Category: Celebrations

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Craft Group celebrate 10 years of creations and fundraising

This year marks a special milestone for the Willow Wood Hospice Craft Group as they celebrate 10 wonderful years of crafting and raising funds to support patient care.

The group, made up of Jean McGuire from Denton, Sue Dray from Stalybridge, Lynn Fielding from Dukinfield, Gwen Towell from Ashton-under-Lyne, Yvonne Davison from Denton, and their newest member Rose Dawson from Mottram, meets every Friday morning at the Hospice.

From 10am to midday, you’ll find them knitting, crocheting, sewing, and sharing stories over their latest creations.

Their talents know no bounds as they make beautiful handmade crafts and goodies for all ages.

These are sold at events held both at the Hospice and in the wider community, including at carnivals, fairs and fun days.

Over the past decade, the group has raised around £10,000 – and that’s on top of the thousands of volunteer hours they’ve gifted in the process.

Much of their materials are donated through our charity shops, but when needed, they’re happy to chip in and buy supplies themselves.

(left to right) Lynn, Rose, Yvonne and Jean had a stall at our recent Butterfly Memory Release event.
(left to right) Lynn, Rose, Yvonne and Jean had a stall at our recent Butterfly Memory Release event.

They’ve even inspired others in the community to donate homemade items for the group to sell – a true ripple effect of kindness.

For Jean, she is giving back as a thank you for the care the Hospice gave to both her mum and her husband.

“We’re all retired and crafting is a passion of ours, so we turned it into something meaningful by supporting the Hospice,” she said. “We really enjoy volunteering for a good cause which means a lot to us all. Ten years has gone so fast!”

Sue, who also makes jewellery for the group, added: “There’s a real community feel at Willow Wood and it feels like we are making a difference. The Hospice is a necessity for the area – I saw both of my parents die in hospital, and the care Willow Wood provides is so important.”

Lucy Ta’ati, Community and Events Fundraiser at Willow Wood, said: “The Craft Group are such a dedicated and talented bunch. Not only have they raised thousands of pounds, but they bring so much warmth and creativity to everything they do. We’re incredibly grateful for their ongoing support – they are a shining example of the difference volunteers can make.”

The group is always happy to welcome new members – whether you’re a seasoned needle crafter or crafter, or you’re just getting started. It’s a fantastic way to meet like-minded people, enjoy your craft, and raise vital funds for patients with a life-limiting illness across Tameside and Glossop.

Interested in joining the group? Find out more and register your interest at willowwood.org.uk/volunteering.

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Willow Wood unveils bold new five-year strategy

Willow Wood Hospice has officially launched a new strategy, setting out its vision to remain at the heart of the Tameside and Glossop communities it serves.

The 2025–2030 strategy aims to guide the organisation through the next five years with a clear focus on sustainability, community engagement and continued excellence in care.

Developed through a series of workshops, surveys and open discussions, the strategy reflects the shared values and ideas of the Willow Wood workforce – comprising staff and volunteers.

The result is a 24-page publication that not only offers an insight into the Hospice’s services, but also outlines a bold plan for the future, including a key aim to achieve a balanced and sustainable financial position by 2028.

Hospice patron and local councillor Taf Sharif (left) and the High Sheriff of Greater Manchester Martin Ainscough CBE DL.

At its core, the strategy identifies four key strategic priorities:

Communication – strengthening internal and external communication, community engagement, and branding and identity.

Quality of care – the care and experience patients receive, support for patients and families, and valuing recognition and feedback.

People – focusing on leadership and management, nurturing a supportive and inclusive team culture, and workforce development and education.

Sustainability – robust income generation, effective financial management, strong governance and rigorous quality control.

To mark the occasion, a celebration event was held at the Hospice in Ashton-under-Lyne on Friday (20th June) with staff, volunteers and invited external partners in attendance.

Among those present were Martin Ainscough CBE DL, High Sheriff of Greater Manchester; Councillor Jodie Brown, the Civic Chair of Derbyshire County Council; representatives from Tameside Council’s Adult Social Care team; and NHS Greater Manchester.

Willow Wood Hospice CEO Tracy Minshull (right) with Councillor Jodie Brown, Civic Chair of Derbyshire County Council.

The event featured speeches from Tracy Minshull, CEO of Willow Wood Hospice; Timothy Jackson, Chair of the Board of Trustees; and Hospice patron and local councillor Taf Sharif.

Some guests also enjoyed guided tours of the Hospice’s tranquil gardens in the sunshine, led by Head Gardener Sophie Cordingley and garden volunteer David Johnson.

