Donations Archives - East Cheshire Hospice

Review of the Year 2019

Posted on 16th January 2020 by Luke Brightmore

Fun and fundraising brought lots of smiles for East Cheshire Hospice supporters over the last 12 months.

Another packed colourful calendar of events meant the charity benefitted in many different ways.

Music, art, sport, fashion, travel, leisure and business were all thrown into the mix by generous donors.

Families were out in force at Light Up The Night at Capesthorne Hall, a poignant occasion which saw many walkers remember loved ones.

Community events included Splash Out! when young and old faced a series of water challenges, while dogs and owners tackled a testing obstacle course at Tough Woofer.

Taking a dip at Splash Out.

Mayor Janet Jackson in her charity shop outfit which she wore at Buckingham Palace.

Mayor of Macclesfield Coun Janet Jackson is a regular customer at the Hospice charity shop at Thornton Square where she picked up a bargain for a Royal appointment.

When she received the MBE from Prince William, Duke of Cambridge, she wore a dress and matching jacket she had bought from there for £25. Her hat cost £10.

Nick Robinson gives his speech at the Hospice’s Business Briefing

BBC journalist Nick Robinson gave a keynote speech at the Hospice’s annual Business Briefing at Alderley Park. Nick’s late father Robbie was cared for by the Hospice.

Round-the-world sailor Heather Broadbent.

Hospice supporter Heather Broadbent starts 2020 sailing off the coast of Australia.

She is aboard GoToBermuda competing in the Clipper 2019-20 Round the World Yacht Race.

Heather is going from Freemantle to the Whitsunday Islands on the latest leg of her 11-month voyage.

She is raising £40,000 for the Hospice where her late husband Adam was a patient. To donate go to dreamitnowdoit.com

Heather said: “I’m loving every minute and wouldn’t change it for the world. At sea I’m making memories and friends for life.”

Mother and daughter Kim and Nina Bennett with cockapoo Elsie at Tough Woofer.

Disco Bingo with What Women Want

Posted on 16th January 2020 by Luke Brightmore

Disco Bingo fun at Tytherington School.

It was eyes down for 300 bingo players who danced the night away in aid of East Cheshire Hospice.

The girls took part in Disco Bingo organised by the What Women Want (WWW) fundraising group at Tytherington School.

The game sees players waiting with bated breath for numbers which trigger a disco classic to get them on their feet and earn them a prize in the process.

All brought bottles which filled a wheelbarrow and buckets of booze and by entering into the party spirit they raised a staggering £6,000.

Jayne Carter, chair of WWW, said: “A special night showed once again how we put the fun into fundraising. The place was bouncing, everyone had a wonderful time and we’d like to thank everyone for their generosity.

“Special thanks must go to our sponsors Arighi Bianchi, The Beauty Bar, Pam Hulme Accountants, Anna Carey and Alice Cartwright.”

Jayne and pals Julie Barnes, Jo Millward, Elaine Burgess and Jill Harding make up WWW who have raised almost £300,000 for the Hospice.

The proceeds most recently funded a car supplied by Ford dealers Sidney Jackson which will maintain the vehicle for its lifetime. It provides vital travel for the Hospice @Home service.

Highlights of the WWW calendar include fashion shows featuring models who have faced cancer and a glitzy Ball which returns in late 2020 after a year’s break.

Events have been sponsored by Adlington-based packaging firm Proseal which earlier this year donated £1m to the Hospice.

What Women Want group members (from left) Elaine Burgess, Jo Millward, Jayne Carter, Jill Harding and Julie Barnes with the car used for East Cheshire Hospice @Home.

Co-op Local Community Fund

Posted on 16th January 202016th January 2020 by Luke Brightmore

Co-op customers can now help people in Macclesfield with dementia every time they shop.

East Cheshire Hospice is putting proceeds from its Co-op Local Community Funding towards its dementia services.

It means that that one per cent of what Co-op customers, who are also members, spend on own brand products goes straight to the charity.

The latest partnership between the store and the charity runs until next October. The Hospice is hoping supporters become members before their Christmas food shop.

The Hospice has already received almost £8,000 from Co-op shoppers since the scheme was introduced more than three years ago.

