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.
Tameside College’s Business Innovation team brought flavour, culture and community together for a good cause this month, hosting a National Curry Week celebration to raise funds for Willow Wood Hospice.
The event, held on Tuesday, October 7 at The Restaurant at Tameside One on Wellington Road, drew in staff, students and local food lovers for an afternoon of tastings and talks celebrating the best of South Asian cuisine and hospitality innovation.
Guests enjoyed a range of tasting plates prepared in partnership with local favourites Moksha Restaurant & Bar and Lily’s Vegetarian Indian Cuisine, with chefs sharing their expertise and passion for authentic dishes.
Alongside the feast, visitors also had the chance to hear how local hospitality businesses are working with the College to innovate, inspire new careers and grow skills in the region’s thriving food and drink industry.
Entry fees and donations went directly towards supporting patient care at Willow Wood Hospice, which provides vital services to patients and families across Tameside and Glossop.
Organisers said they were delighted with the turnout and generosity of those who attended.
The sixth annual Football Night fundraiser has raised over £9,000 to support local patients and families at the Hospice.
The record-breaking amount – almost double last year’s total – was made possible thanks to the generosity of footballing legends, supporters, and dedicated volunteers.
More than 200 football fans from across Tameside gathered on Friday 26th September for an evening of laughter, memories and behind-the-scenes stories from Manchester City greats Joe Corrigan MBE, David White and Brian Horton.
Hosted by former top-flight referee Roger Dilkes, the event – held at Dukinfield Masonic Hall for the third successive year – proved to be a huge hit, with the audience enjoying candid and entertaining insights from the trio of City stars.
Over the years, a host of football favourites – including Martyn Buchan, Peter Barnes, Eamon O’Keefe, Trevor Ross, Ella Toone, Alex Williams MBE and Tommy Booth – have appeared free of charge to help raise vital funds for the Hospice. This year was no different, with the three City legends ensuring the night was one to remember.
Former professional goalkeeper and Manchester FA ambassador Allan Grafton MBE once again played a crucial role in securing the support of the footballing guests.
Around 200 people enjoyed a trip down football memory lane at Dukinfield Masonic Hall
The Football Night is organised each year by long-time Hospice supporters Brian Wild and Chris Smith, who have together raised more than £40,000 for Willow Wood since Chris’s wife was cared for at the Hospice in 2013.
Former Tameside Civic Mayor and Hospice patron Brian Wild said: “We’re all volunteers and even the pie and peas for 200 guests are made at home by Cllr Denise Ward, at her own expense. We aimed to raise £7,000 but this result is just astonishing. Chris and I are so pleased this money will go straight towards providing compassionate and dignified care for people across Tameside and Glossop.”
“The Football Night always sells out, and the tickets get snapped up quickly. I take my hat off to the sportspeople who give up their time to entertain and support the Hospice. Many people here have a personal connection to Willow Wood, and this event shows how deeply the Hospice touches local lives.”
Much of the fundraising success also came from the wider community, with sponsorship and donations from local businesses including Cosmo Bingo (Stalybridge), Bay Freight, Manchester Credit Union, APEX Joinery, Lo-Cost Windows and Hyde Accessible Transport Ltd, among others.
Lucy Ta’ati, Community Fundraiser at Willow Wood Hospice, said: “Without people like Brian and Chris organising these events, Willow Wood would not be able to continue offering the care and support our community needs. We are truly grateful for their incredible dedication and for the generosity of everyone who supported this year’s Football Night.”
Charity was the real winner at Werneth Low Golf Club as Tameside Rotary’s annual golf day for Willow Wood Hospice raised more than £5,100.
A bumper 24 teams took part in the competition, which has become a fixture on the local fundraising calendar.
Thanks to sponsorship from Malbern Windows and support from other local businesses, this year’s event topped previous totals.
Among the winners on the course were Elly’s Heroes, who took the overall team prize, while WGAF 4 finished runners-up.
Special mentions also went to Steve Cooper Clarke (nearest the pin, 9th hole), Chris Ventress (nearest the line) and Matt Foster (nearest the pin, 11th hole).
In the hotly contested “Yellow Ball Competition”, sponsored by FTDS, M60 Scaffolding came out on top.
The 23rd edition of the golf day had a new feature this year – a silent auction for six rounds of golf at courses across the region, donated by supporters.
