Golfers once again swung into action to help raise thousands of pounds for Willow Wood Hospice.
Twenty-two teams enjoyed a tee-rific experience at this year’s Martin Wild Golf Day, in support of their local hospice.
In total, the annual fundraiser at Ashton-under-Lyne Golf Club made over £10,000 – which will help support patients from the local community with any life-limiting illness.
The event was kindly sponsored by Docutech Office Solutions and Marshall Peters.
The action-packed day on Friday 8th August teed off with hot refreshments and a shotgun start before the golfers started their 18 holes – including some friendly competitions throughout, including Beat the Pro.
Browse through photos from the day, taken by David Hirst, by clicking the image below:
Staff and volunteers from the Hospice ensured they were well looked after with refreshments before the day finished with a prize presentation for the teams finishing first to sixth and a silent auction.
Only one team could be crowned champion and that honour went to UK Decs – whose team captain was Jason Moulton.
The popular event, first held in 2019, is promoted by Martin Wild, a former Lancashire amateur golf champion and a long-time supporter of the Hospice.
Tracey Schofield, Events Lead at Willow Wood Hospice, said: “We are delighted with the success of this year’s Martin Wild Golf Day and so grateful for the incredible support we received.
“Thank you to all of the volunteers who gave their time on the day, the players who took part with such enthusiasm, our generous sponsors whose support made the event possible, and the companies who donated prizes for our silent auction.”
Anyone who would like to take part in next year’s Martin Wild Golf Day can register their interest by contacting the Hospice’s Fundraising team on 0161 330 7788 or email fundraising@willowwood.org.uk
A much-loved musical tradition that has raised thousands for Willow Wood Hospice is entering a new chapter as Guide Bridge Theatre steps in to take over the running of the annual Enchanted Evening concert.
Now in its 22nd year, the concert has become a cherished fixture in the local calendar, drawing audiences from across the borough for a night of nostalgic musical theatre performed by talented soloists from local operatic societies.
Organised since its inception in 2004 by Mike Styan and a dedicated team of musical friends, the event has raised over £20,000 for the Hospice, including £1,386.50 last year.
This year marks a ‘changing of the guard’ as Mike steps back from the organiser role, passing the baton to Sue Holden and the team at Guide Bridge Theatre, who will host the concert for the first time on Friday 26th September at 7.30pm at their venue on Audenshaw Road.
Reflecting on his years leading the event, Mike said: “It has been an absolute privilege to organise the Enchanted Evening for the past 21 years. I’m incredibly proud of what we’ve achieved — not just the money raised, but the joy and community spirit the concerts have brought.
“I’m deeply grateful to everyone who has supported us over the years, from the performers and audiences to our loyal sponsors. I’m thrilled to see Sue and the team at Guide Bridge Theatre take it forward, and I know they’ll do a fantastic job keeping the magic alive.”
Sue and Mike handing over the music books in the Hospice gardens
Sue appeared in the very first concert back in January 2004 and is thrilled to be involved in its future.
“Mike has done a tremendous job over many years and has thankfully agreed to share his knowledge with me,” she said.
“I am delighted that Guide Bridge Theatre have agreed to host this event and thank everyone there for supporting this venture. This means that all the money from ticket sales can go directly to the Hospice.
“Work has already started on this year’s programme and I am excited to be working with some very special and talented people, all of whom give freely of their time and talents to support Willow Wood. I have no doubt it will be a truly magical Enchanted Evening.”
The concert has seen a number of homes over the years — from its debut at Ashton-under-Lyne Civic Hall, to Stalybridge and Dukinfield Methodist Churches, as well as being held virtually during Covid-19. Throughout it all, it has retained its heartwarming appeal and community spirit.
The event continues to receive the support of Steve Pearson Car Sales on Acres Lane in Stalybridge, whose backing helps ensure the funds raised can support the care of patients with any life-limiting illness from Tameside and Glossop at the Hospice.
“Once again it is our absolute pleasure to be involved in the Willow Wood Enchanted Evening event,” said Steve. “Each year has got bigger and bigger, and hopefully this year is going to be the best yet. We’re looking forward to helping make it happen.”
An inspirational seven-year-old from Hattersley who helped collect over 2,000 Crème Eggs for Willow Wood Hospice, where his mum died, has been shortlisted for a special award.
Frankie Chadwick was nominated by the Hospice’s Fundraising team for the BBC’s Make a Difference Awards, which celebrate the achievements of community heroes.
The Year 2 pupil is one of four finalists in a new category introduced this year – the Young Hero Award, which will be awarded to someone under 16 who has made a positive impact in their community or achieved something exceptional.
The brave youngster helped Willow Wood collect an abundance of sweet treats for the Hospice’s annual Bunny Hop appeal – which this year raised a record amount of over £50,000, as over 7,000 people across Tameside and Glossop took part from 24 schools, 19 nurseries and two community groups.
He wanted to support the Hospice in Ashton-under-Lyne, where his mum Gemma received end-of-life care in February this year. She spent 10 days in the Inpatient Unit before she died from brain cancer, aged 46.