The most recent round of funding generated £3,763 which was allocated to its Childhood Bereavement Service.

Co-op stores at West Park Drive and Westmorland Close are supporting the Hospice as their nominated charity, although individual members can choose which charity benefits from their one per cent donation regardless of where they shop.

The Hospice has received widespread praise for its approach towards dementia and operates a Companion Service and Carers Programme.

Admiral Nurse Debbie Callow said: “We’re delighted the Co-op funds will support such a vital service. The aim of the fund is to help pay for local projects Co-op members care about and through their support at the tills we can continue to address the growing needs for those living with dementia and their families.”

“Our dementia services offer a safe, relaxed environment where carers in East Cheshire can come together in a group setting to share problems, concerns or experiences with others who are going through a similar experience.

“Our services also provide people affected by dementia with a regular volunteer companion to support social activities in order to give the person they live with some respite.”

* Any Co-op member can support the Hospice through their shopping providing they have chosen to support it through their membership account. (www.coop.co.uk/membership).

East Cheshire Hospice Trustee Alistair Kennedy with Co-op staff (from left) Romi Adragna, Stacey Mountford and Gabi Smith.

Christmas Tree Collection 2020 is live!!

Posted on 16th January 2020 by Luke Brightmore

Plans to dispose of Christmas trees are already in place, even though the lights may have only just been switched on!

The East Cheshire Hospice Christmas Tree Collection service is already accepting registrations for its January operation.

Visit www.echtrees.org.uk, or call the customer care hotline 01625 708939, to arrange to have trees collected on the weekend of Saturday, January 11, and Sunday, January 12.

Next year marks the 20th year of the service which has raised more than £1m for the Hospice.

The organisers are encouraging the public to buy real Christmas trees due to their environmental credentials.

More than 700 trees were registered in the first week after applications opened on November 18 and the figure has risen to well over 1,000.

Hospice Marketing Manager Amy Chatwood said: “The Christmas Tree Collection has always been a huge success thanks to the generosity of our supporters and we’re confident the anniversary collection will be just as popular.”

Co-founder Richard Raymond said: “I’m humbled and amazed by the scale of the operation and once again Pete Chapman and I want to thank everyone for their support in so many different ways.

“A Christmas tree from a sustainable source is known to be the eco-friendly alternative to a plastic version. We recycle all the trees enhancing the environmental credentials of buying a real tree.”

Around 300 volunteers will be out in force covering Macclesfield, Wilmslow, Alderley Edge, Bollington, Prestbury, Poynton, Congleton and Knutsford. The post codes are CW12, SK9, SK10, SK11, SK12 and WA16.

The collection, sponsored by AstraZeneca, will see a fleet of around 40 vans, half of them supplied by Cheshire Vehicle Rental, picking up trees for recycling at the Ansa Park depot.

Transport technology company TRU will provide route-mapping software to simplify the logistical challenge.

Art Fair Cheshire 2019 Success!

Posted on 16th January 2020 by Luke Brightmore

Art Fair Cheshire raised a bumper £45,000 for East Cheshire Hospice as it celebrated its 20th anniversary in style.

The biennial event enjoyed a record year of sponsorship and the donation will fund the charity’s art therapy unit.

The Hospice, which held an afternoon tea to thank organisers and volunteers, has received around £400,000 from Art Fair Cheshire in the last two decades.

Hospice Director Karyn Johnston said: “We’re so grateful to everyone who helped make the event such an outstanding success. It’s an amazing donation and represents a huge amount of care for our art psychotherapy service.”

The Art Fair Cheshire committee adopted a new look for the autumn 2019 edition at Macclesfield Town Hall, a move that paid off handsomely.

Co-chair Georgie Johnson said: “Art Fair Cheshire went in a new direction this year with a fresh look and feel and we’re really pleased how it went.

“It was extremely well attended and we couldn’t have run it without help from more than 70 volunteers. We want to thank them all and everyone else who contributed in so many different ways.”

Each participating artist donated a minimum of 40 per cent of every sale to the Hospice with more than 80 artists and crafts experts exhibiting work.

