When Mark Oliver first walked through the doors of Willow Wood Hospice, it was during one of the most difficult times of his life.
His wife Adele had been diagnosed with lung cancer and, by the time it was discovered, the disease had already spread to her brain, spine and bones.
“We were told there was no treatment for her – it had gone too far,” Mark explained.
“We were looking for palliative care and was told about Willow Wood Hospice. Adele spent three days on the Inpatient Unit in the Hospice before she died on 27th March 2025 – she was 55 years old.”
‘I was really happy that her final days were spent here’
Mark, 53, from Denton, had been with Adele for 26 years and married for 20, raising two children – Daniel, 18, and Rosie, 14.
Mark described Adele as “funny and very loving” and recalled how her illness came as a shock to the family.
What initially seemed like sciatica later led to further complications and, after having a seizure, she went to hospital for scans and tests, which eventually led to her receiving a cancer diagnosis.
Having seen the Hospice’s fundraising events in the local media, Mark was already aware of Willow Wood. But when he arrived with Adele, he was moved by the care and atmosphere.
“Adele was in a room on her own and although she was only in there a short time, the level of care she received was brilliant. I know hospitals try their best but it’s very different here. I was really happy that her final days were spent here. The volunteers on Reception also get to know who you are, which makes you feel welcome.”
Following Adele’s death, Mark was offered bereavement counselling through our Family Support team and, after taking up the opportunity, found it helpful.
“I thought talking to someone would help so I took it up,” he said. “You probably need more help than you think you do and you want to speak to people outside the family. It was great. Obviously it doesn’t cure anything but it really helps you to look at things in a different perspective. I can honestly say it has helped.”
Mark and Adele on their wedding day.
‘Don’t be afraid’
Through his sessions, Mark found that the support he received not only helped him, but also gave him insight into how his children might be coping.
“You can get a bit wrapped up in how you feel and might not understand how other people might actually look at it. My thinking was to try to protect them but they are more resilient than I thought and they’ve made their own mind up about things. It’s difficult but, on the whole, we’re doing okay.”
Bethan Creighton, Family Support Lead, commented: “It was a pleasure to work with Mark and his two children. Although I never got to meet Adele, I was able to learn about her love, light and personality through how she and Mark had been throughout their marriage and also in raising their children. It can be hard for parents to realise that there is support for them and to understand there is space for them too alongside their children being supported in the grief process, but once Mark did so, he was able to spend time exploring his feelings, needs and grief.”
Wanting to give back, Mark and his family asked for donations to Willow Wood instead of flowers at Adele’s funeral – raising £500 – and he wants to support the Hospice in the future too by getting involved in our fundraising walk with Rosie.
Although returning to Willow Wood for the first time after Adele’s death was hard, Mark shared words of encouragement for anyone else facing the same fears.
“I found it hard just walking through the door but to be honest you’re not going to be judged in any sort of way. It’s a very welcoming and safe environment. Just don’t be afraid – the staff here are brilliant and will help you.
“It’s important that people are aware of the services available at the Hospice. Obviously my main focus has been the kids but I can imagine if the kids were older, they would probably have struggled a lot more with everything so that’s when I think somewhere like Willow Wood will become invaluable.”
To find out more about Willow Wood Hospice’s services, visit www.willowwood.org.uk or call 0161 330 1100.
Willow Wood Hospice has welcomed the government’s renewed commitment to palliative and end-of-life care, while also calling for fairer and more sustainable funding for hospices.
The response follows a statement made by Care Minister Stephen Kinnock at Hospice UK’s recent annual conference in Liverpool.
Writing on behalf of the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care in a letter to Hospice UK, the Minister addressed Hospice UK’s four-point plan for fair hospice funding and recognised the vital role hospices play, as well as the serious financial pressures many are facing. These pressures have already led to staff and service cuts in some areas at hospices across the country.
