Local MP Largan visits Willow Wood

15 March 2024

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.”