Art Fair Cheshire also organised another exhibition, ‘Gathering’ by artist Susie MacMurray, an installation which enjoyed pride of place at Tatton Park for four months.

The art work drew wide praise from Tatton visitors, helping raise awareness of Art Fair Cheshire and the Hospice.

Co-chair Steven Dalton said: “Gathering was a huge success and we’re grateful for the massive support from volunteers. Lots of people have bought souvenir elements of the installation and all proceeds go directly to the Hospice.”

Elements available in unique editions can be bought until March 2020 via www.gatheringattatton.com.

East Cheshire Hospice Childhood Bereavement Service

Posted on 16th January 202012th November 2021 by Luke Brightmore

The Dream Beams donation provides vital funding for the Childhood Bereavement Service run by East Cheshire Hospice.

During a 12-month period it supported 226 youngsters, aged between four and 18, and more than 1,000 family members.

A child who has experienced bereavement within the last three years, or is about to be bereaved, can be referred, even without a Hospice link.

Services include counselling and educational support for teachers and fellow pupils.

Dream Beams chair Katie Jordan had no hesitation supporting the service after learning about its work from April Green, the Hospice’s Key Relationships Manager.

Katie’s committee agreed to donate proceeds from their charity ball towards the service which began almost seven years ago and needed external funding to continue its development.

April said: “The Child and Adolescence Mental Health Service (CAHMS) refer all their bereavement cases directly to us and if this service didn’t exist these young people would have no support at all.

“Our mission is to be the ‘the go-to place’ for all referrals and to be considered the centre of excellence for childhood bereavement services in East Cheshire.”

Karyn Johnston, Hospice Director, said: “The monies raised from the Ball will make a lasting difference to the lives of children and young people suffering a loss of a loved one, or close relative, and give their families, carers and teachers the tools to guide them through their bereavement journey.

“On behalf of everyone at the Hospice, and those in our care, we offer our deepest gratitude.”

East Cheshire Hospice Key Relationships Manager April Green (centre) with the charity’s child therapists Jane Burton (left) and Lindsay Dobson

Dreambeams Ball Debut

Posted on 16th January 2020 by Luke Brightmore

Sisters Jemima and Annabelle Jordan found the recipe for fundraising success when they started baking cakes for disadvantaged children.

Little did they know that three years on their cookery skills would inspire a new charity which is now helping bereaved youngsters in Macclesfield.

Mum Katie and her daughters set up Dream Beams which has made a staggering £102,100 donation to East Cheshire Hospice to fund its Childhood Bereavement Service.

An exclusive Dream Beams Ball at Merrydale Manor was the culmination of lots of hard work by Katie, the charity’s chair, her trustees and events committee.

Katie, from Henbury, said: “We’re a family driven by challenge and always wanting to push ourselves.

“The girls would bake for weeks and want to help other children who aren’t as fortunate as themselves. Jemima had the bright idea we should all get involved and we only registered the charity in March.

“Dream Beams aims is to shed beams of light on to other children through fundraising events and supporting local charities.”

The Hospice’s Childhood Bereavement Service was the perfect fit, especially as a five-year Big Lottery grant used for funding had expired.

Katie said: “As a young teenager I lost close relatives so know how devastating it can be and how incredibly difficult the journey is. That’s why I’m so passionate about this cause.

“The Ball far exceeded our expectations and the trustees want to thank everyone who supported us so generously in many different ways.”

Main sponsors were Quanta Capital, Jordan Fishwick Exclusive and Vincentius. Donors also included Rolls-Royce Manchester, Boodles, Amazon, Mistral Gin, Coggles, Pinches Medical, Matalan, Waitrose and Virgin Atlantic.

Neil Travis, General Manager, Amazon Manchester, said: “Dream Beams does such vital work supporting children across Cheshire and when we heard about the Ball in aid of the Hospice’s Childhood Bereavement Service we jumped at the opportunity to offer our support.

“We donated 20 Echo devices for the ball raffle and £1,000 to the charity fund and hope the donation helps the team provide life-changing services to the community. ”

Guests included the Lord-Lieutenant of Cheshire David Briggs MBE KStJ, President of East Cheshire Hospice, and the then Tatton MP Esther McVey.