The government has confirmed that Integrated Care Boards (ICBs) must commission palliative and end-of-life care services. This is supported by national guidance to help ensure local people can access the care they need. However, the Minister said difficult financial conditions and high national debt mean the government cannot provide funding beyond the existing £180 million support package.
This funding includes £100 million for buildings and facilities for adult and children’s hospices, and £80 million in running costs for children’s hospices over three years. The Minister explained that extra funding requested by Hospice UK would cost several hundred million pounds each year and is not possible at this time.
The government also highlighted NHS England’s Medium Term Planning Framework, which aims to improve care for people at the end of life by reducing avoidable hospital stays. A new Palliative and End of Life Care Modern Service Framework is also planned for spring 2026, with a focus on improving quality, fairness and long-term planning of services. There is an aim to move away from short-term grants towards more stable, long-term funding arrangements.
Tracy Minshull, CEO of Willow Wood Hospice
Willow Wood Hospice’s Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Tracy Minshull, said: “We are grateful for the support we receive and we welcome the government’s recognition of how important hospices are for patients and families at the most difficult times. Our services help relieve pressure on local provision and fill gaps in the care system.
“However, our ICB funding position remains a real concern. Willow Wood currently receives just 24 per cent of its annual funding from the government, which is well below the national average of 33 per cent. This puts ongoing pressure on our services and workforce. We haven’t had to cut vital services yet but, should this continue, it is inevitable that services and support will be affected.”
She added: “Now more than ever, the hospice sector needs a major change in how it is funded, so it was deeply concerning that the recent Budget did not address the wider funding crisis.
“We remain committed to working together with our ICB colleagues and partners across health and social care to make sure hospices like ours are funded properly. This will help us continue to provide the specialist care people need, now and in the future.”
The impact of hospice care can be seen through people like Jai Mistry, who first came to Willow Wood Hospice while caring for her husband, Balu, who had a rare neurological condition called progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP).
Jai Mistry
Jai left her job to care for Balu full-time. Together, they accessed wellbeing sessions and therapies at the Hospice, which helped ease both physical and emotional pressures.
Jai said Willow Wood was “totally the opposite of what I expected” and gave her “a sigh of relief”, explaining that the reassurance, regular check-ins and compassionate care made an overwhelming situation more manageable.
After Balu died in May 2025, Jai – who had once thought hospices only provided end-of-life care – continued to receive counselling and support through the Hospice’s Family Support team.
Her story shows how hospices provide care free of charge for patients and families before, during and after death, and help people with any life-limiting illness to live as well as possible, for as long as possible.
Jai and Balu
CEO Tracy Minshull added: “We are privileged to support patients and families at some of the most difficult times in their lives, and we simply could not do this without the generosity of our supporters. Every donation helps us to provide compassionate, specialist and dignified care.
“We are continually inspired by the kindness of our local communities and the extraordinary commitment they show to Willow Wood. Their support plays a vital role in ensuring we can continue to deliver the very best services at the point of need, now and in the future.”
Willow Wood Hospice is a charity and relies on fundraising, donations, volunteers and Gifts in Wills to raise around three quarters of the money needed each year to stay open in Ashton-under-Lyne.
The Hospice remains committed to working with the NHS and government to help create a fairer, more sustainable future for hospice care in Tameside and Glossop.
When people arrive on the Inpatient Unit at Willow Wood Hospice, they can feel uncertain, emotional, and unsure of what to expect.
Being greeted by a friendly, reassuring face can make all the difference. That’s where the essential role of our Visitor Liaison Volunteers come in.
Hilary Platt, from Hyde, has been volunteering on the Inpatient Unit since November 2025, working once a week and combining it with her current job. Her role is simple, but incredibly meaningful.
As a Visitor Liaison Volunteer, Hilary is one of the first people patients and families meet when they come onto the unit.
Duties include being a friendly, familiar face; answering the phone, taking messages and directing enquiries to the appropriate hospice team; meeting and greeting visitors and guiding them to where they need to go; and replenishing refreshments in the family lounge.
The role does not involve using a computer, and no previous admin or medical experience is required.
