Category: Campaigns

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Christmas tree recycling success

Willow Wood’s Christmas tree recycling service has raised a tree-mendous amount towards supporting patient care at the Hospice.

The convenient recycling initiative allowed residents across Tameside and Glossop to register their festive firs online to be collected and responsibly disposed of in the new year, while making a donation of their choice to the Hospice.

In total, over 460 real trees were collected and nearly £9,000 has been raised, which will make a difference to patients with a life-limiting illness from our local communities.

In Tameside, trees were collected between 8th and 17th January and then chipped by Tameside Council’s Greenspace team, who will re-use them in local parks.

In Glossop, the trees were collected by Amazon and A&D Distribution Services between 8th and 13th January and taken to Hartleys Garden Centre to be stored. They have been chipped by Bankswood Treecare and used by the Pony Patch to lay a new path for the ponies.

Samantha Kitch, Fundraising Manager at Willow Wood Hospice, said: “On behalf of us all at the Hospice, a sincere thank you to all of our brilliant partners for facilitating the collection and recycling of the trees, and to everyone who registered their trees and donated to Willow Wood.

“We would also like to thank all those who helped to spread the word and raise awareness of the tree recycling service.

“With only around 21 per cent of our funding coming from central government, the support we receive from our local communities is absolutely vital.”

Tameside Council Executive Member for Environmental Services and Neighbourhoods, Councillor Laura Boyle, said: “We’ve been really pleased to work with Willow Wood Hospice on this scheme once again and it’s fantastic to see it going from strength to strength.

“It has been a brilliant opportunity for people to do something positive for the environment while also supporting a charity that does such important and valued work in our community and is close to so many people’s hearts. Thank you to everyone who supported the scheme, you have really helped to make a difference.”

The collection and recycling service was also supported by national charity Just Helping, which assists charities, volunteers and businesses to contribute to their community and the environment.

After costs, Willow Wood Hospice will receive 85 per cent of donations and up to 15 per cent will be distributed by Just Helping to other local charities.

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Recycle your real Christmas tree for Willow Wood

Local residents are being encouraged to recycle their real Christmas trees with Willow Wood Hospice while supporting patient care in the community this festive season.

The Hospice is once again collaborating with partners including Tameside Council and Hartley’s Garden Centre to provide a convenient collection and recycling service.

It will be available throughout Tameside between Monday 6th and Friday 10th January 2025, and in Glossop from Wednesday 8th to Monday 13th January 2025.

Your tree will be taken away with no hassle, no waste and no needles in your car!

Register your real Christmas tree to be collected today by visiting www.just-helping.org.uk/register-tree. Simply enter your postcode and submit your details via the online form.

Registration closes at midnight on 2nd January 2025.

When your registration is complete, stay on the website to make a donation to Willow Wood Hospice, based in Ashton-under-Lyne, which provides specialist care for patients from Tameside and Glossop diagnosed with life-limiting illnesses.

Tracy Dewhurst, a Support Worker at the Hospice, and Councillor Laura Boyle

Samantha Kitch, Fundraising Manager at Willow Wood Hospice, said: “By using our collection and recycling service, you will be disposing of your real Christmas tree responsibly and by donating, you’ll be helping us to continue providing compassionate care to those who need it most in our community.

“With only 21.5 per cent of our annual funding coming from central government, the support we receive from our community is absolutely vital. With your help, we can improve the quality of life for our patients and those closest to them, helping them to live as well as possible for as long as possible.

“We would like to thank Tameside Council and Hartley’s Garden Centre for their invaluable support in facilitating our Christmas tree collections this year.”

In Tameside, the trees will be collected by Tameside Council’s refuse collection team and then mulched to be used in parks across the borough.

Councillor Laura Boyle, Tameside Council’s executive member for environmental services and neighbourhoods, added: “I would like to thank everyone involved in organising this eco-friendly service, which has the twin objectives of protecting not only the environment, but also vulnerable people within our community.

“I’m delighted to give my full support to this innovative scheme which enables Tameside residents to demonstrate sustainability while giving to a charity that has helped so many people in the borough with the vast amount of positive, valued work that it does. I know all donations will be gratefully received and put to very good use.”

