gail Robinson (second right) with fellow volunteer gardeners in 2021. From left, Mark Reddiough, Pat Dawson, Nev Wardle, Gail and Lindsay Taylor.

Gail also encourages visitors to buy Hospice items at the library charity card shop, while volunteering for Hearing Dogs for Deaf People and The Children’s Society at Christmas.

She is a church warden at St John the Evangelist Church, where Lawrence is treasurer and ‘general dogsbody.’ Gail is also a governor at St John’s School.

Gail said: “It’s a full week, especially as I look after my elderly mother and I’m also a guider and advise on diversity and inclusion for Cheshire Border Girlguides.

“We’ve a Brownie and Rainbow arts day coming up and have a deaf Brownie, so I’ll go along and make sure her provision is sufficient.

“I’m also a signer. I was Lay Chaplain for Deaf and Disabled People in Chester Diocese for 18 years, signing at weddings, baptisms, funerals and regular communion services. I also advised churches on accessibility.”

Meanwhile, Lawrence drives furniture vans. He said: “We volunteer to support the work of the Hospice. We’re fortunate we’ve never had a close relative in need of its services, but we’ve lost several friends whose families really appreciated the care.”

Their daughter Nancy was born with arthrogryposis, a rare muscle disorder, though Gail’s interest in disability began as a schoolgirl.

She lived near Seashell Trust, in Cheadle Hulme, when it was a school for the Deaf.

She said: “That got me interested in signing. I wanted to communicate with the kids on swings in the park.

“I learned to finger spell in the brownies and that started my interest in communication with the Deaf.”

* If you are interested in donating a small amount of time to support the Hospice visit www.eastcheshirehospice.org.uk/volunteer-with-us/ to find out more.

Furniture Round

Carrying furniture and old Christmas trees is essentially Lawrence Robinson’s voluntary role for East Cheshire Hospice.

He is out and about every Saturday on the van run doing the rounds delivering and collecting sofas, settees, tables and chairs. He also fills in on odd weekdays.

The charity generates around £10,000 a month selling recycled furniture donated by the public.

Gail and Lawrence Robinson (right) with fellow furniture volunteer John Butler.

Lawrence said: “It’s hard work, but great fun. Sometimes there’s heavy lifting, so you need to be reasonably fit.

“There’s always two of us and we make every effort to put furniture where people want it in the home.

“We get a job sheet telling us where to go. We either collect furniture donated from homes, or deliver bought items to them.

“We average about five trips a day, and today, for example we’ll pick up a table and chairs from the Poynton shop and take them to Ashton-under-Lyne.

“People appreciate what we do and all the funds raised go to the care of patients.”

He joined the Hospice through his church connections with Richard Raymond, co-founder of the charity’s Christmas tree collection scheme.

Once on the tree team, Lawrence answered a call for furniture volunteers almost three years ago.

He said: “As usual, the tree collection was a lot of fellowship and fun this year. We just try to do our best for people out there who want to support the Hospice.”

* To donate furniture call co-ordinator Toni Walsh on 07917 942273 or email furniture@echospice.org.uk.

Review of the year 2022

Another year packed with special memories at East Cheshire Hospice draws to a close.

The Hospice once again put patients at the heart of its activities.

Patients and visitors can enjoy a Serenity Garden created in a courtyard outside the inpatient ward.

Volunteers turned out in force to help with planting, aiming to make a garden look good all-year round.

Volunteer gardener Deborah Roberts with garden designer Ben Darlington (left) and landscaper Mark Marshall. 

From left, Chair of the Hospice’s Trustee Board Will Spinks, Andy Burnham and Hospice Chief Executive Karyn Johnston.

There was also an environmental emphasis, a recurring theme throughout 2022 for the Hospice.

Installing solar panels will hopefully reduce energy costs, while reducing food waste was another eco initiative.

Scores of families basked in early spring sunshine at a Memory Miles walk at Adlington Hall.

One of the first post-Covid events saw walkers undertook a one-kilometre woodland loop of the beautiful grounds. Look out for details in the New Year about a similar walk.

The weather was not so kind for a Pie and a Pint challenge over a 10k route in heavy rain, while firefighter Adam Davies chose a flaming hot day to tackle a gruelling golf challenge.

