Month: November 2024

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How our Garden of Lights became a festive fixture

Our Garden of Lights celebration evenings are enjoyed by people throughout the local community and beyond every year, but very few know how they first came about. 

It all began in 2017, when the Hospice’s Maintenance Manager Dave Egerton (pictured) approached our then CEO Karen Houlston.

“I asked Karen if there was any way we could put some lights on for the Inpatient Unit,” explained Dave.

“I said it would be of no cost to the Hospice and I would do it all in my own time, so I put a few lights up and everyone liked them.

“The following year, the Fundraising team asked me if they got hold of some lights, would I put them up and I did. From there, it just took off.”

At the beginning, there were around 800 to 1,000 lights – now there are in excess of 11,000 lights which illuminate our stunning gardens in the dark and make them a picturesque scene for patients, staff and visitors to enjoy.

For Dave, a lot of hard work goes in behind the scenes to ensure it looks spectacular.

“I start looking at the lights in October and there’s lots of testing to do,” he said. “There’s around 35 hours of work involved in putting them up.

“We buy some lights and we get some donated, so we mix and match and try to make it look different every year. I have to wire them in such a way based on where the electric points are and I draw a map so I know where to put the lights every year.

“I leave the lights on every night over Christmas, even after we’ve had the Garden of Lights events, for our patients and then start to take them down in the new year. That involves around 25 hours of work in total and then the lights are taken to our Clearance Outlet and Donation Centre to be stored.”

What makes it all worthwhile for Dave is hearing about the positive impact the lights have on our patients.

“On the very first night, I was testing the lights for a couple of hours and a young man came in with his dad, whose eyes lit up when he saw the lights. I had to nip out but I said I would leave the lights on a bit longer for them. When I returned, staff had turned his bed round so he had a better view of the lights. The young man said ‘thank you Dave from me and my dad’. His dad sadly died two days later.

“Two years ago, an elderly lady who has been in and out of the Hospice was here at Christmas. She asked me when the lights would be on as her family were coming in, so we put the lights on for them and they all sat watching them together which was lovely.

“It makes all the hard work worthwhile knowing that seeing the lights could be the last memory for a patient when they come out of the Inpatient Unit into the gardens or sit watching them through their window.”

What started as a way of decorating our Hospice gardens for patients quickly became a fixture in the festive calendar and a popular event which raises vital funds to support the care of patients with life-limiting illnesses from Tameside and Glossop.

“It’s nice to have seen it grow from being just a few lights where a handful of staff were here to open the doors for the public to have a look around,” added Dave.

“In 2021, we introduced the memory stars in the top section of the garden and now it has graduated into a fundraising event which is well supported and raises a substantial amount for the Hospice.”

This year, there are 11 free-to-attend celebration evenings – with a different choir from the local community performing at each one, as well as seasonal refreshments available and a range of festive stalls to browse.

For more details about the event, click here.

By Adam Higgins 

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Businesses help transform Hospice’s Inpatient Lounge

The Inpatient Lounge at Willow Wood Hospice has been transformed thanks to the generous support of local and national businesses.

The room is a dedicated and comforting space for those who are visiting patients on the Inpatient Unit at the Hospice, based in Ashton-under-Lyne.

It has received a welcome uplift through a project led by Joanne Lees, the Hospice’s Partnership Development Lead, at no cost to Willow Wood.

Sofa supplier Sofology provided sofas and chairs, and their team cleared, cleaned, designed and painted the room on Monday 18th November.

Oak Furnitureland gifted new accompanying furniture – including a coffee table, dresser, lamp tables and a book case – which was delivered by Stephen and Balazs.

Kath and Sarah from Notcutts Garden Centre in Ashton-under-Lyne, who are long-time supporters of the Hospice, made sure the room was complete by donating relaxing house plants.

VIDEO: Take a quick look around our Inpatient Lounge, without setting foot inside…

Joanne said: “We are incredibly grateful to Sofology, Oak Furniture Land and Notcutts, whose generosity has made the transformation of our Inpatient Lounge possible.

“Every well-used room needs a little TLC after a while and the support of our corporate partners really does make a huge difference especially when the Hospice is faced with a challenging financial situation.”

Gemma Hannan, manager of the Sofology store in Stockport, wanted to give something back to the Hospice, whose team provided compassionate care to three of her family members when they needed it most.

