Month: July 2024

Posted on by

Young people dress up to walk for Willow Wood

Members of Hyde Fire Station’s Prince’s Trust programme have raised over £1,000 for Willow Wood Hospice after embarking on a sponsored walk in fancy dress. 

The group of 12 young people spent two days at the Hospice helping with preparations for the Celebration Garden events leading up to the walk.

They also picked up some weird and wacky costumes to wear from the Hospice’s Distribution Centre in Ashton-under-Lyne.

Vice Lord Lieutenant of Greater Manchester and Willow Wood patron, Sharman Birtles MBE JP DL, met the group at the fire station – the starting point for their walk on Thursday 18th July.

As they ventured on the walk, accompanied by the Civic Mayor of Tameside, Councillor Betty Affleck, The Grafton Centre in Hyde and The Together Centre in Dukinfield – where they stopped for refreshments – both gave them donations.

After completing the 3.5 mile walk at the Hospice, the Vice Lord Lieutenant of Greater Manchester and Willow Wood CEO Tracy Minshull – who were joined by Hospice staff and volunteers – greeted the group and thanked them for their support.

Sharman said: “They are young people, they are not practised in raising funds but they have really put their heart and soul into it. I love the fact that they have seen a need and decided to do something towards it.

“Part of their course is to be community minded and they have really taken it to heart. We are grateful they chose to support Willow Wood, which is a wonderful place in Tameside.”

Sarah Quinn, Team Manager at the Prince’s Trust at Hyde Fire Station, commented: “I couldn’t have asked for better from the young people. We picked the hottest day of the year so far for the walk! We had to change a few of the costumes so nobody passed out along the way.

“Everybody pushed themselves – we started with 12 young people and finished with 12 young people. I am so proud of the team and we are all grateful to everyone who has donated.

“We are thrilled to have had the support of Willow Wood throughout and the Civic Mayor, who really sees the true value in what we’re doing for the young people of Tameside.”

The Civic Mayor, Hyde Godley councillor Affleck, was delighted to lend her support.

She told us: “It went really well, it was a good opportunity to speak to the young adults and listen to their stories. I have always supported the Prince’s Trust at Hyde Fire Station since becoming a councillor, I think they do an amazing job.

“It’s great that they chose to support the Hospice, which means a lot to so many people in our area.”

The Prince’s Trust charity, in conjunction with Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service, runs a 12-week programme for unemployed young people aged 16 to 25 which helps them to achieve their potential and re-enter education, training or employment.

To mark the end of the group’s programme, a presentation ceremony was held at Dukinfield Town Hall on Wednesday evening (24th July) which the Civic Mayor and other local councillors attended.

The young people presented a cheque to the Hospice for a fantastic £1,443.81 and delivered inspiring speeches on how the programme has boosted their confidence and developed their employability skills.

They chose to support Willow Wood after Joanna Griffiths – a friend of Sarah’s since childhood – received end-of-life care at the Hospice recently at the age of 51.

Sarah added: “Joanna was a fabulous fighter, she was given two years to live 10 years ago and has fought the whole way.

“The young people came into the team programme 10 minutes after I found out Joanna had died and they showed so much empathy for me, which is one of the skills they learn on the programme.

“I talked to them about the work Willow Wood does and it so happened that three of the young people have had grandparents who received care at the Hospice too. They wanted to raise money and came up with the idea of a sponsored walk – one of the young people suggested to do it in fancy dress so we did!”

Posted on by

Hadfield couple raise over £2,000 for Hospice

A couple from Hadfield recently embarked on the 50km Peak District Ultra Challenge, to support patient care at Willow Wood.

Hayley Kelsall took part, with her partner Louis Worthington, in memory of her mum Sharon, who received end-of-life at the Hospice last year.

Hayley explained: “On 5th May 2023, my amazing mum was sadly taken away from us. During the years prior, she had many health complications however she faced it all with strength and bravery. She was the life of the party and is truly missed by everyone.

“Thanks to Willow Wood Hospice, we were able to be by her side and she was surrounded by loved ones in her final days.

“As Willow Wood heavily relies on charity to continue, we are raising funds to help ensure that other families that go through this will receive the same exceptional care and support that she did. We cannot thank the staff enough for the care my mum and the rest of our family received during and after her passing.”

