When Mark Oliver first walked through the doors of Willow Wood Hospice, it was during one of the most difficult times of his life.
His wife Adele had been diagnosed with lung cancer and, by the time it was discovered, the disease had already spread to her brain, spine and bones.
“We were told there was no treatment for her – it had gone too far,” Mark explained.
“We were looking for palliative care and was told about Willow Wood Hospice. Adele spent three days on the Inpatient Unit in the Hospice before she died on 27th March 2025 – she was 55 years old.”
‘I was really happy that her final days were spent here’
Mark, 53, from Denton, had been with Adele for 26 years and married for 20, raising two children – Daniel, 18, and Rosie, 14.
Mark described Adele as “funny and very loving” and recalled how her illness came as a shock to the family.
What initially seemed like sciatica later led to further complications and, after having a seizure, she went to hospital for scans and tests, which eventually led to her receiving a cancer diagnosis.
Having seen the Hospice’s fundraising events in the local media, Mark was already aware of Willow Wood. But when he arrived with Adele, he was moved by the care and atmosphere.
“Adele was in a room on her own and although she was only in there a short time, the level of care she received was brilliant. I know hospitals try their best but it’s very different here. I was really happy that her final days were spent here. The volunteers on Reception also get to know who you are, which makes you feel welcome.”
Following Adele’s death, Mark was offered bereavement counselling through our Family Support team and, after taking up the opportunity, found it helpful.
“I thought talking to someone would help so I took it up,” he said. “You probably need more help than you think you do and you want to speak to people outside the family. It was great. Obviously it doesn’t cure anything but it really helps you to look at things in a different perspective. I can honestly say it has helped.”
Mark and Adele on their wedding day.
‘Don’t be afraid’
Through his sessions, Mark found that the support he received not only helped him, but also gave him insight into how his children might be coping.
“You can get a bit wrapped up in how you feel and might not understand how other people might actually look at it. My thinking was to try to protect them but they are more resilient than I thought and they’ve made their own mind up about things. It’s difficult but, on the whole, we’re doing okay.”
Bethan Creighton, Family Support Lead, commented: “It was a pleasure to work with Mark and his two children. Although I never got to meet Adele, I was able to learn about her love, light and personality through how she and Mark had been throughout their marriage and also in raising their children. It can be hard for parents to realise that there is support for them and to understand there is space for them too alongside their children being supported in the grief process, but once Mark did so, he was able to spend time exploring his feelings, needs and grief.”
Wanting to give back, Mark and his family asked for donations to Willow Wood instead of flowers at Adele’s funeral – raising £500 – and he wants to support the Hospice in the future too by getting involved in our fundraising walk with Rosie.
Although returning to Willow Wood for the first time after Adele’s death was hard, Mark shared words of encouragement for anyone else facing the same fears.
“I found it hard just walking through the door but to be honest you’re not going to be judged in any sort of way. It’s a very welcoming and safe environment. Just don’t be afraid – the staff here are brilliant and will help you.
“It’s important that people are aware of the services available at the Hospice. Obviously my main focus has been the kids but I can imagine if the kids were older, they would probably have struggled a lot more with everything so that’s when I think somewhere like Willow Wood will become invaluable.”
To find out more about Willow Wood Hospice’s services, visit www.willowwood.org.uk or call 0161 330 1100.
When people arrive on the Inpatient Unit at Willow Wood Hospice, they can feel uncertain, emotional, and unsure of what to expect.
Being greeted by a friendly, reassuring face can make all the difference. That’s where the essential role of our Visitor Liaison Volunteers come in.
Hilary Platt, from Hyde, has been volunteering on the Inpatient Unit since November 2025, working once a week and combining it with her current job. Her role is simple, but incredibly meaningful.
As a Visitor Liaison Volunteer, Hilary is one of the first people patients and families meet when they come onto the unit.
Duties include being a friendly, familiar face; answering the phone, taking messages and directing enquiries to the appropriate hospice team; meeting and greeting visitors and guiding them to where they need to go; and replenishing refreshments in the family lounge.
