Tag: 2025

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Support local hospice care this Christmas at our festive events

Willow Wood Hospice is kicking off its Christmas fundraising fun with a return to Hyde Town Hall for its popular Christmas Fair on Saturday 15th November.

From 11am to 3pm, step straight into the festive spirit by meeting Santa; picking up unique gifts, crafts and decorations; and treating yourself to tasty festive goodies, candles, cards and more.

There will also be the opportunity to enjoy some delicious festive refreshments and soak up the seasonal cheer.

Entry will be £1.50 per person and Under-12s are free.

Another must-see Christmas event for the community is the Garden of Lights celebrations evenings at the Hospice, where the gardens are transformed into a winter wonderland of over 11,000 lights.

Kindly sponsored by Brother International, each of the seven nights in December will feature a different local choir bringing seasonal cheer, along with refreshments and festive stalls to explore.

Doors are open from 5pm to 8pm on Tuesday 2nd, Thursday 4th, Tuesday 9th, Thursday 11th, Saturday 13th, Tuesday 16th and Thursday 18th.

Entry is free and you can just turn up with no need to book, for what promises to be a magical evening for all.

On Thursday 4th, there’s the added bonus of a Festive Wreath-making Workshop, where you can unleash your creativity by creating a stunning wreath from scratch to take home and enjoy.

It will be a relaxed, creative evening in a cosy atmosphere in the Hospice’s dining room, guided by floral expert Zoe Smith, from The Flower House in Marple.

Tickets are £35 per person, which includes all materials for your wreath and a festive drink and nibbles.

Spaces are limited and can be booked online at https://willowwood.org.uk/wreath-making/

As this time of year often brings memories of those we love, the Hospice’s Light up a Life appeal is a beautiful way to remember someone special, while also helping to care for local patients and families.

By making a donation in their memory, your loved one’s name will be included in a Book of Remembrance, you can hang a personalised ornament on a Tree of Dedication in the reception area at the Hospice, and you will be invited to one of two dedication events in December.

Generously sponsored by Anthony Barton Independent Family Funeral Services in Mossley, the events include moments of reflection and music, followed by the symbolic lighting of the Light up a Life tree.

They are taking place on Saturday 6th December at 2pm at Old Glossop Parish Church and Sunday 14th December at 2pm at Albion Church in Ashton-under-Lyne.

To make a dedication and find out more about the appeal, visit www.willowwood.org.uk/lual.

The Hospice is also supported by the generosity of the communities of Tameside and Glossop, who organise their own events to raise vital funds for patient care.

These include the Festival of Christmas Music at Albion Church on 30th November and the Willow Wood Hospice Choir Christmas Concert at Holy Trinity Church in Stalybridge on 13th December.

More information can be found at www.willowwood.org.uk

Sam Duncan, Director of Fundraising and Communications, said: “Christmas is such a special time for our community, and we’re very excited to welcome you to our festive events this year.

“Throughout the season, there are so many wonderful ways for people to come together, make memories and support local hospice care.

“Last year’s Christmas Fair raised £8,000 and this year we’re hoping for an even bigger success. It costs around £10,000 to run the Hospice for a day, so every pound raised really helps us to continue providing specialist, compassionate and dignified care for patients and those closest to them.”

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Golfers swing into action for hospice care

Golfers once again swung into action to help raise thousands of pounds for Willow Wood Hospice.  

Twenty-two teams enjoyed a tee-rific experience at this year’s Martin Wild Golf Day, in support of their local hospice.

In total, the annual fundraiser at Ashton-under-Lyne Golf Club made over £10,000 – which will help support patients from the local community with any life-limiting illness.

The event was kindly sponsored by Docutech Office Solutions and Marshall Peters.

The action-packed day on Friday 8th August teed off with hot refreshments and a shotgun start before the golfers started their 18 holes – including some friendly competitions throughout, including Beat the Pro.

Browse through photos from the day, taken by David Hirst, by clicking the image below:

Staff and volunteers from the Hospice ensured they were well looked after with refreshments before the day finished with a prize presentation for the teams finishing first to sixth and a silent auction.

Only one team could be crowned champion and that honour went to UK Decs – whose team captain was Jason Moulton.

The popular event, first held in 2019, is promoted by Martin Wild, a former Lancashire amateur golf champion and a long-time supporter of the Hospice.

Tracey Schofield, Events Lead at Willow Wood Hospice, said: “We are delighted with the success of this year’s Martin Wild Golf Day and so grateful for the incredible support we received.

“Thank you to all of the volunteers who gave their time on the day, the players who took part with such enthusiasm, our generous sponsors whose support made the event possible, and the companies who donated prizes for our silent auction.”

