Early starts, plenty of teamwork and countless acts of kindness – there’s much more to housekeeping at Willow Wood Hospice than meets the eye. Over the course of a week, Julie Hafford kept a diary of her daily duties, offering a glimpse into the important role the team plays in helping patients and families feel cared for, comfortable and supported.
If you’d asked me years ago what working in housekeeping at a hospice would be like, I don’t think I could ever have pictured this. Yes, I start early – I’m usually in by 7am – and of course there’s plenty of cleaning to be done. But there’s so much more to it than people might think.
My day often begins with the laundry, getting things washed, folded and ready to go. Other times I’ll be deep into cleaning one of the patient rooms on the Inpatient Unit, making sure everything is fresh, calm and comfortable. Those rooms really matter. They’re someone’s space at a very important time, and I take a lot of pride in making them feel just right.
Julie folding bedding in the laundry room.
What surprises people is how much you’re part of the wider hospice life. I’m always stopping to say good morning, having a quick chat, or helping someone find where they need to go. Visitors are often a bit unsure when they arrive, and if I can put them at ease or point them in the right direction, that feels just as important as any cleaning job.
Some days I’ll be upstairs doing offices, kitchens and toilets, other days I’m working alongside my colleagues covering reception areas, family rooms and quiet spaces. We’re a small team, so we all help each other out. There’s always time for a cup of tea and a bit of laughter in between, which makes even the busiest days easier.
Then there are the moments you don’t expect at all. Sitting with someone for a few minutes because they need company. Walking a worried relative to a patient’s room. Keeping an eye out and noticing when someone might need a bit of extra support. That’s not written in any job description, but it’s just part of working here.
Julie hoovering the family lounge on our Inpatient Unit.
By the end of the week I’ve cleaned everything from bedrooms and therapy rooms to stairways and shared spaces, but it’s the people that stay with me. The smiles, the thank-yous, the quiet conversations in the corridor.
It’s a physical job and those early starts can be hard, but it’s also incredibly rewarding. Being part of this hospice means knowing that what I do helps create a safe, peaceful place for patients and families when they need it most. And that’s something I’m really proud of.
Curzon Ashton Football Club’s match against local rivals Ashton United on Bank Holiday Monday will be dedicated to supporting Willow Wood Hospice.
The early-season clash at the Tameside Stadium (OL7 9HG) will be on Monday 31st August, kicking off at 3pm.
Curzon Ashton has chosen Willow Wood as its charity partner for the 2026/27 season, and supporters attending the eagerly anticipated cross-town derby will have the opportunity to make a donation and find out more about the vital care provided by the Hospice.
Curzon’s players will also be wearing t-shirts showing their support for the Hospice during the pre-match warm-up.
With both sides competing in the Northern Premier League Premier Division, the fixture promises plenty of excitement on the pitch – while offering fans the chance to show their support for local people living with any life-limiting illness.
Mike Smith, Curzon Ashton Community Foundation Manager, said: “Curzon Ashton is proud to be supporting Willow Wood Hospice as our charity partner this season. The Hospice plays such an important role in our local community, supporting patients and families when they need it most.
“Football brings people together, and we hope that by dedicating this local derby to Willow Wood, we can help raise awareness of the Hospice and encourage supporters to get behind its incredible work.”
Curzon Ashton has partnered with the Hospice for the 2026/27 season.
Joanne Lees, Partnership Development Lead at Willow Wood Hospice, said: “We’re incredibly grateful to Curzon Ashton for choosing Willow Wood as its charity partner and for dedicating this exciting local derby to supporting the Hospice.
“This is a wonderful opportunity to connect with the local football community and raise awareness of the specialist care we provide to patients and the people closest to them across Tameside and Glossop.
“We hope supporters will come along, enjoy the match and, if they can, make a donation or find out more about how they can support Willow Wood.”
Based in Ashton-under-Lyne, Willow Wood Hospice provides specialist, compassionate and dignified care to people with any life-limiting illness across Tameside and Glossop. The Hospice also supports families and those closest to patients.
It costs £4.1 million a year to run the Hospice, which receives only 22 per cent of its funding from the government – the rest must be raised by the generosity of the community through donations, organising or supporting fundraising events, buying pre-loved items from Willow Wood’s charity shops, leaving gifts in their Wills, joining the weekly lottery, and volunteering.
Admission is £14 for adults, £10 concessions, £5 students, £2 for 12–16-year-olds, with free entry for Under-12s. A family ticket for two adults and two children under 16 costs £25. Tickets can be purchased on the gate on the day.