They combined running and walking during the challenge on 7th July, taking in some of Derbyshire’s finest scenery and enduring some adverse weather conditions.

Hayley Kelsall and Louis Worthington

Hayley, 26, said: “It went really well and we thoroughly enjoyed ourselves, despite the bad weather! The weather made it a bit more challenging, however knowing it was for a good cause pulled us through. We are hoping to do another one (maybe even slightly longer) next year.”

Louis, 27, added: “The weather was frustrating but we enjoyed it, however it was challenging! It has been a pleasure to raise money for Willow Wood.”

The couple planned to raise £750 but, after achieving that in just one day, they kept increasing their target and have now raised over £2,000 already.

There’s still time to make a donation, by visiting their JustGiving page here: https://www.justgiving.com/page/hayley-kelsall-1712604077528

Lucy Ta’ati, Community and Events Fundraiser at Willow Wood Hospice, said: “We would like to thank Hayley and Louis for their fabulous fundraising efforts for the Hospice.

“We need at least £3.3 million every year to operate and around 80 per cent of those costs have to be raised from our community each year, with approximately 20 per cent coming by way of Central Government.

“If you would like to take on a challenge for Willow Wood, please get in touch with us by emailing fundraising@willowwood.org.uk or calling 0161 330 7788 so we can support you along the way.”

Posted on by

Hospice honoured to receive High Sheriff award

Willow Wood Hospice has received a Special Recognition Award from the High Sheriff of Greater Manchester in its 25th anniversary year.

Dr Eamonn O’Neal DL presented a certificate to CEO Tracy Minshull on a visit to the Hospice, based in Ashton-under-Lyne, on Monday (15th July).

The award celebrates Willow Wood’s “outstanding contribution to the community” and “recognises the appreciation of the people of Greater Manchester for your altruistic acts of thoughtfulness and kindness”.

Dr O’Neal DL was greeted by staff, volunteers and trustees in the Hospice’s garden room, where he spoke about the importance of their work, thanked them for their service and explained his role.

During his visit, the High Sheriff embarked on a tour of the beautiful gardens in the glorious sunshine, led by Head Gardener Sophie Cordingley and her team of dedicated volunteers.

He spoke to patients and learned more about the work on the Hospice’s Inpatient Unit, guided by Ward Manager Kath McGuinness and Sister Paula Tansey.

Willow Wood’s Head of Community Services, Callie Harrop, also showed Dr O’Neal DL the Hospice’s community services facilities including The Hive, counselling rooms and complementary therapy suites.

Speaking about his visit, Dr O’Neal DL commented: “One of the privileges of being High Sheriff is that you get to visit places like Willow Wood and it is the most uplifting thing that can happen to you.

“The people I have met have been so warm, welcoming and friendly – only what I expected – and I would encourage anyone who has some nervousness about the word ‘hospice’ to come along to Willow Wood to meet the staff and volunteers here.

“The gardens are just magnificent too. I had a wonderful morning, the best visit of the High Sheriff year so far.”

Tracy Minshull, CEO of Willow Wood Hospice, said: “It was a huge honour to welcome the High Sheriff of Greater Manchester to our Hospice. Eamonn was very engaging with our staff and volunteers, who showed him what a special place Willow Wood is.

“It was a lovely surprise to be given a Special Recognition Award, which we were very grateful to receive.

“As a new CEO, I personally found it invaluable to listen to his experiences of working in the hospice sector and we thank him for taking the time to visit us.

“We would like to thank Mark Llewellin DL, Vice Chair of the Board of Trustees and a Deputy Lieutenant of Greater Manchester, for inviting Eamonn.”

The Office of High Sheriff is the oldest secular title in British history and among the most ancient in the world, dating back more than 1,300 years.

Dr O’Neal DL was chosen by King Charles as High Sheriff of Greater Manchester and installed in April. This is the second time he has served as High Sheriff, having previously held the 12-month ceremonial position in 2020.

He is a trustee of Francis House Children’s Hospice and was previously Chair and Chief Executive of St Ann’s Hospice.

Willow Wood Hospice’s mission is to lead and deliver high quality multi-professional specialist palliative care, support and education across Tameside and Glossop.

Posted on by

Former Tameside mayor becomes a Hospice patron

Willow Wood is delighted to announce that Tafheen Sharif has agreed to become a patron of the Hospice.

Councillor Sharif JP made history when she became the first Muslim and ethnic minority person to serve as the Civic Mayor of Tameside during 2023/24.

During her successful term as Mayor, she helped to raise thousands of pounds for charities, showed energy, dynamism and a fresh approach to inspiring and opening doors for others, and making positive changes to communities.

Cllr Sharif JP has represented the Mossley ward on Tameside Council since 2016 and has been a member of several panels and committees, including Chair of the Children’s Services Scrutiny Panel. She now serves as the Assistant Cabinet Member for community cohesion.

Tafheen has been a long-time supporter of the Hospice, based in Ashton-under-Lyne, which provides compassionate care for patients with any life-limiting illnesses in Tameside and Glossop.

Our patrons believe in the aims of Willow Wood, help raise valuable funds for our work and generate awareness of our achievements and campaigns.

Tafheen said: “I am truly humbled to be asked to be a patron of Willow Wood Hospice.

“Willow Wood is our special gem in Tameside and it means so much to many of our families across the borough.

“I don’t take any responsibility lightly, and I look forward to raising Willow Wood’s profile and adding further value to this amazing place.”

Tracy Minshull, CEO of Willow Wood Hospice, said: “We are delighted to welcome Taf as our newest patron and we are looking forward to working with her.

“Taf’s dedication and passion for improving the lives of local people can make a real difference in our mission, to lead and deliver high quality multi-professional specialist palliative care, support and education across Tameside and Glossop.”

Philip Millson, Chair of the Board of Trustees at Willow Wood Hospice, commented: “Taf has already been a brilliant supporter of the Hospice and we are thrilled that she has agreed to join us as a patron.

“We know that she will be a fantastic ambassador and help to improve the Hospice’s profile in the local community and beyond.”

Cllr Sharif JP brings a wealth of experience, as she holds a legal honours degree and works in the courts service. She is a Justice of the Peace and has governed across many schools over the years.

From 2011 to 2015, Tafheen was a member of Luton Borough Council, where she served as Cabinet member for Community Safety. She is also the former Deputy Police and Crime Commissioner for Bedfordshire, leading on Community Engagement and Partnerships.

She is dedicated to making a difference to communities and has founded a number of successful initiatives. In a relatively short period of time, she was recognised nationally and awarded ‘Young Councillor of the Year’ by the Local Government Information Unit (LGIU) for her community work at the time.

Tafheen has held a number of directorships and board level positions, including a law centre and a housing association. Since 2015, she has served on the board of Home-Start HOST, presently Vice Chair, a charity which helps families in Tameside and beyond.

Cllr Sharif JP’s interests include spending time with her family, which includes her four children, walking, reading, and listening to motivational podcasts.

Tafheen will be in good company as a patron, joining fellow former Coronation Street stars Julie Goodyear MBE and Julie Hesmondhalgh, as well as comedian Justin Moorhouse, Greater Manchester’s Vice Lord Lieutenant Sharman Birtles MBE, former Civic Mayor of Tameside Brian Wild and retired businessman Phil Cowper.

Posted on by

Willow Wood Hospice Cup makes triumphant return

The Willow Wood Hospice Cup made a triumphant return on Tuesday night in Glossop.

Glossop North End AFC and Mossley AFC faced off in a pre-season friendly at the Asgard Engineering Stadium last night, with the shiny trophy at stake.

Around 140 spectators came through the turnstiles and raised around £100 by donating through collection buckets at the bar in the clubhouse, at the refreshments hut and as our volunteers made their way around the ground.

The Hospice’s familiar tree logo was a visible presence as supporters were also able to read a copy of the latest Willow Wood Hospice Together Newsletter and find out more about the vital services Willow Wood provides to the communities of Tameside and Glossop.

Glossop chairman Dave Atkinson and Mossley chairman Stephen Porter posed for a pre-match photo with the cup, before the players and match officials followed suit just before kick-off.

Once the action got under way, Mossley AFC ran out 2-0 winners thanks to goals in each half from Obua Mugalula and a trialist.

The rain started to pour towards the end of the game, but it did not dampen spirits as former Glossop and Mossley player Ben Richardson presented the cup to Mossley captain Mark Lees to lift aloft.

It was particularly poignant for schoolteacher Ben, who wanted to support the occasion after his mother received end-of-life care at the Hospice last year.

Glossop North End chairman Dave Atkinson said: “We were really proud to support the Hospice by hosting the game at Surrey Street and pleased to see this trophy has been revived by former Hospice Trustee Brian Wild and long-time Willow Wood supporter Chris Smith.

“The two local clubs may have been competing against each other on the pitch, but they were united in their support for the Hospice.”

Brian Wild commented: “We were delighted to revive the Willow Wood Hospice Cup. It’s been missing from the local football scene for too long and it will become an annual fixture in the local football calendar once again.”

Mossley AFC chairman Stephen Porter said: “We may have won the cup and the players from both teams put up a great fight to make for an entertaining game, but Willow Wood Hospice deals daily with people meeting tougher challenges. Football clubs, like Glossop and Mossley, are at the heart of communities and the Hospice is a vital part of many people’s lives.”

Images credit with permission: Steve Dyson/Glossop North End AFC

Posted on by

Hadfield couple gear up for epic challenge for the Hospice

This weekend, Hayley Kelsall and her partner Louis Worthington will be taking part in the Peak District Ultra Challenge to support patient care at the Hospice.

They have been training hard for months for the 48km challenge, which they will be embarking on in memory of Hayley’s mum Sharon who received end-of-life care at the Hospice last year.

Hayley, 26, and Louis, 27, plan to combine running and walking, hoping to complete it in 10 hours on Sunday (7th July) whilst taking in some of Derbyshire’s finest scenery.

Hayley said: “Thanks to Willow Wood Hospice, we were able to be by mum’s side and she was surrounded by loved ones in her final days. As Willow Wood heavily relies on charity to continue, we are raising funds to help ensure that other families that go through this will receive the same exceptional care and support that she did.

“We cannot thank the staff enough for the care my mum and the rest of our family received during and after her passing.”

The couple from Hadfield planned to raise £750 but achieved that in just one day! They then doubled their target and smashed that, so they are now looking to raise at least £1,750.

If you would like to make a donation, visit their JustGiving page here: https://www.justgiving.com/page/hayley-kelsall-1712604077528

Posted on by

Hospice Cup returns as Glossop face Mossley

The Willow Wood Hospice Cup will be up for grabs when Glossop North End AFC face Mossley AFC in a pre-season friendly.

The local rivals will meet on Tuesday 9th July at the Asgard Engineering Stadium on Surrey Street in Glossop, with kick-off at 7.45pm.

Admission will be £5 for adults, £3 for senior citizens and £1 for children.

There will be a raffle and collection buckets on the night which will help to raise funds for the Hospice.

Brian Wild, a patron of the Hospice, said: “The Willow Wood Hospice Cup was always a key feature of the Tameside and Glossop football scene and this game sees the trophy back in business in style.”

Both teams are looking forward to the match, which is not only an important part of their preparations for the 2024/25 campaign but also an opportunity to show their proud support of the Hospice which cares for patients from their local community.

Dave Atkinson, chairman of Glossop North End AFC, commented: “We are really pleased to have been chosen to be part of this historic revival of the Willow Wood Hospice Cup. I am really looking forward to what should be a great game against Mossley.”

Mossley AFC’s chairman Steve Porter said: “We are proud to support the amazing work that Willow Wood does in our local community. It’s a wonderful charity which will support so many families in Tameside and Glossop at some stage in their lives.

“We are delighted to be part of what promises to be a great occasion.”

Willow Wood Hospice, based in Ashton-under-Lyne, is a leading provider of free, specialist palliative care for patients with any life-limiting illnesses in Tameside and Glossop. Throughout 2023, the Hospice provided care and support for almost 700 local people.

Glossop North End will compete in the North West Counties League Premier Division next season, while Mossley AFC will play in the Northern Premier League Division One West.