Anyone who would like to take part in next year’s Martin Wild Golf Day can register their interest by contacting the Hospice’s Fundraising team on 0161 330 7788 or email fundraising@willowwood.org.uk

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Butterfly Memory Appeal raises record amount

Willow Wood Hospice is celebrating its most successful Butterfly Memory Appeal ever, which has raised over £27,000 to help fund its vital services.

Hundreds of supporters came together at the Hospice, based in Ashton-under-Lyne, to release a live butterfly in memory of their loved ones last Saturday (12th July).

Every summer, the Hospice invites the communities of Tameside and Glossop to dedicate a butterfly in memory of someone special to them – whether they have received care at Willow Wood or not – and make a donation which helps to provide compassionate, specialist and dignified care to patients from the local community with any life-limiting illness.

Those who made a dedication received a personalised certificate and their name, as well as that of their loved one, was included in the Butterfly Memory Book, which was available to view at the Hospice during the event.

Around 900 butterflies were released in the Hospice gardens
Around 900 butterflies were released in the Hospice gardens

This year, 900 butterflies were released – more than any other year – in the glorious sunshine in the Hospice’s tranquil gardens, at three release times which were fully booked in advance.

Bethan Creighton, Willow Wood’s Family Support Lead, and Volunteer Chaplain Mark Creighton said a few comforting words to begin each ceremony before individuals and families released their butterflies from their boxes, followed by a repertoire of songs from the Willow Wood Hospice Choir.

The event was attended by the Civic Mayor of Tameside Councillor Shibley Alam – who has chosen the Hospice as one of her charities to support during her year in office – and her Consort Mohammed Khairul Alam, as well as the Lord-Lieutenant of Greater Manchester Diane Hawkins JP LLB and Hospice patron and Vice Lord-Lieutenant Sharman Birtles MBE JP DL.

Vice Lord-Lieutenant Sharman Birtles, Lord-Lieutenant Diane Hawkins and Willow Wood Director of Fundraising and Comms Sam Duncan
Vice Lord-Lieutenant Sharman Birtles, Lord-Lieutenant Diane Hawkins and Willow Wood Director of Fundraising and Comms Sam Duncan

Staff and volunteers manned stalls and the dining room selling a variety of refreshments, cakes, crafts and plants – as well as a raffle and a tombola.

Samantha Kitch, Supporter Care Manager at Willow Wood Hospice, who led on the Butterfly Memory Appeal, said: “We are absolutely overwhelmed by the incredible success of this year’s appeal and wholeheartedly thank everyone who dedicated a butterfly and supported the event, which really was a memorable occasion.

“It’s through the generosity and compassion of our community that we can continue our vital work and ensure that memories live on.

“We’re grateful to Butterflies for Occasions for supplying the butterflies – there were lots of nice comments about the lovely boxes they were in.”

The Butterfly Memory Release is a special event in Willow Wood Hospice's fundraising calendar
The Butterfly Memory Release is a special event in Willow Wood Hospice’s fundraising calendar

The Butterfly Memory Release is one of many events Willow Wood Hospice holds throughout the year, with plenty more still to come in 2025 – including a 5k Wicked-themed Walk around Stamford Park and Chadwick Dam on 21st September.

Since 2020, the cost of delivering hospice services in Greater Manchester has risen by 33 per cent. It costs at least £3.6 million every year for Willow Wood to continue providing its services – 70 per cent of which are provided by its Community Services team at the Hospice and in a patient’s own home.

In March, Willow Wood’s CEO Tracy Minshull and Clinical Director Nicola Cheetham joined hospice leaders at the Houses of Parliament to ask MPs to support reforming the funding model for hospices.

With only 24 per cent of Willow Wood’s annual income funded by the government, the Hospice relies on the local community to cover the shortfall by making donations, organising or supporting fundraising events, donating or buying goods at its eight charity shops, leaving gifts in their Wills, joining the weekly lottery or volunteering.

To find out more about the Hospice, visit www.willowwood.org.uk

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Craft Group celebrate 10 years of creations and fundraising

This year marks a special milestone for the Willow Wood Hospice Craft Group as they celebrate 10 wonderful years of crafting and raising funds to support patient care.

The group, made up of Jean McGuire from Denton, Sue Dray from Stalybridge, Lynn Fielding from Dukinfield, Gwen Towell from Ashton-under-Lyne, Yvonne Davison from Denton, and their newest member Rose Dawson from Mottram, meets every Friday morning at the Hospice.

From 10am to midday, you’ll find them knitting, crocheting, sewing, and sharing stories over their latest creations.