A remarkable fundraising challenge took on an even deeper personal meaning for Travis Taylor when his grandad began receiving hospice care as he was running seven marathons in seven days for Willow Wood.
The 21-year-old, who has just graduated from the University of Leeds, completed an incredible 295 kilometres over seven days, raising more than £2,100 to support patients with any life-limiting illness that we care for.
The total raised could pay for five full days of care for a patient on our Inpatient Unit.
Travis on day one after reaching halfway point.
Travis – whose girlfriend Hannah has volunteered at Willow Wood and whose mum, Caroline, and auntie, Pauline, are both part of our Retail team – had chosen to support the Hospice because of his family’s connection. However, during the challenge, the cause became even more personal.
His grandad was diagnosed with a brain tumour and began receiving hospice care during the very week Travis was completing his marathons.
“Thankfully he was able to hear about my challenge and I visited him the day after I finished but it brought home the cause I was fundraising for and motivated me even more. Unfortunately he died two weeks later.
“I am glad I’ve been able to raise money for the same cause that helped my grandad and my family through that time. The support we received, which we didn’t have to pay for, was second to none. I never knew how special an environment hospices can be.”
Travis on day five at Ribblehead Viaduct in Yorkshire Dales.
Travis, who was a keen swimmer growing up before taking up running in 2020, fittingly called his challenge ‘Week at the Knees’.
Over the course of seven consecutive days, he tackled a variety of routes and terrain, covering roads around Lancaster, cycle tracks and even an 800-metre climb up Ingleborough. The challenge tested him physically and mentally, but with encouragement from family and friends, he crossed the finish line on the seventh day.
“I think having some of my mates to run with along the way made a big difference for my morale. It was nice having my family there on the last day and we set up a finish line.”
Although Travis completed the challenge injury-free, there were moments when he questioned whether he could continue.
“It was really difficult but as I got towards the end, I kept thinking about the reasons why I decided to do it in the first place,” he said.
Travis’s cousin Lucas, dad Paul, sister Lauren, gran Kathleen and uncle Mark at the impromptu finish lane.
“I’m most proud of the fact I carried on when days four and five were very gruelling. I didn’t get the weather on day five and had to do it on the treadmill in the gym.
“It gets past the point where your body is tired anyway, but I don’t think anyone can prepare you for the mental energy side of it.
“I think traffic was the biggest problem I faced as running on roads can be difficult, but planning the routes was the most important thing.”
Now recovering with more runs and gym sessions, Travis says he isn’t finished with fundraising. He already has his sights set on an even bigger challenge – a 180-kilometre ultra-marathon in Chamonix, France, within the next couple of years.
Travis thanked everyone who supported and donated to his challenge, helping him raise more than he had hoped to.
Mossley AFC lifted the trophy for the third successive year as the Willow Wood Hospice Cup match raised £409.05 in support of patient care.
The Lilywhites beat Curzon Ashton 5-3 on penalties after a 2-2 draw at Seel Park on Tuesday evening (21st July) as both teams continued their pre-season preparations.
Kyle Campbell – son of the late former Arsenal, Everton and Nottingham Forest striker Kevin – opened the scoring in the 35th minute for hosts Mossley, who play in the Northern Premier League West Division.
Curzon – who were relegated last season to the Northern Premier League Premier Division – turned the game around to lead before the break with two goals in as many minutes, first from Brad Holmes and then Alex Curran.
Substitute Matt Kadacz levelled five minutes into the second half for Mossley, who converted each of their spotkicks to overcome their higher-division opponents.
Lilywhites captain Mark Lees and his Mossley team-mates were presented with the cup on the pitch after the final whistle.
Supporters of both teams were able to donate in collection buckets at the ground, enter a raffle and take part in a fun sweepstake.
It was all to support the Hospice, based in Ashton-under-Lyne, which cares for patients with any life-limiting illness in Tameside and Glossop and those closest to them.
The Willow Wood Hospice Cup was an annual fixture in the local non-league football calendar for a number of years.
After a hiatus, it was revived last year by former Dukinfield councillor and Civic Mayor of Tameside, Brian Wild, and fellow long-time supporter of the Hospice, Chris Smith.
Mossley hosted the occasion for the second year in a row after beating Droylsden 4-2 on spotkicks 12 months ago following a goalless draw. They also won 2-0 at Glossop North End when the cup made a triumphant return in 2024.
The Hospice would like to thank both clubs; Brian Wild, Chris Smith and Roger Dilkes for organising and supporting the occasion; and everyone who attended and donated.