The role does not involve using a computer, and no previous admin or medical experience is required.
Hilary has worked in a bank and other public-facing customer service roles, which helped her feel confident interacting with people – but she’s clear that formal experience isn’t essential.
“You don’t need to have any particular skills – you just need to be a people’s person and have discretion and empathy. Empathy is very important.”
Although Visitor Liaison Volunteers work independently at their own desk, they are never alone. Hilary is supported by Julie, our Clinical Administrator, as well as the wider Inpatient Unit team.
“You are well supported by Julie and the team who are amazing – they are just down the corridor or a phone call away. The team on the main reception are also very supportive, so you are not alone.”
Volunteers can choose from flexible shifts, either 9am-1pm or 1pm-5pm, making it easier to fit volunteering around work, family or other commitments.
For Hilary, the role is also deeply personal. Having had both her mum and uncle cared for at Willow Wood, volunteering felt like a natural way to give something back.
“Most people have not been to a hospice before so it’s good to put people at ease. I know how that feels because my mum and uncle were both here.
“Since then, I’ve always wanted to do something like this as a way of giving back. I can give my time and hopefully make a difference to other people at what is a difficult time in their lives.”
She describes the role as varied, rewarding, and emotionally fulfilling.
“You feel like you are appreciated and your heart’s full of love that you’re doing something really, really special.”
Visitor Liaison Volunteers play a key role in sensing what families need – whether that’s practical help, a familiar face, or simply space.
“If you think a family member needs help, don’t be afraid to approach. But if you feel like they want to be on their own, it’s alright to leave them on their own.
“Sometimes just saying hello or being there as a familiar face can mean the world to someone.”
If you enjoy working with people, can offer kindness and empathy, and want to make a real difference, the Visitor Liaison Volunteer role could be perfect for you.
Tony Elliott was 30 years old when he first discovered a lump on his face.
What seemed like something small turned out to be the beginning of a journey that would change his life.
“I went through about five years of trying to persuade the doctors that there was something there,” he said.
“They finally decided there was and did a scan. I went back for the results and they asked me to come in the following week for an operation. I was in surgery for eight hours and they found it was bigger than they anticipated.
“They took it out and then I was alright as I would go for a scan every year, get the results and they said I was fine.”
For nearly two decades, Tony carried on with life as normal – working, raising his family, and enjoying his hobbies. But then another shock came.
“We found a lesion on my lung which they operated on by keyhole surgery and got rid of that. Then nearly five years ago, I went for scan results and the doctor said my cancer is back in both lungs and it was too much to operate on. I was really well at this time and on that day, I’d just run my 5k on the Couch to 5k – I was healthier than I’ve ever been. It was quite a shock.
“My wife Catherine and I both took some time out from work because we needed to get our heads around it – we went from having years where everything was fine to suddenly it wasn’t.”
Tony, who is now 58, was diagnosed with adenoid cystic carcinoma – a rare, slow-growing cancer that forms in glandular tissues, most often in the head and neck.
“I went to see a consultant at the Christie who specialises in my cancer. I promised that if he could get me to live for five more years, I’d buy him a bottle of champagne so he’s getting closer to that!”
Catherine and Tony
‘I’m taking each day as it comes’
Despite the diagnosis, Tony says he has felt “really quite well” for most of the time. It has only been since the start of 2025 that things have changed.
“It’s very slow growing most of the time and then it can suddenly just have a spurt. It starts in my face then spores out into the body. It can just sit there quietly and then suddenly strike – it can come back in different places and all the doctors can do really is cut it out. It’s not like a normal cancer where it all mutates.
“I feel that I am lucky, though, because some people who are told they have an incurable cancer only have months to live and I’ve had over four years.”
Tony lives in Denton and spent 18 years working at Cormar Carpets in Bury, first as a Customer Service Manager and then as Merchandising Manager. Away from work, he is a huge Manchester United fan, and loves reading both fantasy and historical novels – a passion that stems from his days studying history at university.
