Category: Hospice visits

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MP and councillor see Willow Wood’s vital work

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
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
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.

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Children from Stalybridge school make pilgrimage to Willow Wood

Pupils and staff from St Peter’s Catholic Primary School with staff from Willow Wood in the Hospice gardens.

Pupils from St Peter’s Catholic Primary School in Stalybridge have embarked on a ‘pilgrimage’ from the school to Willow Wood Hospice.

Twenty-eight children from Year Four walked from the school on Hough Hill Road to the Hospice in Ashton-under-Lyne, which took around 40 minutes, on Wednesday 7th May.

They were warmly greeted by Willow Wood’s staff and volunteers and, after having refreshments, pupils Keeva Gallagher and Evelyn McGrath presented the Hospice’s Director of Fundraising and Communications, Sam Duncan, with a special candle.

The youngsters also had a look at the Hospice’s beautiful gardens before walking back to school.

Every 25 years, the Catholic Church holds a Jubilee year and all members of the Church family participate in the holy year.

To mark the occasion, every class at St Peter’s has chosen somewhere to make a pilgrimage to and Year Four decided to choose Willow Wood Hospice – which provides free specialist, compassionate and dignified care to patients living with any life-limiting illness in Tameside and Glossop.

Sam Duncan, Director of Fundraising and Communications, receives the candle from Keeva and Evelyn at Willow Wood Hospice.
Sam Duncan, Director of Fundraising and Communications, receives the candle from Keeva and Evelyn at Willow Wood Hospice.

Sinead Barber, class teacher and Deputy Headteacher, explained: “This year is the Catholic year of the Jubilee and the theme is Pilgrims of Hope, that we become Pilgrims of Hope and during this sacred year everybody is encouraged to make a pilgrimage to a sacred place to reaffirm their faith.

“So our Year 4 class have walked to Willow Wood. It was a lovely walk on a sunny day and we had lots of volunteer helpers. Lots of the parents came along to support us as well which is really nice.

“As a school, we want to bring the community into school and go out into the community as well.

“The candle we have presented symbolises that Jesus is the light of the world. The candle and the light is a symbol of hope.”

The school has supported the Hospice previously – their Choir have sung at our Garden of Lights celebration evenings in the lead-up to Christmas and, more recently, at our Dementia Café.

Pupils have taken part in our Bunny Hop campaign at Easter – hopping around the school playground to raise funds for the Hospice.

They have also supported Willow Wood through their Christmas productions when they sell programmes and other items.

Lucy Ta’ati, Community Events and Engagement Fundraiser, said: “We were truly touched by the children’s visit and their thoughtful gesture.

“It’s incredibly heartwarming to see young people actively supporting their community and taking an interest in what we do at the Hospice.

“Their candle gift was a beautiful symbol, and we’re so grateful to St Peter’s for their continued support.”

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Strictly star enjoys festive floristry with patients

A Strictly Come Dancing champion brought some sparkle to a festive wreath-making session at Willow Wood Hospice.

Ellie Leach, who is a patron of the Hospice, joined Wellbeing patients for an afternoon of craft and creativity last Thursday (12th December).

The workshop in The Hive – the Hospice’s Wellbeing activity space – was led by volunteer Brenda Wardle and her granddaughter Sarah.

Brenda sourced some of the materials to make the wreaths and some came from generous donations from the local community through our charity shops.

Julie Moran, Wellbeing Team Leader at Willow Wood, said: “Our patients had a wonderful time creating their festive wreaths alongside Ellie.

“Her kindness, enthusiasm and down-to-earth nature brought so much joy to the session. We thank Ellie so much for making the day extra special.

“Creativity and crafts help to enhance mental health and wellbeing by reducing stress, boosting mood and enabling self-expression and mindfulness.”

Willow Wood – based in Ashton-under-Lyne – provides specialist, compassionate and dignified care to patients from Tameside and Glossop with any life-limiting illness, empowering them to live as well as possible for as long as possible.

The Hospice’s patrons believe in the aims of Willow Wood, help raise valuable funds for its work and generate awareness of achievements and campaigns.

In October 2023, Ellie became the youngest-ever patron of the Hospice – where her grandad died.

The 23-year-old – who was last year’s winner of the BBC show Strictly Come Dancing – is best known for playing Faye Windass in ITV’s Coronation Street for 12 years before leaving the cobbles last year.

Ellie, who lives in Audenshaw, says she enjoyed the experience of meeting patients and encourages the local community to continuing supporting the Hospice.

“I had such a lovely time talking to the patients, seeing their creativity shine and getting into the festive spirit with them – the final creations looked superb,” said Ellie.

“The environment at the Hospice is so warm and welcoming. I feel very proud to be able to support such a fantastic place, which really needs all of our support.

“If you can make a donation however small, volunteer your time or buy from Willow Wood’s charity shops, you really will be making a difference.”

The Wellbeing team provides personalised, emotional and psychological support through one-to-one and group sessions, focused on being active and promoting mindfulness, relaxation and self-care and complementary therapies.

If you or someone you know is living with a life-limiting illness in Tameside and Glossop, you can find out what support could be available to you by calling 0161 330 1100.