Hospice patron Brian Wild said: “It was a great game with some fantastic goals and we saw another penalty shootout to determine the winner. Congratulations to Mossley for a hat-trick of cup wins!
“Thank you to everyone at Mossley and Curzon Ashton for their generosity, getting behind the match so brilliantly and supporting the vital services that the Hospice provides to our local community.”
Do you enjoy discovering hidden treasures, researching unusual finds or selling items online? If the answer is yes, we’d love to hear from you.
Our Online Sales team, based at our Clearance Outlet and Donation Centre on Langham Street (off Oldham Road) in Ashton-under-Lyne, is looking for friendly and enthusiastic volunteers to join our growing department.
No two days are the same. You could be sorting donations, researching interesting items, taking photographs, packing orders or preparing listings for our online selling platforms. Donations can include everything from ceramics and vinyl records to clothing, books and electrical items.
Volunteer hours are flexible between 9am and 4pm, Monday to Friday, so whether you can spare a morning, an afternoon or a full day, we’d love to welcome you to the team.
It’s an exciting time to get involved. Our Online Sales team manages our eBay, World of Books and Vintage Cash Cow platforms, and we’ve recently re-launched our Vinted page. Every item sold helps raise vital funds to support patient care at Willow Wood Hospice.
Ben Williams, who recently joined the team alongside Sally Dawson, said: “I’ve had my own eBay business for over three years. Since coming in, we’ve tried to streamline our processes and make everything more efficient, spending more time taking photos and listing items to raise as much money as possible to support patient care at the Hospice. It’s a fantastic place to work and a great time to get involved. Your role can be tailored around your skillset and what you’re interested in, so it really is varied and flexible.”
If you’d like to become part of our Online Sales team, please contact Lisa Pye, our Volunteer Services Manager, by emailing volunteering@willowwood.org.uk or calling 0161 330 1100 to find out more.
Our patients and those closest to them now have a beautiful new way to preserve treasured memories, stories and voices for generations to come.
We’ve recently partnered with Featherbed Tales, an innovative digital storytelling platform that helps people create personalised digital photobooks complete with photographs, written memories and voice recordings.
Whether it’s sharing childhood stories, recording family traditions or simply leaving messages for loved ones, the platform enables people to create meaningful keepsakes that can be treasured and shared with family and friends anywhere in the world.
Available free of charge to Willow Wood Hospice’s patients and their families, as well as staff and volunteers, the platform is simple to use and allows you to:
Upload photographs and add personal captions
Record memories and messages in their own voice
Capture conversations with loved ones
Create a lasting digital keepsake that celebrates a lifetime of memories
The partnership offers another way for patients and families to connect, reflect and create something deeply personal during an important time in their lives.
Bethan Kinder, Family Support Team Lead at Willow Wood Hospice, said: “Creating memories and preserving stories can be incredibly important for patients and families. Having the opportunity to record someone’s voice, capture their personality and celebrate the moments that matter most can bring enormous comfort, both now and in the future. Featherbed Tales is a wonderful addition to the support we offer, giving families a simple and meaningful way to create something they can treasure forever.”
Our clinical team recently received training from Featherbed Tales to ensure they can confidently support patients and families in using the platform.
Caroline England, founder of Featherbed Tales, said: “We’re proud to be partnering with Willow Wood Hospice to help patients and families preserve the moments, stories and voices that matter most. Every story is unique, and our aim is to make it easy for people to create lasting keepsakes that celebrate a life, strengthen family connections and provide comfort for years to come. We look forward to working alongside the Willow Wood team to support the vital care they provide.”
The partnership reflects our ongoing commitment to providing person-centred, holistic care that supports not only patients, but those closest to them, helping families create lasting memories that can be cherished for years to come.
Two of Tameside’s non-league football clubs will go head-to-head as Mossley AFC host Curzon Ashton FC in the Willow Wood Hospice Cup.
The pre-season clash will take place at Seel Park on Tuesday 21st July, with kick-off at 7.45pm, as current holders Mossley AFC look to lift the trophy for the third successive year.
The annual fixture has long been a feature of the local football calendar and was revived in 2024 by former Civic Mayor of Tameside and Willow Wood Hospice patron Brian Wild, alongside fellow long-time Hospice supporter Chris Smith.
This year’s match carries extra significance after Curzon Ashton FC recently chose the Hospice as its Charity of Choice for the 2026/27 season.
Brian said: “The recent targeted support for the Hospice by Curzon Ashton FC has given a real spark to this year’s cup game and Curzon will want to win this one.
“However, Mossley AFC will be keen to lift the trophy and make it a hat-trick of wins, having beaten both Droylsden AFC last year and Glossop North End AFC the year before.”