Their talents know no bounds as they make beautiful handmade crafts and goodies for all ages.

These are sold at events held both at the Hospice and in the wider community, including at carnivals, fairs and fun days.

Over the past decade, the group has raised around £10,000 – and that’s on top of the thousands of volunteer hours they’ve gifted in the process.

Much of their materials are donated through our charity shops, but when needed, they’re happy to chip in and buy supplies themselves.

(left to right) Lynn, Rose, Yvonne and Jean had a stall at our recent Butterfly Memory Release event.
(left to right) Lynn, Rose, Yvonne and Jean had a stall at our recent Butterfly Memory Release event.

They’ve even inspired others in the community to donate homemade items for the group to sell – a true ripple effect of kindness.

For Jean, she is giving back as a thank you for the care the Hospice gave to both her mum and her husband.

“We’re all retired and crafting is a passion of ours, so we turned it into something meaningful by supporting the Hospice,” she said. “We really enjoy volunteering for a good cause which means a lot to us all. Ten years has gone so fast!”

Sue, who also makes jewellery for the group, added: “There’s a real community feel at Willow Wood and it feels like we are making a difference. The Hospice is a necessity for the area – I saw both of my parents die in hospital, and the care Willow Wood provides is so important.”

Lucy Ta’ati, Community and Events Fundraiser at Willow Wood, said: “The Craft Group are such a dedicated and talented bunch. Not only have they raised thousands of pounds, but they bring so much warmth and creativity to everything they do. We’re incredibly grateful for their ongoing support – they are a shining example of the difference volunteers can make.”

The group is always happy to welcome new members – whether you’re a seasoned needle crafter or crafter, or you’re just getting started. It’s a fantastic way to meet like-minded people, enjoy your craft, and raise vital funds for patients with a life-limiting illness across Tameside and Glossop.

Interested in joining the group? Find out more and register your interest at willowwood.org.uk/volunteering.

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Director’s daring bungee jump for Willow Wood

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.

You can still support Neale’s fundraising efforts by donating via his JustGiving page: justgiving.com/page/scientific-sanitation-solutions-neales300ft-bungeejump

Thank you, Neale, for your continued and courageous support!

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Willow Wood unveils bold new five-year strategy

Willow Wood Hospice has officially launched a new strategy, setting out its vision to remain at the heart of the Tameside and Glossop communities it serves.

The 2025–2030 strategy aims to guide the organisation through the next five years with a clear focus on sustainability, community engagement and continued excellence in care.

Developed through a series of workshops, surveys and open discussions, the strategy reflects the shared values and ideas of the Willow Wood workforce – comprising staff and volunteers.

The result is a 24-page publication that not only offers an insight into the Hospice’s services, but also outlines a bold plan for the future, including a key aim to achieve a balanced and sustainable financial position by 2028.

Hospice patron and local councillor Taf Sharif (left) and the High Sheriff of Greater Manchester Martin Ainscough CBE DL.

At its core, the strategy identifies four key strategic priorities:

Communication – strengthening internal and external communication, community engagement, and branding and identity.

Quality of care – the care and experience patients receive, support for patients and families, and valuing recognition and feedback.

People – focusing on leadership and management, nurturing a supportive and inclusive team culture, and workforce development and education.

Sustainability – robust income generation, effective financial management, strong governance and rigorous quality control.

To mark the occasion, a celebration event was held at the Hospice in Ashton-under-Lyne on Friday (20th June) with staff, volunteers and invited external partners in attendance.

Among those present were Martin Ainscough CBE DL, High Sheriff of Greater Manchester; Councillor Jodie Brown, the Civic Chair of Derbyshire County Council; representatives from Tameside Council’s Adult Social Care team; and NHS Greater Manchester.

Willow Wood Hospice CEO Tracy Minshull (right) with Councillor Jodie Brown, Civic Chair of Derbyshire County Council.

The event featured speeches from Tracy Minshull, CEO of Willow Wood Hospice; Timothy Jackson, Chair of the Board of Trustees; and Hospice patron and local councillor Taf Sharif.

Some guests also enjoyed guided tours of the Hospice’s tranquil gardens in the sunshine, led by Head Gardener Sophie Cordingley and garden volunteer David Johnson.

CEO Tracy Minshull said: “When I joined the Hospice just over a year ago, I outlined my vision to create a new strategy that would guide us into the future and emphasised that our volunteers and staff combined are one workforce.

“I am proud to launch our plan for meaningful progress over the next five years. By working together with our workforce, supporters and partners, we will rise to the challenges and continue to deliver the high-quality, specialist care that defines Willow Wood Hospice.

