Category: Business support

Posted on by

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.”

Posted on by

Travel agency’s garden gift helps hospice grow

We are truly grateful to Clarity Travel Management for donating £1,000 worth of gardening equipment to the Hospice.

Staff from the global business travel agency – which has a head office in Manchester – recently volunteered their time with us and were blown away by our stunning gardens.

Steve Riley, Executive Director of Operations, lives in Stalybridge and has family members who have needed the Hospice’s vital services.

After receiving a positive impression and a warm welcome when he visited Willow Wood, Steve and his colleagues wanted to do something to help make a difference.

As well as gifting us brooms, shears, watering cans and an array of other tools for our gardeners to use, the firm has also pledged to donate scaffolding planks and wooden pallets, and support the Hospice in the future.

Our Head Gardener, Sophie Cordingley, said: “We really appreciate the fantastic donation and the generosity of Clarity Travel Management – we cannot thank them enough.

“This high-quality equipment will make such a difference and we will start putting it to good use immediately. It will make everything so much easier for us as a garden team.”

Posted on by

Meet our new Partnership Development Lead

We’re excited to introduce you to Joanne Lees, who is our new Partnership Development Lead at Willow Wood Hospice.

Born and bred in Ashton-under-Lyne, mum-of-three Joanne feels like she has “come home” and is fulfilling a long-standing ambition to make a difference working for a charity.

Her family have always supported charities since her eldest son Andrew, 38, was diagnosed with neuroblastoma at 22 months old.

As well as working for public services such as Tameside Council and Derby NHS Primary Care Team, Joanne has a vast array of experience working for corporate businesses – from Russell Hobbs to JD Sports and Sofology, part of the DFS Group.

As she begins a new chapter at the Hospice, Joanne is keen for every business in Tameside and Glossop to know all about Willow Wood, the extent of the services we provide, and our need to raise at least £3.3 million every year to continue operating.

She’s formulating exciting opportunities for businesses of all sizes to partner with the Hospice, for the benefit of both organisations.

“We’re developing packages for businesses which I think will be amazing,” she explained. “When you’re a busy business and you want to help a charity, you haven’t always got time to fundraise so our flexible packages will be ideal. No matter what size a business is, they will be able to participate.

“Away from the corporate model, if businesses just want to turn up to our network meetings and participate in that or pick the Hospice as their Charity of Choice, that’s fine as our packages are tailored towards what they want to do.

“We’re looking to introduce packages for our corporate volunteering offer too, so that we can maximise the benefits for both the Hospice and businesses.

“Each business tends to have at least one person who is the driving force behind supporting charities and I want Willow Wood to be at the forefront of their minds.”

If your business would like to partner with the Hospice, Joanne will be happy to provide you with more information – just drop her a line at joanne.lees@willowwood.org.uk or call 0161 330 7788.

We’re excited to see the connections she will develop.

Posted on by

Donate school uniform and support Willow Wood

Our supporters Ladysmith Shopping Centre are holding a ‘School Uniform Exchange’ to offer families free school uniform, with the option of donating to the Hospice as their charity partner this year.

The local community is encouraged to drop off any used or new school uniform items at the Hospice’s shop, based at the centre in Ashton-under-Lyne, during its opening hours of Mondays to Saturdays 9am to 4pm as soon as possible.

The ‘Uniform Exchange’ shop will be open at the former Simply Clothing store at the Ladysmith Shopping Centre on Friday 30th August and Saturday 31st August from 10am to 3pm on both days – before the new school year begins in September and staff will be on hand to assist.

Uniforms will be free to claim but people are encouraged to make a donation, however small, in support of the Hospice – which provides compassionate care to patients from the local community with any life-limiting illness.

Ladysmith says the initiative aims to ease the financial burden on families amid the cost-of-living crisis, promote sustainability and reduce textile waste.

It follows a Censuswide poll conducted for the footwear brand Wynsors, which revealed that 73 per cent of parents feel that purchasing school uniforms strains their household budget, with 37 per cent of parents admitting they need financial support for these expenses but are unable to obtain it.

“We believe that every child deserves to start the school year with confidence, and a proper uniform is an important part of that,” said Ian Pratt, a spokesperson for Ladysmith Shopping Centre.

“Access to school uniforms is also about equality, dignity and inclusion, ensuring every child feels positive and part of the school community.”

Posted on by

Willow Wood named Ladysmith’s Charity of the Year

Willow Wood Hospice will receive a welcome boost to our funds and awareness after being named Ladysmith Shopping Centre’s Charity of the Year for 2024/25.

The partnership will run from April 2024 until the end of March 2025, giving the Hospice a chance to fundraise at the town centre shopping destination and spread the word about our services.

Our mission is to lead and deliver high-quality, multi-profession specialist palliative care, support and education across Tameside and Glossop.

They will put on events, spanning seasonal occasions such as the summer holidays, festive period and Easter, at the shopping centre, with details to be posted on social media.

Ian Pratt, Centre Manager at Ladysmith Shopping Centre, is excited to kick off the partnership and looks forward to seeing what can be achieved together.

He commented: “We are thrilled to partner with Willow Wood as our Charity of the Year for 2024/25.

