Tintwistle Climate Emergency Campaign – supported by Tintwistle Village Club and Tintwistle Parish Council – is launching a clothing appeal in January 2026.
You can help the Hospice raise vital funds and keep items from landfill by donating your clean, good quality adult and children’s clothing.
Simply drop off your items at the Parish Council offices on Sexton Street, off New Road (SK13 1JN) on these dates:
Saturday mornings: 3rd, 10th, 17th, 24th and 31st January – 10am to 1pm
Tuesday mornings: 6th, 13th, 20th and 27th January – 10am to 11am
Wednesday mornings: 7th, 14th, 21st and 28th January – 10am to midday
Coat hangers would also be welcomed, but shoes, toys and homewares cannot be accepted. Please take items only during the hours stated above.
Willow Wood Hospice is celebrating after its Glossop charity shop was crowned the East Midlands winner in the UK’s Favourite Charity Shop Awards 2025.
The much-loved shop on High Street West was one of over 5,000 charity shops nominated from across the UK and rose to the top following a public vote of more than 40,000 people.
It is one of just 12 winners nationwide, representing each of the nine English regions, plus Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland.
Adding to the Hospice’s success, Willow Wood’s shop in Hyde was also shortlisted in the highly competitive North West category.
The awards organised by the Charity Retail Association, now in their second year, celebrate the very best of charity retail – shops that not only raise vital funds through the sale of pre-loved goods but also serve as community hubs, providing employment, volunteering opportunities, and support for local people.
Customers of the Glossop shop echoed this sentiment in their nominations.
One supporter commented: “This charity shop is so well presented, colour co-ordinated and the staff are so lovely. They are very reasonably priced, making it accessible to all – I go in four times a week. Everything is priced very reasonably; range of stock is really good. The staff are amazing; they can never do enough for you.”
Some of the Willow Wood Glossop shop’s hard-working volunteers celebrating with the award.
The award was presented to the shop’s team on Thursday 30th October by Emma Peake, Chair of the Charity Retail Association, who spoke with the dedicated staff and volunteers behind the shop’s success.
Caroline Lillis, manager of the Hospice’s Glossop shop, said: “We’re absolutely thrilled to have been named East Midlands winner – it means so much to our whole team. Every day, our volunteers bring warmth and passion to what they do, and our customers are like family to us. This award is for the community of Glossop who support us so loyally – we couldn’t do it without them.”
Pauline Lunt, Head of Retail at Willow Wood Hospice, added: “A huge thank you to everyone who took the time to vote, share, and spread the word among family and friends. Your support truly makes a difference and these awards recognise the outstanding work our retail team does every day to support patient care at the Hospice.”
Robin Osterley OBE, Chief Executive of the Charity Retail Association, commented: “Congratulations to all the winners and thank you to everyone who voted. The volume of support the Awards received this year not only demonstrates the public’s passion for their favourite stores but really shows the impact they have within their local communities and the difference they make to people’s lives.”
The overall UK winner will be announced in November.
Willow Wood Hospice has welcomed High Peak MP Jon Pearce and Councillor Damien Greenhalgh for the first time to see and hear about its vital role in the community.
The Hospice, based in Ashton-under-Lyne, provides compassionate, specialist and dignified care to patients with any life-limiting illness and those closest to them from Tameside and Glossop.
The Labour MP, who represents Glossop residents in Parliament, and Cllr Greenhalgh met with several members of Willow Wood’s Senior Management Team and Timothy Jackson, Chair of the Board of Trustees.
They were also given a tour of the Hospice by Timothy and Clinical Director Nicola Cheetham and interacted with some staff and volunteers.
During the round-table discussion, CEO Tracy Minshull expressed her gratitude for the government’s support in providing £181,000 to the Hospice in capital funding – which will be spent on refurbishing the Inpatient Unit – but outlined the significant challenges relating to long-term sustainable funding, particularly as supporters have less money to donate and it costs at least £3.6 million a year to keep the Hospice running.
Clinical Director Nicola Cheetham showing High Peak MP Jon Pearce and Councillor Damien Greenhalgh one of our Complementary Therapy suites
Nicola gave an overview of Willow Wood’s array of services and outlined that 70 per cent of the care provided is by the Community Services team, both at the Hospice and in a patient’s own home, encouraging patients to live as well as possible for as long as possible.
Sam Duncan, Director of Fundraising and Communications, emphasised how much the Hospice relies on the generosity of the local community through supporting fundraising events and the shops. She also acknowledged the success of moving the Hospice’s Glossop shop into a bigger and better location and recent awards recognition for Willow Wood, including the retail team.