Lucy Ta’ati, Events and Community Fundraiser at Willow Wood, said: “Tameside Rotary have been steadfast supporters of Willow Wood since the very beginning, and we are so grateful for their dedication in organising this wonderful Golf Day for over 20 years.
“This year’s event was the biggest and best yet and we want to thank the kind-hearted Rotarians, everyone who joined in, all the sponsors and in particular Malbern Windows and Werneth Low Golf Club for hosting.
“It costs around £10,000 each day to keep the Hospice open, and without supporters like Tameside Rotary, we simply couldn’t continue providing our vital care for local people.”
Werneth Low’s Club Captain Lou Arrowsmith added that Willow Wood is also his nominated charity this year, with members already raising another £1,000.
Tameside Rotary’s President Mike Glover paid tribute to the volunteers who made the event possible, before looking ahead to their next big community fundraiser: the Tameside Beer Festival, taking place at Stalybridge Civic Hall on Friday 19th and Saturday 20th September – which is also supporting the Hospice.
A much-loved musical tradition that has raised thousands for Willow Wood Hospice is entering a new chapter as Guide Bridge Theatre steps in to take over the running of the annual Enchanted Evening concert.
Now in its 22nd year, the concert has become a cherished fixture in the local calendar, drawing audiences from across the borough for a night of nostalgic musical theatre performed by talented soloists from local operatic societies.
Organised since its inception in 2004 by Mike Styan and a dedicated team of musical friends, the event has raised over £20,000 for the Hospice, including £1,386.50 last year.
This year marks a ‘changing of the guard’ as Mike steps back from the organiser role, passing the baton to Sue Holden and the team at Guide Bridge Theatre, who will host the concert for the first time on Friday 26th September at 7.30pm at their venue on Audenshaw Road.
Reflecting on his years leading the event, Mike said: “It has been an absolute privilege to organise the Enchanted Evening for the past 21 years. I’m incredibly proud of what we’ve achieved — not just the money raised, but the joy and community spirit the concerts have brought.
“I’m deeply grateful to everyone who has supported us over the years, from the performers and audiences to our loyal sponsors. I’m thrilled to see Sue and the team at Guide Bridge Theatre take it forward, and I know they’ll do a fantastic job keeping the magic alive.”
Sue and Mike handing over the music books in the Hospice gardens
Sue appeared in the very first concert back in January 2004 and is thrilled to be involved in its future.
“Mike has done a tremendous job over many years and has thankfully agreed to share his knowledge with me,” she said.
“I am delighted that Guide Bridge Theatre have agreed to host this event and thank everyone there for supporting this venture. This means that all the money from ticket sales can go directly to the Hospice.
“Work has already started on this year’s programme and I am excited to be working with some very special and talented people, all of whom give freely of their time and talents to support Willow Wood. I have no doubt it will be a truly magical Enchanted Evening.”
The concert has seen a number of homes over the years — from its debut at Ashton-under-Lyne Civic Hall, to Stalybridge and Dukinfield Methodist Churches, as well as being held virtually during Covid-19. Throughout it all, it has retained its heartwarming appeal and community spirit.
The event continues to receive the support of Steve Pearson Car Sales on Acres Lane in Stalybridge, whose backing helps ensure the funds raised can support the care of patients with any life-limiting illness from Tameside and Glossop at the Hospice.
“Once again it is our absolute pleasure to be involved in the Willow Wood Enchanted Evening event,” said Steve. “Each year has got bigger and bigger, and hopefully this year is going to be the best yet. We’re looking forward to helping make it happen.”
An inspirational seven-year-old from Hattersley who helped collect over 2,000 Crème Eggs for Willow Wood Hospice, where his mum died, has been shortlisted for a special award.
Frankie Chadwick was nominated by the Hospice’s Fundraising team for the BBC’s Make a Difference Awards, which celebrate the achievements of community heroes.
The Year 2 pupil is one of four finalists in a new category introduced this year – the Young Hero Award, which will be awarded to someone under 16 who has made a positive impact in their community or achieved something exceptional.
The brave youngster helped Willow Wood collect an abundance of sweet treats for the Hospice’s annual Bunny Hop appeal – which this year raised a record amount of over £50,000, as over 7,000 people across Tameside and Glossop took part from 24 schools, 19 nurseries and two community groups.
He wanted to support the Hospice in Ashton-under-Lyne, where his mum Gemma received end-of-life care in February this year. She spent 10 days in the Inpatient Unit before she died from brain cancer, aged 46.
