Month: September 2023

Posted on by

Charity donates iPads to hospice

A local charity has kindly donated seven tablets to Willow Wood Hospice so that patients can browse the internet.

The pre-loved iPads have been given to the hospice by Tameside Community Computers CIC, which support local community groups and charities who are in a less fortunate position to have access to data and technology.

Lisa Buckley, who received the donation on behalf of the hospice, said: “We are very grateful to Tameside Community Computers for giving us these iPads which our patients in the hospice will be able to make use of and have internet access.”

The charity opened in 2022 on the back of amazing support that Mike Brooks, Cerid Grimshaw and the team at Zen Tec Network Solutions provided to the local community throughout the Covid-19 pandemic.

From December 2020 to August 2022, Zen Tec Network Solutions donated 2,822 devices completely free of charge to the local community living in digital poverty and estimate the value to be over £776,050.

Zen Tec are still on the lookout for items that are no longer needed from schools, businesses and individuals that are six years older or younger. They will take your appliances and update them ready to be donated to someone in need.

If you have any items you would like to donate, you can get in touch with Cerid by emailing ceridg@tamesidecc.org

To see the work that Tameside Community Computers do, visit www.tamesidecc.org

By Adam Higgins

Posted on by

Hikers take on Great Ridge Walk for Willow Wood

A group of determined fundraisers laced up their boots to embark on a challenging walk in the Peak District and raise vital funds for Willow Wood Hospice.

Around 20 people took part in the Great Ridge Walk last Saturday (23 September) and have raised around £4,500 in total to support patient care.

The seven-mile walk, organised by the hospice based in Ashton-under-Lyne in Greater Manchester, started from Castleton Visitors Centre in the morning and took in some stunning scenery along the way.

On what was a nice sunny day, the group took in Lose Hill and Back Tor along the great ridge to Mam Tor and came down with beautiful views of the Dark Peak, White Peak and Peveril Castle.

The hike, led by three experienced guides from Dark Peak Guides, finished at The Bulls Head pub in Castleton in the afternoon where walkers enjoyed some well-earned refreshments.

Team Willow Wood, including the hospice’s CEO Karen Houlston, raised over £1,000 alone.

Laura Marinelli, Events Fundraiser at Willow Wood Hospice, who organised the walk, said: “There was a good team spirit amongst the group and everyone who took part enjoyed the experience. It was a tough challenge but everyone did very well.

“We are grateful to everybody who got involved and sponsored our walkers to raise an amazing amount to support patient care at our hospice.”

Sam Duncan, Director of Fundraising and Communications at Willow Wood Hospice, commented: “I was delighted to be one of our Team Willow Wood walkers. It was physically hard as most of the route was uphill and some of us picked up a few blisters but it was all worth it. The weather was kind to us and there was a lovely atmosphere as we were walking.

“We had a fantastic time in a beautiful part of the world and the money we’ve raised will be hugely beneficial to supporting patients at Willow Wood who need our care.”

By Adam Higgins

Posted on by

Take a trip down football memory lane for Willow Wood

Chris Smith, Lisa Buckley and Brian Wild outside the hospice

An evening of funny stories, memories and fun with three former professional footballers will be held in Tameside in aid of Willow Wood Hospice.

It’s the fourth time the nostalgic event called ‘A trip down football memory lane’ is taking place, organised by Brian Wild and Chris Smith, who are long-time supporters of the hospice.

Brian, a former Civic Mayor of Tameside, was once a Trustee at Willow Wood and has even dressed up as Woody, the hospice’s mascot, on occasion.

The line-up for the nostalgic night is former Manchester City, Manchester United and England winger Peter Barnes, ex-Manchester City and Preston North End defender Tommy Booth, and former Everton and Arsenal midfielder Trevor Ross, who was born in Ashton-under-Lyne and now works in Oldham.

They will be in conversation with former top-flight referee Roger Dilkes, who will be the Master of Ceremonies for the night.

It’s on Friday 10 November at Dukinfield Masonic Hall, starting at 8pm.

Chris said: “We love doing it for Willow Wood, the hospice is so supportive and a great organisation. Everybody in the area has had their hearts touched by Willow Wood at some time.

“My wife passed away in Willow Wood and I’ve always had a longing desire to help fund it because hospices only get very limited funding from the NHS and have to find the rest of the money needed to keep going.