Gill Egerton, Head of HR and Workforce, explained how Willow Wood’s army of around 500 volunteers support all areas of the Hospice and its eight charity shops. She also spoke about collaborations with local colleges and businesses, as well as supporting 16 to 24-year-olds into paid work placements through the Youth Employment Support (YES) scheme in Tameside.
MP Jon Pearce and Cllr Damien Greenhalgh in conversation with our Senior Management Team and Chair of the Board of Trustees
CEO Tracy Minshull said: “It was a pleasure to welcome Jon and Damien to the Hospice to give them a snapshot of what we do. We are grateful for their time and engagement – we were impressed by their knowledge of the hospice and wider healthcare sector. We hope to have their continued support as we work to meet the increasing demand for our services while navigating financial challenges.”
Jon Pearce MP said: “Visiting Willow Wood Hospice was both moving and inspiring. The care provided by the organisation goes far beyond medical support – it’s about dignity, compassion, and standing alongside families during some of the most difficult times of their lives. I was especially impressed by the Hospice’s outreach to support people living with dementia and their family carers – something I have a deep personal connection to through my family’s own experience with my father’s illness.
“The professionalism and kindness shown by the entire team at Willow Wood is making a real difference to so many across Tameside and Glossop. I’ll continue to do all I can to ensure hospices like Willow Wood get the recognition and long-term support they so clearly deserve.”
Cllr Damien Greenhalgh said: “This was a truly heartwarming visit. The impact and power of volunteering came through loud and clear – from the 20-strong team lovingly tending to the beautiful gardens, to those welcoming patients and families, and the volunteers raising vital funds in community shops. Willow Wood Hospice is nothing short of remarkable – not only for the quality of care it provides, but for the dedication, heart, and generosity of the staff and volunteers who make it all possible. It’s a local treasure we must all champion.”
Mr Pearce – whose family have a working background in the medical profession – was elected as an MP for the first time last year, while his Chief of Staff, Damien Greenhalgh, is also Deputy Leader of High Peak Borough Council and represents the Glossop South division on Derbyshire County Council.
A patient who was cared for at Willow Wood fulfilled a lifelong dream — with the help and support of the Hospice’s dedicated team.
Joanne Bradburn, from Glossop, was diagnosed with lung cancer in September 2024 and was first referred to our Inpatient Unit in April 2025, to help manage her pain and support her ongoing care.
After a period in hospital, Joanne returned to the Hospice, where she received end-of-life care before she died in June, aged 45.
During her time at the Hospice, Joanne shared with our team that she had always dreamed of going on a barge trip — a wish inspired by fond childhood memories.
“I’ve always wanted to go on a barge trip since I was young,” she said. “I used to love watching Rosie and Jim on TV – me and my brother were obsessed with it.
“After my diagnosis, I came up with a bit of a bucket list and one of the things on it was to do a barge trip with my family because none of us had ever been on one.”
Joanne’s family had originally booked two barges that could accommodate 19 people, but as her health declined and she lost her mobility, the plan felt increasingly out of reach.
“My brother Wesley found two barges which held 19 of us which was booked a while ago. But as time has gone on, my condition has got progressively worse and I cannot walk anymore. I’m not mobile so I’m restricted to a wheelchair.
“We were all thinking it was too much and we’re not going to be able to do it.”
That’s when Nicola, one of Willow Wood’s Specialist Occupational Therapists, stepped in. Hearing about Joanne’s dream, she suggested a more accessible option closer to the Hospice – ensuring there was access on and off the boat, safe transport to the barge, and that Joanne’s needs could be met whilst she was on the boat.
“Nicola gave us lots of information about ‘Still Waters’ – a trip boat operated by Tameside Canal Boat Trust at Portland Basin in Ashton-under-Lyne, because otherwise we wouldn’t have known about it.
“The barge had an accessible lift and toilet. To transport Joanne from the Hospice to Portland Basin, she needed her wheelchair to be clamped down in the taxi. We used Hyde Accessible Transport, which we highly recommend.
“My sister Hayleigh contacted them and they accommodated us straight away. It was a shorter barge trip which worked better for me – about two-and-a-half hours up and down Droylsden Canal.
“My whole family came along on the first Bank Holiday Monday in May. There were 19 of us – including my partner Bill, my parents, my two brothers, my two sisters and their children.
“We all managed to get on a very traditional narrow boat. We had an amazing time and the weather was beautiful. The children loved it, they were able to feed the birds too. It really was a dream come true for me.”