Mossley AFC chairman Stephen Porter commented: “We’re delighted to be hosting the Willow Wood Hospice Cup game again this year and proud to continue our support for the work the Hospice does.
“I want the spectators to enjoy a good game and the Hospice to receive some donations for their work, but I hope our lads get the cup to stay at Seel Park for a third year, even though it will be hard against a good Curzon Ashton team.”
Curzon Ashton Community Foundation Manager Mike Smith said: “We really want to win this cup. Our club hopes to make a real difference through the partnership with Willow Wood Hospice and winning this cup will be a great start.
“We’re pleased to partner with the Hospice to help raise awareness and valuable funds. We hope that we can enhance the great work already being done by everyone at Willow Wood and look forward to working with them.”
Joanne Lees, Partnership Development Lead at Willow Wood Hospice, commented: “We are absolutely delighted that Curzon Ashton FC has chosen us as its Charity of Choice for the 2026/27 season. But we continue to enjoy the support of Mossley AFC as they host this game. I hope the best team wins.”
As well as providing an entertaining local derby, the match will raise vital funds for Willow Wood Hospice through collection buckets around the ground.
Based in Ashton-under-Lyne, Willow Wood provides specialist, compassionate care for people living with any life-limiting illness across Tameside and Glossop, supporting patients both at the Hospice and in their own homes.
It costs around £11,200 every day to provide its services, with just 22 per cent of its annual funding coming from the government. The remaining 78 per cent must be raised through the generosity of the local community.
The match also serves as an important part of both clubs’ preparations for the 2026/27 season. Alex Craddock’s Mossley AFC will compete in the Northern Premier League West Division, while Adam Barton’s Curzon Ashton begin life in the Northern Premier League Premier Division following last season’s relegation from the National League North on goal difference after an 11-year stay.
Mossley lifted the revived Willow Wood Hospice Cup in both previous editions, beating Glossop North End AFC 2-0 in 2024 before defeating Droylsden FC 4-2 on penalties after a goalless draw at Seel Park last summer.
Admission for this year’s fixture is £7 for adults, £5 for concessions, £1 for 12 to 17-year-olds, with free entry for accompanied under-12s.
The winning team will be presented with the Willow Wood Hospice Cup on the pitch immediately after the final whistle.
For Brenda Donnelly, volunteering at Willow Wood Hospice is about giving something back.
Brenda, who lives in Hollingworth, joined the Hospice as a Visitor Liaison Volunteer on the Inpatient Unit in September 2025.
After a 16-year career as a hotel receptionist, she was perfectly suited to a role that combines welcoming people, offering support and helping families feel at ease during difficult times.
The Hospice has long held a special place in Brenda’s heart. Her father received care at Willow Wood before he died 12 years ago, and she always hoped to volunteer when she retired.
Now volunteering three mornings a week, Brenda helps answer phone calls, takes messages for staff and supports visitors and families. Her role also allows nurses and support workers to focus on patient care, while ensuring visitors always have someone available to help.
A typical shift can involve anything from offering refreshments and explaining more about the Hospice, to guiding visitors to where they need to go. Just as importantly, Brenda is there to provide a listening ear.
“I think it’s important that our visitors know there is always somebody willing to sit down with them to listen when they need to talk to somebody other than family,” she said.
One of Brenda’s most memorable moments came on her very first shift, when she welcomed a family whose loved one had just been admitted to the Inpatient Unit while nursing staff settled the patient in.
Brenda believes empathy is one of the most important qualities needed for the role, alongside confidence when speaking with visitors and families and the ability to provide accurate information.
Her advice for anyone considering becoming a Visitor Liaison Volunteer is simple: “Just be yourself and willing to lend an ear.”
What Brenda enjoys most is the sense of teamwork on the Inpatient Unit.
“I love the team, how they all work together and how I was made to feel very welcome and part of that team from day one,” she said.
She also says one of the highlights of every shift is being greeted by Julie Acourt, our Inpatient Unit Administrator.
“I have learned so much from her – she is excellent at what she does.”
For Brenda, volunteering means the world. It is her way of thanking Willow Wood for the care her father and wider family received, while helping to support others going through similar experiences.
Her message to anyone thinking about volunteering at the Hospice?
“Just do it, you’ll love it.”
Has Brenda inspired you to become a Willow Wood Hospice volunteer? Check out our Volunteer Vacancies page to see the exciting opportunities we have available and how you can get involved.
When Jai Mistry left her job in October 2024 to care full-time for her husband, Balu, she had no idea that decision would also lead her to discover the support and compassion of Willow Wood Hospice.