Hilary has worked in a bank and other public-facing customer service roles, which helped her feel confident interacting with people – but she’s clear that formal experience isn’t essential.
“You don’t need to have any particular skills – you just need to be a people’s person and have discretion and empathy. Empathy is very important.”
Although Visitor Liaison Volunteers work independently at their own desk, they are never alone. Hilary is supported by Julie, our Clinical Administrator, as well as the wider Inpatient Unit team.
“You are well supported by Julie and the team who are amazing – they are just down the corridor or a phone call away. The team on the main reception are also very supportive, so you are not alone.”
Volunteers can choose from flexible shifts, either 9am-1pm or 1pm-5pm, making it easier to fit volunteering around work, family or other commitments.
For Hilary, the role is also deeply personal. Having had both her mum and uncle cared for at Willow Wood, volunteering felt like a natural way to give something back.
“Most people have not been to a hospice before so it’s good to put people at ease. I know how that feels because my mum and uncle were both here.
“Since then, I’ve always wanted to do something like this as a way of giving back. I can give my time and hopefully make a difference to other people at what is a difficult time in their lives.”
She describes the role as varied, rewarding, and emotionally fulfilling.
“You feel like you are appreciated and your heart’s full of love that you’re doing something really, really special.”
Visitor Liaison Volunteers play a key role in sensing what families need – whether that’s practical help, a familiar face, or simply space.
“If you think a family member needs help, don’t be afraid to approach. But if you feel like they want to be on their own, it’s alright to leave them on their own.
“Sometimes just saying hello or being there as a familiar face can mean the world to someone.”
If you enjoy working with people, can offer kindness and empathy, and want to make a real difference, the Visitor Liaison Volunteer role could be perfect for you.
The Temple Project is an initiative aimed at providing nursing students with valuable exposure to different health settings, including hospice care.
Through this project, students undertake one-day placements at Willow Wood Hospice, allowing them to observe and participate in the multidisciplinary approach to palliative care.
This hands-on experience is designed to enhance their understanding of holistic, patient-centred care in a real-world setting.
Willow Wood Hospice has been actively supporting the Temple Project by welcoming a select number of students for these placements. The feedback from participants has been overwhelmingly positive, highlighting the educational value and the compassionate environment at the Hospice.
The Hospice is committed to continuing its support for this initiative, aiming to inspire and educate future healthcare professionals in the field of palliative care.
Nicole Williams, a first-year Adult Nursing student at the University of Salford, recently completed her one-day placement at Willow Wood Hospice as part of the project. The experience exceeded her expectations and left a lasting impression.
Nicole, from Oldham, had never stepped inside a hospice before and understandably felt nervous.
Her only previous connection was through a friend whose mother had died at a different hospice. “I thought it would be a sad and heavy place,” she admitted. “But I was so wrong.”
From the moment she arrived, Nicole was struck by the calm, welcoming atmosphere and the warmth of the team.
Shadowing ward sister, Lauren, she took part in medication rounds, attended a doctors’ meeting, and observed the changing of a syringe driver – all under compassionate guidance. A workbook helped her explore the many services offered at Willow Wood, from patient support to The Sanctuary room.
What stood out most was the environment itself. “It’s so different from a hospital,” she reflected. “Every member of staff greeted me, the pace was calmer, and the care was deeply personal.”
She also noticed how the team interacted with patients and families: always speaking directly to them – even when a patient was unconscious – and keeping clinical paperwork unobtrusive to preserve a homely, respectful atmosphere.
Nicole’s understanding of hospice and palliative care transformed throughout the day. She learned the important distinction between palliative and end-of-life care and saw first-hand how hospices support quality of life, not just its end. “I used to think nothing could beat being at home at the end of life – but Willow Wood felt like home.”
Describing her day as awe-inspiring, serene, and stimulating, Nicole says the experience has sparked a strong interest in hospice care. “I’d love to return for a longer placement. It just felt right for me.”
