Posted on

Willow Wood did Strictly in sensational style!

Willow Wood did Strictly in sensational style to raise thousands of pounds for the Hospice and wow hundreds at Mossley’s George Lawton Hall on Friday (11th October).

All the glitz and glamour of Strictly Come Dancing was reproduced as nine couples graced the stage to enthrall the audience and impress the judges, including celebrity judge Edwina Currie.

Following a tense ‘dance-off’ it was Cameron Kennedy and his partner Charlotte Cochrane who deservedly danced away with the 2024 Strictly trophy.

Their take on a Tango saw the pair perform some incredible and daring moves to the amazement of the crowd, earning a standing ovation and scoring an amazing 38 out of 40 points from the judges, Edwina giving them a nine out of ten.

There was a close ‘dance-Off’ with hip-hopsters Liz and Vanessa running them a close second, themselves scoring 37 points with an action-packed routine.

Liz and Vanessa came a close second with their amazing hip-hop routine

But, in Cameron’s own words as he accepted the trophy from host Jane Valentine, ‘Willow Wood was the real winner’, with many thousands of pounds raised for the Hospice on the night.

The couple worked on their routine for around six weeks, trained by last year’s winner and Charlotte’s brother Thomas Cochrane.

“He put us through our paces,” said Cameron, who admitted being very competitive and wanting to win the competition, despite not being a dancer in any way, shape or form and being more used to gracing the am dram stage in numerous acting roles.

Charlotte added: “All I said was it’s for charity so let’s have some fun, but Cameron said ‘no’ we had to win it – and now we have I can’t believe it.”

Charlotte and Cameron lifting their trophy with head judge Edwina Currie

Both recommended other couples take part next year to support the Hospice, saying it had been ‘brilliant fun’.

“It’s the best experience and I have loved it,” said Charlotte, with Cameron adding: “I don’t dance and I loved every second of it. It’s a great event.”

All the couples taking part had heartfelt reasons to support the Hospice, based in Ashton-under-Lyne, which provides compassionate care to local people with life-limiting illnesses.

Cameron himself has been raising thousands of pounds over the years in memory of his late cousin Emma, who died at the age of 21 in the Hospice back in 2013.

“Everything I’ve done – whether it was the small foundation we set up in her name, the boxing match for Target Ovarian Cancer or the marathon for Cancer Research – has been in her memory to honour her fight against ovarian cancer.

“But Willow Wood holds a very special place in my heart as it’s the one part of Emma’s journey that I hadn’t yet raised funds for, and it’s arguably the most meaningful. It’s a cause that means so much to me,” he said.

Charlotte, meanwhile, was dancing in memory of her grandma who died from cancer earlier in the year.

“I wanted to do this to honour her and make her proud,” she added.

The Civic Mayor of Tameside Cllr Betty Affleck and her Consort Declan Fitzpatrick were also present to enjoy the night

Dancing duo Diane Swallow and Gary Peters also know all about cancer, Diane herself battling back against the disease, stating herself that if treatment had not worked for her, she could well have needed Willow Wood herself.

“Thankfully I’m one of the lucky ones whose treatment was successful, but it really made me appreciate the vital role places like Willow Wood play. I’ve had friends who spent time there and I saw first hand the amazing care they received,” she said.

Long-serving Willow Wood volunteer Eileen Smith has been helping at the Hospice for more than 20 years and stepped out with her dancing partner John Maltby to perform a delightful waltz.

While love was very much in the air for Wendy Mutch and Mick Wheeler, much to the delight of judge Edwina.

The audience were lively throughout at Mossley’s George Lawton Hall

A former celebrity contestant on Strictly Come Dancing in 2011 herself, Edwina said she was especially proud to support the Hospice.

“I have had friends who have been in their care and they do a fantastic job, and they also support the families, who can sometimes get pushed to one side and that support also really matters when someone has passed away.

“If loved ones have been with Willow Wood then you know that they have been comfortable and been able to spend their final days in dignity, and that really matters, it really does.”

She also shared how voting for the couples was also extremely hard, striking the right balance between experienced dancers and non-dancers.

Completing the judging panel alongside Edwina were World Championship hip-hop dancer and Team England athlete Alice-Jane Evans; Latin Steps world champion and dance instructor Aimee Bailey; and Latin Steps dance champion and instructor Sara McGroarty.

Our Willow Wood does Strictly judging panel for 2024

Willow Wood Hospice’s Director of Fundraising and Communications Sam Duncan said: “It’s been a huge success and I would like to say a big thank you to all the dancers who were amazing. Every routine was different and it was just lovely and there was lots of variety.”

She also praised the George Lawton Hall venue, thanking the staff who had helped make Willow Wood’s first Strictly competition event there such a memorable one, with some 180 guests attending.

