Tag: 2024

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Hospice volunteers enjoy ‘once-in-a-lifetime’ experience

Two of our dedicated volunteers experienced a “once-in-a-lifetime” opportunity at Westminster Abbey this Christmas.

Eileen Smith was nominated by Mark Llewellin DL, Deputy Lieutenant of Greater Manchester, to be part of the congregation at this year’s ‘Royal Carols: Together at Christmas’ service.

Eileen was accompanied by fellow Flower Festival committee member Christine Lucas at the service – which shone a light on around 1,600 individuals across the UK who have shown love, kindness and empathy towards others in their communities.

It’s the fourth successive year that the Princess of Wales has hosted the heart-warming seasonal event – one of the biggest appearances of the year so far for Kate after she confirmed in September she had completed her cancer treatment and would be easing back into royal duties.

Eileen – from Stalybridge – said it was “an absolute privilege” to be part of the occasion and she was “very humbled and very grateful” to have been invited.

“Mark rang me up and asked if he could nominate me to go to the Princess of Wales’ Carol Concert in London,” she explained. “He said I might not get a ticket but he chose to nominate me because of all the work I have done for the Hospice, including the Flower Festival.

“So I said yes, of course! I got an email about 10 days later from Mark’s office to tell me I’d actually got an invitation. Christine is also very active on the Flower Festival committee, so she was an obvious person to come with me.”

Eileen (right) and Christine outside Westminster Abbey

For Eileen and Christine, the experience of their day in the capital was truly magical.

“We went down on the train and we had to be at Westminster Abbey for 3.30pm so we booked a hotel near the Abbey, had some lunch and got ready,” said Eileen. “People were queuing up and you couldn’t get anywhere near the Abbey unless you had a golden ticket.

“There was a steel band there playing carols and they were giving out mince pies. When we went inside, it was just so beautiful and it’s a huge building. It was the first time I had been and it was just so wonderfully decorated, with lights everywhere and a stunning Christmas tree. You could write a message and put it on the tree.

“There were a lot of famous faces you see on TV there, so we were star spotting! We were in the knave near the door so we could actually see the Prince and Princess of Wales come in with their little ones. We recognised Zara Tindall and all of the Royal Family, who came in first.

“We all had a candle which they lit for us. Greg Porter started off by singing a carol and Prince William gave a speech. We sang carols and there was a lovely service. We waited for the Royal Family to disperse and then we went outside into the darkness, where all the lights were on and it was just so lovely.

“I’ll remember it for a long time. I’m framed my invitation and I’ve got a programme from the service. The Princess of Wales also wrote a letter to everyone who attended thanking us for coming and for everything we do.”

The service took place at the world-renowned Westminster Abbey

It’s an experience Eileen will relive when the service airs as part of a special hour-long programme on Christmas Eve (24th December) on ITV1 and ITVX at 7.30pm.

She first started volunteering for Willow Wood on the Reception desk when the Hospice opened in 1999 and, after taking a gap when she opened a nursery, continued her support through fundraising.

“I was really interested in fundraising for the Hospice and when it opened was a time in my life when I needed to volunteer so I wanted to give something back to a charity. Since it’s opened, I’ve known lots of people who have needed the services here. It’s a lovely place and it feels like the right place for me to be.

“Dot [Birchfield] asked me first if I could help out and then John [Fellowes] approached me one day to see if I knew anyone who could take over the running of the annual Flower Festival. I used to do some arrangements for it so I took it on. We started it in 2015 and we have raised around £66,000 so far.”

Eileen also helps to keep the shop in the Hospice Reception stocked up and recently took part in Willow Wood does Strictly as a dancer.

She also decorates a Christmas tree on behalf of Willow Wood at the Albion Church in Ashton-under-Lyne every year.

“I enjoy supporting the Hospice and I’ve done a bit of everything which all helps in some way,” she added. “I’ve been to Ascot Ladies Day fundraisers and the Grand Balls down the years. When I had the nursery, we used to sponsor a table at the Ball.”