Tony describes his health now as “a bit up and down”.
“I’m trying to get used to some new tablets so I’m taking each day as it comes and I’m not feeling as great as I was. If I’m having a good day, Catherine and I will go out somewhere – we recently went to the National Portrait Gallery and the Titanic exhibition in Manchester.
“If I’m having a bad day, we will just stay at home and chill out.”
Tony’s wife Catherine, aged 56, has been by his side throughout. The couple have two daughters and recently became grandparents to an 18-month-old grandson.
It was through his Specialist Palliative Care Nurse that Tony first heard about Willow Wood Hospice.
“Genine thought it would be good for me if I used the services here and asked if I’d be interested, so I thought I’d give it a try. I came in and the first thing I tried was some counselling, which was really helpful.
“I’ve been to the Be Active group run by the Wellbeing team which is fantastic. Catherine and I have also had complementary therapy with Sharon which is so relaxing.
“I don’t like to think of not having something at Willow Wood to come to because it’s just really comforting. I told the Wellbeing team that coming here is like having a great big hug.
“No matter how you feel when you come in, you always feel better when you leave.”
Catherine and Tony with their grandson
‘Everything disappears for an hour’
Catherine has also seen the difference the Hospice has made to both of their lives. Working locally in adult social care, she already knew of Willow Wood but didn’t realise just how much the Hospice offered.
“It’s good having the support mechanism that Willow Wood provides and to talk to people who may be suffering with the same sort of pain,” she said.
“I’ve known about Willow Wood through my role in adult social care at Tameside Council and I have referred people to the Hospice but I didn’t know the full extent of the services it provides until now – I was surprised about how much there is to do.
“Julie suggested I come in and have some art therapy along with other carers, so that’s when I started to come to the Hospice with Tony and I really enjoyed it. I’ve kept in touch with the other carers and we are informally supporting each other.
“I agree with Tony that you always feel lighter or in a different place when you leave compared to how you arrive at Willow Wood. It’s a really positive thing for us and means a lot. Sometimes we just come and sit in the gardens, which are massive and really lovely.
“I’ve really liked the reiki and reflexology – which has been good for helping me to switch off, as I often struggle with that when lots of things are going on. Everything disappears for an hour.
“Willow Wood has always been here for us. It’s that fluidity and consistency of care that we find really good. It’s good that we both can come together at times for the Be Together session but equally it’s good that we can both come separately too.”
Sharon Herod, Complementary Therapy Co-ordinator, commented: “Tony finds a new level of relaxation and leaves feeling more refreshed and calmer. Those effects can last for several days and Tony sleeps a lot better as a result.”
Julie Moran, our Wellbeing Team Lead, said: “Our Wellbeing service is here for all Tameside and Glossop patients and carers by providing a safe, compassionate space where they can connect with others facing life-limiting illnesses. These shared experiences help reduce isolation, offer emotional support, and foster a sense of community.
“The service is designed to be flexible and responsive, adapting to the unique needs, preferences, and circumstances of each individual. Whether through group sessions, one-to-one support, or tailored activities, the aim is always to provide comfort, empowerment and holistic care at every stage of the journey.
“By reading Tony’s and Catherine’s stories, I hope that it encourages other patients and their families to get in touch and let us support you to live well with life-limiting illnesses.”
Tony having a session of Reiki with Sharon
‘I’d be completely lost without Willow Wood’
Tony and Catherine describe the care they have received at Willow Wood as excellent and faultless. They find it reassuring that support is always at hand.
“The team do care about you and I think that’s a great thing,” explained Tony. “If I wasn’t here for one of my sessions, someone would be ringing me up to find out if I was okay – that’s brilliant.
“The Wellbeing team helped by fitting my sessions around my work and treatment initially, so having that flexibility was important.”
Like many of the patients and families who come to Willow Wood, Tony and Catherine were surprised to learn that it costs around £10,000 a day to keep the Hospice running – and that only 24 per cent of this comes from government funding.