CEO Tracy Minshull said: “When I joined the Hospice just over a year ago, I outlined my vision to create a new strategy that would guide us into the future and emphasised that our volunteers and staff combined are one workforce.

“I am proud to launch our plan for meaningful progress over the next five years. By working together with our workforce, supporters and partners, we will rise to the challenges and continue to deliver the high-quality, specialist care that defines Willow Wood Hospice.

“Thank you to our staff, volunteers, trustees and patrons for helping to shape the strategy. Their hard work, ideas and passion have been key in creating a plan that reflects our shared vision and commitment to care. We look forward to delivering our services with their continued support.”

The full strategy document is available to view and download from the Hospice’s website at www.willowwood.org.uk/strategy

Printed copies are also available at the Hospice and in its charity shops across Tameside and Glossop.

Hospice volunteers Barbara Lawton (left) and Eileen Smith with trustee John Maltby.
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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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Anniversary Ball raises vital Hospice funds

More than 200 guests enjoyed Willow Wood’s 25th Anniversary Ball, helping to raise over £26,000 for the Hospice.

Held at The Village Hotel in Ashton-under-Lyne last Friday (14th June), guests enjoyed welcome drinks, a sumptuous three-course meal and a live band before dancing the night away with a disco at the glittering event.

A raffle and silent auction with some fabulous prizes on offer, donated courtesy of businesses and supporters, helped to boost vital funds further.

CEO Tracy Minshull welcomed everyone to the ball and shared the experiences of her first 60 days in the role.

“It’s been fantastic and a real pleasure and honour to work for such a community organisation,” she declared.

She did not shy away from the challenges facing hospice funding nationally, explaining that collectively the sector faces a £77m deficit.

“We are a critical partner in the NHS. Hospices are part of the solution and everyone has a right to live and die with respect and dignity in a place of their choosing and hospices provide that opportunity and that unique service.”

Tracy praised the many other associated services the Hospice provides, adding it was one reason she wanted to come to Willow Wood so much.

She also highlighted the work of the bereavement, wellbeing and dementia services the Hospice provides.

In attendance at the ball was Greater Manchester Vice Lord-Lieutenant Sharman Birtles MBE, who has been a proud patron of the Hospice for many years.

She said: “I spend as much time as I possibly can telling the world about the good work that goes on at Willow Wood. It never ceases to amaze me about the work and the atmosphere there. It is a magical place that does wonderful work with wonderful people.”

She encouraged others to volunteer and help the Hospice, whether it be one hour, a week or one day.

“I have spent a good part of my life giving my time and there is nothing more rewarding and giving to something like Willow Wood can only enrich your life,” she added.

This year’s anniversary ball was sponsored by Ashton-based Scientific Sanitation Solutions.

Managing Director Wahid Ali said the company was committed to supporting the work of Willow Wood once they had visited the Hospice and found out more about the remarkable work undertaken.

“We saw the work that people are doing at Willow Wood and it resonates with us as a group and we are so proud to be aligned with Willow Wood.

“We are a humanitarian-based business and what we see Willow Wood doing is aligned with our own humanitarian work. It’s a very special, special thing for us.”

The business develops solutions in sanitation and agriculture.

Sales director Neale Samways, who has already undertaken a bungee jump for the Hospice, added: “It’s the little things that Willow Wood do that makes such a difference to people, and it’s the little things that we have implemented as a business that helps change lives, like the sanitation of water for instance.

“Our ethos completely mirrors the ethos of Willow Wood. They are a local organisation like us that are doing great things.”

The event has raised over £26,000, a fantastic total which will support patients from the local community in the Hospice’s care.

Sam Duncan, Director of Fundraising and Communications at Willow Wood Hospice, said: “Thank you so much to everyone who attended this year’s very special anniversary ball.

“The hospice and all its services couldn’t continue without the community’s support and we would especially like to thank Scientific Sanitation Solutions for their support and sponsorship of the ball this year.”

An especially busy year for the Hospice continues with many more special events planned, including next month’s Butterfly Memory Release, Martin Wild Golf Day and Willow Wood Does Strictly to name just a few.

To find out more, visit https://willowwood.org.uk/events/

You can see more photos from our 25th Anniversary Ball in our Facebook album here.

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A heartfelt thank you to our valued volunteers

Willow Wood’s dedicated band of volunteers give the gift of their time to make a huge difference to every aspect of hospice life.

