When Mark Oliver first walked through the doors of Willow Wood Hospice, it was during one of the most difficult times of his life.
His wife Adele had been diagnosed with lung cancer and, by the time it was discovered, the disease had already spread to her brain, spine and bones.
“We were told there was no treatment for her – it had gone too far,” Mark explained.
“We were looking for palliative care and was told about Willow Wood Hospice. Adele spent three days on the Inpatient Unit in the Hospice before she died on 27th March 2025 – she was 55 years old.”
‘I was really happy that her final days were spent here’
Mark, 53, from Denton, had been with Adele for 26 years and married for 20, raising two children – Daniel, 18, and Rosie, 14.
Mark described Adele as “funny and very loving” and recalled how her illness came as a shock to the family.
What initially seemed like sciatica later led to further complications and, after having a seizure, she went to hospital for scans and tests, which eventually led to her receiving a cancer diagnosis.
Having seen the Hospice’s fundraising events in the local media, Mark was already aware of Willow Wood. But when he arrived with Adele, he was moved by the care and atmosphere.
“Adele was in a room on her own and although she was only in there a short time, the level of care she received was brilliant. I know hospitals try their best but it’s very different here. I was really happy that her final days were spent here. The volunteers on Reception also get to know who you are, which makes you feel welcome.”
Following Adele’s death, Mark was offered bereavement counselling through our Family Support team and, after taking up the opportunity, found it helpful.
“I thought talking to someone would help so I took it up,” he said. “You probably need more help than you think you do and you want to speak to people outside the family. It was great. Obviously it doesn’t cure anything but it really helps you to look at things in a different perspective. I can honestly say it has helped.”
Mark and Adele on their wedding day.
‘Don’t be afraid’
Through his sessions, Mark found that the support he received not only helped him, but also gave him insight into how his children might be coping.
“You can get a bit wrapped up in how you feel and might not understand how other people might actually look at it. My thinking was to try to protect them but they are more resilient than I thought and they’ve made their own mind up about things. It’s difficult but, on the whole, we’re doing okay.”
Bethan Creighton, Family Support Lead, commented: “It was a pleasure to work with Mark and his two children. Although I never got to meet Adele, I was able to learn about her love, light and personality through how she and Mark had been throughout their marriage and also in raising their children. It can be hard for parents to realise that there is support for them and to understand there is space for them too alongside their children being supported in the grief process, but once Mark did so, he was able to spend time exploring his feelings, needs and grief.”
Wanting to give back, Mark and his family asked for donations to Willow Wood instead of flowers at Adele’s funeral – raising £500 – and he wants to support the Hospice in the future too by getting involved in our fundraising walk with Rosie.
Although returning to Willow Wood for the first time after Adele’s death was hard, Mark shared words of encouragement for anyone else facing the same fears.
“I found it hard just walking through the door but to be honest you’re not going to be judged in any sort of way. It’s a very welcoming and safe environment. Just don’t be afraid – the staff here are brilliant and will help you.
“It’s important that people are aware of the services available at the Hospice. Obviously my main focus has been the kids but I can imagine if the kids were older, they would probably have struggled a lot more with everything so that’s when I think somewhere like Willow Wood will become invaluable.”
To find out more about Willow Wood Hospice’s services, visit www.willowwood.org.uk or call 0161 330 1100.
After receiving heartbreaking news that her bone cancer is incurable, Tristessa Sedgwick underwent chemotherapy that made her so ill that she felt like she was on the brink of dying.
One phone call to Willow Wood Hospice, however, helped change her outlook.
“A friend of [my husband] Andrew’s came to know Willow Wood when his mum came to the Hospice and suggested we had a look around and get to know the team,” explained the 58-year-old.
“Soon after my chemotherapy, when I was not in a good place, I called the Hospice. Julie from the Wellbeing team asked if it would help if I came in to talk to her whenever it suited me. I said it would – I came in that afternoon and Julie listened to me for two hours over a cup of tea.
“The difference I felt just talking through my emotions was phenomenal. I told Julie I could not thank her enough.”
Tristessa with her husband Andrew and dog Bob in the Hospice gardens
It wasn’t just the conversation with Julie in late August 2024 that helped put Tristessa at ease, it was the environment of the Hospice – which she quickly learned was not just ‘a place to come right at the end’.
“It’s very calm and peaceful,” Tristessa stated. “You come in and feel like you’re taking a big, deep breath because you can let go and just relax a bit. It’s like a bit of a release, a hug. It feels very reassuring when you come in.