Tony said: “The services at Willow Wood are so important. Just being around people with a similar illness or diagnosis to you who understand where you’re at is so important – I don’t think you’d get that anywhere else.
“The counselling, the complementary therapies, the wellbeing sessions – all of them are so vital. It’s wrong that the government don’t fund it more and it relies on people to raise money to keep it going. We’ve made donations and follow the Hospice on social media.
“I’d be completely lost without Willow Wood Hospice. I sleep so much better once I’ve been here and it makes the world of difference. I always look forward to coming in.”
Tony says his perception of a hospice has changed massively since arriving at Willow Wood and he has one final message to anyone who may be nervous about coming.
“Come and give it a go because you’ll be amazed at what’s on offer and it will do you the world of good. They’re always thinking about you, always caring about you. Don’t be worried – you’ll be amazed at how much it will help you.”
To find out more about Willow Wood Hospice’s services, visit www.willowwood.org.uk or call 0161 330 1100.
We’re absolutely thrilled to share that our Head of Community Services, Callie Harrop, has won an award at this year’s Greater Manchester Health and Care Champion Awards.
Callie was one of three shortlisted finalists in the Rising Star category and took home the accolade at last night’s ceremony, held at Manchester’s Science and Industry Museum.
We’re also proud to be the only hospice to have been recognised with an award.
The awards are organised by the Greater Manchester Integrated Care Partnership, celebrating outstanding individuals and teams working across health, social care and community services across the 10 boroughs of Greater Manchester.
Since becoming our Head of Community Services in May 2024, Callie has led our Community Services teams to enhance patient pathways, streamline referrals and improve care coordination.
“I was overwhelmed, honoured and humbled to be recognised and receive this award,” Callie reflected. “It was a fantastic opportunity to hear all the wonderful things happening across Greater Manchester and I’m so proud to be recognised as a part of that.”
She was nominated for her award by our Clinical Director, Nicola Cheetham, who shared: “Callie is an exceptional leader whose commitment to compassionate care shines through and has made a real impact at Willow Wood. On behalf of everyone at the Hospice, huge congratulations to Callie – we’re all really proud of her fantastic achievement.”
Hello, I’m Caroline, and I’m the new Dementia Team Lead here at Willow Wood Hospice.
I’ve been warmly welcomed into the Community Services team and I’m already really enjoying the role.
I’ve worked at Willow Wood for 13 years, most recently as a Sister on the Inpatient Unit. Before that, I was a District Nurse in Tameside, supporting patients in their own homes. I’ve previously had experience of dementia care working in a nursing home, before I trained to be a nurse. After I qualified, I trained at the Manchester Royal Infirmary and worked there for around two-and-a-half years.
All of those experiences combined have taught me how vital it is to truly see the person behind the dementia diagnosis and maintain their dignity at every stage. During my time as a Sister on our Inpatient Unit, I supported many patients with various types of dementia, and I’ve always recognised the importance of supporting their carers too.
I’ve always had a special interest in palliative care and felt ready for a new challenge—something where I could make a difference for people living with dementia and their families. The aim of the dementia services at Willow Wood Hospice is to give dementia patients and their carers a voice, ensure they are heard, and are treated with the dignity they deserve.
One of the highlights so far has been taking part in the Dementia Café. The first one I attended was a VE Day celebration, which was really special. You could see how much joy it brought to everyone there. The team of volunteers are fantastic—they organise different activities for each café, which not only helps stimulate the person living with dementia but also gives carers a space to connect, share, and build friendships. The sense of community and support is truly heartwarming.
In this role, we often visit patients in their own homes, taking the time to build rapport with both the patient and their carer. A big part of our work is Advance Care Planning—helping people make decisions for the future, while they are still able, based on their wishes. That can be something as simple as identifying their favourite music, which can bring comfort in moments of distress, or discussing where they would like to receive care in the later stages of their illness. It can also be ensuring symptoms are managed with optimal medication management.