To anyone who thinks hospices are just sad places, Nicole offers a different view: “It’s not a place of sadness – it’s a place of love, respect, and dignity.”
She’s already recommended Willow Wood to her peers – and will continue to do so. “Even if hospice care isn’t your chosen path, it’s an invaluable learning experience.”
Tony Elliott was 30 years old when he first discovered a lump on his face.
What seemed like something small turned out to be the beginning of a journey that would change his life.
“I went through about five years of trying to persuade the doctors that there was something there,” he said.
“They finally decided there was and did a scan. I went back for the results and they asked me to come in the following week for an operation. I was in surgery for eight hours and they found it was bigger than they anticipated.
“They took it out and then I was alright as I would go for a scan every year, get the results and they said I was fine.”
For nearly two decades, Tony carried on with life as normal – working, raising his family, and enjoying his hobbies. But then another shock came.
“We found a lesion on my lung which they operated on by keyhole surgery and got rid of that. Then nearly five years ago, I went for scan results and the doctor said my cancer is back in both lungs and it was too much to operate on. I was really well at this time and on that day, I’d just run my 5k on the Couch to 5k – I was healthier than I’ve ever been. It was quite a shock.
“My wife Catherine and I both took some time out from work because we needed to get our heads around it – we went from having years where everything was fine to suddenly it wasn’t.”
Tony, who is now 58, was diagnosed with adenoid cystic carcinoma – a rare, slow-growing cancer that forms in glandular tissues, most often in the head and neck.
“I went to see a consultant at the Christie who specialises in my cancer. I promised that if he could get me to live for five more years, I’d buy him a bottle of champagne so he’s getting closer to that!”
Catherine and Tony
‘I’m taking each day as it comes’
Despite the diagnosis, Tony says he has felt “really quite well” for most of the time. It has only been since the start of 2025 that things have changed.
“It’s very slow growing most of the time and then it can suddenly just have a spurt. It starts in my face then spores out into the body. It can just sit there quietly and then suddenly strike – it can come back in different places and all the doctors can do really is cut it out. It’s not like a normal cancer where it all mutates.
“I feel that I am lucky, though, because some people who are told they have an incurable cancer only have months to live and I’ve had over four years.”
Tony lives in Denton and spent 18 years working at Cormar Carpets in Bury, first as a Customer Service Manager and then as Merchandising Manager. Away from work, he is a huge Manchester United fan, and loves reading both fantasy and historical novels – a passion that stems from his days studying history at university.
Tony describes his health now as “a bit up and down”.
“I’m trying to get used to some new tablets so I’m taking each day as it comes and I’m not feeling as great as I was. If I’m having a good day, Catherine and I will go out somewhere – we recently went to the National Portrait Gallery and the Titanic exhibition in Manchester.
“If I’m having a bad day, we will just stay at home and chill out.”
Tony’s wife Catherine, aged 56, has been by his side throughout. The couple have two daughters and recently became grandparents to an 18-month-old grandson.
It was through his Specialist Palliative Care Nurse that Tony first heard about Willow Wood Hospice.
“Genine thought it would be good for me if I used the services here and asked if I’d be interested, so I thought I’d give it a try. I came in and the first thing I tried was some counselling, which was really helpful.
“I’ve been to the Be Active group run by the Wellbeing team which is fantastic. Catherine and I have also had complementary therapy with Sharon which is so relaxing.
“I don’t like to think of not having something at Willow Wood to come to because it’s just really comforting. I told the Wellbeing team that coming here is like having a great big hug.
“No matter how you feel when you come in, you always feel better when you leave.”
Catherine and Tony with their grandson
‘Everything disappears for an hour’
Catherine has also seen the difference the Hospice has made to both of their lives. Working locally in adult social care, she already knew of Willow Wood but didn’t realise just how much the Hospice offered.
“It’s good having the support mechanism that Willow Wood provides and to talk to people who may be suffering with the same sort of pain,” she said.
