Category: Events

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Butterfly Memory Appeal raises record amount

Willow Wood Hospice is celebrating its most successful Butterfly Memory Appeal ever, which has raised over £27,000 to help fund its vital services.

Hundreds of supporters came together at the Hospice, based in Ashton-under-Lyne, to release a live butterfly in memory of their loved ones last Saturday (12th July).

Every summer, the Hospice invites the communities of Tameside and Glossop to dedicate a butterfly in memory of someone special to them – whether they have received care at Willow Wood or not – and make a donation which helps to provide compassionate, specialist and dignified care to patients from the local community with any life-limiting illness.

Those who made a dedication received a personalised certificate and their name, as well as that of their loved one, was included in the Butterfly Memory Book, which was available to view at the Hospice during the event.

Around 900 butterflies were released in the Hospice gardens
Around 900 butterflies were released in the Hospice gardens

This year, 900 butterflies were released – more than any other year – in the glorious sunshine in the Hospice’s tranquil gardens, at three release times which were fully booked in advance.

Bethan Creighton, Willow Wood’s Family Support Lead, and Volunteer Chaplain Mark Creighton said a few comforting words to begin each ceremony before individuals and families released their butterflies from their boxes, followed by a repertoire of songs from the Willow Wood Hospice Choir.

The event was attended by the Civic Mayor of Tameside Councillor Shibley Alam – who has chosen the Hospice as one of her charities to support during her year in office – and her Consort Mohammed Khairul Alam, as well as the Lord-Lieutenant of Greater Manchester Diane Hawkins JP LLB and Hospice patron and Vice Lord-Lieutenant Sharman Birtles MBE JP DL.

Vice Lord-Lieutenant Sharman Birtles, Lord-Lieutenant Diane Hawkins and Willow Wood Director of Fundraising and Comms Sam Duncan
Vice Lord-Lieutenant Sharman Birtles, Lord-Lieutenant Diane Hawkins and Willow Wood Director of Fundraising and Comms Sam Duncan

Staff and volunteers manned stalls and the dining room selling a variety of refreshments, cakes, crafts and plants – as well as a raffle and a tombola.

Samantha Kitch, Supporter Care Manager at Willow Wood Hospice, who led on the Butterfly Memory Appeal, said: “We are absolutely overwhelmed by the incredible success of this year’s appeal and wholeheartedly thank everyone who dedicated a butterfly and supported the event, which really was a memorable occasion.

“It’s through the generosity and compassion of our community that we can continue our vital work and ensure that memories live on.

“We’re grateful to Butterflies for Occasions for supplying the butterflies – there were lots of nice comments about the lovely boxes they were in.”

The Butterfly Memory Release is a special event in Willow Wood Hospice's fundraising calendar
The Butterfly Memory Release is a special event in Willow Wood Hospice’s fundraising calendar

The Butterfly Memory Release is one of many events Willow Wood Hospice holds throughout the year, with plenty more still to come in 2025 – including a 5k Wicked-themed Walk around Stamford Park and Chadwick Dam on 21st September.

Since 2020, the cost of delivering hospice services in Greater Manchester has risen by 33 per cent. It costs at least £3.6 million every year for Willow Wood to continue providing its services – 70 per cent of which are provided by its Community Services team at the Hospice and in a patient’s own home.

In March, Willow Wood’s CEO Tracy Minshull and Clinical Director Nicola Cheetham joined hospice leaders at the Houses of Parliament to ask MPs to support reforming the funding model for hospices.

With only 24 per cent of Willow Wood’s annual income funded by the government, the Hospice relies on the local community to cover the shortfall by making donations, organising or supporting fundraising events, donating or buying goods at its eight charity shops, leaving gifts in their Wills, joining the weekly lottery or volunteering.

To find out more about the Hospice, visit www.willowwood.org.uk

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Fashion Show proves popular again

Willow Wood Hospice’s fifth Fashion Show was a night to remember, bringing together glamour, generosity and community spirit.

Held for the second time at The Lock on Castle Street in Stalybridge, the stylish venue welcomed 130 people on Friday 9th May.

The evening sparkled from start to finish, raising a fantastic £3,000 in support of patient care at the Hospice.

Guests enjoyed a glass of fizz on arrival before settling in to watch the runway show, featuring our fabulous volunteer models showcasing summer collections.

After the show, the downstairs was transformed into a boutique-style pop-up shop, full of stylish clothes, shoes and accessories – all at a fraction of retail prices.

There was hot and cold food, plus a wide range of drinks from the bar, to keep everyone refreshed throughout the evening.

