Category: Awards

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Young fundraisers turn bright ideas into big impact for hospice care

Young people across Tameside and Glossop have turned creativity and teamwork into vital funds for Willow Wood Hospice as part of an innovative initiative.

The Hospice’s Enterprise Challenge, taking place for the second successive year, encourages pupils to develop business skills by forming teams and using £25 of seed funding to create and run their own fundraising projects.

Activities included hot chocolate pop-up stalls, film fundraisers, darts tournaments, sweet cone sales and even a Christmas Fair.

The achievements of participating schools and colleges were recognised at a special awards ceremony held on Thursday 12th March at St Thomas More RC College in Denton.

The event brought together more than 100 attendees, including pupils, teachers, sponsors and distinguished guests.

Taking part this year were pupils from All Saints Catholic College; Ashlea House School; Ashton Sixth Form College; Corrie Primary School; Fairfield High School for Girls; Laurus Ryecroft; Micklehurst All Saints CE Primary School; St Andrew’s CE Junior School; Samuel Laycock School; St Damian’s RC Science College; St Thomas More RC College, and Tameside College.

Hosted by local business leader and entrepreneur Tom Armstrong, the event was attended by the Civic Mayor of Tameside Councillor Shibley Alam, and her Consort Mohammed Khairul Alam.

Awards were presented by the Civic Mayor alongside main sponsors Energy & Carbon Reduction Solutions; Emma Alexander and Dean Kleban from Tameside Council; Hospice patron Sharman Birtles MBE JP DL, Vice Lord-Lieutenant of Greater Manchester; Hospice trustees Timothy Jackson, Chris Hinds, Stephen Giblin and Phill Brown MBE; and Business Innovation Advisor Pam Mistry.

Alongside main sponsors Energy & Carbon Reduction Solutions, the initiative was also kindly sponsored by Ashton United in the Community, Bennett Staff, Brother UK, Brother International, Casey Group, Denton & Audenshaw Rotary Club, Droylsden Glass, Foams 4 Sports Ltd, Inology IT, Millson Group, and Pilgrim’s.

St Thomas More RC College was named overall winner after pupils organised activities including a carol concert and a sponsored run.

Tameside College and All Saints Catholic College received the Most Creative Fundraising Idea Award, Corrie Primary School was awarded the Team Excellence Award, and St Andrew’s CE Junior School received both the Community and Inspire Award and the Sponsor’s Choice Award.

St Damian’s RC Science College picked up the Innovative Action Award, with Class 8JTS also securing the Top Branding Award. Micklehurst All Saints CE Primary School received the Positive Impact Award, Fairfield High School for Girls was honoured with the Opportunity Award, and Ashlea House School was recognised with the Outstanding Achievement Award.

The ceremony also featured an inspiring speech from Niamh O’Hare, a Business Administration Apprentice at Tameside Council, who shared insights from her own journey, while Carl Shaw, Assistant Principal at Tameside College, provided valuable guidance on future education pathways available to students.

Tara Farren, Community and Events Fundraiser at Willow Wood Hospice, said: “We are incredibly proud of every single pupil who took part in this year’s Enterprise Challenge.

“The creativity, enthusiasm and teamwork they have shown has been truly inspiring, and to raise over £14,000 is a fantastic achievement.

“Not only have they helped to fund one-and-a-half days of care for our patients and their families, they’ve also gained valuable skills and confidence that will benefit them in the future. We are so grateful to the schools, teachers and sponsors who have supported this year’s initiative.”

All funds raised will go towards providing compassionate, specialist care for patients from Tameside and Glossop with any life-limiting illness, and those closest to them.

Following this year’s success, the Hospice’s Enterprise Challenge will return for the 2026/27 academic year. Teachers, youth leaders and businesses interested in taking part or supporting the initiative can express their interest by visiting: https://willowwood.org.uk/echal-2026-27/

See more photos from the awards ceremony on our Facebook page here

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Our Glossop shop is officially award winning

Willow Wood Hospice is celebrating after its Glossop charity shop was crowned the East Midlands winner in the UK’s Favourite Charity Shop Awards 2025.

The much-loved shop on High Street West was one of over 5,000 charity shops nominated from across the UK and rose to the top following a public vote of more than 40,000 people.

