Tag: Campaigns

Posted on by

Eggs-traordinary donation in Maisie’s memory

A huge thank you to local charity Maisie Moo’s Missions for donating an incredible 1,600 Cadbury’s Crème Eggs to support our Bunny Hop appeal.

The donation was made in honour of what would have been Maisie’s 16th birthday last month. Maisie Almond, from Stalybridge, died in hospital aged 14 in October 2024 from acute liver failure, just 17 days after first complaining of a stomach ache, before she was able to undergo a liver transplant.

Her parents, Kathryn and Stuart, founded the charity in her name to support projects that empower disadvantaged young people, while also raising awareness of organ donation and the importance of donating blood.

Maisie had a special connection to Willow Wood Hospice, volunteering in our Hyde charity shop – where she still has her own corner in tribute. Trustee Ian McClure, whose mum Mary was cared for at the Hospice, also volunteers at our Coffee Mornings.

Kathryn said: “When we saw the Crème Egg Appeal, we wanted to help as it aligns with our strategy to support other charitable initiatives and the eggs are supporting children who are fundraising.

“Maisie enjoyed working in the Willow Wood shop and always wanted to help others in need. We have found strength in wanting to make a difference to others in Maisie’s name.”

We are so grateful for this thoughtful and generous support.

To reward the amazing youngsters taking part in our Bunny Hop, we still need more Creme Eggs before the closing date of Friday 6th March.

Any donations to the Hospice or any of our shops would be greatly appreciated.

Posted on by

Stalybridge couple’s devotion to Willow Wood Hospice inspires legacy giving

A Stalybridge couple who have volunteered at Willow Wood Hospice for over 15 years are helping to secure its future for generations to come by leaving a gift in their Will.

Joanne and Chris Hinds, both 62 and married for 27 years, first walked through the Hospice’s doors in 2006 when Joanne’s auntie Beryl received care there. It was during that time they met Beryl’s driver, Cyril, who ran the Hospice’s Coffee Mornings with his wife Barbara.

Joanne and Chris attended one of the events and were instantly inspired to support.

“If we can’t give up two hours a month to help, we need speaking to!” Joanne and Chris chuckled.

What began as helping out soon turned into something much bigger. Joanne and Chris became part of a team of volunteers who run the Coffee Mornings, who have become a community of friends, and the couple have since supported the Hospice in other ways.

Joanne served as a Receptionist for many years, while Chris is now a trustee. Together, they organise regular quizzes and two much-loved annual fundraising events – The Last Night of the Proms and the Festival of Christmas Music – which have raised thousands of pounds in vital funds for patient care.

Over the years, they have seen first-hand the impact of hospice care on patients and families from Tameside and Glossop.

Having known many people who have needed the Hospice’s services, Joanne and Chris wanted to do their bit to help ensure its essential care remains available long into the future.

“A few years ago, we were discussing Wills and we thought about leaving something for Willow Wood,” Jo explained. “Starting to think about life after death is an emotive subject and it can be difficult. The hardest part about making a Will is deciding what you want to do, particularly as a couple without children.”

Chris added: “We’re leaving a gift as a percentage of our estate. Even just one per cent can make a massive difference and leaves the bulk of someone’s Will to their loved ones. Today is always the right time to think about making your Will.”

Gifts in Wills fund the care of one in five patients at Willow Wood and are vital in providing compassionate, specialist and dignified care now and for future generations.

“Unfortunately the Hospice’s services aren’t fully funded so it’s reassuring to know that by leaving a gift in our Wills will help care for others – it’s our legacy to our community,” said Chris.

‘Anyone can leave a legacy’

Willow Wood Hospice has joined forces with 127 hospices across England, Scotland and Wales as part of the This Is Hospice Care campaign, encouraging local people to consider leaving a gift in their Will.

New data from Hospice UK reveals that gifts in Wills are the lifeline keeping the country’s hospices open, funding the equivalent of 400,000 nights of hospice care every year. However, 59% of the public are unaware that hospices like Willow Wood provide services free of charge.

It costs around £10,000 a day to keep the Hospice in Ashton-under-Lyne running. As a charity independent of the NHS, Willow Wood receives just 24 per cent of its annual funding from the government. The remainder comes from the generosity of the community – through gifts in Wills, donations, fundraising events, charity shop purchases, the weekly lottery, and volunteering.

Sam Duncan, Director of Fundraising and Communications at Willow Wood Hospice, said: “At Willow Wood Hospice, we’re here for our community, whether it’s supporting a partner to provide care at home, helping a loved-one process grief, or providing dignified and compassionate end-of-life care.

“Gifts in Wills make all of this possible, helping to fund the care of one in five of our patients. These legacy gifts ensure that vital support is there, not just for the person who is receiving hospice care, but for those closest to them.”

Catherine Bosworth, Director of Income Generation and Grants at Hospice UK, added: “Our ageing population means demand for hospice care will only continue to grow, so it’s vital that we do what we can to secure hospice care now. A gift in your will to a hospice doesn’t require parting with your money today, anyone can leave a legacy.”

For Joanne and Chris, the decision simply felt right.

