Month: April 2025

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Join in the conversation about death and dying with Willow Wood

Willow Wood Hospice is inviting the local community to join in the important conversation about death and dying during Dying Matters Week.

The Hospice is once again supporting Hospice UK’s national campaign, which runs from 5th to 11th May.

This year’s theme is The Culture of Dying Matters, focusing on how different communities and cultures in the UK feel, talk about, and deal with death and dying – and what brings them together.

During the week, Willow Wood will be hosting four pop-in sessions in the local community and an interactive market place event at the Hospice, to help continue opening up the vital conversation around death and dying.

Members of the public, colleagues from health and social care across both acute and community teams, faith leaders, funeral directors and other charities are all welcome to come along to learn about the culture of death and dying.

On Thursday 8th May, the interactive market place event at the Hospice is a chance for individuals, families and professionals to come together, challenge taboos, and reshape how we talk about death, dying and bereavement.

The guest speaker will be Mohamed Seedat, who is the Lead Chaplain at Tameside Hospital. He will be speaking about culture and spirituality in end-of-life care and death.

There are two sessions you can come along to – from midday to 1.30pm and from 2pm to 3.30pm, at the Hospice based on Willow Wood Close, off Mellor Road, in Ashton-under-Lyne (postcode OL6 6SL).

Limited spaces are available and free tickets must be booked in advance online at www.willowwood.org.uk/dying-matters

There will also be pop-in sessions on the following dates:

Tuesday 6th May: 9.30am to midday
The Hub in Hattersley (postcode SK14 6AF)

Wednesday 7th May: Midday to 2pm
The Together Centre in Dukinfield (postcode SK16 5AU)

Friday 9th May: 3pm to 5pm
The Wellness Centre in Denton (postcode M34 3EZ)

Saturday 10th May: 10am to midday
The Bureau in Glossop (postcode SK13 8BW)

At these sessions, there will be an informative stall sharing information and insight into Willow Wood Hospice services, the opportunity to ask any questions relating to death, dying and bereavement, as well as gaining an understanding of culture within these topics too.

There will be a fun part to the stalls with a spin the wheel game, alongside a learning opportunity of cultural norms, myths and gaining a wider insight into conversations that we sometimes feel fearful of or unsure on how to broach.

Rachael Grimwood, Clinical Educator at Willow Wood Hospice, said: “Dying Matters Week gives us a unique opportunity to approach some of the taboos and fears that still surround death and dying.

“Our interactive market place event at the Hospice and pop-in sessions in Tameside and Glossop will be welcoming spaces to ask questions, learn more and take part in open conversations, so please come along if you can.”

For more information about any of the events or Dying Matters Week, contact Rachael at education@willowwood.org.uk or on 0161 330 1100.

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Magical experience ahead at Willow Wood Flower Festival

Fans of Harry Potter are in for a treat as that’s the adopted theme for this year’s fundraising floral fundraiser event.

The much-anticipated Flower Festival returns to Willow Wood Hospice in 2025 for the ninth year, on Saturday 10th and Sunday 11th May.

Guided by a dedicated committee comprising Eileen Smith, Ann Fee, Sheila Redfern, Christine Lucas, Pauline Giblin, Judith Scott, Bernice Woodward and Lorraine Vaughton, this cherished annual event promises to be as vibrant as ever.

This year’s festival will be inspired by the theme of the magical world of Harry Potter. Throughout the weekend, visitors can immerse themselves in captivating displays, crafted by both individuals and groups.

While leisurely exploring the stunning exhibits, you can bask in the serenity of the Hospice’s picturesque gardens. Attendees will have the opportunity to purchase the showcased displays, adding a touch of beauty to their homes while making a difference to patients in our care.

The event will also include some life-sized Harry Potter cardboard cutouts to grab your photograph with, donated by Audenshaw business Star Cutouts Ltd. The licensed cutouts feature a range of Harry Potter characters that can be ordered online at mycardboardcutout.co.uk.

Members of the Flower Festival Committee and Lucy, our Community Fundraiser, with some familiar faces from the Harry Potter series

Star Cutouts Managing Director, Ian Ravey, said: “We thought it would be really nice to support Willow Wood Hospice and it’s an organisation I have had experience with, because they looked after my brother before he died. They rely on charitable donations so it is always good to help when we can.”