The cover of the service programme (left) and Eileen’s official invite
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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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Recycle your real Christmas tree for Willow Wood

Local residents are being encouraged to recycle their real Christmas trees with Willow Wood Hospice while supporting patient care in the community this festive season.

The Hospice is once again collaborating with partners including Tameside Council and Hartley’s Garden Centre to provide a convenient collection and recycling service.

It will be available throughout Tameside between Monday 6th and Friday 10th January 2025, and in Glossop from Wednesday 8th to Monday 13th January 2025.

Your tree will be taken away with no hassle, no waste and no needles in your car!

Register your real Christmas tree to be collected today by visiting www.just-helping.org.uk/register-tree. Simply enter your postcode and submit your details via the online form.

Registration closes at midnight on 2nd January 2025.

When your registration is complete, stay on the website to make a donation to Willow Wood Hospice, based in Ashton-under-Lyne, which provides specialist care for patients from Tameside and Glossop diagnosed with life-limiting illnesses.

Tracy Dewhurst, a Support Worker at the Hospice, and Councillor Laura Boyle

Samantha Kitch, Fundraising Manager at Willow Wood Hospice, said: “By using our collection and recycling service, you will be disposing of your real Christmas tree responsibly and by donating, you’ll be helping us to continue providing compassionate care to those who need it most in our community.

“With only 21.5 per cent of our annual funding coming from central government, the support we receive from our community is absolutely vital. With your help, we can improve the quality of life for our patients and those closest to them, helping them to live as well as possible for as long as possible.

“We would like to thank Tameside Council and Hartley’s Garden Centre for their invaluable support in facilitating our Christmas tree collections this year.”

In Tameside, the trees will be collected by Tameside Council’s refuse collection team and then mulched to be used in parks across the borough.

Councillor Laura Boyle, Tameside Council’s executive member for environmental services and neighbourhoods, added: “I would like to thank everyone involved in organising this eco-friendly service, which has the twin objectives of protecting not only the environment, but also vulnerable people within our community.

“I’m delighted to give my full support to this innovative scheme which enables Tameside residents to demonstrate sustainability while giving to a charity that has helped so many people in the borough with the vast amount of positive, valued work that it does. I know all donations will be gratefully received and put to very good use.”

The collection and recycling service is supported by national charity Just Helping, which assists charities, volunteers and businesses to contribute to their community and the environment.

After costs, Willow Wood Hospice will receive 85 per cent of donations and up to 15 per cent will be distributed by Just Helping to other local charities.

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Hospice shops appeal for winter clothing

Willow Wood Hospice’s shops are in desperate need of winter clothing to help keep the community warm during the colder months.

The Hospice’s eight shops across Tameside and Glossop are looking for donations of winter essentials – such as jumpers, shirts, skirts, dresses, trousers, hats, gloves, scarves and coats, which are in good condition.

Donations would be gratefully received by dropping them off at any of the shops during their opening hours.

Find your nearest Willow Wood Hospice shop at https://willowwood.org.uk/shop-locations/

UK taxpayers can also make their donations worth an extra 25 per cent, at no extra cost to them, by filling out a basic form when dropping off donations to sign up to Gift Aid.

Pauline Lunt, Head of Retail at Willow Wood Hospice, said: “Winter is coming and we really need your help to support our local community during one of the toughest times of the year.

“Our shops rely on generous donations to keep the shelves stocked. Any donations of winter clothes will be sold on to be loved again, helping to recycle and reduce waste, but also raise much-needed funds to support patients from your local community who need our expert care at Willow Wood Hospice.

“Thank you so much for your continued support, which really makes a difference.”

The Hospice’s eight shops across Tameside and Glossop are appealing for donations of winter clothes.

Lillie Winterbottom, the Hospice’s Communications and Marketing Manager, has already done her bit by donating her pre-loved clothes after having a clear-out at home.

She said: “I realised I had loads of clothes in my wardrobe and drawers that I’ll never fit into again, and I had to ask myself why on earth I was holding onto them!