The collection and recycling service is supported by national charity Just Helping, which assists charities, volunteers and businesses to contribute to their community and the environment.

After costs, Willow Wood Hospice will receive 85 per cent of donations and up to 15 per cent will be distributed by Just Helping to other local charities.

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Help shape our future as a trustee

Joanne Ormston

Willow Wood Hospice is appealing for skilled and experienced people to join its Board of Trustees.

The Hospice, based in Ashton-under-Lyne, provides specialist and compassionate care for people from Tameside and Glossop with any life-limiting illness and is celebrating its 25th anniversary this year.

Willow Wood needs at least £3.3 million every year to run and, with approximately 21 per cent of that amount coming from the Government, relies heavily on the generous support of the local community to continue providing its vital services.

Trustees are crucial to the work of Willow Wood. With their support, scrutiny and challenge, the Hospice is able to grow and operate effectively.

The role of a trustee can be demanding but ultimately very rewarding, as their contribution helps to make positive changes to people’s lives and will shape the future of Willow Wood for years to come.

The Hospice is seeking trustees from a variety of backgrounds, including those with clinical experience, faith leaders, local government officials, and business professionals, among others.

Martin Willescroft, Honorary President and Trustee at Willow Wood Hospice, said: “What matters most is your enthusiasm and commitment to the Hospice. This role goes beyond attending meetings – it’s about being an active, hands-on participant in our mission.

“You will be involved in both governance responsibilities and proactive initiatives, helping our teams to bring comfort, kindness, and support to people with life-limiting illnesses during the most challenging times. By joining us, you will truly become part of something extraordinary.”

Joanne Ormston (pictured), a qualified Chartered Accountant and Managing Partner of a local law firm, has been a Willow Wood trustee since January 2021. She joined the Board for two main reasons.

“I was keen to do some volunteering work generally to offer some time and expertise in something where I felt I could make a difference,” Joanne said.

“I needed something to fit in with my current work commitments and young family so I thought that being involved in meetings when needed, given this was how I spent my days anyway, would be a useful way to help.

“I decided that a Hospice was where I wanted to offer my help as my mum sadly passed away from cancer in 2020 and the care she received from a local Hospice made such a difference to her quality of life and offered much-needed help to my dad who was her carer in the final weeks.

“My mum helped in any way she could during her illness, taking part in clinical trials and any research needed to help others in the future, so I wanted to continue that sentiment in her memory in a way I knew I could.

“Willow Wood is a local Hospice to me and offers such care and assistance to those families that need help that I knew this is where I wanted to offer my time and help to continue the great work they do.”

Joanne enjoys seeing local people benefit from the Hospice’s existence and recommends becoming a trustee to others thinking about getting involved.

“I enjoy hearing stories of how patients both in the Hospice and at home have benefitted from the care that the Hospice provides and knowing that I have been a very small part of that brings me a lot of happiness and a sense of ‘giving something back’ which is important,” she explained.

“I enjoy working with the other trustees – it’s very much a team approach and we all listen and respect the view of everyone involved as every person brings a different skill set and approach.

“I also enjoy chatting to the vast number of volunteers in and around the Hospice offering their time and expertise, it reminds me of what can be achieved if people work together with the success of the Hospice at heart.

“I believe that anyone who decides they want to join as a trustee would be happy with their decision. The Hospice needs as much help as possible and no matter what you can offer, even if in a small way, will be key in us being able to continue with the work being done and the difference it makes to people when they need help the most.”

Anyone interested in becoming a Willow Wood Hospice trustee can find out more, including how to apply, at https://willowwood.org.uk/vacancies/trustees/

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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.”

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Learn about local dementia support at Information Day

Willow Wood Hospice is hosting an Information Day to start an informal conversation and offer guidance around dementia care provision in Tameside and Glossop.

It’s taking place at the Hospice, based on Willow Wood Close in Ashton-under-Lyne, on Friday 17th May from 11am to 3pm.

The drop-in hub, in The Hive room, will be a market place information event, which is free to attend and open to the public and professionals.