The cutouts – which normally cost around £40 each – will also be available to buy at the end of the festival by making a donation to the Hospice.

“We’re absolutely thrilled to be bringing the magic of Harry Potter to this year’s Flower Festival,” said the Willow Wood Hospice Flower Festival Committee.

“A huge thank you to Star Cutouts for their generous donation of the fantastic life-sized Harry Potter cutouts – they’ll add a fun element to the weekend, and we’re so grateful for their support in helping us raise vital funds for the Hospice.”

Bill Andrew, the driver of the Hogwarts Express in the Harry Potter films, will also be bringing lots of photos and signing copies of the books on the first day of the festival.

The Flower Festival will be open on Saturday 10th May from 10am to 4pm and Sunday 11th May from 11am to 4pm. Entry will be £3.50, with proceeds going to Willow Wood Hospice. Admission is free for children aged 12 or under. Light refreshments will also be available.

Parking at Willow Wood Hospice is restricted to patients, families, Blue Badge holders and the workforce. Alternative parking is available nearby at the Darnton Road Pay & Display car park (postcode OL6 6RL).

If you would like more information about the Flower Festival or you are interested in buying a cutout, please contact Eileen Smith on 07799 172 313.

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Place of Welcome has a cracking time supporting Willow Wood

There were smiles all around as a self-funded community group in Ashton-under-Lyne helped to raise over £400 for Willow Wood Hospice this Easter.

Based at St Gabriel’s Church, Place of Welcome is a friendly, welcoming group that meets every Monday, offering a vital space for companionship and connection.

Since it started in November 2018, it has grown steadily and is run by around 20 dedicated volunteers, welcoming an average of 45 people each week from around Tameside.

“We wanted to try to help people who are socially isolated and lonely – we’ve been going ever since,” said volunteer Sandra Kiy. “On the third Monday of every month, we have a theme and provide a free two-course lunch and some entertainment to make it fun.

“A lot of people who come live alone or they are carers for somebody so we want them to have something to look forward to and remember when they go back to their empty homes. We try to get out into our Community Garden as much as we can too, weather permitting.”

With Easter Monday (21st April) falling on one of their themed days, it was the perfect opportunity to do something special – and meaningful.

Everyone had plenty of Easter fun while supporting the Hospice.

The group marked the occasion in style – not only celebrating together, but also raising funds for patients with life-limiting illnesses from the local community in our care.

“We decided that we wanted to do something for charities in the area. The people who come to us are very generous and it’s nice to give to a good cause which does a lot for the community,” Sandra continued.

“Mandy, Julie and I all sing in the Hospice Choir, so we had a connection already to Willow Wood. We said we would like to support the Hospice because it’s something that’s close to everybody’s hearts. Everyone knows someone that’s either been there or visited.”

Sandra reached out to our Fundraising team after reading about our Bunny Hop campaign, which inspired their own Easter-themed challenge. Although not everyone in the group could hop, that didn’t stop the fun – or the fundraising!

On the day, around 50 people packed into the church’s community room, donning bunny ears and full of Easter cheer.

They enjoyed a repertoire from the Willow Wood Hospice Choir and a visit from our mascot Woody the Bear, before the winners of their Easter bonnet and cake competitions were announced.

Members of the Willow Wood Hospice Choir performing.

After a delicious lunch, there was a packed programme of Easter activities, for which they were sponsored to complete – from ‘pin the nose on the bunny’ to a game tossing eggs into a basket.

Of course, no Easter celebration would be complete without chocolate – and everyone got Crème Eggs to take home!

“We all had lots of fun and we’re delighted to support Willow Wood – we hope the money we’ve helped to raise makes a difference,” said Sandra.

Tracey Schofield, who leads on our Bunny Hop campaign, said: “We are incredibly grateful to the Place of Welcome volunteers and attendees for supporting the Hospice as part of their Easter celebrations.

“It’s heartwarming to see everyone come together and that our Bunny Hop campaign inspired them to raise vital funds. We rely on the generosity of our community to support patients and those closest to them from Tameside and Glossop when they need us most.”

Keep an eye out soon across our platforms to see how much this year’s Bunny Hop campaign has raised.

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‘He would be proud’ – Family honours Hospice volunteer Danny

Danny Goodwin was a loving husband, father and family man, and a lifelong Manchester United fan and an avid concert-goer.