After 15 years of unwavering dedication, their legacy will ensure Willow Wood Hospice can continue to care for local families when they need it most.

For more information about leaving a gift in your Will to Willow Wood Hospice, visit willowwood.org.uk/giftsinwills

Posted on by

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

Posted on by

Join in the conversation about death and dying with Willow Wood

Willow Wood Hospice is inviting the local community to join in the important conversation about death and dying during Dying Matters Week.

The Hospice is once again supporting Hospice UK’s national campaign, which runs from 5th to 11th May.

This year’s theme is The Culture of Dying Matters, focusing on how different communities and cultures in the UK feel, talk about, and deal with death and dying – and what brings them together.

During the week, Willow Wood will be hosting four pop-in sessions in the local community and an interactive market place event at the Hospice, to help continue opening up the vital conversation around death and dying.

Members of the public, colleagues from health and social care across both acute and community teams, faith leaders, funeral directors and other charities are all welcome to come along to learn about the culture of death and dying.

On Thursday 8th May, the interactive market place event at the Hospice is a chance for individuals, families and professionals to come together, challenge taboos, and reshape how we talk about death, dying and bereavement.

The guest speaker will be Mohamed Seedat, who is the Lead Chaplain at Tameside Hospital. He will be speaking about culture and spirituality in end-of-life care and death.

There are two sessions you can come along to – from midday to 1.30pm and from 2pm to 3.30pm, at the Hospice based on Willow Wood Close, off Mellor Road, in Ashton-under-Lyne (postcode OL6 6SL).

Limited spaces are available and free tickets must be booked in advance online at www.willowwood.org.uk/dying-matters

There will also be pop-in sessions on the following dates:

Tuesday 6th May: 9.30am to midday
The Hub in Hattersley (postcode SK14 6AF)

Wednesday 7th May: Midday to 2pm
The Together Centre in Dukinfield (postcode SK16 5AU)

Friday 9th May: 3pm to 5pm
The Wellness Centre in Denton (postcode M34 3EZ)

Saturday 10th May: 10am to midday
The Bureau in Glossop (postcode SK13 8BW)

At these sessions, there will be an informative stall sharing information and insight into Willow Wood Hospice services, the opportunity to ask any questions relating to death, dying and bereavement, as well as gaining an understanding of culture within these topics too.

There will be a fun part to the stalls with a spin the wheel game, alongside a learning opportunity of cultural norms, myths and gaining a wider insight into conversations that we sometimes feel fearful of or unsure on how to broach.

Rachael Grimwood, Clinical Educator at Willow Wood Hospice, said: “Dying Matters Week gives us a unique opportunity to approach some of the taboos and fears that still surround death and dying.

“Our interactive market place event at the Hospice and pop-in sessions in Tameside and Glossop will be welcoming spaces to ask questions, learn more and take part in open conversations, so please come along if you can.”

For more information about any of the events or Dying Matters Week, contact Rachael at education@willowwood.org.uk or on 0161 330 1100.

Posted on by

Help Willow Wood crack Creme Egg target

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 7,000 bunnies took a leap of love, raising nearly £49,000 by donning bunny ears to hop, skip and jump around playgrounds, halls and parks across Tameside and Glossop.

The Hospice is looking for individuals, groups and companies who can donate as many Creme Eggs as they can, to help reach the target of 8,000.

The chocolate treats can be dropped off 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 needs the eggs by Friday 14th March 2025.

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: “Last year, we raised a record amount for our Bunny Hop since it first launched in 2021 and we would love to top that this year.

“If you have not signed up yet, there’s still time and it’s free to join in. 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. All we ask in return is that every bunny hops to raise funds for Willow Wood Hospice.

“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.

Posted on by

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.

Posted on by

Meet our new Partnership Development Lead

We’re excited to introduce you to Joanne Lees, who is our new Partnership Development Lead at Willow Wood Hospice.

Born and bred in Ashton-under-Lyne, mum-of-three Joanne feels like she has “come home” and is fulfilling a long-standing ambition to make a difference working for a charity.

Her family have always supported charities since her eldest son Andrew, 38, was diagnosed with neuroblastoma at 22 months old.

As well as working for public services such as Tameside Council and Derby NHS Primary Care Team, Joanne has a vast array of experience working for corporate businesses – from Russell Hobbs to JD Sports and Sofology, part of the DFS Group.

As she begins a new chapter at the Hospice, Joanne is keen for every business in Tameside and Glossop to know all about Willow Wood, the extent of the services we provide, and our need to raise at least £3.3 million every year to continue operating.

She’s formulating exciting opportunities for businesses of all sizes to partner with the Hospice, for the benefit of both organisations.

“We’re developing packages for businesses which I think will be amazing,” she explained. “When you’re a busy business and you want to help a charity, you haven’t always got time to fundraise so our flexible packages will be ideal. No matter what size a business is, they will be able to participate.

“Away from the corporate model, if businesses just want to turn up to our network meetings and participate in that or pick the Hospice as their Charity of Choice, that’s fine as our packages are tailored towards what they want to do.

“We’re looking to introduce packages for our corporate volunteering offer too, so that we can maximise the benefits for both the Hospice and businesses.