“Thank you to our staff, volunteers, trustees and patrons for helping to shape the strategy. Their hard work, ideas and passion have been key in creating a plan that reflects our shared vision and commitment to care. We look forward to delivering our services with their continued support.”

The full strategy document is available to view and download from the Hospice’s website at www.willowwood.org.uk/strategy

Printed copies are also available at the Hospice and in its charity shops across Tameside and Glossop.

Hospice volunteers Barbara Lawton (left) and Eileen Smith with trustee John Maltby.
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Children from Stalybridge school make pilgrimage to Willow Wood

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Flower Festival blooms again at Willow Wood with magical success

Hundreds of visitors visited the ninth annual Flower Festival at Willow Wood Hospice across a sun-soaked weekend to experience the spellbinding sights and floral delights.

The event has already raised over £6,000 towards patient care at the Hospice, based in Ashton-under-Lyne, with more money still to come in.

Guests who came on Saturday, May 10, and Sunday, May 11, wandered through an enchanting array of 21 floral displays which followed the theme of the magical world of Harry Potter.

The wizarding world of Hogwarts was reflected – from the Ministry of Magic and Quidditch, to The Prisoner of Azkaban and even Professor Pomona Sprout’s Herbology Class.

To further boost Hospice funds, each display had a price tag attached so they could be purchased by those in attendance and collected at the end of the festival.

The festival was officially opened on Saturday morning by Hospice patron Ellie Leach – a former Coronation Street star and Strictly Come Dancing champion – who cut the ribbon.

Adding an extra touch of Harry Potter magic on Saturday was Bill Andrew — the real-life driver of the Hogwarts Express in all seven films — who shared stories from behind the scenes and signed books and photos for delighted fans.

Visitors also enjoyed posing for photos with life-sized cutouts of Harry Potter characters, generously donated by Star Cutouts UK, which were available to buy at the end of the weekend to raise additional funds for the Hospice.

There were also refreshments served by a band of volunteers in The Hive, and Prosecco in the Garden Room, where there was card, craft, wooden craft, cake, tombola and raffle stalls for visitors to browse.

Outside in the Hospice’s picturesque gardens, guests basked in the beautiful weather while enjoying live music from the Mossley Ukulele Group and Mike Styan and friends on Saturday, and the Sounds Familiar Ukulele Band on Sunday.

The festival is organised by a committee of dedicated volunteers, comprising Eileen Smith, Ann Fee, Pauline Giblin, Christine Lucas, Sheila Redfearn, Lorraine Vaughton, Moya Evans and Pam Chadwick.

Speaking on behalf of the Flower Festival Committee, Eileen said: “It was an amazing weekend and the weather was glorious. We’re so grateful to everyone who came along to support the festival. A special thank you to our Willow Wood patron Ellie Leach for opening the event, and to Bill Andrew for travelling from Crewe to share his unique Hogwarts stories.

“We would also like to thank everyone who helped in any way — from arranging flowers and sponsoring displays, to working in the kitchen and manning the stalls. A big shoutout goes to Jeanette, Christine and John who work all year to handcraft cards, cushions, and wooden gifts — donating 100 per cent of their takings to Willow Wood.”

As the petals settle on another successful festival, the committee will soon start looking ahead to next year’s event — which will mark the 10th edition of this much-loved community celebration.

It costs £3.6 million a year for Willow Wood Hospice to continue providing its 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.

If you would like to organise your own fundraiser for Willow Wood, the Hospice’s Fundraising team can support you – contact fundraising@willowwood.org.uk or call 0161 330 7788.

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Double recognition at Tameside Business Awards

We’re thrilled to share that Willow Wood Hospice won the Retailer of the Year award and received a Special Commendation for Care in the Outstanding Contribution to Tameside category at the Tameside Business Awards.

The awards ceremony took place on Wednesday night at The Village Hotel in Ashton-under-Lyne.

We were represented by our CEO Tracy Minshull, Chairman Timothy Jackson, Clinical Director Nicola Cheetham, Director of Fundraising & Communications Sam Duncan, Head of Retail Pauline Lunt, and Partnership Development Lead Joanne Lees.

These honours are a testament to the dedication, compassion and relentless hard work of our incredible workforce – which is all of our staff and volunteers.

We have also been shortlisted in the Social Enterprise / CIC / Charity of the Year category at this year’s Pride of Tameside Business Awards.

We will find out if we have been successful on Friday 13th June at Dukinfield Town Hall – fingers crossed!

Pictured: CEO Tracy Minshull and Clinical Director Nicola Cheetham (left) with our Special Commendation for Care and Director of Fundraising and Communications Sam Duncan and Head of Retail Pauline Lunt with our Retailer of the Year award.