Steve Nixon Challenge 1,2,3

Posted on 16th January 2020 by Luke Brightmore

It was full steam ahead for Steve Nixon who combined a love of railways and running for a charity challenge.

He took part in races in locations known for their railway heritage in aid of East Cheshire Hospice.

Steve, from Tytherington, included the Bollington 10k and Macclesfield half marathon in his schedule to mark the 150th anniversary of a railway in Bollington.

The route between Macclesfield and Marple is now the Middlewood Way and this year’s Bollington Festival had trains as a theme in recognition.

Steve, a stalwart of the Macclesfield Model Railway Group, also ran marathons in Manchester and Liverpool in honour of the line which operated the world’s first steam locomotive.

His itinerary featured the Great North Run and the Kielder marathon in the north east, birthplace of Robert and George Stephenson, regarded as the ‘Father of Railways’ and whose home Steve has visited.

Steve, who has raised more than £600, said: “I’ve supported the Hospice many times before and thought it’d be good fun to link my runs with railway history. Stephenson’s Rocket is such an important part of engineering history and I’ve enjoyed model railways since I was a boy.

“I did nine long-distance events in six months and achieved personal best times for a marathon, half marathon and 10k, but most importantly raised money for a good cause.”

The father-of-three works across Europe as an interim executive so his training runs take him far and wide.

* To support Steve go to justgiving.com/fundraising/stevenixon2019

Ecclesiastical – 12 Days of Christmas

Posted on 16th January 2020 by Luke Brightmore

East Cheshire Hospice is asking supporters to help it earn £1,000 as part of a 12 days of giving campaign.

Specialist insurer Ecclesiastical is making a £1,000 donation to 120 different charities as an early Christmas gift.

To vote for the Hospice go to www.ecclesiastical.com/12days. Nominations close on Thursday, Dec 19.

Winners are drawn at random and the more times each charity is nominated the more chance of being selected. The 10 daily winners are announced on the 12 week days from Dec 5-20.

Kate Bowmar, Corporate Fundraiser at the Hospice, said: “The Hospice received £1,000 from Ecclesiastical earlier this year thanks to votes from supporters and the local community and it’d be wonderful if we can attract enough votes again.

“Such a gift would fund a day’s catering, laundry and housekeeping services, or three overnight stays on our inpatient unit so it means a lot to us.”

Mark Hews, Group CEO of Ecclesiastical, said: “Our annual 12 days of giving Christmas campaign will help charities change lives for the better and we know that for many charities, £1,000 can make a real difference.

“We’re encouraging everyone to nominate a cause close to their hearts this Christmas to be in for a chance to win a festive financial boost.”

Nepal Trek 2019

Posted on 16th January 202016th January 2020 by Luke Brightmore

One-time keen mountaineer Jonathan Edwards is undaunted by trekking in Nepal.

His biggest challenge since February has been avoiding alcohol in preparation for the 12-day trip starting on Saturday (Nov 9).

The medical writer is part of a five-strong group raising funds for East Cheshire Hospice.

Two days helping a hospice project in Kathmandu is followed by a tough five-day trek with stunning views of the Annapurna mountain range.

Jonathan, from Macclesfield, said: “My wife Verity saw the trip on the Hospice’s Facebook page and I’ve always wanted to visit Nepal, but was going to wait until my 50th next year.

“I enjoyed mountaineering before our children Molly and George were born so won’t be out of my comfort zone, but staying off alcohol has been difficult.”

He is fundraising in memory of Verity’s stepfather David White who died of prostate cancer last year and was cared for by the Hospice.

The family has raised £2,500, including £500 from a music night at the Wharf pub, supported by Macclesfield musicians, and Jonathan ran the Coniston half marathon.

At 70, Helen Connolly is the oldest hiker. Sister-in-law Sheila Kirk, from Prestbury, fundraises for the Hospice and alerted her to the trip via social media. Helen walked in Machu Picchu and Costa Rica several years ago.

Sherry Daniels, who ran a salon in Marton, enjoys mountaineering and is fundraising in memory of late friends, including Pip Roberts, a Hospice patient.

The party also includes Hospice staff members Sarah Dale and Louise Delany.