We also coordinate with other services—liaising with GPs, signposting to the right support, and ensuring everything is in place, from pain management to physiotherapy, occupational therapy or home equipment.
I feel incredibly lucky to be part of the Willow Wood Hospice team. It’s a beautiful place with a wonderful workforce. We all support one another and share the same goal—to make a real difference to the lives of those we care for.
Looking ahead, together with Wendy, our Assistant Practitioner, we are going to build on the strong foundations already in place for dementia care at Willow Wood and explore how we can develop the support we offer, whilst continuing to listen closely to the needs of our patients and their carers.
With one in two people in the UK expected to be affected by dementia in their lifetime—either by developing the condition themselves or caring for someone who does—the demand for specialist support will only increase. Here at Willow Wood, we’re committed to being there for as many people in Tameside and Glossop as we can. We have one chance to get it right.
Our Dementia Support services include our Dementia Carers Support Group which is unique in that while a carer attends a small therapy group, we provide activities and support for their loved one in the safe environment of the Hospice.
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.
After receiving heartbreaking news that her bone cancer is incurable, Tristessa Sedgwick underwent chemotherapy that made her so ill that she felt like she was on the brink of dying.
One phone call to Willow Wood Hospice, however, helped change her outlook.
“A friend of [my husband] Andrew’s came to know Willow Wood when his mum came to the Hospice and suggested we had a look around and get to know the team,” explained the 58-year-old.
“Soon after my chemotherapy, when I was not in a good place, I called the Hospice. Julie from the Wellbeing team asked if it would help if I came in to talk to her whenever it suited me. I said it would – I came in that afternoon and Julie listened to me for two hours over a cup of tea.
“The difference I felt just talking through my emotions was phenomenal. I told Julie I could not thank her enough.”
Tristessa with her husband Andrew and dog Bob in the Hospice gardens
It wasn’t just the conversation with Julie in late August 2024 that helped put Tristessa at ease, it was the environment of the Hospice – which she quickly learned was not just ‘a place to come right at the end’.
“It’s very calm and peaceful,” Tristessa stated. “You come in and feel like you’re taking a big, deep breath because you can let go and just relax a bit. It’s like a bit of a release, a hug. It feels very reassuring when you come in.
“I’ve said categorically to Julie, my GP and everybody that the Hospice is where I want to come at the end. I want it to feel like an extension of home, not somewhere that feels scary.”
As she came to terms with her diagnosis, Tristessa enjoyed attending the Be Active sessions on Wednesdays at the Hospice.
“Even though we haven’t all got the same issues and problems, fundamentally we’ve got a similar diagnosis so you feel like you can relate with other people.
“What struck me from the first session was I expected everyone to be elderly but there were people of mixed ages, which made me realise I wasn’t alone and I couldn’t feel too hard done by.”
Tristessa, Sharon and Deepak in the Bee Active session in The Hive at the Hospice
‘We concentrate on a patient’s individual wellbeing’
Julie Moran, the Hospice’s Wellbeing Team Leader, explains how Tristessa and others are supported by our Wellbeing service.
“At Willow Wood Hospice, we focus on a patient’s individual wellbeing. Our role is to offer a holistic programme of care that supports the patient, their families and carers.
“It is paramount that we are there to help Tristessa and others to carry on their lives, knowing that if they need us, they can call us or drop in. We take pride in supporting local people and are frequently humbled by their bravery and resilience.
“When I reflect on my work, I feel extremely privileged in my role as Wellbeing Team Leader to support Tristessa along her palliative journey – the true hero being Tristessa, who has faced her incurable illness with such courage and dignity.”
As a keen gardener, Tristessa has also been comforted by the serenity of our beautiful gardens.
“When I first came in, Julie encouraged my husband and I to look in the gardens. For me, it was that tranquility that struck me,” she noted.
“I did a mindfulness walk in the gardens for my first Be Active session and met head gardener Sophie, who I had a nice talk with – she even offered to give me some tips for my garden!”