Frankie with his mum Gemma
Frankie said: “We had collection baskets in shops like Tesco and when the baskets got full of Crème Eggs, they were put behind customer service for us to pick up.
“Willow Wood were really good at looking after my mummy. She was really nice and she used to buy me lots of things like toys. I miss her cuddles and going on holiday with her.
“I am very happy and excited to be going to the awards.”
Frankie is looked after by his uncle and legal guardian Gavin Chadwick, who could not be prouder of his nephew and grateful for the care his family received from Willow Wood during a tough time.
“Frankie is a very unique and special boy with lots of character – he’s just a superstar and absolutely deserves to be a finalist,” said Gavin, 42.
“I cried on the phone when I found out he was up for the award. I feel so proud of Frankie and Gemma would be so proud of him too – it’s a shame she is not here to celebrate this moment with us.
Frankie speaking to Holly from BBC Radio Manchester in his classroom at school
“Frankie is one of the calmest people in the world, considering what he’s been through. He still goes to school with a smile on his face and plays with his friends, never mentioning all the horrible things he’s going through.
“Gemma’s cancer had spread throughout the years – she had cancer when Frankie was born so his mummy being poorly has been the norm for him. He visited her at Christie’s and at Tameside Hospital – their relationship could not have been any stronger. Gemma was an amazing sister and a tough cookie with a powerful personality but also very private.
“Willow Wood was absolutely amazing and their team looked after us all. Frankie had no fear of lying on the bed with her and taking the dog to see her – he played on the Xbox in the family lounge and became a friend of the nurses.
“It was Gemma’s idea to collect the eggs and Frankie was the ambassador of our own appeal. It was a focus for us all and we wanted to help the Hospice.”
Tracey Schofield, Events Lead who organises the Hospice’s Bunny Hop campaign, put Frankie forward for the award and gave him his own Bunny Hop pack as a reward for his magnificent efforts.
“I nominated Frankie for the award because, despite everything he was going through, he thought of others and wanted to help the Hospice,” she said.
“On behalf of everyone at Willow Wood, we are incredibly grateful for his support and we really hope he wins the Young Hero Award.”
Gemma with Frankie and Gavin
For the first time this year, the Make a Difference Awards span the entire UK. Frankie will be attending BBC Radio Manchester’s awards ceremony at Rochdale Town Hall on 12th September.
Frankie’s nomination was recently revealed at his school, St James’s Primary in Hattersley, where his teachers and classmates were overjoyed for him.
Mark Woolley, head teacher at St James’s, said: “It’s been a very difficult time for Frankie and his family, so we’ve been supporting him here in school and supporting Gavin, his uncle, as well.
“We’re very proud of Frankie – he truly does deserve it. He’s really courageous and a young hero. He’s very kind and very thoughtful. It’s lovely that he has given something back to Willow Wood.”
LISTEN: Click on the play button below to listen to Frankie and Gavin speaking to BBC Radio Manchester. You will need a tissue handy.
This year marks a special milestone for the Willow Wood Hospice Craft Group as they celebrate 10 wonderful years of crafting and raising funds to support patient care.
The group, made up of Jean McGuire from Denton, Sue Dray from Stalybridge, Lynn Fielding from Dukinfield, Gwen Towell from Ashton-under-Lyne, Yvonne Davison from Denton, and their newest member Rose Dawson from Mottram, meets every Friday morning at the Hospice.
From 10am to midday, you’ll find them knitting, crocheting, sewing, and sharing stories over their latest creations.
Their talents know no bounds as they make beautiful handmade crafts and goodies for all ages.
These are sold at events held both at the Hospice and in the wider community, including at carnivals, fairs and fun days.
Over the past decade, the group has raised around £10,000 – and that’s on top of the thousands of volunteer hours they’ve gifted in the process.
Much of their materials are donated through our charity shops, but when needed, they’re happy to chip in and buy supplies themselves.
(left to right) Lynn, Rose, Yvonne and Jean had a stall at our recent Butterfly Memory Release event.
They’ve even inspired others in the community to donate homemade items for the group to sell – a true ripple effect of kindness.
For Jean, she is giving back as a thank you for the care the Hospice gave to both her mum and her husband.
“We’re all retired and crafting is a passion of ours, so we turned it into something meaningful by supporting the Hospice,” she said. “We really enjoy volunteering for a good cause which means a lot to us all. Ten years has gone so fast!”
Sue, who also makes jewellery for the group, added: “There’s a real community feel at Willow Wood and it feels like we are making a difference. The Hospice is a necessity for the area – I saw both of my parents die in hospital, and the care Willow Wood provides is so important.”
Lucy Ta’ati, Community and Events Fundraiser at Willow Wood, said: “The Craft Group are such a dedicated and talented bunch. Not only have they raised thousands of pounds, but they bring so much warmth and creativity to everything they do. We’re incredibly grateful for their ongoing support – they are a shining example of the difference volunteers can make.”