The amount of money made from the event is still being totted up, which will include ticket and programme sales, a wonderful silent auction and raffle, plus money raised by the couples themselves.

There is still time to donate to the couples’ fundraising page at https://www.justgiving.com/campaign/willowwooddoesstrictly where you can also find out more details behind each couples’ story to support the Hospice.

Posted on

Big Football Night Fundraiser for Willow Wood

An evening of funny stories, memories and fun with well-known footballers past and present will be held in Tameside in aid of Willow Wood Hospice.

The fifth annual Willow Wood Football Night takes place at Dukinfield Masonic Hall on Friday 1st November from 8pm.

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

This year, Manchester United and England star Ella Toone will tell her fascinating story of being a lifelong United fan and how she joined the club as a junior before moving because there wasn’t a senior women’s team at the time.

Spells at Blackburn Rovers and Manchester City followed, as she progressed through England’s Under-17s and Under-19s levels before returning to United in 2018 when they re-introduced a women’s team.

Also part of the line-up is former Manchester City goalkeeper Alex Williams MBE, who will explain his life in football and the work he went to specialise in after his days between the posts for City.

Ex-City kitman and club legend Les Chapman will be appearing, with some hilarious stories from inside the City dressing room. As a midfielder, he played in the Football League between 1966 and 1987, making 749 appearances, before spells in coaching with Stockport County, Preston North End, Huddersfield Town and Manchester City.

Completing the guest list is Joe Bunney, who played in the Football League for the likes of Bolton Wanderers, Hartlepool United and Rochdale as well as at non-league level for Ashton United, Macclesfield and Lancaster City among others.

Joe, who still plays today, has a wealth of information about the life of a player earning a living in the sport and insight into the difficulties and opportunities faced by young footballers.

They will be in conversation with former top-flight referee Roger Dilkes, who will be the Master of Ceremonies for the night.

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

They are hoping to raise a record £5,000 this year for the Hospice – which provides specialist, compassionate and dignified care to patients from Tameside and Glossop with life-limiting illnesses.

“We’ve raised thousands for the Hospice over the years and many people have a real connection with the work the Hospice does – it touches almost every family at some point of their lives,” said Brian Wild, who is a patron of the Hospice.

“The Football Night always sells out early and the tickets get snapped up. I take my hat off to these sportspeople that give up their time for free to entertain the 200-plus audience.”

Vanessa Murphy-Wood, Community Fundraiser at Willow Wood Hospice, commented: “Without people like Brian and Chris organising these events, Willow Wood would not continue to operate so we cannot thank them enough.

“Putting on these events make a massive difference. If you’re a football fan, or just want a good night out, please get a ticket if you can and help support the Hospice.”

Tickets are £15 each, which includes pie and mushy peas, and can be bought by calling 0161 718 7911.

LISTEN: Click on the play button below to hear Brian and Chris speaking to Tameside Radio’s Alex Cann all about the event…

Posted on

Dancers set to shine as ‘Willow Wood does Strictly’

Willow Wood Hospice is putting on an entertaining night of glitz and glamour in support of patients from the local community in its care.

Inspired by the popular BBC show Strictly Come Dancing, ‘Willow Wood does Strictly’ will be taking over the George Lawton Hall in Mossley on Friday 11th October from 7pm until late.

Couples will compete in front of a live audience and a panel of judges, in the hope of being crowned the coveted title of the Hospice’s glitterball champion for 2024.

In the build-up to the big night, they are working with local professional dance schools to learn a dazzling routine to perform on stage.

The Hospice is still looking for one couple to get involved – it’s a great opportunity to learn a new skill with expert tuition and a fun way to raise vital funds for Willow Wood.

Each couple taking part is being closely supported with their fundraising efforts by the Hospice’s Fundraising team.

If you would like to sponsor any of the dancers, you can donate your chosen amount at https://www.justgiving.com/campaign/willowwooddoesstrictly

Lisa Pye and Dave Egerton coupled up for last year’s event, performing a disco routine on the night to ‘Saturday Night Fever’ by The Bee Gees.

Lisa, Volunteer Services Manager at Willow Wood Hospice, said: “It was the best most challenging experience of my life but it made me feel really good.

“I was surprised by just how many people wanted to sponsor us. I would encourage anyone to give it a go or buy a ticket for what is a great night.”

Dave, the Hospice’s Maintenance Manager, added: “It was a fantastic experience and I enjoyed learning the dance routine. I had a great dance partner and we have become friends since.

“There was a combination of nerves and excitement on the night but knowing my friends and family were there to support me made all the difference. I’m really glad I did it, it brought me out of my comfort zone.”

The event will be hosted by Theo Mayne, who was a contestant in the first series of the hit BBC show The Traitors, and podcast host and celebrant Jane Valentine.

On the judging panel will be author, broadcaster and former politician Edwina Currie Jones; World Championship hip hop dancer and Team England athlete Alice-Jane Evans; Latin Steps world champion and dance instructor Aimee Bailey; and Latin Steps dance champion and instructor Sara.

Tickets for ‘Willow Wood does Strictly’ are £25 per person – which includes welcome drinks and canapes. They can be bought online at https://willowwood.org.uk/events/strictly/

The Hospice is also appealing to local residents and businesses for donations of prizes which could be included in the raffle or auction on the night.

Vanessa Murphy-Wood, Community and Events Fundraiser at Willow Wood Hospice, commented: “We are really excited about ‘Willow Wood does Strictly’, which promises to be a memorable night.

“We are very grateful to everyone who is supporting the event, especially our dancers who each have their own story about why they want to take part for Willow Wood.

“We hope as many people as possible from the local community can come along to the event and support our dancers, as well as patient care at our Hospice.”

Anyone who is interested in being a dancer or is able to help with prizes can get in touch with Vanessa by emailing vanessa.murphy-wood@willowwood.org.uk or calling 0161 330 7788.

Posted on

Community spirit fills our shops on Summer Celebration Day

Our first-ever Summer Celebration Day across our Hospice shops was nothing short of a smashing success!

As the school holidays drew to a close, each of our seven shops in Tameside and Glossop truly captured the essence of summer with a variety of activities that brought our community together in the most delightful way.

From face painting and tombolas to children’s treats and games, there was something for everyone to enjoy.

Our fantastic shop managers and volunteers went above and beyond, fully immersing themselves in the fun. Many even dipped into their own pockets to purchase items like balloons and cakes, ensuring the day was extra special.

Community spirit filled our shop floors, as customers also got involved. One talented supporter even baked a stunning cake featuring our 25th anniversary logo, which went down a treat at our Reddish Lane shop!

The energy and enthusiasm of the whole experience contributed to a successful day for the shops’ takings, boosting funds towards patient care at the Hospice.

Pauline Lunt, our Head of Retail, is thrilled with the outcome, saying: “I am absolutely delighted with how our Summer Celebration Day unfolded and how warmly it was embraced by our community.

“I want to extend a massive thank you to our shop managers, volunteers, and customers who came together to make the day a success. Some of our volunteers generously came in on days they don’t normally work – they baked cakes, made crafts and manned stalls.

“Our shop managers even enlisted help from their families. The buzz in each shop was brilliant, and it was heartwarming to see so many smiles when I visited.”

With all the fun and joy shared, we’re already planning to bring the Summer Celebration Day back next year—so keep an eye out for details as summer approaches!

Posted on

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.

Posted on

Flower Festival blooms funds for hospice care

Hundreds of people enjoyed Willow Wood’s popular Flower Festival last weekend, which raised over £6,000 in support of patient care at the Hospice.

The event was formally opened on Saturday 11th May by Ashton-under-Lyne MP Angela Rayner, along with Willow Wood Hospice’s new Chief Executive Officer, Tracy Minshull.

Local residents packed into the Hospice, based in Ashton-under-Lyne, over both days, which even brought some welcome sunshine.

The eighth annual festival held special significance as it commemorated 25 years of the Hospice providing compassionate care to patients from the local community, under the theme of ‘all things Willow Wood’.

Created by both individuals and groups, the vibrant displays represented services the Hospice offers, the Hospice’s charity shops, fundraising events both past and present, volunteers, the Willow Wood Hospice Choir and the Hospice’s picturesque gardens.

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.

There were also refreshments served by a band of volunteers – including from St Peter’s Church in Stalybridge – 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.

Visitors were kept entertained by Mike Styan and friends from local amateur operatic societies on Saturday, and the Sounds Familiar Ukelele Band on Sunday.

Angela Rayner MP said: “It was my pleasure to officially open the annual Flower Festival at Willow Wood Hospice and this year was extra special as it marks the 25th anniversary.

“I have visited Willow Wood on many occasions during my time as MP and I am always struck by how dedicated and compassionate the staff and volunteers are and how much effort goes into creating such a peaceful and welcoming environment.

“I am incredibly proud to have such a wonderful facility within my constituency and I would like to thank everyone who works so hard to make it such a success. I am sure all the residents, visitors and their families who visit the hospice are grateful.”

The event is organised by a dedicated committee of volunteers, comprising Eileen Smith, Ann Fee, Pauline Giblin, Christine Lucas, Sheila Redfearn, Judith Scott, Lorraine Vaughton and Bernice Woodward.

