Category: Fundraisers

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Teenager riding high after mammoth challenge for Willow Wood

A Dukinfield teenager has raised a fantastic £1,735 for Willow Wood Hospice by swimming the equivalent of five marathons AND cycling 73 miles.

Leila McClure combined two of her passions for the mammoth eight-month challenge, which she completed before the 20th anniversary of her grandma’s death.

Mary McClure died peacefully in the Hospice, based in Ashton-under-Lyne, on 5th May 2003 from breast cancer.

Although Leila didn’t get to meet her grandma, the memories shared with her throughout her life made it feel that she had a deep understanding and connection with her.

The 13-year-old, who goes to All Saints Catholic College and is a member of Dukinfield Marlins Swimming Club, has made her family very proud.

Leila’s family have been supporting the Hospice for many years

Her dad Ian told us: “She has smashed her challenge out of the park, eight months of solid hard work that involved a 73-mile bike ride and 131 miles in the pool. The pool swims equated to a humongous 8,384 lengths!

“For a 13-year-old girl, her focus and dedication are inspirational. As well as raising funds for her grandma, halfway through the challenge, her grandad passed away and whilst it had an obvious impact on her, she did not allow this to throw her and she kept focussed on raising as much money as she could for Willow Wood.

“Big thanks to everyone who sponsored her and helped motivate her along the way, including Leila’s amazing friends, as well as Active Tameside for donating free swims at their pools for her.

“What a fantastic achievement, we are very, very proud.”

Leila swam most days in order to complete her epic challenge

Leila set an initial target to raise £500 but quickly smashed it and the money she has raised will make a difference to patients from the local community in our care.

Samantha Kitch, Fundraising Manager at Willow Wood Hospice, said: “We are truly grateful for the incredible determination and heart that Leila has shown to support the Hospice.

“She really is an inspiration to us all and we cannot thank her enough for her amazing efforts, which will help us to provide compassionate care to other families across Tameside and Glossop.

“We need to raise at least £3.3 million every year and, with only around 20 per cent of our funding coming by way of central government, the generosity of our community is crucial.”

If you would like to take on a challenge for Willow Wood, please get in touch with our Fundraising team by emailing fundraising@willowwood.org.uk or calling 0161 330 7788 so the Hospice’s team can support you along the way.

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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.

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Football fans walk for Willow Wood

Last weekend, a group of friends from the Tameside area walked from Old Trafford, the home of Manchester United FC, to The Project Solar Stadium, the home of Hyde United FC, whilst visiting other football clubs along the way.

They decided to embark on the walk of around 23 miles to raise money for Willow Wood, as they have all known somebody who has benefitted from the Hospice’s services and they wanted to give something back.

A massive thank you to Chris Grimshaw, Lewis Johnstone, Matt Riley, Carl Riley, Jimbo Stirling, Ross Schofield, Alex Charnley, Matt Harrop, Ryan Millington, Gary Sandiford and Tom Marsland.

Tom even travelled up from London, where he currently lives and works, to do the walk.

They have already raised over £3,700 for Willow Wood and you can still make a donation to support their fundraising efforts at https://www.justgiving.com/page/groupwalkforwillowwood

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Teenager hits the ground running with fundraising challenge

A teenage girl from Tameside is lacing up her trainers to embark on a bumper running challenge to raise funds for Willow Wood Hospice.

Freya Goodwin has doubled her target so she is now running 60k in total by taking on 5k runs at Parkrun at Oldham’s Alexandra Park over 12 consecutive Saturday mornings.

Running is something Freya doesn’t normally like doing but the 14-year-old is pushing herself out of her comfort zone, in memory of a close family friend who received end-of-life care at the Hospice in Ashton-under-Lyne last year.

“I want to raise money in memory of a dear family friend who sadly passed away far too soon last year and they have always supported me,” Freya explained.

“Her husband very kindly nominated Willow Wood as the charity that he and his wife would want to support through my fundraising.”

Freya wearing her Willow Wood t-shirt and holding her Willow Wood water bottle during one of her Parkruns

Freya takes on a different challenge at this time every year as part of her studies at Mossley Hollins High School, where community and fundraising is part of their Character Awards initiative.

“Last year I walked the distance of a marathon over the month of March which was a lot of hiking around Dove Stone and different places,” said the Year 9 pupil.

“For this fundraiser, I really wanted to challenge myself by doing something far out of my comfort zone. Most people who know me know that my nemesis is running.