“So, I had a proper sort-out and took all the good-quality items down to the Clearance Outlet and Donation Centre in Ashton. From there, they’ll be sent to our shops to be sold.

“It’s a great feeling knowing that the funds raised from my wardrobe clear-out will go directly towards helping care for Willow Wood Hospice patients.”

Celebrating its 25th anniversary this year, Willow Wood Hospice – based in Ashton-under-Lyne – needs at least £3.3 million every year to continue operating and around 80 per cent of those costs have to be raised through the generosity of the local community.

Anyone who would like to give the gift of their time by volunteering in any of the Hospice shops can express their interest at https://willowwood.org.uk/hospice-volunteering/interest/

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Dancers set to shine as ‘Willow Wood does Strictly’

Willow Wood Hospice is putting on an entertaining night of glitz and glamour in support of patients from the local community in its care.

Inspired by the popular BBC show Strictly Come Dancing, ‘Willow Wood does Strictly’ will be taking over the George Lawton Hall in Mossley on Friday 11th October from 7pm until late.

Couples will compete in front of a live audience and a panel of judges, in the hope of being crowned the coveted title of the Hospice’s glitterball champion for 2024.

In the build-up to the big night, they are working with local professional dance schools to learn a dazzling routine to perform on stage.

The Hospice is still looking for one couple to get involved – it’s a great opportunity to learn a new skill with expert tuition and a fun way to raise vital funds for Willow Wood.

Each couple taking part is being closely supported with their fundraising efforts by the Hospice’s Fundraising team.

If you would like to sponsor any of the dancers, you can donate your chosen amount at https://www.justgiving.com/campaign/willowwooddoesstrictly

Lisa Pye and Dave Egerton coupled up for last year’s event, performing a disco routine on the night to ‘Saturday Night Fever’ by The Bee Gees.

Lisa, Volunteer Services Manager at Willow Wood Hospice, said: “It was the best most challenging experience of my life but it made me feel really good.

“I was surprised by just how many people wanted to sponsor us. I would encourage anyone to give it a go or buy a ticket for what is a great night.”

Dave, the Hospice’s Maintenance Manager, added: “It was a fantastic experience and I enjoyed learning the dance routine. I had a great dance partner and we have become friends since.

“There was a combination of nerves and excitement on the night but knowing my friends and family were there to support me made all the difference. I’m really glad I did it, it brought me out of my comfort zone.”

The event will be hosted by Theo Mayne, who was a contestant in the first series of the hit BBC show The Traitors, and podcast host and celebrant Jane Valentine.

On the judging panel will be author, broadcaster and former politician Edwina Currie Jones; World Championship hip hop dancer and Team England athlete Alice-Jane Evans; Latin Steps world champion and dance instructor Aimee Bailey; and Latin Steps dance champion and instructor Sara.

Tickets for ‘Willow Wood does Strictly’ are £25 per person – which includes welcome drinks and canapes. They can be bought online at https://willowwood.org.uk/events/strictly/

The Hospice is also appealing to local residents and businesses for donations of prizes which could be included in the raffle or auction on the night.

Vanessa Murphy-Wood, Community and Events Fundraiser at Willow Wood Hospice, commented: “We are really excited about ‘Willow Wood does Strictly’, which promises to be a memorable night.

“We are very grateful to everyone who is supporting the event, especially our dancers who each have their own story about why they want to take part for Willow Wood.

“We hope as many people as possible from the local community can come along to the event and support our dancers, as well as patient care at our Hospice.”

Anyone who is interested in being a dancer or is able to help with prizes can get in touch with Vanessa by emailing vanessa.murphy-wood@willowwood.org.uk or calling 0161 330 7788.

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A garden of memories

Our Memory Fountain is the centrepiece of our beautiful gardens, which provide a serene environment for our patients and those closest to them.

The fountain houses beautiful Memory Stones, which can form algae and moss over the warmer months when the sun shines down.

Our head gardener Sophie came up with the idea of making the fountain have the appearance of a reflection pool by installing a metal framework.

This gives the impression of the stones floating on the surface – a beautiful way to display the stones which mean so much to patients and those closest to them.