“He was quite an active person and we used to go dancing together,” his wife Vera said. “He liked to go out and keep busy – he used to like going for a pint and he was in a quiz team.”

Born in Hattersley and one of eight children, Danny was brought up in the countryside and loved walking.

“We used to go on hikes with dad’s (large!) extended family when we were kids which has left us with such happy memories,” his daughter Jane told us.

“He was always good at art and took some lessons later in life – we have some of his paintings hanging in our homes.”

Danny harnessed his interest in art to become a painter and decorator, and his love of the outdoors led to him volunteering in the Willow Wood Hospice gardens for 15 years.

He was inspired to give back after one of his sisters, Janet, received end-of-life care at the Hospice.

“Dad loved helping out in the gardens and he would even bring our beloved dog Cassie with him. I came with him one day just to help too,” said Jane, who lives nearby in Ashton-under-Lyne.

“He also helped out at some fundraising events – he would get involved in the duck race and took part in the Firewalk one year too.”

Danny at the duck race

‘Fantastic care – not just for my dad, for us too’

Danny was therefore familiar with the Hospice’s surroundings when he became ill.

“He said he really wanted to go to Willow Wood Hospice,” Vera explained. “It was always where he wanted to be. He was very happy in here although he was really poorly.

“You weren’t worried about leaving him at Willow Wood because you know he’d be really well looked after.”

Danny came to the Hospice’s Inpatient Unit in June 2015 and spent eight days in our care before he died from lung cancer, aged 73. His family were very grateful for the care he received.

Danny’s daughter Louise said: “The staff were really good and attentive. I can’t praise them enough, honestly. Fantastic care – not just for my dad, for us too. We felt he was in such good hands and it took a lot of the stress off us, particularly my mum. Nothing was too much trouble. You don’t feel rushed to leave and we could bring the dog to see him. It feels like you can come any time and it feels peaceful.

“Just to be able to come and spend time in such a beautiful environment was so lovely. It was June so the weather was lovely and we used to wheel him outside so he wasn’t indoors all the time – the rooms are attached to the gardens which is great.”

How Danny’s family still support the Hospice

Jane (left), Vera (centre) and Louise in the Hospice gardens

Louise said realising the Hospice was largely funded by donations from the community was the driver to support it more.

Jane added: “I just feel like that’s what he’d want us to do. He would be proud.”

Since Danny’s death, the family have supported the Hospice in a number of ways.

Vera, Jane and Louise all play our weekly Lottery and have attended fundraising events over the years, while Vera also donates clothes to our charity shops.

“We go every year to the Flower Festival, the Last Night of the Proms and the Garden of Lights, which are all lovely events,” said Louise.

Jane added: “We always donate for Light up a Life. Louise and I also did the Midnight Wander before dad died. The year after, I did the abseil from Ikea and managed to raise £1,000. I just felt that I needed to give something back and I loved it.

“My dad also decided that he wanted donations at his funeral to go to Willow Wood.”

Jane (left) and Vera at the IKEA abseil

They also attend the Butterfly Memory Release every summer in the Hospice gardens that Danny helped to maintain.

“It’s just beautiful and particularly because it’s in the gardens where dad volunteered,” said Jane.

“It’s amazing how many people come to it. It’s just a very nice, calming atmosphere. It’s peaceful and you can just reflect.”

‘People should not be fearful of a hospice’

Living locally, Danny’s family were aware of Willow Wood but didn’t know much about it until Danny’s sister Janet was cared for.

They think more people are becoming aware of what hospices do and that they are not places to be feared.

“I think people are more aware of it these days, definitely. I think people should not be fearful of a hospice at all,” Louise said.

“I have said to people that I know that the Hospice is a beautiful place. It’s uplifting in a way. The fact we can still come in years later is of great comfort to us.”

They want others to support Willow Wood so our specialist teams can continue to support more families like theirs.

“It’s worth supporting the Hospice because people need it,” said Jane. “It’s an important part of the community as well. When we come to the Coffee Mornings here, or the other events, we’re here for a sad reason in our lives, but it’s still a lovely community feeling.”

If you would like to find out more about the services Willow Wood Hospice provides, you can visit www.willowwood.org.uk or call 0161 330 1100.

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Waterloo shop bounces back and looks good as new

They say lightning never strikes twice, but unfortunately for our Waterloo shop in Ashton-under-Lyne, wayward wheels certainly did!