“Just after our daughter was born, my partner Warren’s mum Pauline found out she had throat cancer and was told she had three months to live,” Gemma explained.

“Her health really deteriorated and Willow Wood became the point of contact to look after her. I’ll never forget my first visit to the Hospice, which was very emotional, and the nurses made Pauline feel very comfortable.

“When we got the call to say she was near the end of her life, the nurses were fantastic – they made it so comfortable for Pauline and for us as a family. We couldn’t have asked for more. They made us laugh when we needed to laugh, they cried with us when we cried. It just felt like a community.

“My nanna Frances also had to come to the Hospice when she had cancer. The Hannan family is huge and it was the first time they visited Willow Wood. Under the circumstances, they felt so at home and the Willow Wood team were brilliant again. You couldn’t wish for a better place to look after your family member.

“My uncle Darren also passed away at the Hospice – I was there literally by his side which was really emotional. I cannot thank everyone at the Hospice enough for what they have done for my family.”

GALLERY: Check out some images before, during and after the refurb…

Sofology allow their staff two days a year to volunteer for a good cause and Gemma used one of hers to help out in our shop in Hyde, where she lives.

“I was a fashion retailer for 20 years before joining Sofology so I wanted to get stuck in and it really opened my eyes,” she said.

“The team were so welcoming and it’s really amazing what they do. I helped unpack clothes, label and rack them.”

Gemma has always wanted to help out at the Hospice too so, when the opportunity to give the Inpatient Lounge a glow-up arose, she jumped at the chance to join her Sofology colleagues.

“I know what it’s like to need to use the room so we wanted it to be warm and cosy so people can get respite from difficult moments.

“I was joined by our Warrington store manager Laura, James from our Maintenance team and Craig who is one of our Style Partners.

“We wanted to make it very comfortable and reflect the beauty of the Hospice gardens. When you’re going through a difficult day and you just want a breath of fresh air or a walk, the gardens are just beautiful.”

Willow Wood’s Clinical Director feels the newly-refurbished room can make a real difference to those closest to patients at the Hospice.

“Having a peaceful and welcoming space on our Inpatient Unit for those closest to our patients is invaluable,” said Nicola Cheetham.

“During undoubtedly difficult times in their lives, we hope they can find solace and share precious moments by using the facilities in our refreshed lounge.

“When our teams first saw the new-look lounge, they were blown away – it looks fantastic. We really appreciate the support of our corporate partners for making it happen and working so diligently whilst respecting the privacy of our patients.”

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Enchanted Evening success boosts hospice funds

A popular musical concert has once again hit the right notes to provide a symphony of support for local hospice care.  

It’s the 21st successive year that a group of local amateur operatic societies have put on a varied programme of live music featuring ‘Songs from the Shows’.  

The ‘Enchanted Evening’ concert features top-class soloists singing a selection of the best-loved tunes from musical theatre.  

It was organised by Mike Styan, Phil Steels and Steve Pearson – whose car firm on Acres Lane in Stalybridge sponsored the event once again.  

The evening at Dukinfield Methodist Church recently has raised £1,386.50 for Willow Wood Hospice.  

The hospice, based in Ashton-under-Lyne, provides specialist and compassionate care to patients from across Tameside and Glossop with any life-limiting illness.  

Samantha Kitch, Fundraising Manager at Willow Wood Hospice, said: “Mike and his musical friends have raised £21,000 for the hospice over the years through holding this wonderful and nostalgic occasion.  

“We cannot thank them enough for their continued support, which really makes a difference to patients from our local community who need our care.”  

The ‘Enchanted Evening’ team is already putting plans in place for next year’s concert – so stay ‘tuned’.  

More information about events supporting the hospice can be found at https://willowwood.org.uk/events/  

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Customer’s praise for ‘community asset’ Hospice shop

Jackie Price, from Dane Bank in Denton, is a regular and loyal customer of our Reddish Lane shop – where you’ll find her at least twice a week!

She believes the shop is a real asset to the community and could not speak highly enough of our hard-working staff and volunteers.

“I love everything about the shop,” said Jackie. “Louise [the shop manager] and all of the volunteers are amazing.

“I almost forget that I am in a charity shop – there’s a boutique feel about it and a strong sense of community.

“Louise takes great pride in the shop and works hard on her window displays. I have made friends from visiting the shop – from the volunteers to fellow customers too.

“The staff go out of their way to help you – especially if you are looking for a particular thing like a bag or a pair of shoes. I always leave the shop feeling so lifted.”

Shop manager Louise (second from left) and some of her dedicated volunteers

Jackie doesn’t have any personal connections to the Hospice but likes to support Willow Wood by shopping for pre-loved items.

“The shop is so welcoming, everything is colour co-ordinated and it’s just a real joy to visit,” she explained.

“I keep spreading the word to everyone I know about it. You feel like you are supporting a good cause as well as the environment which is important.

“I wanted to give the team at the Reddish Lane shop some well-deserved recognition.”

We need at least £3.3 million every year to continue providing our vital services and we rely on the generosity of our community to raise around 80 per cent of that total – including through supporting our charity shops.

To find your nearest Willow Wood Hospice shop in Tameside and Glossop, visit https://willowwood.org.uk/shop-locations/

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Football Night scores big for hospice care

A Lionesses star was part of the line-up at a Big Football Night Fundraiser, which has scored over £5,200 for hospice funds.

Manchester United Women forward Ella Toone told fascinating stories about the world of football, alongside her partner and fellow footballer Joe Bunney, ex-Manchester City goalkeeper Alex Williams MBE and former City kitman Les Chapman.

The fifth annual event was held recently at Dukinfield Masonic Hall, where almost 200 guests were treated to a fun night along with a pie and pea supper.

This year, a record amount was raised for Willow Wood Hospice – which provides specialist, dignified and compassionate care to patients with a life-limiting illness from Tameside and Glossop.

Councillor Denise Ward – who once again provided the pie and peas, paid for herself and made in her own kitchen – was also presented with a certificate by the Hospice for being an unsung hero for supporting fundraising efforts.

The popular event is organised by Brian Wild and Chris Smith, who are long-time supporters of Willow Wood.

Over the years, football favourites such as Martin Buchan, Peter Barnes, Eamon O’Keefe, Trevor Ross and Tommy Booth have appeared to help raise money for the hospice.

Lucy Ta’ati, Community and Events Fundraiser at Willow Wood, said: “Only 21.5 per cent of our annual running costs come through government funding – the rest must be raised through the generosity of our local community.

“Without the unbelievable efforts of people giving up their time to raise money through events such as the Football Night, the hospice would not be able to continue to provide vital services for those who need our care.

“We want to say a big thank you to Chris and Brian, the footballers past and present for giving their time, and everyone who contributed to a wonderful and successful evening.”

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Rhoda remembers fallen soldiers with special display

On Remembrance Sunday and Armistice Day, the local community will fall silent to honour the servicemen and women who risked their lives in conflicts around the world for our freedom.

This period of Remembrance is particularly poignant and significant for our Hospice volunteer Rhoda Hendry, whose uncle Jack died in the Second World War.

For the third successive year, Rhoda has created a special Remembrance-themed display in the window of the bric-a-brac room at our Purchase and Donate (PAD) shop in Stalybridge to commemorate the occasion.

“I was born in 1937, two years before the Second World War started, so I spent many a night in an air raid shelter,” Rhoda recalled.

“My father’s youngest brother was 21 years old when he was killed in Belgium. He’s buried in Leopoldville, which we went to see as a family and it’s a magnificent place. Jack’s name is also etched on the Cenotaph in Ashton.

“Remembrance does mean a lot to me because they gave their tomorrow for our today. It’s important to reflect and remember every year.

“People don’t realise what those men and women sacrificed. It’s unbelievable to think what they must have gone through because they didn’t have the equipment in the early parts of the war that we have nowadays.”

Rhoda has created the display for the third year in a row

Rhoda – who has siblings who also give the gift of their time to the Hospice – will be paying her own respects on Remembrance Sunday at the ceremony held in Stalybridge.

She takes pride in what’s on view in the window at The PAD, recently creating a spook-tacular Halloween display and will soon be putting together a festive-themed one.

“I have never had any tuition in dressing windows but I have worked in shops before during my career,” Rhoda explained.

“People walk past and look at it or come in the shop and say nice comments about the window displays. If you can’t do something with 110 per cent of effort, don’t do it at all, is my motto.”