The keen golfer played 72 holes over 15 hours at Shrigley Hall Hotel and Spa.

Firefighter Adam Davies during his epic golf challenge.  

One of many fundraisers who went to extraordinary lengths to raise funds.

Brothers Tom and George Bentham paddled a canoe from one side of the country to the other in memory of their late father Mark, a chef and sailor.

Canoeing brothers Tom (left) and George Bentham.

Their bizarre challenge took nine days, while round-the-world sailor Heather Broadbent spent almost three years on her voyage due to pandemic delays.

Thankfully, services at the Sunflower Wellbeing Centre are fully back to normal after the disruption.

Popular group sessions such as Live Well Feel Well and a range of dementia programmes are meeting community needs.

The Hospice strengthened its dementia team this year due to an increase in demand.

Its Hospice @Home service proudly celebrated its fifth anniversary in October.

Hospice @Home staff (from left) Sally Heaven, Helen Singleton and Gill Tomlinson.  

The service has been an outstanding success, with a six-strong team expanding to 25.

A patient who lost her hair inspired health care assistant Elaine Taylor to shave her head to raise funds and show her support.

Art Fair Cheshire was also back, showcasing the region’s finest creative talent.

Art teacher Patty Callaghan who was among exhibitors at Art Fair Cheshire 2022.

Meanwhile, the Mayor of Greater Manchester, Andy Burnham, visited the Hospice. He passionately supports the Hospice sector and the holistic care it provides.

Befriending Service at East Cheshire Hospice

East Cheshire Hospice has launched a new befriending service for those in the last year of life who feel isolated and those who care for them.

Users do not need to be a Hospice patient to take part and they can ask their nurse, doctor or social worker to refer them.

The Hospice is also looking for more volunteers willing to befriend those in need.

The pilot project, funded by Cheshire East Council, is run by the Hospice Voluntary Services Co-ordinator Helena Smith.

Helena Smith who has set up a new befriending service at East Cheshire Hospice.

Helena said: “Isolation and loneliness, which have a real impact on health, are the key themes here. People might not use other Hospice services and might need only this from us and that’s fine.

“It’s for those with palliative care needs and is a really effective way to support their non-medical needs, which we increasingly recognise should have parity with physical health.

“The mental health benefits you get from social contact, and knowing someone cares, are really important.

“It is worth stressing that carers can also feel isolated and this project is also for them.”

Users need a referral from a health or social care professional, like a GP or district nurse.

Helena is looking not just at the medical network of palliative care teams and GP surgeries to find users.

She said: “In addition, I’m also contacting social prescribers, social workers, churches, community groups and food banks. I want to see who can benefit.”

In her spare time Helena is a befriender for Pure Insight, a charity supporting care leavers.

She said: “It gives me great pleasure watching the young person I see in an evening flourish. I know I’m making a difference and know befrienders will get that same feeling from this service. I know it can be done.”

Helena already has a dozen volunteers and wants more, hoping flexible arrangements at weekends and evening will not dissuade full-time workers.

She said: “Volunteers have different skills, whether it’s offering advice, setting up a computer or referring to other organisations, in addition to kindness and caring.

“Basically, it’s doing what you or I might do for someone we care about, but if people are isolated they don’t necessarily have someone to fight their corner like that.

“Volunteers need to be patient, kind and good listeners with a couple of hours a week to give.”

* Call the team on 01925 664984 or email volunteers@echospice.org.uk for more details.

Volunteering at Chestergate shop

Volunteering is how Sue Brumby is repaying East Cheshire Hospice for caring for her late husband Lawrence.

He died in 2017 and spent four nights at the Hospice, just three months after the Macclesfield couple had celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary.

The care for Lawrence (68), who worked for ICI, was so good that Sue wanted to stay within the Hospice family.

Hospice volunteer Sue Brumby at the Chestergate charity shop.

Sue said: “Lawrence had an inoperable liver tumour and nothing could be done for him.

“The Hospice went that extra mile and I was able to stay with him at the Hospice. I wanted to give something back since they were so kind to our family.”