It is one of just 12 winners nationwide, representing each of the nine English regions, plus Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland.

Adding to the Hospice’s success, Willow Wood’s shop in Hyde was also shortlisted in the highly competitive North West category.

The awards organised by the Charity Retail Association, now in their second year, celebrate the very best of charity retail – shops that not only raise vital funds through the sale of pre-loved goods but also serve as community hubs, providing employment, volunteering opportunities, and support for local people.

Customers of the Glossop shop echoed this sentiment in their nominations.

One supporter commented: “This charity shop is so well presented, colour co-ordinated and the staff are so lovely. They are very reasonably priced, making it accessible to all – I go in four times a week. Everything is priced very reasonably; range of stock is really good. The staff are amazing; they can never do enough for you.”

Some of the Willow Wood Glossop shop’s hard-working volunteers celebrating with the award.

The award was presented to the shop’s team on Thursday 30th October by Emma Peake, Chair of the Charity Retail Association, who spoke with the dedicated staff and volunteers behind the shop’s success.

Caroline Lillis, manager of the Hospice’s Glossop shop, said: “We’re absolutely thrilled to have been named East Midlands winner – it means so much to our whole team. Every day, our volunteers bring warmth and passion to what they do, and our customers are like family to us. This award is for the community of Glossop who support us so loyally – we couldn’t do it without them.”

Pauline Lunt, Head of Retail at Willow Wood Hospice, added: “A huge thank you to everyone who took the time to vote, share, and spread the word among family and friends. Your support truly makes a difference and these awards recognise the outstanding work our retail team does every day to support patient care at the Hospice.”

Robin Osterley OBE, Chief Executive of the Charity Retail Association, commented: “Congratulations to all the winners and thank you to everyone who voted. The volume of support the Awards received this year not only demonstrates the public’s passion for their favourite stores but really shows the impact they have within their local communities and the difference they make to people’s lives.”

The overall UK winner will be announced in November.

For more information about the UK’s Favourite Charity Shop Awards and to see all the area winners, visit https://charityretail.org.uk/the-uks-favourite-charity-shop

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Young hero up for award after helping Willow Wood in mum’s memory

An inspirational seven-year-old from Hattersley who helped collect over 2,000 Crème Eggs for Willow Wood Hospice, where his mum died, has been shortlisted for a special award.

Frankie Chadwick was nominated by the Hospice’s Fundraising team for the BBC’s Make a Difference Awards, which celebrate the achievements of community heroes.

The Year 2 pupil is one of four finalists in a new category introduced this year – the Young Hero Award, which will be awarded to someone under 16 who has made a positive impact in their community or achieved something exceptional.

The brave youngster helped Willow Wood collect an abundance of sweet treats for the Hospice’s annual Bunny Hop appeal – which this year raised a record amount of over £50,000, as over 7,000 people across Tameside and Glossop took part from 24 schools, 19 nurseries and two community groups.

He wanted to support the Hospice in Ashton-under-Lyne, where his mum Gemma received end-of-life care in February this year. She spent 10 days in the Inpatient Unit before she died from brain cancer, aged 46.

Frankie with his mum Gemma
Frankie with his mum Gemma

Frankie said: “We had collection baskets in shops like Tesco and when the baskets got full of Crème Eggs, they were put behind customer service for us to pick up.

“Willow Wood were really good at looking after my mummy. She was really nice and she used to buy me lots of things like toys. I miss her cuddles and going on holiday with her.

“I am very happy and excited to be going to the awards.”

Frankie is looked after by his uncle and legal guardian Gavin Chadwick, who could not be prouder of his nephew and grateful for the care his family received from Willow Wood during a tough time.

“Frankie is a very unique and special boy with lots of character – he’s just a superstar and absolutely deserves to be a finalist,” said Gavin, 42.

“I cried on the phone when I found out he was up for the award. I feel so proud of Frankie and Gemma would be so proud of him too – it’s a shame she is not here to celebrate this moment with us.

Frankie speaking to Holly from BBC Radio Manchester in his classroom at school
Frankie speaking to Holly from BBC Radio Manchester in his classroom at school

“Frankie is one of the calmest people in the world, considering what he’s been through. He still goes to school with a smile on his face and plays with his friends, never mentioning all the horrible things he’s going through.