“We put this together, which usually raises between £1,500 and £2,000 each year, and everyone gets to have a good night. We would love to see you there.”

Brian added: “Willow Wood is a place we hope we never need but the hospice gives first-class care to everybody so I will always do what I can to support it.

“We love putting on the Football Night Fundraiser. We raise a lot of money on the raffle alone so, if there’s anyone who has any raffle prizes – however small – that they are willing to donate, we would gratefully accept them and happily pick them up from you.”

Lisa Buckley, Community Fundraiser at Willow Wood Hospice, commented: “Without people like Brian and Chris organising these events, Willow Wood would not continue to operate so we cannot thank them enough.

“Unfortunately, this year we are facing a deficit of over £600,000 so when people step up to put on these events, they make a massive difference. If you’re a football fan, or just want a good night out, please get a ticket if you can and help support the hospice.”

Tickets cost £10 including pie and mushy peas – which are generously donated by a volunteer, Denton councillor Denise Ward.

To get your tickets, call 0161 308 2685 or email Chris at smithowls@gmail.com

By Adam Higgins

Posted on by

Cousins brave skydive for Willow Wood

Hannah Whalley with her £600 cheque of money raised for Willow Wood Hospice

Two brave cousins have taken a huge leap by jumping out of a plane to raise a fantastic £600 for Willow Wood Hospice.

Hannah Whalley, 29, and her older cousin Rosie Lawton, 32, who both live in Stalybridge, completed the epic skydive from 14,000ft at Skydive North West in the Lake District.

They decided to take on the daring challenge after their grandad Michael Washer was cared for by the dedicated team at Willow Wood Hospice in Ashton-under-Lyne.

Michael was diagnosed with prostate cancer which became bone cancer and, after staying in the hospice for just over a week, he sadly passed away in June this year at the age of 77.

Hannah said: “I loved coming to the hospice to visit my grandad, I never wanted to leave. The nurses were amazing and really lovely, they also made sure me and my family were looked after as well as my grandad.

“I wanted to do something to support the hospice and something a bit different for me.

“I was scared beforehand because I’m terrified of heights and I don’t like flying but, once I was in my suit and boarding the plane, I was fine.

“It was a gorgeous day and we could see Blackpool and the Isle of Man from the sky.

“I would like to thank Lisa Buckley and the team at Willow Wood Hospice for all of their help with the skydive.

“Thank you to everyone who sponsored me and to my family for all of their support.”

Hannah was cheered on by her nine-year-old daughter Annie on the day.

“She was wearing a t-shirt to support me and shouted ‘love you’ which was just so lovely,” Hannah added.

Hannah enjoyed the experience so much that she is thinking of doing another skydive to support the hospice in the future.

By Adam Higgins

Posted on by

Golf Day gives boost to hospice funds

Twenty teams enjoyed a tee-rific experience at this year’s Martin Wild Golf Day in support of their local hospice.

In total, the annual fundraiser at Ashton-under-Lyne Golf Club made £6,500 to help boost care for patients at Willow Wood Hospice.

The event on 19 August was kindly sponsored by Coolair Services, Marshall Peters and Dukinfield and Stalybridge Rotary.

The winning team was Walsh’s Angels, who stood out not only as this year’s champions but also for having the sole female player of the tournament.

Players were well looked after with plenty of refreshments and there was a team prize table for the teams finishing first to sixth.

Laura Marinelli, Events Fundraiser at Willow Wood Hospice, said: “It was the fourth time that I have organised this event and it raised more money than last year for our hospice so I’m truly thrilled with the outcome.

“Thank you to all of the volunteers on the day, the players for taking part and our generous corporate sponsors who contributed to the prizes.”

The event is promoted by Martin Wild, a former Lancashire amateur golf champion and a long-time supporter of the hospice.

If you’re interested in taking part in the next Golf Day, look out for details about next year’s event in due course.

By Adam Higgins

Posted on by

Much-loved CEO set to retire next year

CEO Karen Houlston in the Willow Wood Hospice Garden

The much-loved and long-standing chief executive of Willow Wood Hospice has announced she will retire next year.

Karen Houlston will stand down from her position in May 2024, during the hospice’s 25th anniversary year.

Karen first joined as a part-time bookkeeper and has been at the hospice, based in Ashton-under-Lyne, since January 2000.