Guests could also enter a raffle, with some fantastic prizes on offer.

Pauline Lunt, Head of Retail at Willow Wood Hospice, said: “We’re so grateful to everyone who came along and made it a fantastic night.

“Huge thanks to Wendy and the team at The Lock for their incredible support and kind donation, to the students from the fashion department at Tameside College for all of their help, to our wonderful models, and to our amazing retail teams whom we couldn’t do it without.

“Our five Fashion Shows combined have raised £16,000, which has really made a difference to patients with a life-limiting illness in our care.”

Our Fashion Show will return on Friday 7th November – keep your eyes peeled for more details!

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Flower Festival blooms again at Willow Wood with magical success

Hundreds of visitors visited the ninth annual Flower Festival at Willow Wood Hospice across a sun-soaked weekend to experience the spellbinding sights and floral delights.

The event has already raised over £6,000 towards patient care at the Hospice, based in Ashton-under-Lyne, with more money still to come in.

Guests who came on Saturday, May 10, and Sunday, May 11, wandered through an enchanting array of 21 floral displays which followed the theme of the magical world of Harry Potter.

The wizarding world of Hogwarts was reflected – from the Ministry of Magic and Quidditch, to The Prisoner of Azkaban and even Professor Pomona Sprout’s Herbology Class.

To further boost Hospice funds, each display had a price tag attached so they could be purchased by those in attendance and collected at the end of the festival.

The festival was officially opened on Saturday morning by Hospice patron Ellie Leach – a former Coronation Street star and Strictly Come Dancing champion – who cut the ribbon.

Adding an extra touch of Harry Potter magic on Saturday was Bill Andrew — the real-life driver of the Hogwarts Express in all seven films — who shared stories from behind the scenes and signed books and photos for delighted fans.

Visitors also enjoyed posing for photos with life-sized cutouts of Harry Potter characters, generously donated by Star Cutouts UK, which were available to buy at the end of the weekend to raise additional funds for the Hospice.

There were also refreshments served by a band of volunteers in The Hive, and Prosecco in the Garden Room, where there was card, craft, wooden craft, cake, tombola and raffle stalls for visitors to browse.

Outside in the Hospice’s picturesque gardens, guests basked in the beautiful weather while enjoying live music from the Mossley Ukulele Group and Mike Styan and friends on Saturday, and the Sounds Familiar Ukulele Band on Sunday.

The festival is organised by a committee of dedicated volunteers, comprising Eileen Smith, Ann Fee, Pauline Giblin, Christine Lucas, Sheila Redfearn, Lorraine Vaughton, Moya Evans and Pam Chadwick.

Speaking on behalf of the Flower Festival Committee, Eileen said: “It was an amazing weekend and the weather was glorious. We’re so grateful to everyone who came along to support the festival. A special thank you to our Willow Wood patron Ellie Leach for opening the event, and to Bill Andrew for travelling from Crewe to share his unique Hogwarts stories.

“We would also like to thank everyone who helped in any way — from arranging flowers and sponsoring displays, to working in the kitchen and manning the stalls. A big shoutout goes to Jeanette, Christine and John who work all year to handcraft cards, cushions, and wooden gifts — donating 100 per cent of their takings to Willow Wood.”

As the petals settle on another successful festival, the committee will soon start looking ahead to next year’s event — which will mark the 10th edition of this much-loved community celebration.

It costs £3.6 million a year for Willow Wood Hospice to continue providing its vital services to deliver compassionate care to patients from Tameside and Glossop with a life-limiting illness.

With only around 24 per cent of that total coming from the Government, the Hospice relies on the generosity of the community by making donations; organising or supporting fundraising events; donating or buying goods to its charity shops; leaving gifts in Wills; joining the weekly lottery or volunteering.

If you would like to organise your own fundraiser for Willow Wood, the Hospice’s Fundraising team can support you – contact fundraising@willowwood.org.uk or call 0161 330 7788.

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Magical experience ahead at Willow Wood Flower Festival

Fans of Harry Potter are in for a treat as that’s the adopted theme for this year’s fundraising floral fundraiser event.

The much-anticipated Flower Festival returns to Willow Wood Hospice in 2025 for the ninth year, on Saturday 10th and Sunday 11th May.

Guided by a dedicated committee comprising Eileen Smith, Ann Fee, Sheila Redfern, Christine Lucas, Pauline Giblin, Judith Scott, Bernice Woodward and Lorraine Vaughton, this cherished annual event promises to be as vibrant as ever.