“I’ve said categorically to Julie, my GP and everybody that the Hospice is where I want to come at the end. I want it to feel like an extension of home, not somewhere that feels scary.”
As she came to terms with her diagnosis, Tristessa enjoyed attending the Be Active sessions on Wednesdays at the Hospice.
“Even though we haven’t all got the same issues and problems, fundamentally we’ve got a similar diagnosis so you feel like you can relate with other people.
“What struck me from the first session was I expected everyone to be elderly but there were people of mixed ages, which made me realise I wasn’t alone and I couldn’t feel too hard done by.”
Tristessa, Sharon and Deepak in the Bee Active session in The Hive at the Hospice
‘We concentrate on a patient’s individual wellbeing’
Julie Moran, the Hospice’s Wellbeing Team Leader, explains how Tristessa and others are supported by our Wellbeing service.
“At Willow Wood Hospice, we focus on a patient’s individual wellbeing. Our role is to offer a holistic programme of care that supports the patient, their families and carers.
“It is paramount that we are there to help Tristessa and others to carry on their lives, knowing that if they need us, they can call us or drop in. We take pride in supporting local people and are frequently humbled by their bravery and resilience.
“When I reflect on my work, I feel extremely privileged in my role as Wellbeing Team Leader to support Tristessa along her palliative journey – the true hero being Tristessa, who has faced her incurable illness with such courage and dignity.”
As a keen gardener, Tristessa has also been comforted by the serenity of our beautiful gardens.
“When I first came in, Julie encouraged my husband and I to look in the gardens. For me, it was that tranquility that struck me,” she noted.
“I did a mindfulness walk in the gardens for my first Be Active session and met head gardener Sophie, who I had a nice talk with – she even offered to give me some tips for my garden!”
Tristessa with Julie in the Hospice gardens
The array of vital services that the Hospice provides has been beneficial to those closest to Tristessa too.
“My diagnosis doesn’t just affect me, it has a knock-on effect on my family,” she told us.
“I’m very close to my three sisters. We started coming together to the Coffee Mornings at the Hospice – it’s something nice to do and it was good so they became familiar with Willow Wood too.
“I’ve been having counselling with Sarah which has been great, and two of my sisters are going to use it as well. They want to get involved and see somebody.”
Sarah Ellenbogen, Senior Family Support Counsellor, explained: “Tris gave me permission to share this small part of the work we’ve done together. In our sessions, we’ve explored how her cancer diagnosis started to define her, dominating conversations and routines.
“By offering Tris space to reflect, she was able to separate herself from her cancer — she was still the person she’s always been. We spoke about losing her agency, and how making small plans, like meeting a friend or getting her hair done, helped her take back some control. Planning, something central to her work as a designer, felt significant.
“Together, we also explored what the future might look like — recognising it still existed, even if different than before. By planning the time she has left, she felt able to have important conversations with loved ones and helped her imagine what life might look like after she was gone. This felt like acceptance.”
‘You don’t realise how vital hospices are until you’re here’
Tristessa’s sisters Scarlett, Saffron and Tiffany grew up in Saddleworth but live in different parts of the region now, so they started getting together at our monthly Coffee Mornings in September 2024.
“The Coffee Mornings are very welcoming and the volunteers make it fun and light-hearted, yet there is still time for us to have a coffee and a talk,” said Saffron. “It’s hard for us to come together in one room so it’s an opportunity for us to have a catch-up face to face.”
Tristessa, Scarlett, Saffron and Tiffany pictured in The Sanctuary at the Hospice
Scarlett, who is looking to access our Counselling service, has already seen the impact hospices like Willow Wood have and was surprised to learn how they are funded.
“At Willow Wood they support the patient and the patient’s family,” she explained. “I feel certainly that I could phone the Hospice at any time. Sometimes you want to speak to someone who understands but isn’t a close family member or friend.
“The focus is very much on patient wellbeing as opposed to making something better because, in a lot of situations, you can’t make it better. That’s what has really opened my eyes about hospices. The community spirit of hospices is very supportive to individuals and also their families.
“I thought hospices were attached to hospitals, I didn’t realise they are largely self-funded. I think if people did realise this, they would be horrified and would want to support more because most people will find themselves needing a hospice at some stage in their life.”
Saffron added: “Unless you become involved, you just think of a hospice as helping people in the very last few days of someone’s life. You don’t realise how vital hospices are until you’re here and that has to change.”