“I’ve known about Willow Wood through my role in adult social care at Tameside Council and I have referred people to the Hospice but I didn’t know the full extent of the services it provides until now – I was surprised about how much there is to do.
“Julie suggested I come in and have some art therapy along with other carers, so that’s when I started to come to the Hospice with Tony and I really enjoyed it. I’ve kept in touch with the other carers and we are informally supporting each other.
“I agree with Tony that you always feel lighter or in a different place when you leave compared to how you arrive at Willow Wood. It’s a really positive thing for us and means a lot. Sometimes we just come and sit in the gardens, which are massive and really lovely.
“I’ve really liked the reiki and reflexology – which has been good for helping me to switch off, as I often struggle with that when lots of things are going on. Everything disappears for an hour.
“Willow Wood has always been here for us. It’s that fluidity and consistency of care that we find really good. It’s good that we both can come together at times for the Be Together session but equally it’s good that we can both come separately too.”
Sharon Herod, Complementary Therapy Co-ordinator, commented: “Tony finds a new level of relaxation and leaves feeling more refreshed and calmer. Those effects can last for several days and Tony sleeps a lot better as a result.”
Julie Moran, our Wellbeing Team Lead, said: “Our Wellbeing service is here for all Tameside and Glossop patients and carers by providing a safe, compassionate space where they can connect with others facing life-limiting illnesses. These shared experiences help reduce isolation, offer emotional support, and foster a sense of community.
“The service is designed to be flexible and responsive, adapting to the unique needs, preferences, and circumstances of each individual. Whether through group sessions, one-to-one support, or tailored activities, the aim is always to provide comfort, empowerment and holistic care at every stage of the journey.
“By reading Tony’s and Catherine’s stories, I hope that it encourages other patients and their families to get in touch and let us support you to live well with life-limiting illnesses.”
Tony having a session of Reiki with Sharon
‘I’d be completely lost without Willow Wood’
Tony and Catherine describe the care they have received at Willow Wood as excellent and faultless. They find it reassuring that support is always at hand.
“The team do care about you and I think that’s a great thing,” explained Tony. “If I wasn’t here for one of my sessions, someone would be ringing me up to find out if I was okay – that’s brilliant.
“The Wellbeing team helped by fitting my sessions around my work and treatment initially, so having that flexibility was important.”
Like many of the patients and families who come to Willow Wood, Tony and Catherine were surprised to learn that it costs around £10,000 a day to keep the Hospice running – and that only 24 per cent of this comes from government funding.
Tony said: “The services at Willow Wood are so important. Just being around people with a similar illness or diagnosis to you who understand where you’re at is so important – I don’t think you’d get that anywhere else.
“The counselling, the complementary therapies, the wellbeing sessions – all of them are so vital. It’s wrong that the government don’t fund it more and it relies on people to raise money to keep it going. We’ve made donations and follow the Hospice on social media.
“I’d be completely lost without Willow Wood Hospice. I sleep so much better once I’ve been here and it makes the world of difference. I always look forward to coming in.”
Tony says his perception of a hospice has changed massively since arriving at Willow Wood and he has one final message to anyone who may be nervous about coming.
“Come and give it a go because you’ll be amazed at what’s on offer and it will do you the world of good. They’re always thinking about you, always caring about you. Don’t be worried – you’ll be amazed at how much it will help you.”
To find out more about Willow Wood Hospice’s services, visit www.willowwood.org.uk or call 0161 330 1100.
Our teams have been reaching out to the local community to spread the word about the wide range of services and support we can offer.
Our Wellbeing Team Lead, Julie Moran, has been out sharing information about the Hospice, answering questions, and connecting with people who may not otherwise be aware of the help available.
Julie recently paid a visit to the Shree Ram Mandir, an Indian temple in Ashton-under-Lyne. Every Thursday, the temple runs a session called Krupa Mandal, where people come together for hymns, prayer, talks, games, and lunch.
Julie was warmly welcomed by around 35 people, many of whom spoke about their own positive experiences of Willow Wood.