This year’s festival will be inspired by the theme of the magical world of Harry Potter. Throughout the weekend, visitors can immerse themselves in captivating displays, crafted by both individuals and groups.

While leisurely exploring the stunning exhibits, you can bask in the serenity of the Hospice’s picturesque gardens. Attendees will have the opportunity to purchase the showcased displays, adding a touch of beauty to their homes while making a difference to patients in our care.

The event will also include some life-sized Harry Potter cardboard cutouts to grab your photograph with, donated by Audenshaw business Star Cutouts Ltd. The licensed cutouts feature a range of Harry Potter characters that can be ordered online at mycardboardcutout.co.uk.

Members of the Flower Festival Committee and Lucy, our Community Fundraiser, with some familiar faces from the Harry Potter series

Star Cutouts Managing Director, Ian Ravey, said: “We thought it would be really nice to support Willow Wood Hospice and it’s an organisation I have had experience with, because they looked after my brother before he died. They rely on charitable donations so it is always good to help when we can.”

The cutouts – which normally cost around £40 each – will also be available to buy at the end of the festival by making a donation to the Hospice.

“We’re absolutely thrilled to be bringing the magic of Harry Potter to this year’s Flower Festival,” said the Willow Wood Hospice Flower Festival Committee.

“A huge thank you to Star Cutouts for their generous donation of the fantastic life-sized Harry Potter cutouts – they’ll add a fun element to the weekend, and we’re so grateful for their support in helping us raise vital funds for the Hospice.”

Bill Andrew, the driver of the Hogwarts Express in the Harry Potter films, will also be bringing lots of photos and signing copies of the books on the first day of the festival.

The Flower Festival will be open on Saturday 10th May from 10am to 4pm and Sunday 11th May from 11am to 4pm. Entry will be £3.50, with proceeds going to Willow Wood Hospice. Admission is free for children aged 12 or under. Light refreshments will also be available.

Parking at Willow Wood Hospice is restricted to patients, families, Blue Badge holders and the workforce. Alternative parking is available nearby at the Darnton Road Pay & Display car park (postcode OL6 6RL).

If you would like more information about the Flower Festival or you are interested in buying a cutout, please contact Eileen Smith on 07799 172 313.

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Willow Wood Enterprise Challenge raises over £12k

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The awards and their winners were as follows:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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How our Garden of Lights became a festive fixture

Our Garden of Lights celebration evenings are enjoyed by people throughout the local community and beyond every year, but very few know how they first came about. 

It all began in 2017, when the Hospice’s Maintenance Manager Dave Egerton (pictured) approached our then CEO Karen Houlston.

“I asked Karen if there was any way we could put some lights on for the Inpatient Unit,” explained Dave.

“I said it would be of no cost to the Hospice and I would do it all in my own time, so I put a few lights up and everyone liked them.

“The following year, the Fundraising team asked me if they got hold of some lights, would I put them up and I did. From there, it just took off.”

At the beginning, there were around 800 to 1,000 lights – now there are in excess of 11,000 lights which illuminate our stunning gardens in the dark and make them a picturesque scene for patients, staff and visitors to enjoy.

For Dave, a lot of hard work goes in behind the scenes to ensure it looks spectacular.

“I start looking at the lights in October and there’s lots of testing to do,” he said. “There’s around 35 hours of work involved in putting them up.

“We buy some lights and we get some donated, so we mix and match and try to make it look different every year. I have to wire them in such a way based on where the electric points are and I draw a map so I know where to put the lights every year.

“I leave the lights on every night over Christmas, even after we’ve had the Garden of Lights events, for our patients and then start to take them down in the new year. That involves around 25 hours of work in total and then the lights are taken to our Clearance Outlet and Donation Centre to be stored.”

What makes it all worthwhile for Dave is hearing about the positive impact the lights have on our patients.

“On the very first night, I was testing the lights for a couple of hours and a young man came in with his dad, whose eyes lit up when he saw the lights. I had to nip out but I said I would leave the lights on a bit longer for them. When I returned, staff had turned his bed round so he had a better view of the lights. The young man said ‘thank you Dave from me and my dad’. His dad sadly died two days later.

“Two years ago, an elderly lady who has been in and out of the Hospice was here at Christmas. She asked me when the lights would be on as her family were coming in, so we put the lights on for them and they all sat watching them together which was lovely.

“It makes all the hard work worthwhile knowing that seeing the lights could be the last memory for a patient when they come out of the Inpatient Unit into the gardens or sit watching them through their window.”