Tiffany has certainly noticed a positive difference in Tristessa since the Hospice has supported her.
“Coming to Willow Wood has really helped lift her back up rather than pushing her down.”
‘My workplace has been phenomenal’
Tristessa’s illness has led to a period of absence from her job as a sales manager at a fabric manufacturer in West Yorkshire, however the unwavering support of her employer Mobus Fabrics has meant work has been one less thing to worry about.
“I’ve not been well enough to work but my workplace has been phenomenal. They know my situation at home and have been super supportive.
“I was talking about resigning and they wouldn’t hear of it – they still see me as part of the team. I’ve worked with them for 10 years and knew them well before I joined. I imagine not every employer is like that, so I’m lucky.”
Such is how much the company value her, 13 members of the Mobus team took on the Yorkshire Three Peaks Challenge in April to support Tristessa and to raise funds for Willow Wood Hospice.
They set themselves a target of £10,000 and raised 80 per cent of that total in less than a week, so they increased their target and have raised over £20,000 – an incredible amount!
“Tris is more than just a colleague to us – she is family,” said Managing Director Lee Paxman. “She has been part of our team for many years, and now, as this amazingly strong woman faces an incredibly difficult journey with incurable bone cancer, we want to do something to show our love and continued support.
“The walk was not just a challenge – it was a tribute to Tris and a way to give back to Willow Wood Hospice, the place that is bringing her peace, comfort and care when she needs it the most.”
In honour of Tris, UK Fabric Shows also donated £5,000 to Willow Wood and would like to support the Hospice as their adopted Charity of the Year.
Tristessa’s colleagues from Mobus Fabrics have helped to raise over £20,000 for Willow Wood Hospice
Focusing on quality of life
Tristessa was first diagnosed with scleroderma in 2013 – a condition similar to arthritis but affecting connective tissue rather than joints.
A CT scan eventually revealed something far more serious – cancer in her lungs, which then spread to her bones.
“Once I heard it had spread to my bones, I thought this is terminal,” she said.
Tristessa was referred to the Christie for chemotherapy over the summer, but the treatment left her extremely ill.
“My husband and I decided I couldn’t have any more chemotherapy, it was giving me no quality of life.”
With the support of her consultant, Tristessa chose to focus on quality of life.
Tristessa has been able to resume one of her favourite activities: walking her miniature Schnauzer, Bob, around Mossley, where she lives. Walking became her way of staying mobile after her diagnosis.
“Everything I’ve been through makes you realise it’s those small pleasures in life that are the most important things,” she said.
“It’s just one day at a time. The network I have around me has helped me psychologically as well as physically. I feel lucky that I’ve got this window of life, however long, and some people don’t get that.”
Tristessa has visited the Hospice for her Be Active sessions and continues to receive support from our Counselling team. For more information about the Hospice’s services, visit www.willowwood.org.uk
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).
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.
Willow Wood is launching two new groups aimed at bereaved people grieving for loved ones who have received care at the Hospice.
The Sunflowers Support Group is designed specifically for children aged eight to 13 years old, offering age-appropriate activities and gentle guidance to help them understand and express their grief.
They must be comfortable in a small group with other young people; be demonstrating a struggle in their grief where a parent/guardian/carer is noticing adverse changes to their behaviours or usual routines; be able to attend all six proposed dates.
The group – led by a qualified Counsellor – will run for six weekly sessions on Mondays at the Hospice, from 4pm to 5.30pm, starting on 24th February and ending on 31st March.
To express interest in a child attending the group, visit https://willowwood.org.uk/sunflowers-support-group/ to fill out a simple form and the Hospice’s Family Support team will be in touch with more details.
A new drop-in is also starting to support bereaved family members and those closest to someone who was cared for through any service at Willow Wood.
The Bereavement Support Hub gives people the opportunity to connect with the Hospice’s Family Support team for reassurance, guidance, information and signposting, as well as to self-refer to Counselling, future groups or spiritual support.
There will be quarterly drop-in sessions at the Hospice from 9.30am to 11am on the following Tuesdays this year: 25th February, 27th May, 26th August, and 2nd December.
The Hospice is based on Willow Wood Close, off Mellor Road, in Ashton-under-Lyne (postcode OL6 6SL).
Bethan Creighton, Family Support Lead and Senior Family Support Counsellor at Willow Wood Hospice, said: “Grief can be an overwhelming and isolating experience, especially for children and families who have lost a loved one.