Jai, 57, stepped away from her accounting career to look after Balu, who had been diagnosed with progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP) – a neurological condition. She cared for him until he died on 19th May 2025.
That’s how Jai first came across Willow Wood Hospice.
She learned about the Hospice’s services when Julie Moran, our Wellbeing Team Lead, gave a talk at a group held at the Shree Bharatiya Mandal temple on Union Street in Ashton-under-Lyne.
Jai said she was immediately curious to find out more.
“I got in contact with Julie and we got lots of help and information. Both my husband and I were able to access therapies, which were amazing. We’ve got to know several members of staff really well.
“We didn’t realise these services were available because you think a hospice is just for end of life. It’s been really eye-opening.
“The staff at Willow Wood are so reassuring and told me I can call with any issues and if there’s anything they can help with to alleviate any pressure from me or my husband. It just felt like a sigh of relief that somebody’s listened to us.”
Jai and Balu attended the Hospice’s wellbeing sessions together and accessed therapies separately.
“While my husband was having physio, I could have a massage or Reiki or reflexology which was really nice because it just reassured me that Balu was safe, being looked after and I could have some time out which was important as well. We also received regular phone calls from the team checking on how we were doing.”
Jai receiving Reiki from Colin.
‘Comforting to know people care and want to help’
Following Balu’s death, Jai continued to receive therapies, as well as counselling through our Family Support team.
“It doesn’t solve anything,” she said, “but it’s good to talk to get things off your shoulders and it’s nice to hear that someone’s listening too. They help you see things in a different way from a different aspect. On the whole, it’s just been really comforting to know there are people out there who actually care and want to help.”
Like many people, Jai had once thought hospices only provided end-of-life care.
“I was pleasantly surprised when I first came. I thought it was going to be all doom and gloom and not very nice but it was totally the opposite of what I expected. I’ve met different people on Reception and they’re always very welcoming, which is really nice.”
Now, Jai is determined to spread the word about the help and support Willow Wood offers, especially within the Asian community in Tameside.
“I have been talking about the services here to everybody. One of my uncles runs a local Asian group and I keep pushing him about the importance of people knowing what help is out there. The Asian community is quite a close community and they are quite private people as well. People can almost feel shameful about asking for help but there’s no shame at all.”
She even encouraged her uncle-in-law, Chandrakant Mistry, who has a rare form of motor neurone disease (MND), to access the Hospice’s services and attend our recently-launched MND Support Group.
“People’s mentality can be that something has happened and they have to just get on with it, but they can reach out for support that’s there without being afraid to ask for it. You need people who understand what you’re going through – you think you can deal with it on your own but you can’t.”
Jai and Balu
‘You never know when you might need Willow Wood’
Jai’s experience caring for loved ones spans several years – she and Balu had previously cared for his mother at home for almost three years after she suffered a stroke, before she died in 2019.
When Balu began showing symptoms in 2020, Jai initially thought he may have had a mini stroke. After visiting their GP and being referred to a neurologist, he was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease, and later PSP.
“I had never heard of PSP but I’d compare it very much to MND. It’s neurological and affects your muscles, eyesight and everything – it’s quite debilitating. After that, I noticed he was progressively getting worse, especially after I finished work and was seeing him more often. He deteriorated quite quickly which I was shocked at and he couldn’t do anything for himself, which was hard to see.”
Jai also says she was surprised to learn how much the Hospice relies on volunteers and would love to give the gift of her time in the future.
“The groups like the ones at the Hospice are so important for people from a social, mental and physical point of view. I think I could help in that capacity as someone who has been through a similar experience and support those who come along.
“It’s a wonderful place, including the lovely gardens which are nice and peaceful. I don’t think anyone should be nervous about coming here. You’ll come through the doors and be pleasantly surprised – it won’t be what you expect.
“There’s definitely a need for the hospice to be here – it’s helped me and so many other people. If you can support Willow Wood in any way, please do and just spread the word. You never know when you or someone you know might need it one day.”
Julie Moran, Wellbeing Team Lead, reflected: “Reading this account of Jai and Balu’s story reflects what the heart of Willow Wood is all about. Our Community Services aim to deliver the support that improves daily life, extends quality of life, and ensures dignity.
“In Tameside and Glossop, we have diverse communities and integrated health and social care. We will continue to collaborate and build robust partnerships with these external organisations to ensure we reach out to all our residents and give them the right support at the right time.”
To find out more about Willow Wood Hospice’s services, visit the ‘Our Services’ section of the website or call 0161 330 1100 to speak to our team.
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