Frankie with his mum Gemma
Frankie said: “We had collection baskets in shops like Tesco and when the baskets got full of Crème Eggs, they were put behind customer service for us to pick up.
“Willow Wood were really good at looking after my mummy. She was really nice and she used to buy me lots of things like toys. I miss her cuddles and going on holiday with her.
“I am very happy and excited to be going to the awards.”
Frankie is looked after by his uncle and legal guardian Gavin Chadwick, who could not be prouder of his nephew and grateful for the care his family received from Willow Wood during a tough time.
“Frankie is a very unique and special boy with lots of character – he’s just a superstar and absolutely deserves to be a finalist,” said Gavin, 42.
“I cried on the phone when I found out he was up for the award. I feel so proud of Frankie and Gemma would be so proud of him too – it’s a shame she is not here to celebrate this moment with us.
Frankie speaking to Holly from BBC Radio Manchester in his classroom at school
“Frankie is one of the calmest people in the world, considering what he’s been through. He still goes to school with a smile on his face and plays with his friends, never mentioning all the horrible things he’s going through.
“Gemma’s cancer had spread throughout the years – she had cancer when Frankie was born so his mummy being poorly has been the norm for him. He visited her at Christie’s and at Tameside Hospital – their relationship could not have been any stronger. Gemma was an amazing sister and a tough cookie with a powerful personality but also very private.
“Willow Wood was absolutely amazing and their team looked after us all. Frankie had no fear of lying on the bed with her and taking the dog to see her – he played on the Xbox in the family lounge and became a friend of the nurses.
“It was Gemma’s idea to collect the eggs and Frankie was the ambassador of our own appeal. It was a focus for us all and we wanted to help the Hospice.”
Tracey Schofield, Events Lead who organises the Hospice’s Bunny Hop campaign, put Frankie forward for the award and gave him his own Bunny Hop pack as a reward for his magnificent efforts.
“I nominated Frankie for the award because, despite everything he was going through, he thought of others and wanted to help the Hospice,” she said.
“On behalf of everyone at Willow Wood, we are incredibly grateful for his support and we really hope he wins the Young Hero Award.”
Gemma with Frankie and Gavin
For the first time this year, the Make a Difference Awards span the entire UK. Frankie will be attending BBC Radio Manchester’s awards ceremony at Rochdale Town Hall on 12th September.
Frankie’s nomination was recently revealed at his school, St James’s Primary in Hattersley, where his teachers and classmates were overjoyed for him.
Mark Woolley, head teacher at St James’s, said: “It’s been a very difficult time for Frankie and his family, so we’ve been supporting him here in school and supporting Gavin, his uncle, as well.
“We’re very proud of Frankie – he truly does deserve it. He’s really courageous and a young hero. He’s very kind and very thoughtful. It’s lovely that he has given something back to Willow Wood.”
LISTEN: Click on the play button below to listen to Frankie and Gavin speaking to BBC Radio Manchester. You will need a tissue handy.
Mossley AFC lifted the trophy for the second successive year as the Willow Wood Hospice Cup match raised £252.17 in support of the Hospice.
After a goalless 90 minutes at a sunny Seel Park, the Lilywhites came out on top 4-2 in a penalty shootout against Droylsden FC as both teams continued their pre-season preparations last Saturday (12th July).
Supporters were able to purchase raffle tickets and make a donation in collection buckets at the ground to the Hospice, based in Ashton-under-Lyne, which cares for patients with any life-limiting illness in Tameside and Glossop.
The Willow Wood Hospice Cup was an annual fixture in the Tameside and Glossop non-league football calendar for a number of years.
After a hiatus, it was revived last year by former councillor and Civic Mayor of Tameside, Brian Wild, and fellow long-time supporter of the Hospice, Chris Smith.
Mossley hosted the occasion this year after beating Glossop North End AFC 2-0 last year at the Asgard Engineering Stadium as the cup made a triumphant return.
Brian Wild (left) and Roger Dilkes representing the Hospice at Mossley AFC.
Lucy Ta’ati, Community and Events Fundraiser, said: “A huge thank you to both clubs, our patron Brian Wild and Roger Dilkes for representing the Hospice, and everyone who attended for their support.
“We’re grateful to all those who bought a raffle ticket or dropped a donation in the bucket. Every contribution helps us continue caring for our patients and those closest to them.”