After not one, but two car park prangs left the front window and side of the shop looking a little worse for wear, we were forced to close off parts of the store while repairs took place.

But after a spell of scaffolding, sawdust, and sheer determination, we’re thrilled to say: we’re back to full capacity!

A huge thank you goes to our incredible staff and volunteers, who took it all in their stride, keeping spirits high and business ticking over even with half the shop out of action.

Their patience and perseverance have been nothing short of inspiring.

It’s business as usual at our Waterloo shop!

We also send out a huge THANK YOU to our loyal customers who supported us when our floor-space was significantly reduced, ensuring the community continued to raise vital funds for hospice care.

And, of course, a massive shoutout to the brilliant builders who worked their magic to restore our shop to its former glory – good as new and sturdier than ever!

Now, with the repairs complete and the shop fully open once more, there’s never been a better time to pop in, browse the bargains, and bag yourself a gem. Whether you’re after a thrifty find or just fancy a natter with our friendly team, we’d love to see you!

So, here’s to smooth parking, solid walls, and a shop that’s standing strong – the Waterloo shop is well and truly back in business!

The shop is based at 357 Oldham Road (postcode OL7 9NE) and is open Mondays to Saturdays from 9am to 4pm.

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The PAD’s adoption initiative to give a teddy a new home

A trip to our Purchase and Donate (PAD) shop in Stalybridge has just got even more special, thanks to a creative new initiative in the children’s section.

Customers now have the chance to ‘adopt’ a teddy bear, complete with its own name and an adoption certificate—just like Paddington!

The idea came from young volunteer Jay Kettlewell (pictured), who wanted to add a fun and meaningful touch to the shop’s pre-loved teddies.

Jay, 24, from Stalybridge, has been volunteering since December 2024, helping out up to three days a week. Her mum, Anita, also volunteers in the children’s section, making this a wonderful family effort.

“I work at conventions selling my art, and one of my projects is ‘Adopt a Ghost,’ where I make resin ghost items,” Jay explained.

“We always have lots of teddy bears donated to the shop, so I thought, why not bring this idea here? It gives the bears a bit of personality and makes it a more special experience for customers.”

You can ‘adopt’ a teddy bear at the back of the upstairs floor at The PAD

Jay made the adoption certificates herself and worked with Viv and the team to set up the display at the back of the floor, which officially launched on 24th March.

Each teddy now has its own unique name and, for those that don’t come pre-dressed, the team has lovingly added clothes to make them extra special.

“As long as we keep getting bears in, we’ll keep doing it,” Jay said. “We thought it would be a lovely thing for children, but of course, anyone can adopt a teddy!”

With a variety of teddies available in different sizes and prices, now is the perfect time to come along, find your new furry friend, and give them a loving home.

Pop upstairs when you’re next in the PAD shop to take a look—you might just find the perfect bear waiting for you!

To keep the initiative going, Jay and the team would really appreciate any donations of teddy bears.

You can find The PAD at 13/15 Shepley Street in Stalybridge (postcode SK15 2AH). It’s open Monday to Saturday from 9am to 4pm.

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Fun Family Open Day at Willow Wood Clearance Outlet

Willow Wood Hospice is inviting the local community to a Fun Family Open Day at its Clearance Outlet and Donation Centre in Ashton-under-Lyne.

It’s taking place on Saturday 26th April from 10am to 3pm at the Hospice’s shop at Unit 4 on Langham Street, off Oldham Road (postcode OL7 9AX). On-street parking will be available.

The event promises to be a jam-packed day of activities for people of all ages to have fun, grab a bargain and learn more about joining the Hospice’s team of volunteers in its growing retail operations.

For your little ones, there will be face painting, free goodie bags for the first 50 children, and an opportunity to meet Hospice mascot Woody the Bear.

To keep you refreshed, there will be ice cream, cakes and more available to buy. Plus, there will be a raffle and a tombola – with a chance to win some fab prizes!

Paul King, Warehouse and Logistics Manager, said: “Our Clearance Outlet opened in October last year as a ground floor retail space and we have already received lots of fantastic feedback.

“We would love to welcome new customers, so bring along your family and friends to have some Saturday fun, pick up a bargain and support patients from your local community with a life-limiting illness.”