Dukinfield Metal Spinners in Audenshaw, a local family business, were only too happy to help.

The team took on the design, creation and building of the heavy framework and also had the entire structure powder coated.

The installation was placed in the fountain but unfortunately a leak was spotted.

However, thanks to the hard work of our dedicated volunteer gardeners, with support from our fabulous corporate volunteers, it has been fixed and the fountain can now be enjoyed again by everyone associated with the Hospice.

David Johnson, one of our volunteer gardeners working on the project, told us: “The original pond was filled with plastic boxes and then stones and Memory Stones on top of that. It was just too difficult to clean, so it was decided we needed a platform which Dukinfield Metal Spinners offered to help with, which was fantastic.

“We cleaned the old pond out and a crew of volunteers from Marks & Spencer took all the stones out, and gently cleaned them, put the new platform in, filled it up and it looked wonderful.

“But then it leaked which we were really disappointed about. It has been eight years since we lifted everything out so the silt had got in somewhere.

“We’ve now put in a pond liner after lifting everything out and we’ve put protection cups on the stand legs for each of those sections so it doesn’t cut into the pond liner. A bit of finesse was required and it took several hours but we got the job done and it looks fantastic again.”

For more information on dedicating a stone to a loved one, visit https://willowwood.org.uk/make-a-donation/giving-to-willow-wood/memory-stones/

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Willow Wood named Ladysmith’s Charity of the Year

Willow Wood Hospice will receive a welcome boost to our funds and awareness after being named Ladysmith Shopping Centre’s Charity of the Year for 2024/25.

The partnership will run from April 2024 until the end of March 2025, giving the Hospice a chance to fundraise at the town centre shopping destination and spread the word about our services.

Our mission is to lead and deliver high-quality, multi-profession specialist palliative care, support and education across Tameside and Glossop.

They will put on events, spanning seasonal occasions such as the summer holidays, festive period and Easter, at the shopping centre, with details to be posted on social media.

Ian Pratt, Centre Manager at Ladysmith Shopping Centre, is excited to kick off the partnership and looks forward to seeing what can be achieved together.

He commented: “We are thrilled to partner with Willow Wood as our Charity of the Year for 2024/25.

“Their unwavering commitment to providing comfort and support for people with life-limiting illnesses is unmatched, and we cannot wait to work with them and help support all the incredibly important work they do.”

Ladysmith Shopping Centre combines unique independent businesses and high street brands all under one beautifully curated space, with a community feel. For more information visit www.ladysmithshoppingcentre.com

Pictured: Denise Royle, manager at our Ashton shop, with Ian Pratt, Centre Manager at Ladysmith Shopping Centre

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Local author pens children’s poems to raise hospice funds

A local author has penned a bespoke treasury of poems to help raise funds for Willow Wood Hospice, which she describes as “a very special place”.

‘Into the Willow Wood’ by Johanne Lee is a variety of poems aimed at children aged 7 to 11, that she hopes adults will enjoy reading too.

The book covers a wide range of subjects from self-belief and faith, to fairytale and nature.

Johanne, who lives in Glossop but is originally from Droylsden, has always had a keen interest in reading and writing poems since her childhood.

It was only during the Covid pandemic that the mother-of-three, who also recently became a grandma, decided to combine her poems together into published books and join poetry groups.

“Poetry has become a daily practice for me,” the 56-year-old told us. “I love poetry and found a way with the picture books to raise awareness in early years settings of things like conservation and kindness.”

‘Into the Willow Wood’ is out now and is the 11th book of Johanne’s collection – which has helped to raise important subjects in children’s minds, as well as awareness and funds for both local and national charities.

The front cover of Johanne’s book called ‘Into the Willow Wood’ which will help to raise funds for Willow Wood Hospice

“The concerning thing to me is how much charity is needed,” said Johanne, who is a former dance teacher, hairdresser and teaching assistant.

“Willow Wood Hospice is a place I’ve known about for a long time. I know so many people who have been in the Hospice and I’ve always wanted to support it in some way. It has helped so many people over the years.