Sue worked for Tesco for almost 25 years before retiring, retail skills which are now being put to good use at the charity’s shops at Thornton Square and Chestergate.

Sue said: “I volunteer one morning each week at both shops. The Chestergate shop has a completely new look and it’s great to welcome our customers back.”

Chestergate reopened last month after closing due to the pandemic.

Hospice commercial manager Louise Delaney said: “Sue’s an example of the support and dedication shown by the community towards the Hospice.

“We couldn’t do without our volunteers and if there’s anyone else out there who wants to give time please get in touch.

“The Chestergate store is also in need of donations of clothing and accessories. We’d also like electrical items, but no toys and books.”

Any interested volunteers can call 01625 511997.

Serenity Garden Follow Up

Volunteers of all ages turned out in force to help create the new Serenity Garden at East Cheshire Hospice.

Thanks to their efforts, almost 1,000 plants are now growing in a courtyard transformed into a floral haven for patients and visitors.

Tons of compost created from green bin collections had already been brought to the site as part of the charity’s eco-friendly initiative.

StairBox staff on a 20-mile walk through the Peak District. 

Bollington families then joined regular gardening volunteers and corporate helpers from StairBox to put in the shrubs, herbaceous perennials and grasses.

Garden designer and maker Ben Darlington, The Wild Gardener, who designed the garden and is supervising the project, said: “I want to say a big thank you to all involved in helping.

“The work would have taken a single gardener more than two weeks, so the volunteer effort represents a huge saving to the Hospice.

“The aim is to create a garden that looks good all-year round, so rather than a single grand explosion of colour, it’s more of a quietly beating backing track that patients and families can enjoy whatever the month.”

The finishing touches due in the autumn are six small trees, lots of bulbs for spring interest, and a bench for moments of reflection.

Macclesfield company Lawn Stripes and Hedges have also been heavily involved in the project, including raising funds.

Hospice Corporate Fundraiser Lisa Ball said: “It was a pleasure to have StairBox employees here for a  volunteering day. They certainly had a shock when they saw thousands of plants which needed planting!

StairBox staff on a 20-mile walk through the Peak District. 

“We couldn’t have done this project without them and can’t wait to see the garden flourish. Patients and their families will now be able to enjoy a beautiful garden.”

In addition, StairBox employees raised more than £2,000 for the Hospice from a 20-mile Ultimate Peak District Walking Challenge, a total the company will match-fund.

Meanwhile, as part of the charity’s environmental drive it is appealing for help to buy solar panels for its Millbank Drive site.

Each roof panel costs £562.50 and any surplus donations will be put towards the Hospice’s general running costs. To donate visit www.eastcheshirehospice.org.uk/solar-panel-campaign.

The requirement for Hospice services is also expected to increase in the next few years due to more complexity at end-of-life.

Installing solar panels will mean more future donations will go directly to patient care.

Become a volunteer van driver!

East Cheshire Hospice is appealing for volunteer van drivers to help move furniture.

The role involves collecting furniture from donors’ homes and delivering items to the charity’s shops in Macclesfield, Poynton and Handforth.

The stock then needs to be taken out to customers’ homes.

Commercial manager Louise Delany said: “We’d love people to join our retail van crew and shifts are usually from 9 am until early afternoon.

“Volunteers can commit to once a week, once a fortnight, or on an ad hoc basis, depending on availability.

Volunteer van drivers John Mellor (left) and Tim Hine.

“Our team love what they do. It’s friendly and rewarding and really helps raise vital funds for our Hospice.

“We can raise about £10,000 a month from furniture donations and that makes a big difference to us.  Helpers are also raising the profile of the Hospice.

“Every time our van goes out in the neighbourhood, it makes the Hospice that bit more visible, and our volunteers are representing us.

“No experience is required, but you must be fit enough to move furniture around with a colleague. You don’t necessarily have to drive – we also need people to help carry items.”

* To apply, contact mslack@echospice.org.uk or call 01625 408992.

Meanwhile, the Hospice raised around £30,000 from a rug sale. Some 1,400 surplus rugs were donated to the Hospice. Around 500 are left and are on sale at the charity shops.

Elspeth Retires from volunteering after 33 Years

One of our longest serving volunteers Elspeth Julian has retired after 33 years with the Hospice.