Julie (right), our Wellbeing Team Lead, visited the Shree Ram Mandir temple in Ashton-under-Lyne.
Among them was Pravina Mistry, one of the temple’s secretaries, who also supported as a translator for those whose first language is Gujarati and aren’t as fluent in English.
Pravina shared: “I think Willow Wood is becoming more familiar to people who come here. I know some whose partners were looked after at the Hospice. My mother-in-law received care there when she was diagnosed with cancer.
“I think everyone was really engaged and has taken a lot from Julie’s talk about how they can access the services at Willow Wood. I don’t think it’s a taboo anymore – having a life-limiting illness can be talked about openly. I had ovarian cancer 14 years ago and I’m still here. It’s beneficial having people from Willow Wood coming into the temple to make that connection and raise awareness.”
Julie’s visit is part of our Community Services team’s engagement strategy – aiming to increase referrals, build new relationships, increase our profile and identify opportunities for community partnerships.
She has also been to the Shree Bharatiya Mandal Indian Temple in Ashton, and The Together Centre in Dukinfield for an event hosted by the Advanced Cancer Team. As a direct result of these visits, we’ve already received new referrals, meaning more local people are now receiving the care and support they need from us.
Julie told those in attendance about Willow Wood Hospice services
“Our Wellbeing team are keen to actively visit community faith groups to introduce our services and ensure they are accessible, inclusive, and respectful of all cultural and spiritual needs,” said Julie.
“By engaging directly with diverse communities, our aim is to build trust, listen to their perspectives, and raise awareness about the support we offer. It was a privilege to be welcomed into the Shree Bharatiya Mandal temple and enjoy fellowship with such lovely people.
“This outreach helps bridge gaps in understanding, fosters meaningful relationships, and ensures our care is truly person-centred and respectful of all cultures and backgrounds.”
By meeting people in a familiar environment, we’re able to provide vital education, break down barriers, and show how our Hospice can support not only patients but also their families.
We are so grateful to everyone who has welcomed us into their communities – and we look forward to continuing these important conversations across Tameside and Glossop.
If you’re part of a community group that would benefit from hearing from our Hospice team, give us a call on 0161 330 1100 and ask for Callie Harrop, our Head of Community Services.
Clinical Educator Rachael Grimwood has been supporting Ryan Rusholme, one of our dedicated Healthcare Assistants, as he works towards completing his Care Certificate.
The Care Certificate is a nationally recognised set of standards developed by Health Education England, Skills for Care, and Skills for Health, designed to equip health and social care workers with the essential knowledge and skills to provide safe, compassionate, and high-quality care.
“Since supporting Ryan with the Care Certificate, I’ve really enjoyed seeing his enthusiasm shine. Although new to care, he’s shown a genuine eagerness to learn and is already gaining confidence and demonstrating the skills needed to support our patients effectively — exactly what the Care Certificate is designed to achieve.” – Rachael Grimwood, Clinical Educator
“I’m new to care so I was keen to expand my knowledge of the sector, learn different ways of approaching personal care and add theory to practice, to better support our patients. I like to take in as much information as possible, keep up-to-date with innovative ways of providing care and see different perspectives. I’d like to thank Rachael for her support – it will be great to receive a recognised care qualification at the end of the process.” – Ryan Rusholme, Healthcare Assistant
Together, we’re wishing Ryan the very best of luck on this important step in his care journey!
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.”
After receiving heartbreaking news that her bone cancer is incurable, Tristessa Sedgwick underwent chemotherapy that made her so ill that she felt like she was on the brink of dying.
One phone call to Willow Wood Hospice, however, helped change her outlook.
“A friend of [my husband] Andrew’s came to know Willow Wood when his mum came to the Hospice and suggested we had a look around and get to know the team,” explained the 58-year-old.
“Soon after my chemotherapy, when I was not in a good place, I called the Hospice. Julie from the Wellbeing team asked if it would help if I came in to talk to her whenever it suited me. I said it would – I came in that afternoon and Julie listened to me for two hours over a cup of tea.
