Tag: Fundraising

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Curzon Ashton and Ashton United derby to raise support for Willow Wood Hospice

Curzon Ashton FC team posing for a photo at the Tameside Stadium with Joanne Lees from Willow Wood Hospice

Curzon Ashton Football Club’s match against local rivals Ashton United on Bank Holiday Monday will be dedicated to supporting Willow Wood Hospice.

The early-season clash at the Tameside Stadium (OL7 9HG) will be on Monday 31st August, kicking off at 3pm.

Curzon Ashton has chosen Willow Wood as its charity partner for the 2026/27 season, and supporters attending the eagerly anticipated cross-town derby will have the opportunity to make a donation and find out more about the vital care provided by the Hospice.

Curzon’s players will also be wearing t-shirts showing their support for the Hospice during the pre-match warm-up.

With both sides competing in the Northern Premier League Premier Division, the fixture promises plenty of excitement on the pitch – while offering fans the chance to show their support for local people living with any life-limiting illness.

Mike Smith, Curzon Ashton Community Foundation Manager, said: “Curzon Ashton is proud to be supporting Willow Wood Hospice as our charity partner this season. The Hospice plays such an important role in our local community, supporting patients and families when they need it most.

“Football brings people together, and we hope that by dedicating this local derby to Willow Wood, we can help raise awareness of the Hospice and encourage supporters to get behind its incredible work.”

Curzon Ashton and Willow Wood Hospice staff and mascots
Curzon Ashton has partnered with the Hospice for the 2026/27 season.

Joanne Lees, Partnership Development Lead at Willow Wood Hospice, said: “We’re incredibly grateful to Curzon Ashton for choosing Willow Wood as its charity partner and for dedicating this exciting local derby to supporting the Hospice.

“This is a wonderful opportunity to connect with the local football community and raise awareness of the specialist care we provide to patients and the people closest to them across Tameside and Glossop.

“We hope supporters will come along, enjoy the match and, if they can, make a donation or find out more about how they can support Willow Wood.”

Based in Ashton-under-Lyne, Willow Wood Hospice provides specialist, compassionate and dignified care to people with any life-limiting illness across Tameside and Glossop. The Hospice also supports families and those closest to patients.

It costs £4.1 million a year to run the Hospice, which receives only 22 per cent of its funding from the government – the rest must be raised by the generosity of the community through donations, organising or supporting fundraising events, buying pre-loved items from Willow Wood’s charity shops, leaving gifts in their Wills, joining the weekly lottery, and volunteering.

Admission is £14 for adults, £10 concessions, £5 students, £2 for 12–16-year-olds, with free entry for Under-12s. A family ticket for two adults and two children under 16 costs £25. Tickets can be purchased on the gate on the day.

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Travis pushes his limits in marathon challenge for hospice care

Travis Taylor running his marathons

A remarkable fundraising challenge took on an even deeper personal meaning for Travis Taylor when his grandad began receiving hospice care as he was running seven marathons in seven days for Willow Wood.

The 21-year-old, who has just graduated from the University of Leeds, completed an incredible 295 kilometres over seven days, raising more than £2,100 to support patients with any life-limiting illness that we care for.

The total raised could pay for five full days of care for a patient on our Inpatient Unit.

Travis on day one after reaching halfway point
Travis on day one after reaching halfway point.

Travis – whose girlfriend Hannah has volunteered at Willow Wood and whose mum, Caroline, and auntie, Pauline, are both part of our Retail team – had chosen to support the Hospice because of his family’s connection. However, during the challenge, the cause became even more personal.

His grandad was diagnosed with a brain tumour and began receiving hospice care during the very week Travis was completing his marathons.

“Thankfully he was able to hear about my challenge and I visited him the day after I finished but it brought home the cause I was fundraising for and motivated me even more. Unfortunately he died two weeks later.

“I am glad I’ve been able to raise money for the same cause that helped my grandad and my family through that time. The support we received, which we didn’t have to pay for, was second to none. I never knew how special an environment hospices can be.”

Travis on day five at Ribblehead Viaduct in Yorkshire Dales
Travis on day five at Ribblehead Viaduct in Yorkshire Dales.

Travis, who was a keen swimmer growing up before taking up running in 2020, fittingly called his challenge ‘Week at the Knees’.