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Mayor champions hospices on first Willow Wood visit

The Mayor of Greater Manchester said he is committed to supporting local hospices on his first visit to Willow Wood.

Andy Burnham met staff and volunteers at the Hospice, based in Ashton-under-Lyne, on Thursday afternoon (12th September).

He was joined by two secondary school pupils Skye Yates and Nicholas Ali, and their teacher Tasleem Ayoub, from Great Academy Ashton, who were shadowing the Mayor for the day.

Mr Burnham engaged in a productive discussion with Willow Wood CEO Tracy Minshull, Clinical Director Nicola Cheetham, Medical Director Dr Mary Ann Mahadevan, and Chair of the Board of Trustees Philip Millson.

As a former Health Secretary, the Mayor is familiar with, and a welcome advocate of, the hospice movement. He sympathised with the current financial and sustainability challenges faced by Willow Wood and other hospices across Greater Manchester.

Mr Burnham acknowledged that a fairer balance is needed when it comes to distribution of funding to hospices from the Government.

He also recognised the contribution hospices make in supporting the pressures on already overwhelmed hospitals and the unique role that hospices like Willow Wood play within the wider health and social care system, as well as in local communities such as Tameside and Glossop.

On the Inpatient Unit, the Mayor also met Hospice patient Tom Sullivan and his daughter Lynn Passman, who told him about the compassionate care they have received and how Willow Wood is a special place.

Tracy Minshull, CEO of Willow Wood Hospice, commented: “We are very grateful to Mr Burnham for taking the time to visit us and recognising the vital work of our dedicated staff and volunteers.

“He valued the expertise that the hospice movement has in providing dignified, high-quality end-of-life support and we hope, with the Mayor’s support, we can work collaboratively with our partners across Greater Manchester for the benefit of our patients and those closest to them.”

Philip Millson, Chair of the Board of Trustees, added: “We were honoured to welcome the Mayor of Greater Manchester, who spoke very enthusiastically about the importance of hospice care.

“He is keen to support Willow Wood and hospices across Greater Manchester where he can, and we hope to welcome him again soon.”

Mayor of Greater Manchester, Andy Burnham, said: “It was a privilege to visit Willow Wood Hospice, where I heard about the compassion, care and dignity its staff and volunteers provide to local people when they need it most.

“The commitment and sense of community at Willow Wood really shines through. Thank you to all the hospices across Greater Manchester for the essential work you carry out across our city-region.”

Willow Wood Hospice, which is celebrating its 25th anniversary this year, is a leading provider of free, specialist palliative care for patients with any life-limiting illnesses in Tameside and Glossop.

The Hospice needs at least £3.3 million every year to run and almost 80 per cent of those costs have to be raised from the community each year, with just 21.5 per cent coming by way of the Government.

Mr Burnham is currently serving his third term as Mayor of Greater Manchester – a role he has held since 2017. It involves leading on Policy & Reform and Transport, as well as chairing the Greater Manchester Combined Authority.

His job also ranges from setting budgets and priorities for public services to acting as an ambassador for the 10 boroughs of Greater Manchester – of which Tameside is one of them.

Prior to being the Mayor, Mr Burnham was MP for Leigh from 2001. In Government, he has held ministerial positions at the Home Office, Department of Health and the Treasury.

In 2008, he became Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, before returning to Health as Secretary of State in 2009. In opposition, Mr Burnham also served as Shadow Education Secretary, Shadow Health Secretary and Shadow Home Secretary.

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Travel agency’s garden gift helps hospice grow

We are truly grateful to Clarity Travel Management for donating £1,000 worth of gardening equipment to the Hospice.

Staff from the global business travel agency – which has a head office in Manchester – recently volunteered their time with us and were blown away by our stunning gardens.

Steve Riley, Executive Director of Operations, lives in Stalybridge and has family members who have needed the Hospice’s vital services.

After receiving a positive impression and a warm welcome when he visited Willow Wood, Steve and his colleagues wanted to do something to help make a difference.

As well as gifting us brooms, shears, watering cans and an array of other tools for our gardeners to use, the firm has also pledged to donate scaffolding planks and wooden pallets, and support the Hospice in the future.

Our Head Gardener, Sophie Cordingley, said: “We really appreciate the fantastic donation and the generosity of Clarity Travel Management – we cannot thank them enough.

“This high-quality equipment will make such a difference and we will start putting it to good use immediately. It will make everything so much easier for us as a garden team.”

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Young people dress up to walk for Willow Wood

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!”

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Hospice honoured to receive High Sheriff award

Willow Wood Hospice has received a Special Recognition Award from the High Sheriff of Greater Manchester in its 25th anniversary year.

Dr Eamonn O’Neal DL presented a certificate to CEO Tracy Minshull on a visit to the Hospice, based in Ashton-under-Lyne, on Monday (15th July).

The award celebrates Willow Wood’s “outstanding contribution to the community” and “recognises the appreciation of the people of Greater Manchester for your altruistic acts of thoughtfulness and kindness”.