Brian Wild, patron of the Hospice, commented: “We didn’t see many goals but, on a sweltering hot day in Tameside, it was a brilliant game of football. Thank you to Mossley AFC for their excellent hospitality.
“I’m so pleased to see the Willow Wood Hospice Cup growing in momentum again. It’s more than about football – it’s about the community coming together to support an important local cause.”
Stephen Porter, Mossley AFC’s chairman, added: “We were delighted to host this year’s Willow Wood Hospice Cup match and proud to continue supporting the amazing work the Hospice does for local people.
“Thank you to fans of both teams for their generosity and getting behind the occasion.”
Neale Samways, Sales Director at Scientific Sanitation Solutions, has taken fundraising to new heights—literally—with a heart-pounding 300ft bungee jump in support of Willow Wood Hospice.
Neale, whose company is one of our main Ball sponsors for the second year running, has already raised over £250 from the daring leap, which took place at scenic Bray Lake in Windsor on 29th June.
This isn’t his first jump for charity—in 2023, Neale completed a 150ft bungee and raised £785.
Inspired by the support he received then, he decided to go even further this year, doubling the height and pushing himself outside his comfort zone.
Speaking after the challenge, Neale said: “The bungee jump was an incredible experience – terrifying but absolutely worth it! Knowing it was for such a great cause kept me focused and made the whole thing even more meaningful. Willow Wood does amazing work, and I’m proud to support them in any way I can.”
Lucy Ta’ati, our Community and Events Fundraiser, added: “We’re so grateful to Neale for once again going above and beyond—quite literally—for Willow Wood. His energy, bravery, and continued commitment mean the world to us, and every penny raised helps us continue providing vital care for our community.”
Founded in 2023, Scientific Sanitation Solutions is based in Ashton-under-Lyne and has a growing global presence.
Some of the team also took part in our Velocity Team Challenge in north Wales last year, helping to raise over £17,000 for Willow Wood.
The Willow Wood Hospice Cup will be up for grabs again when Mossley AFC face Droylsden FC in a pre-season friendly.
The local Tameside rivals will meet on Saturday 12th July at Seel Park on Market Street (postcode OL5 OES), with kick-off at 3pm.
The shiny trophy will be presented to the winning team on the pitch at the end of the game.
Admission will be £6 for adults, £4 for concessions, £1 for 12 to 17-year-olds and free for accompanied Under-12s.
There will be a raffle and collection buckets on the day around the ground, which will help to raise funds for the Hospice.
The match is not only an important part of the teams’ preparations for the 2025/26 campaign but also an opportunity to show their support for Willow Wood, which cares for patients from their local community.
The Willow Wood Hospice Cup was a key feature of the Tameside and Glossop football scene for a number of years.
After a hiatus, it was revived last year by former councillor and Civic Mayor of Tameside, Brian Wild, and fellow long-time supporter of the Hospice, Chris Smith.
Mossley AFC beat Glossop North End AFC 2-0 at the Asgard Engineering Stadium so now it’s their turn to host the occasion.
Former Glossop and Mossley player Ben Richardson presenting the cup to Mossley captain Mark Lees in 2024.
Brian, who is a patron of the Hospice, said: “We’re delighted that the Willow Wood Hospice Cup is back for the second successive year and, after Mossley’s victory last year, they will be looking to win the trophy again.
“The match is a brilliant way to bring the community together and support Willow Wood. Please come along to the game if you can and look out for the collection buckets. Every penny you can give will be greatly appreciated and help make a difference to patients cared for by the Hospice.”
Willow Wood Hospice, based in Ashton-under-Lyne, provides specialist, compassionate and dignified care to patients with any life-limiting illness from Tameside and Glossop and those closest to them.
It costs the Hospice around £10,000 a day to keep providing its vital services – 70 per cent of which are provided by its Community Services team at the Hospice and in a patient’s own home.
Willow Wood only receives 24 per cent of its annual income from the government – the remaining 76 per cent must be raised through the generosity of the local community through donations, organising or supporting fundraising events, donating or buying goods in the Hospice’s eight charity shops, or playing the weekly lottery.
Mossley AFC, now under new manager Alex Craddock, will compete in the Northern Premier League West Division when the campaign begins.
Meanwhile, Dave Pace’s Droylsden team will once again play in the North West Counties Division One North after losing 2-0 to Euxton Villa in last season’s play-off final.
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