Tag: Events

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A wonderfully Wicked day at the Willow Wood Hospice Walk

Stamford Park and Chadwick Dam were filled with colour, sparkle, and a dusting of community spirit as hundreds of supporters took on Willow Wood Hospice’s brand-new 5km walk with a difference.

Basking in the autumn sunshine, 275 walkers of all ages came together last Sunday (21st September) with friends and family to create lasting memories while raising vital funds to support patient care.

Over £15,000 has been raised so far and there’s still time to boost the total further by making an online donation at https://www.justgiving.com/campaign/willowwalk

This year’s Wicked theme brought magic and colour to every step – with costumes ranging from gravity-defying witches and sparkling Glindas to those simply enjoying the day in their own style.

A real highlight was the dazzling Wicked-inspired performances from The Drama Department, who brought the worlds of Glinda and Elphaba to life with showstopping songs and dance numbers that had the walkers and onlookers singing and clapping along.

The Hospice also continued its collaboration with local colleges as students from Ashton Sixth Form College made fabulous Wicked-themed paper costumes and students from Tameside College added to the fun by providing colourful face painting.

The 5km challenge offered fun for all ages, including a Trail Tracker quiz, sticker trail, finishing-line treat, and of course, every participant received a well-deserved medal and certificate.

Willow Wood’s mascot Woody the Bear was there to cheer everyone on and Tracy Minshull, CEO of the Hospice, cut the ribbon to set the walkers on their way.

Browse through our photo album from the day by clicking on the image below:

Tracey Schofield, Events Lead at Willow Wood Hospice, said: “It was a fantastic day and the weather was kind to us! It was lovely to see everyone enjoying themselves and walking to support patients with life-limiting illnesses and those closest to them.

“A massive thank you to everyone who took part and embraced the Wicked theme; The Drama Department; our Hospice staff and volunteers; Robertson, HN Nuttall and Set Produce; and Tameside Council for use of the park.”

Keep an eye out for next year’s Willow Wood Hospice 5km Walk – the theme for 2026 will be announced very soon.

It costs £3.6 million a year for Willow Wood Hospice to continue providing its essential 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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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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Guide Bridge Theatre takes the Enchanted Evening reins

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 Holden and Mike Styan handing over the music books in the Hospice gardens
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.”

Tickets for this year’s event are £10 per person and can be purchased online at https://www.ticketsource.co.uk/booking/venueplan/bkgzmkgzwvrv.

As always, audiences can expect a night filled with wonderful music, nostalgia, and community spirit — all in support of Willow Wood Hospice.

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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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Fashion Show proves popular again

Willow Wood Hospice’s fifth Fashion Show was a night to remember, bringing together glamour, generosity and community spirit.

Held for the second time at The Lock on Castle Street in Stalybridge, the stylish venue welcomed 130 people on Friday 9th May.

The evening sparkled from start to finish, raising a fantastic £3,000 in support of patient care at the Hospice.

Guests enjoyed a glass of fizz on arrival before settling in to watch the runway show, featuring our fabulous volunteer models showcasing summer collections.

After the show, the downstairs was transformed into a boutique-style pop-up shop, full of stylish clothes, shoes and accessories – all at a fraction of retail prices.

There was hot and cold food, plus a wide range of drinks from the bar, to keep everyone refreshed throughout the evening.

Guests could also enter a raffle, with some fantastic prizes on offer.

Pauline Lunt, Head of Retail at Willow Wood Hospice, said: “We’re so grateful to everyone who came along and made it a fantastic night.

“Huge thanks to Wendy and the team at The Lock for their incredible support and kind donation, to the students from the fashion department at Tameside College for all of their help, to our wonderful models, and to our amazing retail teams whom we couldn’t do it without.

“Our five Fashion Shows combined have raised £16,000, which has really made a difference to patients with a life-limiting illness in our care.”

Our Fashion Show will return on Friday 7th November – keep your eyes peeled for more details!

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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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Magical experience ahead at Willow Wood Flower Festival

Fans of Harry Potter are in for a treat as that’s the adopted theme for this year’s fundraising floral fundraiser event.

The much-anticipated Flower Festival returns to Willow Wood Hospice in 2025 for the ninth year, on Saturday 10th and Sunday 11th May.

Guided by a dedicated committee comprising Eileen Smith, Ann Fee, Sheila Redfern, Christine Lucas, Pauline Giblin, Judith Scott, Bernice Woodward and Lorraine Vaughton, this cherished annual event promises to be as vibrant as ever.

This year’s festival will be inspired by the theme of the magical world of Harry Potter. Throughout the weekend, visitors can immerse themselves in captivating displays, crafted by both individuals and groups.

While leisurely exploring the stunning exhibits, you can bask in the serenity of the Hospice’s picturesque gardens. Attendees will have the opportunity to purchase the showcased displays, adding a touch of beauty to their homes while making a difference to patients in our care.

The event will also include some life-sized Harry Potter cardboard cutouts to grab your photograph with, donated by Audenshaw business Star Cutouts Ltd. The licensed cutouts feature a range of Harry Potter characters that can be ordered online at mycardboardcutout.co.uk.

Members of the Flower Festival Committee and Lucy, our Community Fundraiser, with some familiar faces from the Harry Potter series

Star Cutouts Managing Director, Ian Ravey, said: “We thought it would be really nice to support Willow Wood Hospice and it’s an organisation I have had experience with, because they looked after my brother before he died. They rely on charitable donations so it is always good to help when we can.”