“At Willow Wood, we want to provide a safe and supportive space where people can express their emotions, connect with others who understand, and find the guidance they need.
“Our new bereavement support offers that opportunity to those whose loved one was cared for at the Hospice, ensuring nobody has to navigate their grief alone.”
PICTURED:Bethan Creighton, Family Support Lead and Senior Family Support Counsellor, in the Hospice gardens.
We are delighted to have recently seen an increase in the number of students choosing to undertake a placement at Willow Wood Hospice.
Christina applied for a counselling placement with us as part of her studies at Tameside College, working towards becoming a qualified counsellor.
“I knew Willow Wood offered counselling, and I thought, where better to do it than here? I honestly couldn’t have been happier with the placement,” said Christina.
“It’s been an excellent environment for my placement, and the Family Support team has been incredibly supportive.
“I was interviewed by Callie [Head of Community Services] and Sarah [Senior Family Support Counsellor] and I remember walking away thinking ‘I really hope I get this.’ You just know when something feels right. I was over the moon when Callie told me I’d been offered the placement at Willow Wood.”
After completing her placement, Christina continued to volunteer at the Hospice, describing the experience as overwhelmingly positive.
She explained how pivotal the placement had been in supporting her journey to qualification.
“Every hour spent with a client is a learning opportunity – you can’t help but grow. I’ve developed as a counsellor here, thanks to the ongoing support and guidance from Callie and Bethan [Family Support Lead]. That support has been there every step of the way, both as a trainee and now as a qualified counsellor.”
“I’d known about Willow Wood before my placement, having taken part in the Midnight Wander, and through friends who had shared their positive experiences when loved ones were cared for here.
“When I first started my placement, people would often comment on how sad it must be, and yes, it is difficult watching someone experience the pain of losing a loved one. But it’s also incredibly rewarding to know that I’ve played a part in supporting that person through such a challenging time. I feel privileged to have had the opportunity to work with the clients here. It’s truly been an honour.”
Christina (centre) with Callie Harrop (left), Head of Community Services, and Bethan Creighton, Family Support Lead at Willow Wood Hospice
Christina described Willow Wood as ‘a wonderful place doing vital work for the community’.
When talking about the wider organisation, Christina felt Willow Wood has been ‘one of the most positive places I’ve ever worked at’.
She added how the team excels at making a difficult time more manageable. “The Hospice staff are deeply committed to their work, and it’s inspiring to see so many volunteers from the community involved too. I’ve really felt like a valued member of the team.”
Christina’s passion for counselling stems from her desire to help others through the toughest times of their lives, and Willow Wood provided the ideal setting for this. “I’ve worked with children and young people for the past 12 years, and I love what I do. Being able to combine this experience with counselling has been an incredibly enriching and insightful opportunity for me.”
Christina also works as a Programme Development Manager for the charity Power2, which supports children and young people to thrive. She has been with the organisation for over 12 years, where her role involves designing and writing programmes to help young people at risk of not reaching their full potential.
“I’m thrilled to be completing my next placement at Power2, working with young people facing mental health challenges. It means a great deal to me to be able to complete my placement at a charity that I know does such incredible work with children and young people.”
Callie Harrop, Head of Community Services, said Christina has been a real asset to the Hospice’s Family Support team.
“Her warm, friendly nature and her passion for good outcomes for those she works with has been a joy to observe,” she said.
“Whilst on placement and through volunteering, Christina has supported a number of people including patients and family members of those who have accessed Willow Wood services, and has received some fantastic feedback about the relationships she has built and the impact the counselling has had for those she has supported.
“Whilst we will miss Christina on our team, we wish her all the very best for her future studies and next steps in her career and know that anyone lucky enough to meet Christina as a counsellor will have a positive experience.
“We are always so grateful that individuals choose to spend their placements with us and always aim to provide a supportive and inclusive environment for our Trainee Counsellors, with guidance when navigating a caseload, a chance to reflect on their sessions and the offer of training, supervision and learning opportunities to enhance their placement offer.”
When asked if she would recommend a placement or volunteering at Willow Wood to others, Christina’s response was simple: “100%! I’ve already spoken to my previous college tutor and told them I’d highly recommend Willow Wood for counselling placements.
“I honestly couldn’t recommend it enough. It’s been an incredible placement – it feels like you’re really giving something back, and that’s something I think is really important.”
Willow Wood Hospice welcomes students on medical, nursing, physiotherapy, occupational therapy and counselling placements.
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