“I can walk, swim, play netball and volleyball but I’m not particularly good at running. I am not expecting to get great times. This challenge is going to be difficult but, as this fundraiser means so much, I will give it my all.”

It’s a family affair as Freya is being accompanied on her runs by mum Faye, dad Steven and their dog Honey.

She has already smashed her initial fundraising target of £100 and hopes to raise as much money as possible for Willow Wood, which provides high quality, multi-professional care, support and education across Tameside and Glossop.

You can make a donation on Freya’s JustGiving page here: https://www.justgiving.com/page/freya-goodwin-1709142095339

If you are taking on a running event or a challenge for Willow Wood, send an email to fundraising@willowwood.org.uk so the Hospice’s team can support you along the way.

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Hospice needs Creme Eggs for cracking Easter fundraiser

Willow Wood Hospice is appealing for donations of Creme Eggs to reward local children taking part in its Bunny Hop Easter fundraiser.

Last year, a w-hopping 6,000 bunnies took a leap of love, raising a jaw-dropping £45,000 by donning bunny ears to hop, skip and jump around playgrounds, halls and parks across Tameside and Glossop.

In the year Willow Wood celebrates 25 years of patient care, the Hospice based in Ashton-under-Lyne wants Easter 2024 to be Top of the Hops.

It’s looking for individuals, groups and companies who can donate Creme Eggs which will be given to youngsters participating in the Bunny Hop.

Don’t worry if you cannot get hold of Creme Eggs, as donations of other small wrapped Easter treats would be gratefully received too.

Some of the small wrapped Easter treats we would gratefully receive for our Bunny Hop

People can drop off treats at the Hospice reception on Willow Wood Close, off Mellor Road in Ashton-under-Lyne (postcode OL6 6SL) or at any of the Hospice’s charity shops. A full list of locations can be found at https://willowwood.org.uk/shop-locations/

There is also the option of purchasing Creme Eggs online, such as via Amazon, and having them delivered directly to the Hospice, via the address above, for the attention of Tracey Schofield.

To ensure they reach the children once they have completed the challenge, the Hospice ideally needs the eggs by 5th April.

Anyone who is unable to physically donate items but still wants to get involved can make a cash donation, which will sponsor the children taking part in the Bunny Hop, through a simple online form at https://willowwood.org.uk/events/bunny-hop/

The Hospice’s very own Easter Bunny, Tracey Schofield, said: “It’s an egg-citing year at Willow Wood as we recognise 25 years of delivering patient care and the Bunny Hop showcases the incredible power of our community coming together for a cause that truly hops straight to your heart.

“Every child taking part will receive an Easter activity pack, a cute snap wristband, a sweet treat and, of course, the all-important bunny ears which they can take home and use throughout Easter.

“We need as many Creme Eggs as possible and every contribution, however small, will make a difference to children who are raising funds to support patients from the local community with a life-limiting illness. We appreciate your generosity.”

Any school, nursery or children’s group that wishes to take part in the Willow Wood Bunny Hop can still sign up, by emailing tracey.schofield@willowwood.org.uk or calling 0161 330 7788.

By Adam Higgins

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Friends to embark on zip line adventure for Hospice

A group of four friends are gearing up for a day of thrills when they take on the world’s fastest zip line in aid of Willow Wood Hospice.

Sue Lord, Julie Trickey, Nanette Backhouse and Alison Gough will rise to the challenge of speeding up to 100mph over Penrhyn Quarry in picturesque north Wales.

Sue, Julie and Nanette are members of the Willow Wood Hospice Choir, which sings every Tuesday evening at the Hospice and holds fundraising events throughout the year.

The ladies are in their 40s, 50s and 70s respectively and all live in and around the Tameside area.

Sue already knows what to expect as she braved a zip line for the Hospice at the same site some 12 years ago.

“It was awesome, just amazing,” she said. “I really enjoyed it. The whole experience was exhilarating and we all had a really good time.

“I chatted to Sam, the Hospice’s Fundraising Manager, and suggested doing it again. I would highly recommend it to anyone. It’s organised as a package now which is brilliant.”

(left to right) Alison, Julie, Sue and Nanette at the Hospice wearing their #TeamWillowWood t-shirts

Sue – who worked at Willow Wood for 15 years in the finance department and now volunteers since retiring around seven years ago – got her fellow team members on board but the Hospice means so much to them all.

“Julie has done an abseil from IKEA and danced at one of the Strictly events for the hospice,” Sue explained.

“Nanette has helped out in the gardens before through corporate volunteering and doing the zip line has been on Alison’s bucket list so she was keen to get involved.