“Each business tends to have at least one person who is the driving force behind supporting charities and I want Willow Wood to be at the forefront of their minds.”

If your business would like to partner with the Hospice, Joanne will be happy to provide you with more information – just drop her a line at joanne.lees@willowwood.org.uk or call 0161 330 7788.

We’re excited to see the connections she will develop.

Posted on by

Help shape our future as a trustee

Joanne Ormston

Willow Wood Hospice is appealing for skilled and experienced people to join its Board of Trustees.

The Hospice, based in Ashton-under-Lyne, provides specialist and compassionate care for people from Tameside and Glossop with any life-limiting illness and is celebrating its 25th anniversary this year.

Willow Wood needs at least £3.3 million every year to run and, with approximately 21 per cent of that amount coming from the Government, relies heavily on the generous support of the local community to continue providing its vital services.

Trustees are crucial to the work of Willow Wood. With their support, scrutiny and challenge, the Hospice is able to grow and operate effectively.

The role of a trustee can be demanding but ultimately very rewarding, as their contribution helps to make positive changes to people’s lives and will shape the future of Willow Wood for years to come.

The Hospice is seeking trustees from a variety of backgrounds, including those with clinical experience, faith leaders, local government officials, and business professionals, among others.

Martin Willescroft, Honorary President and Trustee at Willow Wood Hospice, said: “What matters most is your enthusiasm and commitment to the Hospice. This role goes beyond attending meetings – it’s about being an active, hands-on participant in our mission.

“You will be involved in both governance responsibilities and proactive initiatives, helping our teams to bring comfort, kindness, and support to people with life-limiting illnesses during the most challenging times. By joining us, you will truly become part of something extraordinary.”

Joanne Ormston (pictured), a qualified Chartered Accountant and Managing Partner of a local law firm, has been a Willow Wood trustee since January 2021. She joined the Board for two main reasons.

“I was keen to do some volunteering work generally to offer some time and expertise in something where I felt I could make a difference,” Joanne said.

“I needed something to fit in with my current work commitments and young family so I thought that being involved in meetings when needed, given this was how I spent my days anyway, would be a useful way to help.

“I decided that a Hospice was where I wanted to offer my help as my mum sadly passed away from cancer in 2020 and the care she received from a local Hospice made such a difference to her quality of life and offered much-needed help to my dad who was her carer in the final weeks.

“My mum helped in any way she could during her illness, taking part in clinical trials and any research needed to help others in the future, so I wanted to continue that sentiment in her memory in a way I knew I could.

“Willow Wood is a local Hospice to me and offers such care and assistance to those families that need help that I knew this is where I wanted to offer my time and help to continue the great work they do.”

Joanne enjoys seeing local people benefit from the Hospice’s existence and recommends becoming a trustee to others thinking about getting involved.

“I enjoy hearing stories of how patients both in the Hospice and at home have benefitted from the care that the Hospice provides and knowing that I have been a very small part of that brings me a lot of happiness and a sense of ‘giving something back’ which is important,” she explained.

“I enjoy working with the other trustees – it’s very much a team approach and we all listen and respect the view of everyone involved as every person brings a different skill set and approach.

“I also enjoy chatting to the vast number of volunteers in and around the Hospice offering their time and expertise, it reminds me of what can be achieved if people work together with the success of the Hospice at heart.

“I believe that anyone who decides they want to join as a trustee would be happy with their decision. The Hospice needs as much help as possible and no matter what you can offer, even if in a small way, will be key in us being able to continue with the work being done and the difference it makes to people when they need help the most.”

Anyone interested in becoming a Willow Wood Hospice trustee can find out more, including how to apply, at https://willowwood.org.uk/vacancies/trustees/

Posted on by

Donate school uniform and support Willow Wood

Our supporters Ladysmith Shopping Centre are holding a ‘School Uniform Exchange’ to offer families free school uniform, with the option of donating to the Hospice as their charity partner this year.

The local community is encouraged to drop off any used or new school uniform items at the Hospice’s shop, based at the centre in Ashton-under-Lyne, during its opening hours of Mondays to Saturdays 9am to 4pm as soon as possible.

The ‘Uniform Exchange’ shop will be open at the former Simply Clothing store at the Ladysmith Shopping Centre on Friday 30th August and Saturday 31st August from 10am to 3pm on both days – before the new school year begins in September and staff will be on hand to assist.

Uniforms will be free to claim but people are encouraged to make a donation, however small, in support of the Hospice – which provides compassionate care to patients from the local community with any life-limiting illness.

Ladysmith says the initiative aims to ease the financial burden on families amid the cost-of-living crisis, promote sustainability and reduce textile waste.

It follows a Censuswide poll conducted for the footwear brand Wynsors, which revealed that 73 per cent of parents feel that purchasing school uniforms strains their household budget, with 37 per cent of parents admitting they need financial support for these expenses but are unable to obtain it.

“We believe that every child deserves to start the school year with confidence, and a proper uniform is an important part of that,” said Ian Pratt, a spokesperson for Ladysmith Shopping Centre.

“Access to school uniforms is also about equality, dignity and inclusion, ensuring every child feels positive and part of the school community.”