“Local charities like Willow Wood are amazing and they are so imaginative in the ways they raise funds – which never stops and it’s never easy.

“I wanted to put my words and poems to good use. I genuinely wanted to do something with purpose and I want to raise as much money as possible for Willow Wood.”

Fittingly, a poem dedicated to the Hospice called ‘Into the Willow Wood’ features in the book.

The butterfly on the book’s front cover is also a symbol to make the book more unique to the Hospice.

“I know Willow Wood releases butterflies every year and a friend of mine goes to the event,” she said. “I knew it was something associated closely with the Hospice and I wanted it to feature prominently on the cover.”

VIDEO: Listen to Johanne reading one of her poems from the book, called The Truth Fairies, below…

The book, which is around 50 pages in length, was a couple of years in the making.

“I write poetry every single day and some things are to a prompt and some things are specific,” Johanne told us.

“With these poems, I realised they are very different – some are almost fable, which I loved as a child. They are poems that all of a sudden I realised were this book, so I’ve probably been writing them over the last two years and I’ve realised this was the place for them.”

Johanne held a book launch on Friday 12th April – the day it was released – at the Masonic Lodge in Glossop, which was a great success. She raised £550 on the night, which she has kindly donated to the Hospice.

‘Into the Willow Wood’ is available to buy at Dark Peak Books & Gifts in Glossop and through online retailers such as Amazon and Waterstones as a hardback for £14.99. It will soon be available in the Hospice reception shop, on our online shop and at forthcoming fundraising events – we’ll keep you updated! 

The book will also be accessible in the future as an eBook.

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Hospice needs Creme Eggs for cracking Easter fundraiser

Willow Wood Hospice is appealing for donations of Creme Eggs to reward local children taking part in its Bunny Hop Easter fundraiser.

Last year, a w-hopping 6,000 bunnies took a leap of love, raising a jaw-dropping £45,000 by donning bunny ears to hop, skip and jump around playgrounds, halls and parks across Tameside and Glossop.

In the year Willow Wood celebrates 25 years of patient care, the Hospice based in Ashton-under-Lyne wants Easter 2024 to be Top of the Hops.

It’s looking for individuals, groups and companies who can donate Creme Eggs which will be given to youngsters participating in the Bunny Hop.

Don’t worry if you cannot get hold of Creme Eggs, as donations of other small wrapped Easter treats would be gratefully received too.

Some of the small wrapped Easter treats we would gratefully receive for our Bunny Hop

People can drop off treats at the Hospice reception on Willow Wood Close, off Mellor Road in Ashton-under-Lyne (postcode OL6 6SL) or at any of the Hospice’s charity shops. A full list of locations can be found at https://willowwood.org.uk/shop-locations/

There is also the option of purchasing Creme Eggs online, such as via Amazon, and having them delivered directly to the Hospice, via the address above, for the attention of Tracey Schofield.

To ensure they reach the children once they have completed the challenge, the Hospice ideally needs the eggs by 5th April.

Anyone who is unable to physically donate items but still wants to get involved can make a cash donation, which will sponsor the children taking part in the Bunny Hop, through a simple online form at https://willowwood.org.uk/events/bunny-hop/

The Hospice’s very own Easter Bunny, Tracey Schofield, said: “It’s an egg-citing year at Willow Wood as we recognise 25 years of delivering patient care and the Bunny Hop showcases the incredible power of our community coming together for a cause that truly hops straight to your heart.

“Every child taking part will receive an Easter activity pack, a cute snap wristband, a sweet treat and, of course, the all-important bunny ears which they can take home and use throughout Easter.

“We need as many Creme Eggs as possible and every contribution, however small, will make a difference to children who are raising funds to support patients from the local community with a life-limiting illness. We appreciate your generosity.”

Any school, nursery or children’s group that wishes to take part in the Willow Wood Bunny Hop can still sign up, by emailing tracey.schofield@willowwood.org.uk or calling 0161 330 7788.

By Adam Higgins