Tristessa with Julie in the Hospice gardens
The array of vital services that the Hospice provides has been beneficial to those closest to Tristessa too.
“My diagnosis doesn’t just affect me, it has a knock-on effect on my family,” she told us.
“I’m very close to my three sisters. We started coming together to the Coffee Mornings at the Hospice – it’s something nice to do and it was good so they became familiar with Willow Wood too.
“I’ve been having counselling with Sarah which has been great, and two of my sisters are going to use it as well. They want to get involved and see somebody.”
Sarah Ellenbogen, Senior Family Support Counsellor, explained: “Tris gave me permission to share this small part of the work we’ve done together. In our sessions, we’ve explored how her cancer diagnosis started to define her, dominating conversations and routines.
“By offering Tris space to reflect, she was able to separate herself from her cancer — she was still the person she’s always been. We spoke about losing her agency, and how making small plans, like meeting a friend or getting her hair done, helped her take back some control. Planning, something central to her work as a designer, felt significant.
“Together, we also explored what the future might look like — recognising it still existed, even if different than before. By planning the time she has left, she felt able to have important conversations with loved ones and helped her imagine what life might look like after she was gone. This felt like acceptance.”
‘You don’t realise how vital hospices are until you’re here’
Tristessa’s sisters Scarlett, Saffron and Tiffany grew up in Saddleworth but live in different parts of the region now, so they started getting together at our monthly Coffee Mornings in September 2024.
“The Coffee Mornings are very welcoming and the volunteers make it fun and light-hearted, yet there is still time for us to have a coffee and a talk,” said Saffron. “It’s hard for us to come together in one room so it’s an opportunity for us to have a catch-up face to face.”
Tristessa, Scarlett, Saffron and Tiffany pictured in The Sanctuary at the Hospice
Scarlett, who is looking to access our Counselling service, has already seen the impact hospices like Willow Wood have and was surprised to learn how they are funded.
“At Willow Wood they support the patient and the patient’s family,” she explained. “I feel certainly that I could phone the Hospice at any time. Sometimes you want to speak to someone who understands but isn’t a close family member or friend.
“The focus is very much on patient wellbeing as opposed to making something better because, in a lot of situations, you can’t make it better. That’s what has really opened my eyes about hospices. The community spirit of hospices is very supportive to individuals and also their families.
“I thought hospices were attached to hospitals, I didn’t realise they are largely self-funded. I think if people did realise this, they would be horrified and would want to support more because most people will find themselves needing a hospice at some stage in their life.”
Saffron added: “Unless you become involved, you just think of a hospice as helping people in the very last few days of someone’s life. You don’t realise how vital hospices are until you’re here and that has to change.”
Tiffany has certainly noticed a positive difference in Tristessa since the Hospice has supported her.
“Coming to Willow Wood has really helped lift her back up rather than pushing her down.”
‘My workplace has been phenomenal’
Tristessa’s illness has led to a period of absence from her job as a sales manager at a fabric manufacturer in West Yorkshire, however the unwavering support of her employer Mobus Fabrics has meant work has been one less thing to worry about.
“I’ve not been well enough to work but my workplace has been phenomenal. They know my situation at home and have been super supportive.
“I was talking about resigning and they wouldn’t hear of it – they still see me as part of the team. I’ve worked with them for 10 years and knew them well before I joined. I imagine not every employer is like that, so I’m lucky.”
Such is how much the company value her, 13 members of the Mobus team took on the Yorkshire Three Peaks Challenge in April to support Tristessa and to raise funds for Willow Wood Hospice.
They set themselves a target of £10,000 and raised 80 per cent of that total in less than a week, so they increased their target and have raised over £20,000 – an incredible amount!
“Tris is more than just a colleague to us – she is family,” said Managing Director Lee Paxman. “She has been part of our team for many years, and now, as this amazingly strong woman faces an incredibly difficult journey with incurable bone cancer, we want to do something to show our love and continued support.