The 87-year-old spent around an hour on her Remembrance window – she made the poppy wreath herself and her daughter contributed the soldier silhouettes.

The framed photograph and story of how a Stalybridge resident gave up their home during the war to become a hospital for injured soldiers to recuperate was donated by Peter from Providence Furniture in Hyde, who is a supporter of the Hospice and has a keen interest in the Royal British Legion.

The display is in the window of The PAD shop on Shepley Street in Stalybridge

Rhoda, who lives in Dukinfield, has been volunteering for Willow Wood since 2006 – which is her way of giving back after her husband received end-of-life care at the Hospice.

“John died at Willow Wood in 2001 and I will never be able to repay the staff for what they did for him,” she said.

“I stayed at home for five years and then I thought I have to do something. I started at the Grosvenor Street shop in Stalybridge and have never looked back really.

“I now help out for three days a week at The PAD and I love it. I take great joy when I go home at the end of the day in seeing how much money we have raised for the Hospice.

“My sister Patricia and my brother Terence also volunteer for the Hospice too. Patricia helps to clean the bric-a-brac room at the PAD.”

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Fourth Fashion Show is a stylish success!

We are thrilled that our fourth Fashion Show was the most successful yet – raising an incredible £4,000!

Our spectacular show last Friday (1st November) took place at the stunning larger venue of The Lock – the former Phoenix City building – in Stalybridge for the first time.

Over 100 people showed their support for an evening filled with style, sparkle and unbeatable bargains.

Guests enjoyed a glass of fizz and a runway show featuring our fantastic models, before taking the opportunity to shop the chicest collections at fabulous prizes.

Pauline Lunt, our Head of Retail, said: “We had an amazing night at a lovely venue. I want to say a huge thank you to Wendy and the team at The Lock for all of their support, all of our wonderful models, our Retail team for helping to organise the event, and everyone who bought a ticket.

“Your fantastic collaboration and dedication make a real difference to patient care at the Hospice. Our four Fashion Shows combined have raised £13,000, which is a phenomenal amount.”

Our Fashion Show will be back next year – so keep an eye out for more details!

Photos credit: David Hirst 

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Hospice shops appeal for winter clothing

Willow Wood Hospice’s shops are in desperate need of winter clothing to help keep the community warm during the colder months.

The Hospice’s eight shops across Tameside and Glossop are looking for donations of winter essentials – such as jumpers, shirts, skirts, dresses, trousers, hats, gloves, scarves and coats, which are in good condition.

Donations would be gratefully received by dropping them off at any of the shops during their opening hours.

Find your nearest Willow Wood Hospice shop at https://willowwood.org.uk/shop-locations/

UK taxpayers can also make their donations worth an extra 25 per cent, at no extra cost to them, by filling out a basic form when dropping off donations to sign up to Gift Aid.

Pauline Lunt, Head of Retail at Willow Wood Hospice, said: “Winter is coming and we really need your help to support our local community during one of the toughest times of the year.

“Our shops rely on generous donations to keep the shelves stocked. Any donations of winter clothes will be sold on to be loved again, helping to recycle and reduce waste, but also raise much-needed funds to support patients from your local community who need our expert care at Willow Wood Hospice.

“Thank you so much for your continued support, which really makes a difference.”

The Hospice’s eight shops across Tameside and Glossop are appealing for donations of winter clothes.

Lillie Winterbottom, the Hospice’s Communications and Marketing Manager, has already done her bit by donating her pre-loved clothes after having a clear-out at home.

She said: “I realised I had loads of clothes in my wardrobe and drawers that I’ll never fit into again, and I had to ask myself why on earth I was holding onto them!

“So, I had a proper sort-out and took all the good-quality items down to the Clearance Outlet and Donation Centre in Ashton. From there, they’ll be sent to our shops to be sold.

“It’s a great feeling knowing that the funds raised from my wardrobe clear-out will go directly towards helping care for Willow Wood Hospice patients.”

Celebrating its 25th anniversary this year, Willow Wood Hospice – based in Ashton-under-Lyne – needs at least £3.3 million every year to continue operating and around 80 per cent of those costs have to be raised through the generosity of the local community.

Anyone who would like to give the gift of their time by volunteering in any of the Hospice shops can express their interest at https://willowwood.org.uk/hospice-volunteering/interest/