Over the course of seven consecutive days, he tackled a variety of routes and terrain, covering roads around Lancaster, cycle tracks and even an 800-metre climb up Ingleborough. The challenge tested him physically and mentally, but with encouragement from family and friends, he crossed the finish line on the seventh day.

“I think having some of my mates to run with along the way made a big difference for my morale. It was nice having my family there on the last day and we set up a finish line.”

Although Travis completed the challenge injury-free, there were moments when he questioned whether he could continue.

“It was really difficult but as I got towards the end, I kept thinking about the reasons why I decided to do it in the first place,” he said.

Travis's cousin Lucas, dad Paul, sister Lauren, gran Kathleen and uncle Mark at the impromptu finish lane.
Travis’s cousin Lucas, dad Paul, sister Lauren, gran Kathleen and uncle Mark at the impromptu finish lane.

“I’m most proud of the fact I carried on when days four and five were very gruelling. I didn’t get the weather on day five and had to do it on the treadmill in the gym.

“It gets past the point where your body is tired anyway, but I don’t think anyone can prepare you for the mental energy side of it.

“I think traffic was the biggest problem I faced as running on roads can be difficult,  but planning the routes was the most important thing.”

Now recovering with more runs and gym sessions, Travis says he isn’t finished with fundraising. He already has his sights set on an even bigger challenge – a 180-kilometre ultra-marathon in Chamonix, France, within the next couple of years.

Travis thanked everyone who supported and donated to his challenge, helping him raise more than he had hoped to.

Donations can still be made via his JustGiving page here: https://www.justgiving.com/page/week-at-the-knees

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Local rivals to battle for Willow Wood Hospice Cup

Two of Tameside’s non-league football clubs will go head-to-head as Mossley AFC host Curzon Ashton FC in the Willow Wood Hospice Cup.

The pre-season clash will take place at Seel Park on Tuesday 21st July, with kick-off at 7.45pm, as current holders Mossley AFC look to lift the trophy for the third successive year.

The annual fixture has long been a feature of the local football calendar and was revived in 2024 by former Civic Mayor of Tameside and Willow Wood Hospice patron Brian Wild, alongside fellow long-time Hospice supporter Chris Smith.

This year’s match carries extra significance after Curzon Ashton FC recently chose the Hospice as its Charity of Choice for the 2026/27 season.

Brian said: “The recent targeted support for the Hospice by Curzon Ashton FC has given a real spark to this year’s cup game and Curzon will want to win this one.

“However, Mossley AFC will be keen to lift the trophy and make it a hat-trick of wins, having beaten both Droylsden AFC last year and Glossop North End AFC the year before.”

Mossley AFC chairman Stephen Porter commented: “We’re delighted to be hosting the Willow Wood Hospice Cup game again this year and proud to continue our support for the work the Hospice does.

“I want the spectators to enjoy a good game and the Hospice to receive some donations for their work, but I hope our lads get the cup to stay at Seel Park for a third year, even though it will be hard against a good Curzon Ashton team.”

Curzon Ashton Community Foundation Manager Mike Smith said: “We really want to win this cup. Our club hopes to make a real difference through the partnership with Willow Wood Hospice and winning this cup will be a great start.

“We’re pleased to partner with the Hospice to help raise awareness and valuable funds. We hope that we can enhance the great work already being done by everyone at Willow Wood and look forward to working with them.”

Joanne Lees, Partnership Development Lead at Willow Wood Hospice, commented: “We are absolutely delighted that Curzon Ashton FC has chosen us as its Charity of Choice for the 2026/27 season. But we continue to enjoy the support of Mossley AFC as they host this game. I hope the best team wins.”

As well as providing an entertaining local derby, the match will raise vital funds for Willow Wood Hospice through collection buckets around the ground.

Based in Ashton-under-Lyne, Willow Wood provides specialist, compassionate care for people living with any life-limiting illness across Tameside and Glossop, supporting patients both at the Hospice and in their own homes.

It costs around £11,200 every day to provide its services, with just 22 per cent of its annual funding coming from the government. The remaining 78 per cent must be raised through the generosity of the local community.

The match also serves as an important part of both clubs’ preparations for the 2026/27 season. Alex Craddock’s Mossley AFC will compete in the Northern Premier League West Division, while Adam Barton’s Curzon Ashton begin life in the Northern Premier League Premier Division following last season’s relegation from the National League North on goal difference after an 11-year stay.