Eileen Smith, on behalf of the committee, said: “It was a happy weekend, there was a lovely atmosphere and what a positive environment a hospice is.

“We wish to say a huge thank you to everyone who helped in any way to ensure the festival was a great success, everyone who attended and Angela Rayner for opening the event.”

The Hospice must raise at least £3.3 million every year to run and, with only around 20 per cent coming by way of Central Government, the generous support of the community is vital.

If you would like to organise a fundraising event for Willow Wood, please contact the Hospice’s Fundraising team by emailing fundraising@willowwood.org.uk or calling 0161 330 7788 so they can support you along the way.

Posted on

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.

Posted on

Hospice hosts inspiring business network event

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

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

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

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

Some of the attendees making connections at the event

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

By Adam Higgins

Posted on

Hospice to hold heartwarming festive fundraisers

The holiday season is a time of joy, togetherness and giving, and this year Willow Wood Hospice is holding a series of festive fundraisers that will warm your heart and bring hope to those in need.

As we approach the most wonderful time of the year, the Hospice is committed to spreading love, compassion and support to our community through events that will brighten the festive season and make a significant difference in the lives of Willow Wood’s patients and their families.

This is encapsulated through our Garden of Lights celebration evenings, where you can join us at the Hospice, on Willow Wood Close in Ashton-under-Lyne, to create magical memories with family and friends in our stunning gardens.

Stroll amongst the glowing trees, twinkling with thousands of lights, enjoy a seasonal tipple and festive fayre, and browse stalls stacked high with Christmas crafts, gifts, cards and more. You will also be able to buy refreshments and explore our Gift Shop in reception.

Join us on any of these dates: Tuesday 28th November, Thursday 30th November, Tuesday 5th December, Thursday 7th December, Saturday 9th December, Tuesday 12th December and Thursday 14th December.

Entry is free and you can just turn up on any of the evenings between 5pm and 8pm.

You will also receive a warm Willow Wood welcome at our Christmas Market, taking place at the Hospice on Sunday 26th November from midday until 3pm.

Enjoy a seasonal drink or two whilst having a look around our selection of stalls filled with Christmas goodies and gift ideas.

Admission is £3 per person, while Under-12s are free. There is no need to book as you can pay on the door on the day.

Only Blue Badge permit holders will be able to park at the Hospice but external parking has been secured, so you will be able to park in the car park at West Hill School on Stamford Street and there will be a shuttle bus service running to and from the Hospice to help reduce traffic.

If you are unable to attend any of these events but still want to support the Hospice, you can visit our online shop at www.willowwood.org.uk/shop where you will find an array of bespoke items to buy – from beautifully designed Christmas cards and notepads to 2024 calendars and diaries which will make for perfect presents.

On that very note, there’s a £2,000 jackpot and 39 other fantastic cash prizes up for grabs in the Winter Super Draw, which you can enter for just £1 per ticket at www.willowwood.org.uk/superdraw

Alternatively, the Hospice would be incredibly grateful for any donations of items which could be used as raffle prizes – whether it be a chocolate selection box or a scented candle – that can be dropped off at our main reception or any of our charity shops.

Attending any of Willow Wood’s festive events or making a purchase in our online shop will directly support the care of patients from the local community in Tameside and Glossop at the Hospice, which needs at least £3.3 million every year to continue its vital work.

As well as celebrating the season, the Hospice also recognises that the festive period can be a difficult time for many who dearly miss loved ones and remembering friends and family who are no longer with us is precious.

Light up a Life is an opportunity to dedicate a light on a beautiful willow tree in the Hospice gardens for your loved ones, and light a star for them in our virtual night’s sky.

The community is also invited to three Light up a Life events, where you, your family and friends can share the heart-warming experience as you watch the tree lit and see your loved one’s light shining bright.

The services, which are free to attend, will take place as follows:

Saturday 25th November at 4pm at Willow Wood Hospice, Willow Wood Close, Ashton-under-Lyne, OL6 6SL.

Saturday 2nd December at 2pm at Old Glossop Parish Church, Church Street South, SK13 7RU.

Sunday 10th December at 2pm at Albion Church, Stamford Street East, Ashton-under-Lyne, OL6 6QQ.

To dedicate a light and find out more, go to https://willowwood.org.uk/events/lual.

On 25th November, only Blue Badge permit holders will be able to park at the Hospice but you will also be able to park at Ashton Sixth Form College, which can be accessed via Montague Road, and there will be a shuttle bus service running to and from the Hospice.

The closest pay and display car park is on Darnton Road, where you can park for a small fee of £1.50 for an hour, £2.50 for two hours, £3.50 for three hours or £4 for all day.

Pictured: The Hospice gardens lit up spectacularly at night ahead of our Garden of Lights celebration evenings

By Adam Higgins