With a finance background, she has fulfilled a number of roles at the hospice – including Admin Manager, Finance & Services Lead and Hospice Exec Manager and after completing a Master’s Degree at Lancaster University in ‘Hospice Leadership’ in October 2013, Karen then went on to become CEO.

Karen has overseen a number of exciting and prominent changes to hospice services, and is well known and highly regarded within GM Hospice and the local healthcare community.

Her legacy is one of care, compassion and innovation – some of the values which have helped to shape the hospice.

Karen Houlston has been CEO of Willow Wood Hospice for almost 10 years
Karen has been CEO of Willow Wood Hospice for almost 10 years

Karen has worked tirelessly to ensure the hospice provides high quality, multi-professional care, support and education across Tameside and Glossop.

Karen said: “It really has been an honour and a privilege to lead this amazing organisation and to have been instrumental in its development over the years, even during the difficult times of the Covid pandemic.

“I know there are financial challenges ahead but there is also an increasing need for our services and so much more we can do to support our community. But I also know the team here are in a great position to meet these goals. I truly believe Willow Wood Hospice will continue to go from strength to strength continuing to provide the special care for the people of Tameside & Glossop.

“I know it is still some time away but I want to say a huge thank you to everyone I’ve had the pleasure of knowing and working with at Willow Wood Hospice over the years, from the Board of Trustees who work tirelessly to govern the organisation to our dedicated staff and army of volunteers. I also want to thank our wonderful donors and fundraisers for their continuous support, I have met some incredibly brave and amazing people.

“I will always be a supporter of Willow Wood and hospice care and wish them every success in the future.”

CEO Karen Houlston outside the entrance to Willow Wood Hospice
CEO Karen Houlston outside the entrance to Willow Wood Hospice

Philip Millson, Chair and Trustee of Willow Wood Hospice, said: “Karen has devoted her professional career to the hospice from the very beginning and is well-respected amongst colleagues and health professionals.

“On behalf of the board of Trustees, I want to thank Karen for her dedication and hard work over the years, where she has striven to ensure that the care the hospice provides is second to none.

“Karen has led our wonderful hospice with compassion, strength and diligence and we look forward to celebrating her success in what will be a milestone anniversary for the hospice next year.

“Karen will be greatly missed, but I wish her a very happy and well-deserved retirement with our best wishes for the future.”

The hospice is now actively recruiting for a new CEO, whose appointment will be announced in due course.

By Adam Higgins

Posted on by

Walkers invited to exciting hike for hospice

Team Willow Wood on the hospice’s most recent trek up Snowdon, Wales, in May 2022

Walkers of all levels of experience are being invited to lace up their hiking boots and embark on an epic walk whilst helping to raise vital funds for Willow Wood Hospice.

The hospice has organised ‘The Great Ridge Walk’ on Saturday 23 September.

Starting in Castleton via Cave Dale in the beautiful Peak District, there will be a gradual ascent via Windy Knoll, where the group will reach the summit of Mam Tor and then keep their height whilst walking along the ridge of Hollins Cross, Back Tor and on to Lose Hill.

The gradual descent will then bring the walkers back to Castleton to enjoy some well-earned refreshments.

The seven-mile hike will be led by an experienced guide from Dark Peak Guides.

The cost of registration is £20 and participants are asked to seek sponsorship for at least £200, but the hospice can help with support for your fundraising efforts.

Dogs are welcome and walkers must be over the age of 16 unless they hold an AALA License.

To sign up, visit https://willowwood.org.uk/events/greatridge

The hospice is also assembling a Team Willow Wood to take part in this adventure.

CEO Karen Houlston, Clinical Director Nicola Cheetham, Director of Fundraising and Communications Sam Duncan, Events Fundraiser Laura Marinelli, and Donations and Administration Assistant Lisa Knowles have signed up so far.

Laura, who has organised the walk, said: “Participants will walk along one of the best ridge walks in the country, with breath-taking views of the Edale and Hope Valleys, as well as the outskirts of Kinder Scout.

“We would love to see as many people take part as possible for what will be a difficult but extremely rewarding challenge, all to raise money for our beloved hospice.

“Alternatively, for those who may be unable to take part but still want to support the event, you can sponsor Team Willow Wood via our JustGiving page https://www.justgiving.com/page/team-willow-wood.”

By Adam Higgins