Attendees will be able to chat to representatives from Willow Wood’s Dementia Support team, the Integrated Care team, Age Concern, Memory Clinic, local PCNs and Alzheimer’s Society.

The event coincides with Dementia Action Week, an annual campaign led by Alzheimer’s Society that brings people together from across the country under a unified theme to take action on dementia.

Nicola Lavery, Dementia Services Lead at Willow Wood Hospice, said: “One in three people born in the UK today will go on to develop dementia in their lifetime. Being diagnosed with dementia, or caring for a person with dementia, can be challenging.

“We want people from our local community to know that support is available to anyone affected by dementia in a number of ways.

“If you are looking for valuable information about dementia services in our area, including here at the Hospice, please come along to our Information Day to find out more.”

On the day, limited Blue Badge parking will be available at the Hospice. Darnton Road has a public pay and display car park if you are not coming on foot or public transport.

Anyone who has any questions about the event in the meantime can call Willow Wood’s Dementia Support team on 0161 330 1100.

Pictured: Nicola Lavery (left), Dementia Services Lead at Willow Wood Hospice, and Wendy Irons, Dementia Assistant Practitioner at Willow Wood Hospice.

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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

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Hospice needs Creme Eggs for cracking Easter fundraiser

Willow Wood Hospice is appealing for donations of Creme Eggs to reward local children taking part in its Bunny Hop Easter fundraiser.

Last year, a w-hopping 6,000 bunnies took a leap of love, raising a jaw-dropping £45,000 by donning bunny ears to hop, skip and jump around playgrounds, halls and parks across Tameside and Glossop.

In the year Willow Wood celebrates 25 years of patient care, the Hospice based in Ashton-under-Lyne wants Easter 2024 to be Top of the Hops.

It’s looking for individuals, groups and companies who can donate Creme Eggs which will be given to youngsters participating in the Bunny Hop.

Don’t worry if you cannot get hold of Creme Eggs, as donations of other small wrapped Easter treats would be gratefully received too.

Some of the small wrapped Easter treats we would gratefully receive for our Bunny Hop

People can drop off treats at the Hospice reception on Willow Wood Close, off Mellor Road in Ashton-under-Lyne (postcode OL6 6SL) or at any of the Hospice’s charity shops. A full list of locations can be found at https://willowwood.org.uk/shop-locations/

There is also the option of purchasing Creme Eggs online, such as via Amazon, and having them delivered directly to the Hospice, via the address above, for the attention of Tracey Schofield.

To ensure they reach the children once they have completed the challenge, the Hospice ideally needs the eggs by 5th April.

Anyone who is unable to physically donate items but still wants to get involved can make a cash donation, which will sponsor the children taking part in the Bunny Hop, through a simple online form at https://willowwood.org.uk/events/bunny-hop/

The Hospice’s very own Easter Bunny, Tracey Schofield, said: “It’s an egg-citing year at Willow Wood as we recognise 25 years of delivering patient care and the Bunny Hop showcases the incredible power of our community coming together for a cause that truly hops straight to your heart.

“Every child taking part will receive an Easter activity pack, a cute snap wristband, a sweet treat and, of course, the all-important bunny ears which they can take home and use throughout Easter.

“We need as many Creme Eggs as possible and every contribution, however small, will make a difference to children who are raising funds to support patients from the local community with a life-limiting illness. We appreciate your generosity.”

Any school, nursery or children’s group that wishes to take part in the Willow Wood Bunny Hop can still sign up, by emailing tracey.schofield@willowwood.org.uk or calling 0161 330 7788.

By Adam Higgins

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Use your free Will to give to Willow Wood

A number of local solicitors will be waiving their fees in return for a donation to Willow Wood Hospice during Will Month this March.

Nobody knows what is around the corner but, by creating a Will, people can have the reassurance of knowing that their wishes are in black and white, and that those they care about are provided for.

This legal document not only provides for people’s loved ones but also ensures that their wishes are respected and upheld.

Now thanks to partnering solicitors, people can make a Will which also makes a difference to patients with a life-limiting illness in the care of Willow Wood Hospice in Ashton-under-Lyne, Greater Manchester.