“The walk was not just a challenge – it was a tribute to Tris and a way to give back to Willow Wood Hospice, the place that is bringing her peace, comfort and care when she needs it the most.”
In honour of Tris, UK Fabric Shows also donated £5,000 to Willow Wood and would like to support the Hospice as their adopted Charity of the Year.
Tristessa’s colleagues from Mobus Fabrics have helped to raise over £20,000 for Willow Wood Hospice
Focusing on quality of life
Tristessa was first diagnosed with scleroderma in 2013 – a condition similar to arthritis but affecting connective tissue rather than joints.
A CT scan eventually revealed something far more serious – cancer in her lungs, which then spread to her bones.
“Once I heard it had spread to my bones, I thought this is terminal,” she said.
Tristessa was referred to the Christie for chemotherapy over the summer, but the treatment left her extremely ill.
“My husband and I decided I couldn’t have any more chemotherapy, it was giving me no quality of life.”
With the support of her consultant, Tristessa chose to focus on quality of life.
Tristessa has been able to resume one of her favourite activities: walking her miniature Schnauzer, Bob, around Mossley, where she lives. Walking became her way of staying mobile after her diagnosis.
“Everything I’ve been through makes you realise it’s those small pleasures in life that are the most important things,” she said.
“It’s just one day at a time. The network I have around me has helped me psychologically as well as physically. I feel lucky that I’ve got this window of life, however long, and some people don’t get that.”
Tristessa has visited the Hospice for her Be Active sessions and continues to receive support from our Counselling team. For more information about the Hospice’s services, visit www.willowwood.org.uk
Willow Wood and GTD Healthcare have been working in partnership on an exciting 12-month pilot project, aimed at enhancing the delivery of palliative care at the Hospice.
The initiative, which began in February 2025, was developed from an idea of the Hospice’s Clinical Director Nicola Cheetham.
A passionate advocate for nursing, Nicola proposed trialling a new model of care that places a senior nurse with enhanced skills and non-medical prescribing (NMP) responsibilities alongside doctors on the Hospice’s Inpatient Unit.
Nicola said: “This collaboration builds on the success of our previous partnership in 2022, when GTD Healthcare supported our out-of-hours medical cover.
“We are excited to see how this new initiative enhances patient care and look forward to working closely with GTD Healthcare to develop further opportunities for partnership and service improvement.”
Recognising the value of this innovative idea and the challenges of implementing it, GTD Healthcare – a social enterprise that delivers GP practices, urgent care and community services across the North West – provided one of its experienced clinicians to support the pilot.
Claire Wilson, a Senior Clinical Practitioner and Specialist Palliative Care Nurse, has had a positive impact since February when she started working two days a week alongside the Hospice’s medical and nursing teams, delivering specialist palliative care within the Inpatient Unit.
Claire Wilson has been working on the Inpatient Unit at the Hospice since February
Claire said: “This is such an exciting opportunity for me — it’s the first time I’ve worked in Tameside, but having worked in a hospice before, I know just how special and impactful they are.
“The team here have made me feel incredibly welcome. I see this as not just a learning opportunity for the whole team, but for me too. Ultimately, everything we do is about enhancing patient care, and I’m really proud to be part of this pilot.”
In addition, Margaret Hayes, Palliative Care Lead at GTD Healthcare, is also overseeing clinical supervision to the Hospice’s Inpatient Unit team on a monthly basis.
A full evaluation of the pilot will take place after six months but the early feedback has been overwhelmingly positive.
Margaret commented: “This is a great opportunity for GTD Healthcare to work with our wider partners and show the wide range of knowledge and expertise that the organisation has. We are really looking forward to our ongoing work with Willow Wood and to see how the project progresses.”
Danny Goodwin was a loving husband, father and family man, and a lifelong Manchester United fan and an avid concert-goer.
“He was quite an active person and we used to go dancing together,” his wife Vera said. “He liked to go out and keep busy – he used to like going for a pint and he was in a quiz team.”
Born in Hattersley and one of eight children, Danny was brought up in the countryside and loved walking.