The group is always happy to welcome new members – whether you’re a seasoned needle crafter or crafter, or you’re just getting started. It’s a fantastic way to meet like-minded people, enjoy your craft, and raise vital funds for patients with a life-limiting illness across Tameside and Glossop.
Neale Samways, Sales Director at Scientific Sanitation Solutions, has taken fundraising to new heights—literally—with a heart-pounding 300ft bungee jump in support of Willow Wood Hospice.
Neale, whose company is one of our main Ball sponsors for the second year running, has already raised over £250 from the daring leap, which took place at scenic Bray Lake in Windsor on 29th June.
This isn’t his first jump for charity—in 2023, Neale completed a 150ft bungee and raised £785.
Inspired by the support he received then, he decided to go even further this year, doubling the height and pushing himself outside his comfort zone.
Speaking after the challenge, Neale said: “The bungee jump was an incredible experience – terrifying but absolutely worth it! Knowing it was for such a great cause kept me focused and made the whole thing even more meaningful. Willow Wood does amazing work, and I’m proud to support them in any way I can.”
Lucy Ta’ati, our Community and Events Fundraiser, added: “We’re so grateful to Neale for once again going above and beyond—quite literally—for Willow Wood. His energy, bravery, and continued commitment mean the world to us, and every penny raised helps us continue providing vital care for our community.”
Founded in 2023, Scientific Sanitation Solutions is based in Ashton-under-Lyne and has a growing global presence.
Some of the team also took part in our Velocity Team Challenge in north Wales last year, helping to raise over £17,000 for Willow Wood.
Three determined young fundraisers from Stalybridge have raised an impressive £901 for the Hospice through a community bake sale.
Sisters Hazel and Elizabeth Capper, along with their friend Ivy Brownridge, brought the neighbourhood together with traybakes, gingerbread, and homemade crafts, all in aid of patient care at Willow Wood.
With generous donations from Heyrod Village Store and plenty of help from friends and family, the girls turned their home into a hub of delicious treats.
A huge handmade sign outside the house and buzz across the local Neighbourhood Watch group helped draw in visitors.
The girls’ stall offered more than sweet treats – there were also craft items for sale, adding a creative touch to the fundraiser.
The Capper family are no strangers to giving back. This marks the third time the girls have held a charity bake sale – the first before Covid for Alzheimer’s Support, the second in 2023 for Cancer Research, and now for Willow Wood.
It’s a cause close to their hearts, as grandparents John and Pam Capper volunteer for the Hospice – helping to organise our popular fortnightly Dementia Café and supporting with collecting cans in the community.
Elizabeth, a pupil at Longdendale High School, and Hazel and Ivy, who attend Stalyhill Junior School, were recognised for their efforts with a special visit to the Mayor’s Parlour on Friday 20th June after being nominated by their local councillor, Liam Billington.
Lucy Ta’ati, our Community and Events Fundraiser, personally thanked the girls and reminded them just how vital their support is.
“We need to raise around £3.6 million each year to keep the Hospice running,” she said. “Community fundraisers like this are absolutely essential.”
The girls received certificates of achievement from the Civic Mayor of Tameside, Councillor Shibley Alam, who is also supporting the Hospice during her year in office as one of her chosen charities.
They were joined by their proud father Tim, as well as the Civic Mayor’s Consort Mohammed Khairul Alam.
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.
A MUSIC festival organised by a local pub raised the roof over the Bank Holiday weekend in aid of Willow Wood Hospice.
The Angel Inn in Dukinfield held the two-day event christened ‘Angel Fest’ for the second successive year.
Last year’s event raised over £2,000 for the Hospice – based in Ashton-under-Lyne, which provides compassionate and dignified care to patients with any life-limiting illness from Tameside and Glossop.
The pub hoped to raise an even bigger total this year and have achieved it, with the final amount confirmed as £3,098.99.
Landlady Dawn Woodhouse chose to support Willow Wood, where a family member was cared for, and after a number of customers expressed to her how vital the hospice’s services are for the community.
One of the acts on stage during this year’s Angel Fest
Lucy Ta’ati, our Community Fundraiser, said: “Our heartfelt thanks go to Dawn and the team at The Angel Inn for their incredible support and generosity.
“Events like Angel Fest show the true spirit of community and raise vital funds that help us continue providing compassionate care to local people with life-limiting illnesses.
“We’re truly grateful for everyone who supported the event and helped make the weekend such a fantastic success.”
For the event, the beer garden at the King Street establishment was decked out in multi-coloured bunting and a full stage set-up, courtesy of Mick and Kev from J&J Transport.
Entertainment was in full swing on Saturday (3rd May) and Sunday (4th May) – provided by Si Peddle, Carl Morris, Dale, Flashbax, the Rockerfellas and many more.
There was plenty of festival fun both indoors and outdoors, including Mel and Pete’s Karaoke, and games such as a charity 501 darts competition – with a fantastic malt whisky prize donated by Philip and Mary Cox.
Food stalls selling burgers, hot dogs, candy floss and more kept everyone fed, and there was a charity auction.
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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