“Gemma’s cancer had spread throughout the years – she had cancer when Frankie was born so his mummy being poorly has been the norm for him. He visited her at Christie’s and at Tameside Hospital – their relationship could not have been any stronger. Gemma was an amazing sister and a tough cookie with a powerful personality but also very private.

“Willow Wood was absolutely amazing and their team looked after us all. Frankie had no fear of lying on the bed with her and taking the dog to see her – he played on the Xbox in the family lounge and became a friend of the nurses.

“It was Gemma’s idea to collect the eggs and Frankie was the ambassador of our own appeal. It was a focus for us all and we wanted to help the Hospice.”

Tracey Schofield, Events Lead who organises the Hospice’s Bunny Hop campaign, put Frankie forward for the award and gave him his own Bunny Hop pack as a reward for his magnificent efforts.

“I nominated Frankie for the award because, despite everything he was going through, he thought of others and wanted to help the Hospice,” she said.

“On behalf of everyone at Willow Wood, we are incredibly grateful for his support and we really hope he wins the Young Hero Award.”

Gemma with Frankie and Gavin
Gemma with Frankie and Gavin

For the first time this year, the Make a Difference Awards span the entire UK. Frankie will be attending BBC Radio Manchester’s awards ceremony at Rochdale Town Hall on 12th September.

Frankie’s nomination was recently revealed at his school, St James’s Primary in Hattersley, where his teachers and classmates were overjoyed for him.

Mark Woolley, head teacher at St James’s, said: “It’s been a very difficult time for Frankie and his family, so we’ve been supporting him here in school and supporting Gavin, his uncle, as well.

“We’re very proud of Frankie – he truly does deserve it. He’s really courageous and a young hero. He’s very kind and very thoughtful. It’s lovely that he has given something back to Willow Wood.”

LISTEN: Click on the play button below to listen to Frankie and Gavin speaking to BBC Radio Manchester. You will need a tissue handy. 

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Head of Community Services recognised with award

We’re absolutely thrilled to share that our Head of Community Services, Callie Harrop, has won an award at this year’s Greater Manchester Health and Care Champion Awards.
Callie was one of three shortlisted finalists in the Rising Star category and took home the accolade at last night’s ceremony, held at Manchester’s Science and Industry Museum.
We’re also proud to be the only hospice to have been recognised with an award.
The awards are organised by the Greater Manchester Integrated Care Partnership, celebrating outstanding individuals and teams working across health, social care and community services across the 10 boroughs of Greater Manchester.
Since becoming our Head of Community Services in May 2024, Callie has led our Community Services teams to enhance patient pathways, streamline referrals and improve care coordination.
“I was overwhelmed, honoured and humbled to be recognised and receive this award,” Callie reflected. “It was a fantastic opportunity to hear all the wonderful things happening across Greater Manchester and I’m so proud to be recognised as a part of that.”
She was nominated for her award by our Clinical Director, Nicola Cheetham, who shared: “Callie is an exceptional leader whose commitment to compassionate care shines through and has made a real impact at Willow Wood. On behalf of everyone at the Hospice, huge congratulations to Callie – we’re all really proud of her fantastic achievement.”
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Double recognition at Tameside Business Awards

We’re thrilled to share that Willow Wood Hospice won the Retailer of the Year award and received a Special Commendation for Care in the Outstanding Contribution to Tameside category at the Tameside Business Awards.

The awards ceremony took place on Wednesday night at The Village Hotel in Ashton-under-Lyne.

We were represented by our CEO Tracy Minshull, Chairman Timothy Jackson, Clinical Director Nicola Cheetham, Director of Fundraising & Communications Sam Duncan, Head of Retail Pauline Lunt, and Partnership Development Lead Joanne Lees.

These honours are a testament to the dedication, compassion and relentless hard work of our incredible workforce – which is all of our staff and volunteers.

We have also been shortlisted in the Social Enterprise / CIC / Charity of the Year category at this year’s Pride of Tameside Business Awards.

We will find out if we have been successful on Friday 13th June at Dukinfield Town Hall – fingers crossed!

Pictured: CEO Tracy Minshull and Clinical Director Nicola Cheetham (left) with our Special Commendation for Care and Director of Fundraising and Communications Sam Duncan and Head of Retail Pauline Lunt with our Retailer of the Year award.