“Their unwavering commitment to providing comfort and support for people with life-limiting illnesses is unmatched, and we cannot wait to work with them and help support all the incredibly important work they do.”

Ladysmith Shopping Centre combines unique independent businesses and high street brands all under one beautifully curated space, with a community feel. For more information visit www.ladysmithshoppingcentre.com

Pictured: Denise Royle, manager at our Ashton shop, with Ian Pratt, Centre Manager at Ladysmith Shopping Centre

Posted on by

Hospice hosts inspiring business network event

Businesses across Tameside came together at Willow Wood Hospice for an inspiring evening of networking. 

Greater Manchester Business Growth Hub held its latest BGH Match event at the Hospice in Ashton-under-Lyne last Thursday (22nd February).

The free business connector network provides businesses across the region with opportunities to create new contacts and share ideas.

Positive conversations filled the room at the Hospice, where there was a strong turnout and lots of new connections made.

Some of the attendees making connections at the event

Insightful presentations were delivered by Sam Duncan, Willow Wood Hospice’s Director of Fundraising and Communications; Nick Shepherd, Business Development and Partnerships Manager at GM Business Growth Hub; and Councillor Jack Naylor, Tameside Council’s Executive Member for Inclusive Growth, Business and Employment.

Other representatives from GM Business Growth Hub and Tameside Council were also on hand to offer advice about fully-funded support available to businesses.

People in attendance also entered a charity raffle which helped to raise funds for the Hospice.

Sam Duncan, Director of Fundraising and Communications (left), and Willow Wood Hospice CEO Karen Houlston

Sam Duncan said: “It was a pleasure to welcome everyone to Willow Wood Hospice for a very productive evening of networking. I’m always proud to talk about our vital work.

“As an organisation, we recognise the importance of supporting local businesses of all sizes and developing longstanding partnerships for the benefit of our patients, staff and volunteers.

“Our corporate partners play a crucial role in enabling us to continue to care for local people, and those closest to them.”

Any businesses interested in supporting the Hospice in any way can find out more, including ways of getting in touch, at https://willowwood.org.uk/corporate-support/

By Adam Higgins

Posted on by

Golf Day gives boost to hospice funds

Twenty teams enjoyed a tee-rific experience at this year’s Martin Wild Golf Day in support of their local hospice.

In total, the annual fundraiser at Ashton-under-Lyne Golf Club made £6,500 to help boost care for patients at Willow Wood Hospice.

The event on 19 August was kindly sponsored by Coolair Services, Marshall Peters and Dukinfield and Stalybridge Rotary.

The winning team was Walsh’s Angels, who stood out not only as this year’s champions but also for having the sole female player of the tournament.

Players were well looked after with plenty of refreshments and there was a team prize table for the teams finishing first to sixth.

Laura Marinelli, Events Fundraiser at Willow Wood Hospice, said: “It was the fourth time that I have organised this event and it raised more money than last year for our hospice so I’m truly thrilled with the outcome.

“Thank you to all of the volunteers on the day, the players for taking part and our generous corporate sponsors who contributed to the prizes.”

The event is promoted by Martin Wild, a former Lancashire amateur golf champion and a long-time supporter of the hospice.

If you’re interested in taking part in the next Golf Day, look out for details about next year’s event in due course.

By Adam Higgins

Posted on by

Dunelm store in Ashton helps to furnish hospice

Dunelm in Ashton-under-Lyne has donated a generous amount of homewares and furniture to Willow Wood Hospice, who provide high quality care and support across the Tameside and Glossop community.

The donation of comfy chairs, cushions, lamps, bookshelves and accessories have been used to furnish the hospice’s bereavement rooms, meaning loved ones can spend quality time in a homely and comfortable space.

The store members at Ashton-under-Lyne chose to donate to Willow Wood Hospice as their staff have supported many of Dunelm’s store colleague’s friends and family, while the hospice also provided incredible care for two previous Dunelm employees during an extremely hard time.

Summer Law, Community Champion at Dunelm Ashton-under-Lyne, said: “The team at Willow Wood Hospice do such an important job caring for local people and we wanted to do our bit to make sure they continue to be cared for in a space that feels like a home away from home.”

Lisa Buckley, from Willow Wood Hospice, added: “We are delighted with the makeover the team from Dunelm Ashton-under-Lyne, it has provided in an extremely important space within the Hospice. We’ve received lovely feedback on how relaxing and peaceful the room is, we can’t thank the Dunelm team enough.”

The donation is part of the homeware retailer’s series of initiatives in the North West, which sees its network of stores support members of their local community in a variety of different ways, during what is a challenging time for so many.

The initiatives include the store’s new Home to Home homeware donation scheme, part of Dunelm’s wider commitment to a circular economy.

The Home to Home scheme, which is available at the Ashton-under-Lyne store, as well as Dunelm’s 17 other North West stores, allows customers to donate pre-loved homeware items from any retailer, to be redistributed to local charities and community groups in the region.

It enables people to reduce household clutter without sending items to landfill, while benefiting those in their local communities who may otherwise go without essential homewares.

From Tameside Reporter on Monday, 3 July 2023