The cutouts – which normally cost around £40 each – will also be available to buy at the end of the festival by making a donation to the Hospice.

“We’re absolutely thrilled to be bringing the magic of Harry Potter to this year’s Flower Festival,” said the Willow Wood Hospice Flower Festival Committee.

“A huge thank you to Star Cutouts for their generous donation of the fantastic life-sized Harry Potter cutouts – they’ll add a fun element to the weekend, and we’re so grateful for their support in helping us raise vital funds for the Hospice.”

Bill Andrew, the driver of the Hogwarts Express in the Harry Potter films, will also be bringing lots of photos and signing copies of the books on the first day of the festival.

The Flower Festival will be open on Saturday 10th May from 10am to 4pm and Sunday 11th May from 11am to 4pm. Entry will be £3.50, with proceeds going to Willow Wood Hospice. Admission is free for children aged 12 or under. Light refreshments will also be available.

Parking at Willow Wood Hospice is restricted to patients, families, Blue Badge holders and the workforce. Alternative parking is available nearby at the Darnton Road Pay & Display car park (postcode OL6 6RL).

If you would like more information about the Flower Festival or you are interested in buying a cutout, please contact Eileen Smith on 07799 172 313.

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How our Garden of Lights became a festive fixture

Our Garden of Lights celebration evenings are enjoyed by people throughout the local community and beyond every year, but very few know how they first came about. 

It all began in 2017, when the Hospice’s Maintenance Manager Dave Egerton (pictured) approached our then CEO Karen Houlston.

“I asked Karen if there was any way we could put some lights on for the Inpatient Unit,” explained Dave.

“I said it would be of no cost to the Hospice and I would do it all in my own time, so I put a few lights up and everyone liked them.

“The following year, the Fundraising team asked me if they got hold of some lights, would I put them up and I did. From there, it just took off.”

At the beginning, there were around 800 to 1,000 lights – now there are in excess of 11,000 lights which illuminate our stunning gardens in the dark and make them a picturesque scene for patients, staff and visitors to enjoy.

For Dave, a lot of hard work goes in behind the scenes to ensure it looks spectacular.

“I start looking at the lights in October and there’s lots of testing to do,” he said. “There’s around 35 hours of work involved in putting them up.

“We buy some lights and we get some donated, so we mix and match and try to make it look different every year. I have to wire them in such a way based on where the electric points are and I draw a map so I know where to put the lights every year.

“I leave the lights on every night over Christmas, even after we’ve had the Garden of Lights events, for our patients and then start to take them down in the new year. That involves around 25 hours of work in total and then the lights are taken to our Clearance Outlet and Donation Centre to be stored.”

What makes it all worthwhile for Dave is hearing about the positive impact the lights have on our patients.

“On the very first night, I was testing the lights for a couple of hours and a young man came in with his dad, whose eyes lit up when he saw the lights. I had to nip out but I said I would leave the lights on a bit longer for them. When I returned, staff had turned his bed round so he had a better view of the lights. The young man said ‘thank you Dave from me and my dad’. His dad sadly died two days later.

“Two years ago, an elderly lady who has been in and out of the Hospice was here at Christmas. She asked me when the lights would be on as her family were coming in, so we put the lights on for them and they all sat watching them together which was lovely.

“It makes all the hard work worthwhile knowing that seeing the lights could be the last memory for a patient when they come out of the Inpatient Unit into the gardens or sit watching them through their window.”

What started as a way of decorating our Hospice gardens for patients quickly became a fixture in the festive calendar and a popular event which raises vital funds to support the care of patients with life-limiting illnesses from Tameside and Glossop.

“It’s nice to have seen it grow from being just a few lights where a handful of staff were here to open the doors for the public to have a look around,” added Dave.

“In 2021, we introduced the memory stars in the top section of the garden and now it has graduated into a fundraising event which is well supported and raises a substantial amount for the Hospice.”

This year, there are 11 free-to-attend celebration evenings – with a different choir from the local community performing at each one, as well as seasonal refreshments available and a range of festive stalls to browse.

For more details about the event, click here.

By Adam Higgins 

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Enchanted Evening success boosts hospice funds

A popular musical concert has once again hit the right notes to provide a symphony of support for local hospice care.  

It’s the 21st successive year that a group of local amateur operatic societies have put on a varied programme of live music featuring ‘Songs from the Shows’.  

The ‘Enchanted Evening’ concert features top-class soloists singing a selection of the best-loved tunes from musical theatre.  

It was organised by Mike Styan, Phil Steels and Steve Pearson – whose car firm on Acres Lane in Stalybridge sponsored the event once again.  

The evening at Dukinfield Methodist Church recently has raised £1,386.50 for Willow Wood Hospice.  

The hospice, based in Ashton-under-Lyne, provides specialist and compassionate care to patients from across Tameside and Glossop with any life-limiting illness.  

Samantha Kitch, Fundraising Manager at Willow Wood Hospice, said: “Mike and his musical friends have raised £21,000 for the hospice over the years through holding this wonderful and nostalgic occasion.  

“We cannot thank them enough for their continued support, which really makes a difference to patients from our local community who need our care.”  

The ‘Enchanted Evening’ team is already putting plans in place for next year’s concert – so stay ‘tuned’.  

More information about events supporting the hospice can be found at https://willowwood.org.uk/events/