“We just want to raise as much money as possible for Willow Wood whilst having lots of fun. We are really looking forward to it.”

The group have two JustGiving pages if you would like to support them by making a donation. Visit https://www.justgiving.com/page/alison-nanette2024 or https://www.justgiving.com/page/sueandjuliezip

Places are still available for teams of four to take part in the Velocity Team Challenge on Saturday 16th March.

For more information, visit https://willowwood.org.uk/events/zip-line/

By Adam Higgins

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Fundraiser braves head shave for Willow Wood

A determined woman from Ashton-under-Lyne has braved having her head shaved to help raise vital funds for Willow Wood Hospice.

Karen Roberts decided to lose her hair in support of her friend Debbie Grimshaw, who is undergoing chemotherapy after being diagnosed with ovarian cancer.

Karen was due to have her head shaved in December but unfortunately had to postpone it when she got Covid-19.

The 53-year-old has raised a fantastic £1,821.25 – which will help to support the care of patients from the communities of Tameside and Glossop with life-limiting illnesses.

Karen wanted to help the Hospice, where two of her friends sadly died and two more friends currently use Willow Wood’s services.

Supported by family and friends, Karen came into the Hospice to have her hair shaved by Rachel Smith, from Headquarters at the Hayloft in Stalybridge.

Karen said: “Thanks to Willow Wood for being a special place to recover, to be comfortable or to have your final farewell. It’s a peaceful, relaxing and friendly place to be.

“I had my head shaved for a few people I know – Keith, Diane, Debbie and Sue, who are going through chemotherapy treatment and who are all so brave and courageous.

“My partner Keith was diagnosed with lymphoma in March last year. He is now in remission and, with ongoing strength, we can face life together and enjoy 2024 and more years cancer free.”

By Adam Higgins

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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

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Tameside teenager embarks on epic challenge for Willow Wood

A teenager from Dukinfield is swimming the equivalent of five marathons AND cycling 73 miles – all before the anniversary of her grandma’s death – to raise funds for Willow Wood Hospice.

Mary McClure passed away peacefully in the Hospice, based in Ashton-under-Lyne, on 5th May 2003 from breast cancer.

Although Leila McClure didn’t get to meet her grandma, the memories shared with her throughout her life made it feel that she had a deep understanding and connection with her.

Leila’s family have been supporting the Hospice for many years and have been volunteering at events where Leila has come along to since she was just two years old.

Now Leila is 13 years old and able to choose how she can support the Hospice by herself, she has taken on the huge challenge, which she intends to finish by 5th May 2024.

Leila, who goes to All Saints Catholic College, said: “Unfortunately, I never met my grandma as she died before I was born, however I have been told how much of an amazing person she was and how well she was cared for in our amazing Hospice.

“This year is the 20th anniversary since she passed away and she would have been celebrating her 73rd birthday on New Year’s Eve. To mark the 20 years, I wanted to do something significant to recognise her and raise some money along the way. I plan to combine two passions of mine – cycling and swimming.

“As she would have been 73 and died on the fifth month of the year, I am doing a 73-mile bike ride (to recognise her 73rd birthday) and swim the equivalent of five marathons (as she died on the fifth day of the fifth month of the year).

“The swimming will be the most difficult challenge as that equates to 131 miles, so 8,433 lengths in total, but I am determined to do it and raise much-needed funds for a great cause, given how important it is to the local community.

“I am up for the challenge. Any help you can give me along the way by sponsoring me with whatever you can would be really appreciated.”

Leila – who is a member of Dukinfield Marlins Swimming Club – usually swims for around two hours, three times per week, but she is now swimming most days to ensure she completes her challenge. She has already finished her first marathon – so it’s one down, four to go!

Her initial target of £500 has already been smashed and Leila is thrilled with the support she has had so far.

Lisa Buckley, Community Fundraiser at Willow Wood Hospice, commented: “We are truly grateful for the incredible determination and heart that Leila is showing to support the Hospice.

“Her dedication is a shining example of the impact one individual can have when they set their mind to making a difference.

“We are thrilled to have such an inspirational champion like Leila helping us to continue providing vital care and support to those in need in our community.”

Anyone who wishes to support Leila to help provide other families with the care and support her grandma received at the Hospice can make a donation on her JustGiving page here: https://www.justgiving.com/page/leila-mcclure-1696426430085

Pictured: Young fundraising hero Leila in the gardens at Willow Wood Hospice

By Adam Higgins