Lisa Pye, Volunteer Services Manager, added: “We’re excited for what promises to be a brilliant day. As well as a chance for families to enjoy some springtime fun, anyone curious about volunteering opportunities at the Hospice and our charity shops will be able to find out lots more information.”

Anyone who would like to find out more about the Fun Family Open Day can email volunteering@willowwood.org.uk or call 0161 330 1100.

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Swimming the Channel (in Tameside) for Willow Wood

A Tameside resident is embarking on a journey in the heart of her local community to raise funds for a much-loved charity.

Natalie Drabble has pledged to swim the equivalent length of the English Channel to raise awareness for Willow Wood Hospice, a cause close to her heart.

Natalie’s challenge involves swimming a staggering 1,352 lengths of her local pool at the Wellness Centre in Denton. Spread over four weeks, she will hit the pool three times a week from June to July.

The challenge is not about fitness, but is a heartfelt tribute to her late mother, Angela, who received compassionate care from Willow Wood Hospice.

Angela’s memory has been a driving force for Natalie, who, despite a 17-year hiatus from competitive swimming, recently demonstrated incredible stamina by completing 102 lengths in just 1.5 hours.

Her return to swimming was inspired by fond memories of her time on a swimming team years ago.

Tameside Wellness Centre has thrown its full support behind Natalie’s fundraiser, providing practical assistance such as a dedicated lifeguard to count each length.

Willow Wood Hospice, based in Ashton-under-Lyne, provides vital care and support to individuals with life-limiting illnesses and their families across Tameside and beyond. Their services include in-patient care, community outreach, and support for families, all delivered with compassion and dedication.

For more information on how to support Natalie’s challenge and contribute to Willow Wood Hospice, visit her JustGiving page.

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Hospice shops introduce new smoother system for furniture donations

To make the most of every donation, Willow Wood Hospice’s charity shops now have a new system for fast and free furniture collection.

It comes as the Hospice’s furniture donation vans have also been given a much-needed makeover.

Having looked a little worse for wear previously, the refreshed fleet have a clear and contemporary new livery with details of the updated donation process.

With the newly revamped vans hitting the road across Tameside and Glossop, the Hospice is rolling out a smoother system for swifter furniture collections.

Previously, donors had to call the Purchase and Donate (PAD) shop in Stalybridge to arrange a pick-up, but the process has now been streamlined to make it more efficient.

Now, anyone looking to donate furniture can contact Paul King, Warehouse and Logistics Manager, and his team directly.

You can take photographs of the item(s) you wish to donate and send them via WhatsApp on 07549 275158 with your name and address including postcode, as well as a description of the item(s).

If you don’t have WhatsApp, you can submit your photographs by filling out a simple form on the Hospice website at https://willowwood.org.uk/furniture-collection/

For those unable to send photographs, you can call 0161 669 4849 to speak to the team to arrange collection.

Our Hospice furniture donation vans were looking a little worse for wear. But fear not, because we’ve given them a much-needed makeover!

Paul said: “It’s essential that we have as much information as possible about the donation because we cannot accept everything and we would hate to waste anybody’s time in turning up to pick up an item that we would be unable to accept – e.g. a sofa without a fire label or furniture that we wouldn’t be able to sell because of wear and tear.”

The new process means the Hospice’s team can make the best use of the space at the Donation Centre in Ashton-under-Lyne, plan collections more effectively, and get donations into shops quicker than ever.

About the new system, Paul added: “It’s all about better stock distribution, smoother sales, and faster collections.

“This new system isn’t just making collections easier—it’s set to boost furniture sales and improve stock across all three shops! The PAD and Waterloo will continue to sell furniture, but without the added pressure of handling logistics, freeing them up to focus on providing the best possible service to our customers.

“Plus, we’ve simplified booking system, so it’s now easier than ever to donate! We introduced a WhatsApp function which is already been a game-changer, letting people send photos and a description of their donation for a quicker response.

“From first contact to collection, the whole process can now be wrapped up in as little as three days, depending on what suits the donor—making it faster, simpler, and more efficient for everyone!”

If you see the new-look vans out and about, tag Willow Wood Hospice on their Facebook, X, Instagram and LinkedIn platforms.

The Hospice, based in Ashton-under-Lyne, provides specialist, compassionate and dignified care to patients from Tameside and Glossop with any life-limiting illness and those closest to them.