In return for their valued services, the solicitors ask that people make a donation to the Hospice. They suggest £100 for a simple single Will, £150 for a simple mirror Will and £50 for changes to an existing Will – these amounts are well below the solicitors’ usual Will writing fees.

Sam Duncan, Director of Fundraising and Communications at Willow Wood Hospice, is getting involved in Will Month by making her own Will – something she has been meaning to do for some time.

“It’s something I’ve been talking about doing for years but, for me, it’s been a case of getting round to doing it,” Sam explained.

“I’ve ran out of excuses now! My personal circumstances have changed recently and it has made me think about planning for the future. I want to make sure all my ducks are in a row for when I’m no longer here.

“I have children who are adults and I’m giving them advice about planning for their future in investments etc so they are thinking about these sorts of things. Making a Will is long overdue and it’s great that I can take this much-needed step in conjunction with raising funds for Willow Wood.”

Sam with one of her children, Georgie

Sam, 55, from Bury in Greater Manchester, wants to encourage others to support the Hospice and believes the Will Month campaign is a great way to do so.

“I think it’s brilliant that local solicitors are partnering with us and waiving their fee to offer their services,” she said.

“It’s great that they have chosen to support Willow Wood in this campaign and we are grateful to them.

“I want to encourage other people to support Willow Wood Hospice. I also have personal experience of my dad being cared for by our local hospice. I’m forever indebted for the care my dad received so I will always want to support any local hospice, especially Willow Wood.”

William Waddock (pictured below), more commonly known as Bill, will also be making a Will during the Hospice’s Will Month as the retired former plant fitter from Audenshaw wants his wishes to be in writing to support his family when he is no longer here.

Although Bill is in relatively good health, he is active and spends a lot of time abroad. He will soon be 79 years old and believes now is the time to think about his future.

Supporting Willow Wood Hospice whose team cared for his wife before she died in 2010 is also important to Bill, who has four children, 11 grandchildren and four great grandchildren.

He has since volunteered for the Hospice, doing odd jobs around the charity shops, and donates whenever he can.

“I don’t want my family to have any problems when I die and I want to make the financial side as easy as possible for them,” Bill said.

“When I heard about Will Month, I thought it was a great opportunity to support Willow Wood Hospice and put my future plans into place.”

Find out more about how you can use your free Will to give at https://willowwood.org.uk/events/will-month/

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Christmas tree recycling raises tree-rific hospice funds

Willow Wood’s Christmas tree recycling service has raised a tree-mendous amount towards supporting patient care at the Hospice.

The convenient recycling initiative allowed residents across Tameside and Glossop to register their festive firs online to be collected and responsibly disposed of in the new year, whilst making a donation of their choice to the Hospice.

In total, 498 real trees were collected and £7,175 has been raised, which will make a difference to patients with a life-limiting illness from our local communities.

In Tameside, trees were collected between 8th and 12th January and then chipped by Tameside Council’s Greenspace team, who will re-use them in local parks.

In Glossop, the trees were collected by Amazon and A&D Distribution Services between 10th and 15th January and taken to Hartleys Garden Centre to be stored. They will be chipped by Bankswood Treecare and used by the Pony Patch to lay a new path for the ponies.

Samantha Kitch, Fundraising Manager at Willow Wood Hospice, said: “On behalf of us all at the Hospice, a sincere thank you to all of our brilliant partners for facilitating the collection and recycling of the trees, and to everyone who registered their trees and donated to Willow Wood.

“We would also like to thank all those who helped to spread the word and raise awareness of the tree recycling service.

“With only 20 per cent of our funding coming from central government, the support we receive from our local communities is absolutely vital.”

Tameside Council Executive Member responsible for environmental services, Cllr Denise Ward, said: “This is a fantastic result and has been a great opportunity for people to so something positive for the environment while also supporting a charity that is important to so many local people and that does a lot of positive, valued work in our community.

“Thank you to everyone who supported the scheme, you have really helped to make a difference.”

The collection and recycling service was also supported by national charity Just Helping, which assists charities, volunteers and businesses to contribute to their community and the environment.

After costs, Willow Wood Hospice will receive 85 per cent of donations and up to 15 per cent will be distributed by Just Helping to other local charities.

By Adam Higgins