Mossley lifted the revived Willow Wood Hospice Cup in both previous editions, beating Glossop North End AFC 2-0 in 2024 before defeating Droylsden FC 4-2 on penalties after a goalless draw at Seel Park last summer.

Admission for this year’s fixture is £7 for adults, £5 for concessions, £1 for 12 to 17-year-olds, with free entry for accompanied under-12s.

The winning team will be presented with the Willow Wood Hospice Cup on the pitch immediately after the final whistle.

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Seventh Fashion Show raises £3,500 for patient care

Style, community and compassion came together for another incredible Willow Wood Hospice Fashion Show! 

Over 120 guests joined us at The Lock on Castle Street in Stalybridge on Friday 5th June for an evening of fashion, fundraising and fun. Thanks to their generosity, an amazing £3,500 was raised to support patient care at the Hospice.

Guests were welcomed with a glass of fizz before enjoying a stunning runway show, where our fantastic models showcased summer collections. After the show, the venue transformed into a boutique-style shopping experience, packed with stylish clothing, shoes and accessories at bargain prices.

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

“A huge thank you goes to Wendy and the whole team at The Lock for their incredible support; to our wonderful models; and to our amazing retail teams whom we couldn’t do it without.

“Our seven Fashion Shows combined have raised £23,500, which has really made a difference to patients with a life-limiting illness in our care.”

Save the date! Our next Fashion Show is on Friday 6th November with an autumn/winter theme. More details coming soon.

 

Images by David Hirst

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Runners encouraged to lace up for Tameside 10k in support of Willow Wood

RUNNERS, joggers and walkers are expected to take to the streets this weekend as the popular Tameside 10k returns for a fifth year.

The community event, founded by former English super middleweight boxing champion Charlie Schofield, will take place on Sunday, June 7.

This year it will be raising money for Willow Wood Hospice and the Royal British Legion.

Open to people of all ages, fitness levels and abilities, participants can choose to run, jog or walk the 10-kilometre route, which starts at Ultimate Fitness in Stalybridge and finishes at The Rising Moon pub in Hyde.

The Tameside 10k is back on Sunday.

The event gets under way at 10am, with entrants asked to arrive from 9.30am. The route is relatively flat, featuring only a slight incline, and will be fully marshalled and signposted. Official timings will also be recorded.

Since retiring from professional boxing, Charlie has focused on encouraging people across Tameside to become more active, which is why he has established the annual 10k.

Charlie said: “Join us for the Tameside 10k and make a difference for a cause close to your heart. Whether you’re a first-timer or a seasoned runner, this community event is for everyone. Walk, jog or run your way to the finish line, then celebrate your achievement with us afterwards.”

Tara Farren, Community and Events Fundraiser at Willow Wood Hospice, said: “We’re delighted to be a beneficiary of this year’s run, which is always a fantastic community event.

“Whether you’re an experienced runner aiming for a new personal best or taking on your very first 10k challenge, this is a brilliant opportunity to achieve something special while helping us continue to provide vital care and support to local patients and families.

“Good luck to everyone taking part – we’ll be cheering you on every step of the way!”

Charlie Schofield

Entry costs £20 which must be booked in advance online at https://www.schofieldboxingfitness.co.uk/tameside10k 

More information about the event is available on the Tameside 10k Instagram page.

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Curzon Ashton teams up with Willow Wood Hospice for season of support

Curzon Ashton and Willow Wood Hospice staff and mascots

A new partnership between Curzon Ashton FC and Willow Wood Hospice is set to make a big impact both on and off the pitch.

The Tameside football club has chosen the hospice as its Charity of Choice for the 2026/27 season.

The partnership will see The Nash support Willow Wood through a series of fundraising events and awareness campaigns across the season to bring fans, players, staff and the wider community together for a cause close to home.

Both organisations are based in Ashton-under-Lyne and play an important role in the local community.

Curzon Ashton is preparing for life in the Northern Premier League Premier Division next term, while the hospice continues to provide specialist palliative and end-of-life care for patients with any life-limiting illness across Tameside and Glossop.

Supporters can expect plenty of activity both on and off the pitch throughout the season.

