Month: April 2024

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A garden of memories

Our Memory Fountain is the centrepiece of our beautiful gardens, which provide a serene environment for our patients and those closest to them.

The fountain houses beautiful Memory Stones, which can form algae and moss over the warmer months when the sun shines down.

Our head gardener Sophie came up with the idea of making the fountain have the appearance of a reflection pool by installing a metal framework.

This gives the impression of the stones floating on the surface – a beautiful way to display the stones which mean so much to patients and those closest to them.

Dukinfield Metal Spinners in Audenshaw, a local family business, were only too happy to help.

The team took on the design, creation and building of the heavy framework and also had the entire structure powder coated.

The installation was placed in the fountain but unfortunately a leak was spotted.

However, thanks to the hard work of our dedicated volunteer gardeners, with support from our fabulous corporate volunteers, it has been fixed and the fountain can now be enjoyed again by everyone associated with the Hospice.

David Johnson, one of our volunteer gardeners working on the project, told us: “The original pond was filled with plastic boxes and then stones and Memory Stones on top of that. It was just too difficult to clean, so it was decided we needed a platform which Dukinfield Metal Spinners offered to help with, which was fantastic.

“We cleaned the old pond out and a crew of volunteers from Marks & Spencer took all the stones out, and gently cleaned them, put the new platform in, filled it up and it looked wonderful.

“But then it leaked which we were really disappointed about. It has been eight years since we lifted everything out so the silt had got in somewhere.

“We’ve now put in a pond liner after lifting everything out and we’ve put protection cups on the stand legs for each of those sections so it doesn’t cut into the pond liner. A bit of finesse was required and it took several hours but we got the job done and it looks fantastic again.”

For more information on dedicating a stone to a loved one, visit https://willowwood.org.uk/make-a-donation/giving-to-willow-wood/memory-stones/

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Law firm supports Willow Wood as charity of the year

Our sincere thanks to Bromleys Solicitors for raising a fantastic £862.50 for the Hospice, after choosing Willow Wood as their Charity Partner for 2023.

Throughout the year, staff at the Tameside law firm organised a number of lunches, dress down days and sweepstakes to raise funds. They also attended our Grand Ball in October.

Lauren Healy and Chris Eaton, from Bromleys’ Staff Committee, recently presented a cheque to Samantha Kitch, our Fundraising Manager.

Samantha said: “We would like to say a huge thank you to Bromleys for choosing Willow Wood as their Charity of the Year last year and to everyone at the firm who helped to raise a fantastic amount for the Hospice.

“The money will make a difference to patients from Tameside and Glossop with a life-limiting illness in our care. With only 20 per cent of our annual funding coming through central government, the generous support of our community is vital so we can continue to provide a wide range of services to improve the quality of life for our patients and those closest to them.”

Chris and Lauren described the firm’s fundraising efforts as “incredible”.

Lauren added: “It is great to hear what a positive difference the money raised will have on the hospice and its patients and we hope to continue our support in the future.”

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Hospice Vice Chair appointed Deputy Lieutenant of Greater Manchester

We would like to congratulate Mark Llewellin, the Vice Chair of our Board of Trustees, who has been honoured by being appointed as a Deputy Lieutenant of Greater Manchester.

Mark was recently appointed by the Lord Lieutenant, Diane Hawkins, who is effectively the King’s personal representative in Greater Manchester.

He has been recognised for making a valuable contribution to the community over many years.

Born and raised in the West Country, Mark first came to Tameside 30 years ago and was appointed the Oldham Coliseum Theatre’s Marketing and Business Development Director. He wrote the first of his two books – They Started Here – about the history of the venue.

Mark continues to be a keen supporter of Greater Manchester theatres, performing arts and heritage. He gives talks on a variety of topics, often in aid of local charities including Willow Wood, while he also looks after Canadian Coronation Street fans who visit Manchester every year.

His late partner, actor Roy Barraclough MBE, became the first patron of Willow Wood Hospice and Mark continued this involvement by serving as a fundraiser, a patron and a trustee.

He is also a director and trustee of Your MCR, which offers work experience and mentoring to media students whilst making a weekly online magazine programme and podcast focusing on Manchester’s arts and charity sectors.

Mark is a supporter of The British Music Hall Society and co-owner of Daisy Nook Garden Centre, on the Tameside-Oldham border.

Within each of Greater Manchester’s 10 boroughs, Deputy Lieutenants are “the eyes and ears” of the Lord Lieutenant and formally represent her at events if she is unavailable.

They also work closely with local authorities and are able to assist and advise voluntary groups with any challenges they may face.

Everyone at Willow Wood Hospice is proud of Mark’s achievement.

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Willow Wood named Ladysmith’s Charity of the Year

Willow Wood Hospice will receive a welcome boost to our funds and awareness after being named Ladysmith Shopping Centre’s Charity of the Year for 2024/25.

The partnership will run from April 2024 until the end of March 2025, giving the Hospice a chance to fundraise at the town centre shopping destination and spread the word about our services.

Our mission is to lead and deliver high-quality, multi-profession specialist palliative care, support and education across Tameside and Glossop.

They will put on events, spanning seasonal occasions such as the summer holidays, festive period and Easter, at the shopping centre, with details to be posted on social media.

Ian Pratt, Centre Manager at Ladysmith Shopping Centre, is excited to kick off the partnership and looks forward to seeing what can be achieved together.

He commented: “We are thrilled to partner with Willow Wood as our Charity of the Year for 2024/25.

“Their unwavering commitment to providing comfort and support for people with life-limiting illnesses is unmatched, and we cannot wait to work with them and help support all the incredibly important work they do.”

Ladysmith Shopping Centre combines unique independent businesses and high street brands all under one beautifully curated space, with a community feel. For more information visit www.ladysmithshoppingcentre.com

Pictured: Denise Royle, manager at our Ashton shop, with Ian Pratt, Centre Manager at Ladysmith Shopping Centre