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Willow Wood Enterprise Challenge raises over £12k

Willow Wood’s inaugural Enterprise Challenge initiative has helped to raise over £12,000 for the Hospice.

The Enterprise Challenge awards ceremony, which was held on Thursday 13th March at Clarendon Sixth Form College, celebrated the achievements of the local secondary schools that helped generate vital funds for the Hospice.

The schools who took part were All Saints Catholic College, Ashlea House School, St Thomas More RC College, Fairfield High School for Girls and St Damian’s RC Science College.

Hosted by Tameside Radio’s drivetime host Cameron Kennedy, the event had over 100 people in attendance, including the Civic Mayor of Tameside Councillor Betty Affleck and her Consort Declan Fitzpatrick.

The ten awards were presented by event sponsors, local business mentors, and Hospice patrons and trustees.

During their campaigns, pupils formed their own teams, each receiving £25 seed money to kickstart their fundraisers. They managed to grow their seed money into a larger sum, as well as utilising their creativity and entrepreneurial talents. Some of the pupils’ ideas included a car wash, selling loom bands, putting on a cinema, and holding a disco.

The overall winners were the Faith in Action team at St Thomas More RC Science College, who fully embraced the challenge and managed their seed money and reinvestment to raise a fantastic amount by building a relationship with their mentors and promoting some healthy competition between schools.

Paul, who was the Faith in Action team’s student leader, said on stage: “As a team, we planned two concerts, numerous sweet treat stalls and a sponsored run. We are extremely proud of raising over £1,200 to support the amazing work of Willow Wood Hospice. We want to thank all of Willow Wood and our sponsors Denton and Audenshaw Rotary, as well as Miss Hague and Mr Smith for supporting us.”

The main sponsors were Energy and Carbon Reduction Solutions Limited and the Union of Catholic Mothers in Stalybridge (St Peter’s and St Raphael’s Church) sponsored the awards evening.

Team sponsors and mentors were Inology IT, Denton and Audenshaw Rotary Club, Droylsden Glass, and Viking Office.

The awards and their winners were as follows:

  • Pioneer Fundraising Award – Ashlea House School
  • Innovation Award – St Damian’s RC Science College
  • Creative Arts Award – All Saints Catholic College (Year 11)
  • Market Insight Award – Fairfield High School for Girls
  • Sponsors Choice Award – All Saints Catholic College (Year 7)
  • Digital Impact Award – Ashlea House School
  • Strategic Investment Award – St Thomas More RC College (Faith in Action)
  • Social Enterprise Award – St Damian’s RC Science College
  • Endurance & Dedication Award – All Saints Catholic College (10W)
  • Overall Enterprise Challenge Award – St Thomas More (Faith in Action)

The guest speakers were Assistant Principal of Tameside College, Carl Shaw, and founder of Create & Craft Workshops, Cait Senior, who both gave inspiring speeches targeted to the young people in the audience.

St Damian’s RC Science College choir delivered an outstanding performance both before the ceremony and during the interval.

All of the schools and their pupils were celebrated for their incredible contributions to helping raise money for the Hospice.

Speaking about the event and how it went, Lucy Ta’ati, Community Fundraiser at Willow Wood Hospice, said: “I think it went really well, and it just shows when people come together – the participants, the staff at the schools, our lovely sponsors, trustees and patrons, and of course our fabulous host Cameron Kennedy – we can really make something special.

“I would like to thank everyone involved for their support – including Clarendon Sixth Form, Bhavna Parmar and Pam Mistry from The Innovation Hub at Tameside College, and Tesco Glossop and Tesco Stalybridge for donating refreshments.”

Community togetherness and support is of vital importance, and is a significant factor for raising awareness of the Hospice, based in Ashton-under-Lyne.

On this topic, Lucy added: “I think it’s massively important, and not just from a fundraising point of view. People out there need to know what services are available to them. It’s good for people to know that we’re there, we’re present in the community and people who are fundraising for us as well.

“It’s good for them to know that they are appreciated because without our third-party fundraisers and people helping us and supporting our events in the community, we wouldn’t be able to continue providing those services.”

Any teachers or leaders interested in their secondary school or youth group taking part in this year’s Enterprise Challenge can express their interest by visiting www.willowwood.org.uk/events/enterprise-challenge

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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.