25 Years Since the Appeal Began

Unbelievably, it’s 25 years since the Appeal for funds to build Willow Wood was launched back in 1993. The very first meeting was held on 28 April and the first fundraising event, a Sequence Ball, held less than a month later on Thursday 20 May 1993.

Thanks to the dedication and commitment of the team of volunteers, including Martin Willescroft who is president of our board of trustees and Pat Walklate, former trustee who still volunteers as a receptionist, the £2million needed to build Willow Wood was raised. Of course, there were many staunch supporters who worked tirelessly behind the scenes, notably the late Peter Wood and the late Sydney Rogerson, and Don Newton the chairman of the Appeal who later became the first chairman of Willow Wood.

The trustees, the staff, the volunteers and all our past and present patients and their families extend sincere and grateful thanks to everyone who supported this Appeal. As Karen Houlston, chief executive said, “Without their generosity and commitment Willow Wood would not have been built, and without their continued support we could not continue our loving care for the people of Tameside and Glossop. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts.”