To say thank you for their valuable contributions, our Volunteer Services Manager Lisa Pye organised a range of free activities based around the theme of ‘wellbeing’ to celebrate this year’s Volunteers’ Week.

Our Catering team’s very own star baker Lynn Valentine put on a cake decorating workshop which went down a treat.

There was an opportunity to discover jewellery-making techniques with Denise Royle, the manager of our Ashton shop.

A crafty group of volunteers had a creative afternoon painting pots at the 4C Community Centre in Ashton.

To look after their physical wellbeing too, volunteers took in some fresh air with a gentle stroll through nearby Stamford Park.

The week culminated with a lively and competitive session of bingo games and a quiz, led by volunteer Chris Hinds in The Hive.

There were some great prizes thanks to generous donations from local businesses including The Village Hotel, Lilly’s Patisserie & Bistro, Hobsons Hair & Beauty, Magpie’s Nest and Flip Out.

The activities were also funded with help from a £500 grant from local charity Action Together.

Every department in the Hospice received fruit hampers for their volunteers, which were put together primarily with supplies donated by Alimentari Di Alberti Greengrocers in Uppermill and 5 A Day in Stalybridge.

Our retail team also marked the occasion by showing their appreciation to the much-valued volunteers who provide help and support in our charity shops.

Shop managers bought cakes, brownies and keyrings for their volunteers and displayed banners in their windows to celebrate the occasion.

Louise Beeden, our Reddish Lane shop manager, also invited her volunteers to her house for an afternoon tea and a fun quiz.

Lisa Pye, Volunteer Services Manager at Willow Wood Hospice, said: “Volunteers’ Week is always a special time of the year as we celebrate our amazing volunteers across every department of the Hospice.

“We simply could not provide the vital services we do without their help and support – they make a profound difference.

“Everyone who took part in the activities had a great time. We cannot thank our volunteers enough for their selfless contributions.”

If you would like to join our team of volunteers and make a positive impact on our community, you can express your interest by filling out a simple form on our website at https://willowwood.org.uk/hospice-volunteering/interest/

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Hospice celebrates milestone and end of an era

Willow Wood Hospice has been celebrating 25 years of providing compassionate care to patients from the local community.

On Friday 24th May, long-serving staff and volunteers past and present gathered in the Hospice gardens for a special tree-planting ceremony.

Hospice Patron Sharman Birtles MBE JP DL, Vice Lord-Lieutenant, delivered a moving speech reflecting on our journey and growth before planting a commemorative tree with the very same spade that cut the first sod in 1997.

CEO Tracy Minshull (centre) with Willow Wood Hospice’s trustees at the tree planting ceremony

Chairman Philip Millson also spoke about the Hospice, inspiring everyone to share cherished memories, reminiscing about the early days and how far the organisation has come.

The celebrations continued the following Friday, 31st May, which was Karen Houlston’s last working day before she retired after 24 years of service to Willow Wood.

Karen with her celebratory retirement balloon display at the Hospice

Karen first joined the Hospice, based in Ashton-under-Lyne, in January 2000 as a part-time bookkeeper.

With a finance background, she fulfilled a number of roles – including Admin Manager, Finance & Services Lead and Hospice Exec Manager. After completing a Master’s Degree at Lancaster University in ‘Hospice Leadership’ in October 2013, Karen went on to become CEO.

Staff and volunteers who have worked with Karen came together for a wonderful BBQ, prepared by Willow Wood’s Catering team, in the Hospice gardens – where the Willow Wood Hospice Choir also sang for the occasion.

With some of her family also in attendance, Karen received a myriad of lovely gifts, a card and a beautiful retirement cake made by Lynn Valentine from the Hospice’s Catering team.

Karen cutting her retirement cake on her final working day at Willow Wood

Chair Philip Millson, Director of Finance Ian Wicks and Karen’s successor as CEO, Tracy Minshull, reflected on Karen’s achievements and wished her well for the future.

In an emotional speech, Karen shared: “I can honestly say that I have looked forward to every single day at Willow Wood Hospice and enjoyed every moment.”

As a surprise, a video montage of staff and volunteers holding up their personal retirement messages was played out to Karen on a screen during the BBQ.

Since 1999, the Hospice has been a centre of care and compassion, providing dedicated support to patients from across Tameside and Glossop with a life-limiting illness and those closest to them.

The significant milestone will also be commemorated at the 25th Anniversary Ball at The Village Hotel in Ashton-under-Lyne on Friday (14th June).

Limited tickets are available at https://willowwood.org.uk/events/the-ball/