“The difference I felt just talking through my emotions was phenomenal. I told Julie I could not thank her enough.”
Tristessa with her husband Andrew and dog Bob in the Hospice gardens
It wasn’t just the conversation with Julie in late August 2024 that helped put Tristessa at ease, it was the environment of the Hospice – which she quickly learned was not just ‘a place to come right at the end’.
“It’s very calm and peaceful,” Tristessa stated. “You come in and feel like you’re taking a big, deep breath because you can let go and just relax a bit. It’s like a bit of a release, a hug. It feels very reassuring when you come in.
“I’ve said categorically to Julie, my GP and everybody that the Hospice is where I want to come at the end. I want it to feel like an extension of home, not somewhere that feels scary.”
As she came to terms with her diagnosis, Tristessa enjoyed attending the Be Active sessions on Wednesdays at the Hospice.
“Even though we haven’t all got the same issues and problems, fundamentally we’ve got a similar diagnosis so you feel like you can relate with other people.
“What struck me from the first session was I expected everyone to be elderly but there were people of mixed ages, which made me realise I wasn’t alone and I couldn’t feel too hard done by.”
Tristessa, Sharon and Deepak in the Bee Active session in The Hive at the Hospice
‘We concentrate on a patient’s individual wellbeing’
Julie Moran, the Hospice’s Wellbeing Team Leader, explains how Tristessa and others are supported by our Wellbeing service.
“At Willow Wood Hospice, we focus on a patient’s individual wellbeing. Our role is to offer a holistic programme of care that supports the patient, their families and carers.
“It is paramount that we are there to help Tristessa and others to carry on their lives, knowing that if they need us, they can call us or drop in. We take pride in supporting local people and are frequently humbled by their bravery and resilience.
“When I reflect on my work, I feel extremely privileged in my role as Wellbeing Team Leader to support Tristessa along her palliative journey – the true hero being Tristessa, who has faced her incurable illness with such courage and dignity.”
As a keen gardener, Tristessa has also been comforted by the serenity of our beautiful gardens.
“When I first came in, Julie encouraged my husband and I to look in the gardens. For me, it was that tranquility that struck me,” she noted.
“I did a mindfulness walk in the gardens for my first Be Active session and met head gardener Sophie, who I had a nice talk with – she even offered to give me some tips for my garden!”
Tristessa with Julie in the Hospice gardens
The array of vital services that the Hospice provides has been beneficial to those closest to Tristessa too.
“My diagnosis doesn’t just affect me, it has a knock-on effect on my family,” she told us.
“I’m very close to my three sisters. We started coming together to the Coffee Mornings at the Hospice – it’s something nice to do and it was good so they became familiar with Willow Wood too.
“I’ve been having counselling with Sarah which has been great, and two of my sisters are going to use it as well. They want to get involved and see somebody.”
Sarah Ellenbogen, Senior Family Support Counsellor, explained: “Tris gave me permission to share this small part of the work we’ve done together. In our sessions, we’ve explored how her cancer diagnosis started to define her, dominating conversations and routines.
“By offering Tris space to reflect, she was able to separate herself from her cancer — she was still the person she’s always been. We spoke about losing her agency, and how making small plans, like meeting a friend or getting her hair done, helped her take back some control. Planning, something central to her work as a designer, felt significant.
“Together, we also explored what the future might look like — recognising it still existed, even if different than before. By planning the time she has left, she felt able to have important conversations with loved ones and helped her imagine what life might look like after she was gone. This felt like acceptance.”
‘You don’t realise how vital hospices are until you’re here’
Tristessa’s sisters Scarlett, Saffron and Tiffany grew up in Saddleworth but live in different parts of the region now, so they started getting together at our monthly Coffee Mornings in September 2024.
“The Coffee Mornings are very welcoming and the volunteers make it fun and light-hearted, yet there is still time for us to have a coffee and a talk,” said Saffron. “It’s hard for us to come together in one room so it’s an opportunity for us to have a catch-up face to face.”