Joanne with her family on the barge.
Joanne had other items on her bucket list – including attending her sister Hayleigh’s wedding in Halifax in August.
“I’d love to have a ride in a hot air balloon but my family were a bit sceptical on that one. I think I’d be a bit nervous about that as well but I would like to do a bit more of a daredevil kind of activity – perhaps with my partner.”
Joanne was extremely grateful for the care she has received at Willow Wood, which she described as ‘11 out of 10’.
She said: “I cannot fault it. I’ve been really looked after, in every aspect I could possibly wish – it’s been second to none. The team have been so compassionate – you can see they genuinely care about my wellbeing and make sure that I am okay.
“The surroundings are just perfect. I love the gardens where I’ve spent a lot of time. It’s great that the rooms back onto the gardens. I was able to experience the Flower Festival here too which was lovely – I managed to take part in some of the raffles and tombolas and won a lovely bottle of perfume. It was like a bit of normality.
“My family have been able to visit me regularly as well at any time they like, which has been another good thing. They have said they have enjoyed coming and how beautiful it is. It’s not a scary place to come to.”
Before coming to Willow Wood, Joanne didn’t know about the services we provide — or the scale of funding needed to keep the Hospice running.
“I did not know anything about it before but it’s a place I’ll be shouting about now and I want to do some charity events to help towards fundraising because it’s a lot of money to run the place.”
It costs at least £3.6 million every year for Willow Wood Hospice to continue providing our 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.
Our charity shop in Glossop is paying tribute to the iconic fashion designer Dame Vivienne Westwood with a stunning window display celebrating her incredible legacy.
Vivienne made her mark in the 1970s, bringing punk and new wave fashion into the mainstream with her bold and eccentric designs. We’re honouring her creative spirit with a unique display that reflects her iconic style.
Millie, who has been volunteering in the shop for three years, came up with the idea.
“I’m a massive Vivienne Westwood fan and as we are close to her birthplace, I thought what better way for us to celebrate a true icon for what would have been her birthday,” she said.
Crafted by our talented staff and volunteers, the display was unveiled last Saturday (29th March) and will remain in place until at least Tuesday 8th April, which would have been Vivienne’s 84th birthday.
WATCH: See the window display in a short video, by clicking the play button below…
A connection with Vivienne
Vivienne’s company Vivienne Westwood Limited donated a designer bag to Sara Scott-Rivers, Executive Assistant to our CEO Tracy Minshull – who lives in Tintwistle, where Vivienne grew up.
Sara is a big fan of Vivienne and her brand, as well as her environmentally conscious ethos.
Vivienne received hospice care in south London before she died in December 2022 at the age of 81 and as Sara works at a hospice, it felt like a meaningful connection.
Sara said: “I think Vivienne would approve of the bag helping to raise vital funds for a hospice.”
Describing the piece, Sara added: “It’s small and tartan with a thick heavy chain – very eye-catching. It’s in its dust bag with a little card. I hope it raises a decent amount for Willow Wood and it would be lovely if it finds a home with someone who loves all things Westwood.”
Sara with the bag outside the Hospice
Win a Westwood masterpiece!
That very bag is now part of our Glossop shop display, in photographic form, and is the prize in an exciting raffle.
Tickets can be bought in the shop at 12 High Street West, and at Pixie Bakes Cakery & Coffee Shop in Tintwistle, for £1 each. The raffle will be drawn on Saturday 19th April.
Even after her move to London, Vivienne never forgot her Peak District roots. Indeed, a striking mural of the designer, created by local artist Deggy, is proudly displayed in Glossop town centre.
So it’s fitting that our boutique-style Glossop shop remembers a local icon who will always be synonymous with fashion.
Caroline Lillis, our Glossop shop manager, said: “We’re excited to celebrate Vivienne Westwood’s incredible legacy with this special window display. I’d like to thank the whole team for their hard work – it looks magnificent.
“As a trailblazing fashion icon with strong local connections, this is a wonderful opportunity to honour her creativity and impact. We hope the display inspires our community and highlights Vivienne’s lasting influence on fashion.”
If you’re in Glossop, make sure to stop by and take a look!
You’ve got to see the display for yourself!
Fashion Show alert!
On the subject of style, don’t miss our next Fashion Show on Friday 9th May at The Lock in Stalybridge. Expect a fabulous night of style, sparkle, and bargains!
With an eye for quality and a passion for discovering hidden history, our Glossop shop volunteer Stella Quinn knows a thing or two about jewellery.