“We used to go on hikes with dad’s (large!) extended family when we were kids which has left us with such happy memories,” his daughter Jane told us.
“He was always good at art and took some lessons later in life – we have some of his paintings hanging in our homes.”
Danny harnessed his interest in art to become a painter and decorator, and his love of the outdoors led to him volunteering in the Willow Wood Hospice gardens for 15 years.
He was inspired to give back after one of his sisters, Janet, received end-of-life care at the Hospice.
“Dad loved helping out in the gardens and he would even bring our beloved dog Cassie with him. I came with him one day just to help too,” said Jane, who lives nearby in Ashton-under-Lyne.
“He also helped out at some fundraising events – he would get involved in the duck race and took part in the Firewalk one year too.”
Danny at the duck race
‘Fantastic care – not just for my dad, for us too’
Danny was therefore familiar with the Hospice’s surroundings when he became ill.
“He said he really wanted to go to Willow Wood Hospice,” Vera explained. “It was always where he wanted to be. He was very happy in here although he was really poorly.
“You weren’t worried about leaving him at Willow Wood because you know he’d be really well looked after.”
Danny came to the Hospice’s Inpatient Unit in June 2015 and spent eight days in our care before he died from lung cancer, aged 73. His family were very grateful for the care he received.
Danny’s daughter Louise said: “The staff were really good and attentive. I can’t praise them enough, honestly. Fantastic care – not just for my dad, for us too. We felt he was in such good hands and it took a lot of the stress off us, particularly my mum. Nothing was too much trouble. You don’t feel rushed to leave and we could bring the dog to see him. It feels like you can come any time and it feels peaceful.
“Just to be able to come and spend time in such a beautiful environment was so lovely. It was June so the weather was lovely and we used to wheel him outside so he wasn’t indoors all the time – the rooms are attached to the gardens which is great.”
How Danny’s family still support the Hospice
Jane (left), Vera (centre) and Louise in the Hospice gardens
Louise said realising the Hospice was largely funded by donations from the community was the driver to support it more.
Jane added: “I just feel like that’s what he’d want us to do. He would be proud.”
Since Danny’s death, the family have supported the Hospice in a number of ways.
Vera, Jane and Louise all play our weekly Lottery and have attended fundraising events over the years, while Vera also donates clothes to our charity shops.
“We go every year to the Flower Festival, the Last Night of the Proms and the Garden of Lights, which are all lovely events,” said Louise.
Jane added: “We always donate for Light up a Life. Louise and I also did the Midnight Wander before dad died. The year after, I did the abseil from Ikea and managed to raise £1,000. I just felt that I needed to give something back and I loved it.
“My dad also decided that he wanted donations at his funeral to go to Willow Wood.”
Jane (left) and Vera at the IKEA abseil
They also attend the Butterfly Memory Release every summer in the Hospice gardens that Danny helped to maintain.
“It’s just beautiful and particularly because it’s in the gardens where dad volunteered,” said Jane.
“It’s amazing how many people come to it. It’s just a very nice, calming atmosphere. It’s peaceful and you can just reflect.”
‘People should not be fearful of a hospice’
Living locally, Danny’s family were aware of Willow Wood but didn’t know much about it until Danny’s sister Janet was cared for.
They think more people are becoming aware of what hospices do and that they are not places to be feared.
“I think people are more aware of it these days, definitely. I think people should not be fearful of a hospice at all,” Louise said.
“I have said to people that I know that the Hospice is a beautiful place. It’s uplifting in a way. The fact we can still come in years later is of great comfort to us.”
They want others to support Willow Wood so our specialist teams can continue to support more families like theirs.
“It’s worth supporting the Hospice because people need it,” said Jane. “It’s an important part of the community as well. When we come to the Coffee Mornings here, or the other events, we’re here for a sad reason in our lives, but it’s still a lovely community feeling.”
If you would like to find out more about the services Willow Wood Hospice provides, you can visit www.willowwood.org.uk or call 0161 330 1100.
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