Tristessa, Scarlett, Saffron and Tiffany pictured in The Sanctuary at the Hospice
Scarlett, who is looking to access our Counselling service, has already seen the impact hospices like Willow Wood have and was surprised to learn how they are funded.
“At Willow Wood they support the patient and the patient’s family,” she explained. “I feel certainly that I could phone the Hospice at any time. Sometimes you want to speak to someone who understands but isn’t a close family member or friend.
“The focus is very much on patient wellbeing as opposed to making something better because, in a lot of situations, you can’t make it better. That’s what has really opened my eyes about hospices. The community spirit of hospices is very supportive to individuals and also their families.
“I thought hospices were attached to hospitals, I didn’t realise they are largely self-funded. I think if people did realise this, they would be horrified and would want to support more because most people will find themselves needing a hospice at some stage in their life.”
Saffron added: “Unless you become involved, you just think of a hospice as helping people in the very last few days of someone’s life. You don’t realise how vital hospices are until you’re here and that has to change.”
Tiffany has certainly noticed a positive difference in Tristessa since the Hospice has supported her.
“Coming to Willow Wood has really helped lift her back up rather than pushing her down.”
‘My workplace has been phenomenal’
Tristessa’s illness has led to a period of absence from her job as a sales manager at a fabric manufacturer in West Yorkshire, however the unwavering support of her employer Mobus Fabrics has meant work has been one less thing to worry about.
“I’ve not been well enough to work but my workplace has been phenomenal. They know my situation at home and have been super supportive.
“I was talking about resigning and they wouldn’t hear of it – they still see me as part of the team. I’ve worked with them for 10 years and knew them well before I joined. I imagine not every employer is like that, so I’m lucky.”
Such is how much the company value her, 13 members of the Mobus team took on the Yorkshire Three Peaks Challenge in April to support Tristessa and to raise funds for Willow Wood Hospice.
They set themselves a target of £10,000 and raised 80 per cent of that total in less than a week, so they increased their target and have raised over £20,000 – an incredible amount!
“Tris is more than just a colleague to us – she is family,” said Managing Director Lee Paxman. “She has been part of our team for many years, and now, as this amazingly strong woman faces an incredibly difficult journey with incurable bone cancer, we want to do something to show our love and continued support.
“The walk was not just a challenge – it was a tribute to Tris and a way to give back to Willow Wood Hospice, the place that is bringing her peace, comfort and care when she needs it the most.”
In honour of Tris, UK Fabric Shows also donated £5,000 to Willow Wood and would like to support the Hospice as their adopted Charity of the Year.
Tristessa’s colleagues from Mobus Fabrics have helped to raise over £20,000 for Willow Wood Hospice
Focusing on quality of life
Tristessa was first diagnosed with scleroderma in 2013 – a condition similar to arthritis but affecting connective tissue rather than joints.
A CT scan eventually revealed something far more serious – cancer in her lungs, which then spread to her bones.
“Once I heard it had spread to my bones, I thought this is terminal,” she said.
Tristessa was referred to the Christie for chemotherapy over the summer, but the treatment left her extremely ill.
“My husband and I decided I couldn’t have any more chemotherapy, it was giving me no quality of life.”
With the support of her consultant, Tristessa chose to focus on quality of life.
Tristessa has been able to resume one of her favourite activities: walking her miniature Schnauzer, Bob, around Mossley, where she lives. Walking became her way of staying mobile after her diagnosis.
“Everything I’ve been through makes you realise it’s those small pleasures in life that are the most important things,” she said.
“It’s just one day at a time. The network I have around me has helped me psychologically as well as physically. I feel lucky that I’ve got this window of life, however long, and some people don’t get that.”
Tristessa has visited the Hospice for her Be Active sessions and continues to receive support from our Counselling team. For more information about the Hospice’s services, visit www.willowwood.org.uk
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