Dr O’Neal DL was greeted by staff, volunteers and trustees in the Hospice’s garden room, where he spoke about the importance of their work, thanked them for their service and explained his role.

During his visit, the High Sheriff embarked on a tour of the beautiful gardens in the glorious sunshine, led by Head Gardener Sophie Cordingley and her team of dedicated volunteers.

He spoke to patients and learned more about the work on the Hospice’s Inpatient Unit, guided by Ward Manager Kath McGuinness and Sister Paula Tansey.

Willow Wood’s Head of Community Services, Callie Harrop, also showed Dr O’Neal DL the Hospice’s community services facilities including The Hive, counselling rooms and complementary therapy suites.

Speaking about his visit, Dr O’Neal DL commented: “One of the privileges of being High Sheriff is that you get to visit places like Willow Wood and it is the most uplifting thing that can happen to you.

“The people I have met have been so warm, welcoming and friendly – only what I expected – and I would encourage anyone who has some nervousness about the word ‘hospice’ to come along to Willow Wood to meet the staff and volunteers here.

“The gardens are just magnificent too. I had a wonderful morning, the best visit of the High Sheriff year so far.”

Tracy Minshull, CEO of Willow Wood Hospice, said: “It was a huge honour to welcome the High Sheriff of Greater Manchester to our Hospice. Eamonn was very engaging with our staff and volunteers, who showed him what a special place Willow Wood is.

“It was a lovely surprise to be given a Special Recognition Award, which we were very grateful to receive.

“As a new CEO, I personally found it invaluable to listen to his experiences of working in the hospice sector and we thank him for taking the time to visit us.

“We would like to thank Mark Llewellin DL, Vice Chair of the Board of Trustees and a Deputy Lieutenant of Greater Manchester, for inviting Eamonn.”

The Office of High Sheriff is the oldest secular title in British history and among the most ancient in the world, dating back more than 1,300 years.

Dr O’Neal DL was chosen by King Charles as High Sheriff of Greater Manchester and installed in April. This is the second time he has served as High Sheriff, having previously held the 12-month ceremonial position in 2020.

He is a trustee of Francis House Children’s Hospice and was previously Chair and Chief Executive of St Ann’s Hospice.

Willow Wood Hospice’s mission is to lead and deliver high quality multi-professional specialist palliative care, support and education across Tameside and Glossop.

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Local MP Largan visits Willow Wood

Willow Wood welcomed local MP Robert Largan to see and hear about the vital and varied work of the Hospice’s dedicated staff and volunteers.

Mr Largan was given a tour of the Hospice, based in Ashton-under-Lyne in Greater Manchester, so he could get a flavour of the vast array of services available to patients from the local community.

The High Peak MP also met with several members of Willow Wood’s Senior Management Team and Philip Millson, the Chair of the Board of Trustees, who all outlined in detail the immediate and long-term challenges that the Hospice faces.

They also engaged in an in-depth and productive discussion with the MP about the far-reaching impact that Willow Wood has on the wider community and the need for a sustainable funding model for hospices across the country.

Robert Largan MP in discussion with Willow Wood’s Senior Management Team and Philip Millson, Chair of the Board of Trustees

Celebrating its 25th anniversary this year, Willow Wood Hospice needs at least £3.3 million every year to continue providing free, high quality, multi-professional care, support and education to people from Glossop – whose residents Mr Largan represents in Parliament – and Tameside.

Of those costs, around 80 per cent must be raised through the generosity of our local community and support from donors.

The Hospice hopes that Mr Largan, a Conservative MP who also holds the Government role of Assistant Whip, can use his influence both locally and in the House of Commons to lobby for support.

(left to right) Nicola Cheetham, Clinical Director; Sam Duncan, Director of Fundraising & Communications; Ian Wicks, Director of Finance; High Peak MP Robert Largan; Philip Millson, Chair of the Board of Trustees; and Karen Houlston, Chief Executive Officer outside the entrance to the Hospice

Karen Houlston, CEO of Willow Wood Hospice, said: “We were pleased to welcome Robert to the Hospice for the first time and appreciate him taking the time to visit us.

“It is crucial to have the backing of our local MPs so we can address both the short-term funding deficit that hospices like Willow Wood are experiencing and establish a funding structure that is sustainable for the future.

“We are grateful that Robert pledged to do what he can to support the Hospice, particularly in building relationships in Glossop and wider Derbyshire for the benefit of his constituents, as well as agreeing to promote – and even take part in – some of our fundraising events.”

MP Robert Largan said: “It was lovely to visit Willow Wood Hospice. It was great to see the work they do first hand and see the amazing care that they provide for Glossop residents. I am proud to support them.”

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Hospice features in BBC radio report

We were pleased to welcome Mat Trewern from BBC Radio Manchester to the Hospice to shine a light on our work, as part of a wider BBC project focussing on hospices.

He spoke to our CEO Karen Houlston, Clinical Director Nicola Cheetham and Dawn Winterbottom, who has used our services.

You can listen to Mat’s report, first broadcast on BBC Radio Manchester’s Breakfast show on Wednesday 31st January, by clicking on the play button below: