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.”
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!
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.
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…
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.
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.
Members of Hyde Fire Station’s Prince’s Trust programme have raised over £1,000 for Willow Wood Hospice after embarking on a sponsored walk in fancy dress.
The group of 12 young people spent two days at the Hospice helping with preparations for the Celebration Garden events leading up to the walk.
They also picked up some weird and wacky costumes to wear from the Hospice’s Distribution Centre in Ashton-under-Lyne.
Vice Lord Lieutenant of Greater Manchester and Willow Wood patron, Sharman Birtles MBE JP DL, met the group at the fire station – the starting point for their walk on Thursday 18th July.
As they ventured on the walk, accompanied by the Civic Mayor of Tameside, Councillor Betty Affleck, The Grafton Centre in Hyde and The Together Centre in Dukinfield – where they stopped for refreshments – both gave them donations.
After completing the 3.5 mile walk at the Hospice, the Vice Lord Lieutenant of Greater Manchester and Willow Wood CEO Tracy Minshull – who were joined by Hospice staff and volunteers – greeted the group and thanked them for their support.
Sharman said: “They are young people, they are not practised in raising funds but they have really put their heart and soul into it. I love the fact that they have seen a need and decided to do something towards it.
“Part of their course is to be community minded and they have really taken it to heart. We are grateful they chose to support Willow Wood, which is a wonderful place in Tameside.”
Sarah Quinn, Team Manager at the Prince’s Trust at Hyde Fire Station, commented: “I couldn’t have asked for better from the young people. We picked the hottest day of the year so far for the walk! We had to change a few of the costumes so nobody passed out along the way.
“Everybody pushed themselves – we started with 12 young people and finished with 12 young people. I am so proud of the team and we are all grateful to everyone who has donated.
“We are thrilled to have had the support of Willow Wood throughout and the Civic Mayor, who really sees the true value in what we’re doing for the young people of Tameside.”
The Civic Mayor, Hyde Godley councillor Affleck, was delighted to lend her support.
She told us: “It went really well, it was a good opportunity to speak to the young adults and listen to their stories. I have always supported the Prince’s Trust at Hyde Fire Station since becoming a councillor, I think they do an amazing job.
“It’s great that they chose to support the Hospice, which means a lot to so many people in our area.”
The Prince’s Trust charity, in conjunction with Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service, runs a 12-week programme for unemployed young people aged 16 to 25 which helps them to achieve their potential and re-enter education, training or employment.
To mark the end of the group’s programme, a presentation ceremony was held at Dukinfield Town Hall on Wednesday evening (24th July) which the Civic Mayor and other local councillors attended.
The young people presented a cheque to the Hospice for a fantastic £1,443.81 and delivered inspiring speeches on how the programme has boosted their confidence and developed their employability skills.
They chose to support Willow Wood after Joanna Griffiths – a friend of Sarah’s since childhood – received end-of-life care at the Hospice recently at the age of 51.
Sarah added: “Joanna was a fabulous fighter, she was given two years to live 10 years ago and has fought the whole way.
“The young people came into the team programme 10 minutes after I found out Joanna had died and they showed so much empathy for me, which is one of the skills they learn on the programme.
“I talked to them about the work Willow Wood does and it so happened that three of the young people have had grandparents who received care at the Hospice too. They wanted to raise money and came up with the idea of a sponsored walk – one of the young people suggested to do it in fancy dress so we did!”
A couple from Hadfield recently embarked on the 50km Peak District Ultra Challenge, to support patient care at Willow Wood.
Hayley Kelsall took part, with her partner Louis Worthington, in memory of her mum Sharon, who received end-of-life at the Hospice last year.
Hayley explained: “On 5th May 2023, my amazing mum was sadly taken away from us. During the years prior, she had many health complications however she faced it all with strength and bravery. She was the life of the party and is truly missed by everyone.
“Thanks to Willow Wood Hospice, we were able to be by her side and she was surrounded by loved ones in her final days.