Elspeth, from Prestbury, has been an adult bereavement counsellor almost since the day the Hospice opened its doors in 1988.

A special afternoon tea marked Elspeth’s farewell and well-earned retirement.

It also gave colleagues the chance to thank her for her vital role helping countless families who have lost loved ones.

Reluctantly, Elspeth was absent from her part-time duties for more than a year because of the Covid-19 restrictions.

She said: “I’ll miss being part of such a worthwhile organisation with its welcoming atmosphere but all good things come to an end I suppose.

“When the Hospice was setting up bereavement services I was invited to join a small group of volunteers to visit the relations of patients who had died there.

“I’d been a social worker, and a Samaritan, and so had some experience of counselling skills. Back then, we went out into the community and saw people in their homes, so quite a lot of travelling was involved.

“After I left my job as a special needs teacher 18 years ago, I underwent formal training to become a counsellor.

“There’ve been lots of changes over the years and the bereavement service is far more structured now with children’s services as well as those for adults.”

Elspeth now has more time to spend with husband David, their three children and four grandchildren. She enjoys playing Bridge, visiting Dorset and is looking forward to travelling further afield again as soon as possible.

Elspeth Julian who is retiring after 33 years as a volunteer at East Cheshire Hospice.

Elspeth added: “I’m humbled that people have chosen to talk about their problems. The greatest joy has been feeling that I may have been of some help at such a difficult time.

“My message to anyone bereaved is that if you feel there’s something worrying you that you can’t happily talk to friends and family about, then consider speaking to a counsellor who will listen non-judgementally and not give advice but help you find your way through.”

Helena Smith, the Hospice’s Voluntary Services Co-ordinator, said: “The work Elspeth has done for the Hospice not only supports the people she directly counsels, but ripples out into their families as their resilience grows.

“These ripples, both big and small spreading out across the 30-plus years she’s volunteered for us, adds up to a remarkable contribution to our community.”

Wing Walking Grannies

Fictional fighter pilot Biggles is back in the skies for his next heroic adventure – this time as fearless flying grannies.

Age is no barrier for the five fundraisers who will climb on top of a classic 1940s Boeing Stearman biplane for a wing walk next month.

Health and safety requirements prevent them from wearing helmets, goggles, sheepskin jackets and scarves for their aerial stunt in aid of East Cheshire Hospice.

The outfits belong to Hospice volunteer Barbara Spivey who, at 74, is the oldest of the granny squadron.

She has run Spivey’s Web, a fancy dress shop on Chestergate which also sells unusual gifts, for 30 years with daughter Donna.

Donna has declined the challenge, unlike her brave mum who sported the outfits with fellow wing walkers to promote the flights.

Barbara said: “I’m an avid traveller and always fancied a wing walk. I went close to Everest base camp aged 64 and have visited places like Iran, Kazakhstan and South America. Travelling is the be all and end all for me and I’ve a friend who runs wildlife tours.”

Barbara has been a ward volunteer at the Hospice for 15 years but has been unable to help here for more than a year because of Covid restrictions.

Her late sister-in-law was cared for in a local hospice, persuading Barbara to become a volunteer.

Friend Jacky Macleod is also taking part in the wing walk at an airfield in Gloucestershire on Monday, June 21.

Jacky said: “I was a trolley dolly a long time ago and am trying not to think about being strapped to the top of a plane.”

Between them, the women have 18 grandchildren, eight of them for Hospice health care assistant Pam Webster.

Pam said: “I did a sky dive 15 years ago and it was brilliant. A wing walk has been on my ‘to do’ list and one of my grandchildren is convinced I’m going to fall. Another has said I’m mad, while my mum wonders what on earth I’m doing.”

Colleague Caroline Allen and complementary therapist Gill Black are the other grandmothers  sponsored for the challenge.

Gill said: “I like to do a challenge every year and have done a Firewalk before. I’m nervous, don’t like heights and am not too keen on flying. However, I’ll probably feel better on the outside of a plane rather than the inside.”

Four of the granny squadron. From left, Pam Webster, Gill Black, Jacky Macleod and Barbara Spivey.