What started as a way of decorating our Hospice gardens for patients quickly became a fixture in the festive calendar and a popular event which raises vital funds to support the care of patients with life-limiting illnesses from Tameside and Glossop.

“It’s nice to have seen it grow from being just a few lights where a handful of staff were here to open the doors for the public to have a look around,” added Dave.

“In 2021, we introduced the memory stars in the top section of the garden and now it has graduated into a fundraising event which is well supported and raises a substantial amount for the Hospice.”

This year, there are 11 free-to-attend celebration evenings – with a different choir from the local community performing at each one, as well as seasonal refreshments available and a range of festive stalls to browse.

For more details about the event, click here.

By Adam Higgins 

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Enchanted Evening success boosts hospice funds

A popular musical concert has once again hit the right notes to provide a symphony of support for local hospice care.  

It’s the 21st successive year that a group of local amateur operatic societies have put on a varied programme of live music featuring ‘Songs from the Shows’.  

The ‘Enchanted Evening’ concert features top-class soloists singing a selection of the best-loved tunes from musical theatre.  

It was organised by Mike Styan, Phil Steels and Steve Pearson – whose car firm on Acres Lane in Stalybridge sponsored the event once again.  

The evening at Dukinfield Methodist Church recently has raised £1,386.50 for Willow Wood Hospice.  

The hospice, based in Ashton-under-Lyne, provides specialist and compassionate care to patients from across Tameside and Glossop with any life-limiting illness.  

Samantha Kitch, Fundraising Manager at Willow Wood Hospice, said: “Mike and his musical friends have raised £21,000 for the hospice over the years through holding this wonderful and nostalgic occasion.  

“We cannot thank them enough for their continued support, which really makes a difference to patients from our local community who need our care.”  

The ‘Enchanted Evening’ team is already putting plans in place for next year’s concert – so stay ‘tuned’.  

More information about events supporting the hospice can be found at https://willowwood.org.uk/events/  

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Football Night scores big for hospice care

A Lionesses star was part of the line-up at a Big Football Night Fundraiser, which has scored over £5,200 for hospice funds.

Manchester United Women forward Ella Toone told fascinating stories about the world of football, alongside her partner and fellow footballer Joe Bunney, ex-Manchester City goalkeeper Alex Williams MBE and former City kitman Les Chapman.

The fifth annual event was held recently at Dukinfield Masonic Hall, where almost 200 guests were treated to a fun night along with a pie and pea supper.

This year, a record amount was raised for Willow Wood Hospice – which provides specialist, dignified and compassionate care to patients with a life-limiting illness from Tameside and Glossop.

Councillor Denise Ward – who once again provided the pie and peas, paid for herself and made in her own kitchen – was also presented with a certificate by the Hospice for being an unsung hero for supporting fundraising efforts.

The popular event is organised by Brian Wild and Chris Smith, who are long-time supporters of Willow Wood.

Over the years, football favourites such as Martin Buchan, Peter Barnes, Eamon O’Keefe, Trevor Ross and Tommy Booth have appeared to help raise money for the hospice.

Lucy Ta’ati, Community and Events Fundraiser at Willow Wood, said: “Only 21.5 per cent of our annual running costs come through government funding – the rest must be raised through the generosity of our local community.

“Without the unbelievable efforts of people giving up their time to raise money through events such as the Football Night, the hospice would not be able to continue to provide vital services for those who need our care.

“We want to say a big thank you to Chris and Brian, the footballers past and present for giving their time, and everyone who contributed to a wonderful and successful evening.”

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Fourth Fashion Show is a stylish success!

We are thrilled that our fourth Fashion Show was the most successful yet – raising an incredible £4,000!

Our spectacular show last Friday (1st November) took place at the stunning larger venue of The Lock – the former Phoenix City building – in Stalybridge for the first time.

Over 100 people showed their support for an evening filled with style, sparkle and unbeatable bargains.

Guests enjoyed a glass of fizz and a runway show featuring our fantastic models, before taking the opportunity to shop the chicest collections at fabulous prizes.

Pauline Lunt, our Head of Retail, said: “We had an amazing night at a lovely venue. I want to say a huge thank you to Wendy and the team at The Lock for all of their support, all of our wonderful models, our Retail team for helping to organise the event, and everyone who bought a ticket.

“Your fantastic collaboration and dedication make a real difference to patient care at the Hospice. Our four Fashion Shows combined have raised £13,000, which is a phenomenal amount.”

Our Fashion Show will be back next year – so keep an eye out for more details!

Photos credit: David Hirst