“As Willow Wood heavily relies on charity to continue, we are raising funds to help ensure that other families that go through this will receive the same exceptional care and support that she did. We cannot thank the staff enough for the care my mum and the rest of our family received during and after her passing.”
They combined running and walking during the challenge on 7th July, taking in some of Derbyshire’s finest scenery and enduring some adverse weather conditions.
Hayley Kelsall and Louis Worthington
Hayley, 26, said: “It went really well and we thoroughly enjoyed ourselves, despite the bad weather! The weather made it a bit more challenging, however knowing it was for a good cause pulled us through. We are hoping to do another one (maybe even slightly longer) next year.”
Louis, 27, added: “The weather was frustrating but we enjoyed it, however it was challenging! It has been a pleasure to raise money for Willow Wood.”
The couple planned to raise £750 but, after achieving that in just one day, they kept increasing their target and have now raised over £2,000 already.
Lucy Ta’ati, Community and Events Fundraiser at Willow Wood Hospice, said: “We would like to thank Hayley and Louis for their fabulous fundraising efforts for the Hospice.
“We need at least £3.3 million every year to operate and around 80 per cent of those costs have to be raised from our community each year, with approximately 20 per cent coming by way of Central Government.
“If you would like to take on a challenge for Willow Wood, please get in touch with us by emailing fundraising@willowwood.org.uk or calling 0161 330 7788 so we can support you along the way.”
This weekend, Hayley Kelsall and her partner Louis Worthington will be taking part in the Peak District Ultra Challenge to support patient care at the Hospice.
They have been training hard for months for the 48km challenge, which they will be embarking on in memory of Hayley’s mum Sharon who received end-of-life care at the Hospice last year.
Hayley, 26, and Louis, 27, plan to combine running and walking, hoping to complete it in 10 hours on Sunday (7th July) whilst taking in some of Derbyshire’s finest scenery.
Hayley said: “Thanks to Willow Wood Hospice, we were able to be by mum’s side and she was surrounded by loved ones in her final days. As Willow Wood heavily relies on charity to continue, we are raising funds to help ensure that other families that go through this will receive the same exceptional care and support that she did.
“We cannot thank the staff enough for the care my mum and the rest of our family received during and after her passing.”
The couple from Hadfield planned to raise £750 but achieved that in just one day! They then doubled their target and smashed that, so they are now looking to raise at least £1,750.
The Willow Wood Hospice Cup will be up for grabs when Glossop North End AFC face Mossley AFC in a pre-season friendly.
The local rivals will meet on Tuesday 9th July at the Asgard Engineering Stadium on Surrey Street in Glossop, with kick-off at 7.45pm.
Admission will be £5 for adults, £3 for senior citizens and £1 for children.
There will be a raffle and collection buckets on the night which will help to raise funds for the Hospice.
Brian Wild, a patron of the Hospice, said: “The Willow Wood Hospice Cup was always a key feature of the Tameside and Glossop football scene and this game sees the trophy back in business in style.”
Both teams are looking forward to the match, which is not only an important part of their preparations for the 2024/25 campaign but also an opportunity to show their proud support of the Hospice which cares for patients from their local community.
Dave Atkinson, chairman of Glossop North End AFC, commented: “We are really pleased to have been chosen to be part of this historic revival of the Willow Wood Hospice Cup. I am really looking forward to what should be a great game against Mossley.”
Mossley AFC’s chairman Steve Porter said: “We are proud to support the amazing work that Willow Wood does in our local community. It’s a wonderful charity which will support so many families in Tameside and Glossop at some stage in their lives.
“We are delighted to be part of what promises to be a great occasion.”
Willow Wood Hospice, based in Ashton-under-Lyne, is a leading provider of free, specialist palliative care for patients with any life-limiting illnesses in Tameside and Glossop. Throughout 2023, the Hospice provided care and support for almost 700 local people.
Glossop North End will compete in the North West Counties League Premier Division next season, while Mossley AFC will play in the Northern Premier League Division One West.
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