During her Friday and Saturday afternoon shifts, Stella meticulously processes donations of bric-a-brac and jewellery, pricing them up and stocking them on the shelves.
She was sorting through one particular bag of costume jewellery donated recently when one item immediately stood out, much to her excitement.
“I just happened to come across an oval locket, it was absolutely stunning,” explained Stella.
“It could have possibly come from a house clearance. I noticed straight away that it was a much older item.
“I know about jewellery and collect some myself. It was just so unusual. The rim was gold metal but not hallmarked.
“It was a miniature of a sailor and his love, with a ship in the background and he’s handing her a bag of money. On the reverse was plaited hair, which was the norm for a love token. It would have been the hair of your best beloved. The couple were in typical Georgian dress in the painting on the front of the locket.
“It was probably earlier than the Victorian age because the style of the dress is Regency and it wasn’t a mourning item because they were almost always black. Victorian jewellery would tend to be black often with plaited hair, based on items worn by Queen Victoria.
“It wouldn’t be something that you could really wear in this day and age, unless you’re dressed for it. But it’s a great item for a collector.”
The love token, around two inches by 1.5 inches in size, is believed to be from circa 1820 to 1840.
The front (left) and back of the locket that was donated to our Glossop shop
Recognising there could be more to the locket than meets the eye, Stella decided to explore online to see if she could get an auctioneer to value it – and her endeavours were worthwhile.
“I discovered Adam Partridge Auctioneers and Valuers, based in Devon, and they were really enthusiastic about it.
“They gave it a basic valuation of between £150 to £200 and also said that they don’t charge charities commission which is really good. They were exceptionally helpful.
“They said anything of that age, like a miniature, would be painted on ivory so we had to get an ivory exemption certificate which for the size of the locket was around £20. They sold it for us and we got £100 for it which was fantastic. I didn’t have a reserve on it, so that was fine.
“It was a real learning curve because I hadn’t taken anything to an auction house before. I certainly would consider it for future donations.”
Stella, who lives in Simmondley, has volunteered in our Glossop shop for around six years.
The former teaching assistant, who worked with students with special educational needs for around 30 years, wanted to support the Hospice after our teams cared for her husband when he was ill.
Stella finds great joy in using her inquisitive mind to really make a difference.
“You never know what you’re going to find when you open a bag of donations and that’s the beauty of it,” she shared.
“In any donation, you can find a piece of silver or occasionally gold. You can’t discount it so you’ve got to look – I always carry a little lens in my pocket, just in case.”
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.”
The Willow Wood Hospice Cup made a triumphant return on Tuesday night in Glossop.
Glossop North End AFC and Mossley AFC faced off in a pre-season friendly at the Asgard Engineering Stadium last night, with the shiny trophy at stake.
Around 140 spectators came through the turnstiles and raised around £100 by donating through collection buckets at the bar in the clubhouse, at the refreshments hut and as our volunteers made their way around the ground.
The Hospice’s familiar tree logo was a visible presence as supporters were also able to read a copy of the latest Willow Wood Hospice Together Newsletter and find out more about the vital services Willow Wood provides to the communities of Tameside and Glossop.
Glossop chairman Dave Atkinson and Mossley chairman Stephen Porter posed for a pre-match photo with the cup, before the players and match officials followed suit just before kick-off.
Once the action got under way, Mossley AFC ran out 2-0 winners thanks to goals in each half from Obua Mugalula and a trialist.
The rain started to pour towards the end of the game, but it did not dampen spirits as former Glossop and Mossley player Ben Richardson presented the cup to Mossley captain Mark Lees to lift aloft.
It was particularly poignant for schoolteacher Ben, who wanted to support the occasion after his mother received end-of-life care at the Hospice last year.
Glossop North End chairman Dave Atkinson said: “We were really proud to support the Hospice by hosting the game at Surrey Street and pleased to see this trophy has been revived by former Hospice Trustee Brian Wild and long-time Willow Wood supporter Chris Smith.
“The two local clubs may have been competing against each other on the pitch, but they were united in their support for the Hospice.”
Brian Wild commented: “We were delighted to revive the Willow Wood Hospice Cup. It’s been missing from the local football scene for too long and it will become an annual fixture in the local football calendar once again.”
Mossley AFC chairman Stephen Porter said: “We may have won the cup and the players from both teams put up a great fight to make for an entertaining game, but Willow Wood Hospice deals daily with people meeting tougher challenges. Football clubs, like Glossop and Mossley, are at the heart of communities and the Hospice is a vital part of many people’s lives.”
Images credit with permission: Steve Dyson/Glossop North End AFC
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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