Plans already include a 10k sponsored walk in July involving club directors, players, staff and fans, as well as a dedicated charity matchday where players will wear Willow Wood Hospice t-shirts during the warm-up. The fixture will also feature a hospice information stall and a signed shirt raffle.

Other fundraising ideas include a Charity Quiz Night at the stadium and a sponsored ‘Stop Out to Help Out’, where participants will camp overnight on the pitch to raise money for the hospice.

Mike Smith, the Foundation Manager at Curzon Ashton FC, said the club hopes to make a real difference through the partnership.

“We’re pleased to partner with the hospice to help raise awareness and valuable funds. We hope that we can enhance the great work already being done by everyone at Willow Wood and look forward to working with them,” he said.

For Willow Wood Hospice, the partnership is another example of how local organisations can support the charity.

Joanne Lees, Partnership Development Lead, said: “We are absolutely delighted that Curzon Ashton FC has chosen us as its Charity of Choice for the 2026/27 season. As two organisations rooted in Tameside and committed to supporting our local community, this partnership feels like a perfect match.

“The support from Curzon Ashton will not only help raise vital funds but also increase awareness of the care and support we provide to patients and families across Tameside and Glossop. Partnerships like this truly make a huge difference.”

It currently costs around £11,200 a day to run Willow Wood, with only 22 per cent of the hospice’s annual funding coming from the government. The remaining income must be raised through donations, fundraising and community support.

With football fans known for backing their teams through thick and thin, both the club and the hospice hope the local community can get firmly behind the partnership in the months ahead.

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Student’s seven marathons in seven days for Willow Wood

A final-year undergraduate student is pushing his physical and mental limits this summer in an inspiring fundraising challenge for Willow Wood Hospice.

Travis Taylor, 21, who is studying English and Creative Writing at the University of Leeds and has ambitions to become an English Professor, is preparing to run seven marathons in seven consecutive days as part of his self-created ‘Week at the Knees’ challenge.

Starting on 1 July, Travis will take on the remarkable feat of running a total of 295 kilometres across the week, all in aid of the Hospice based in Ashton-under-Lyne. Supporters can follow his journey as he shares his training and documents the entire challenge on Instagram via @trav.tayl.

Travis, who lives in the Lake District, has strong personal connections to the Hospice. His girlfriend Hannah has volunteered there, while her mum Caroline is the Hospice’s Glossop shop manager and her aunty Pauline is Head of Retail.

He said: “I’ve had this idea for a long while but thought that fundraising for the Hospice will motivate me and do some good in the process.

“I know Hannah’s family all speak very highly of the Hospice, it’s close to their hearts and I know it means a lot to the community too. The impact of supporting a local charity is great and I know the amount Willow Wood must raise every year is significant.”

Despite only taking up running during lockdown in 2020, Travis has quickly built up an impressive track record, having already completed several marathons and ultra-marathons. Always seeking his next challenge, he is also planning to take on a 180km ultra marathon in Chamonix, France next year.

“I don’t really have a particular time in mind to complete the marathons but I want to finish them as quickly as possible. I am still planning the routes I’ll take and hopefully the weather that week will be kind.”

His preparation has required dedication and careful planning, balancing training with his university studies.

“I did a half marathon in Manchester in February and following that it was nutritional preparation whilst working on my dissertation, but I have started training every day now and I’m looking forward to it.”

A keen swimmer growing up, Travis admits he doesn’t like sitting still and thrives on pushing himself both physically and mentally.

He is looking to raise as much money as possible to support patients from Tameside and Glossop with a life-limiting illness in Willow Wood’s care.

To support Travis and his ‘Week at the Knees’ challenge, you can make a donation at https://www.justgiving.com/page/week-at-the-knees

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Hospice named official charity partner of StalyFest

StalyFest is excited to announce Willow Wood Hospice as its official charity partner for this year’s event on Saturday 9th May.

Taking place at the home of Stalybridge Celtic Football Club, StalyFest is already a highlight of the local calendar, bringing together music lovers, families, and the wider community for a day of live entertainment and celebration. This year’s headliners The Lightning Seeds are sure to entertain the crowd, at an iconic football ground, with their classic 3 Lions in a World Cup Year. It will definitely be Coming Home to Tameside!

This year, the festival is set to make a greater local impact by supporting the vital work of Willow Wood Hospice.

Willow Wood Hospice provides specialist palliative and end-of-life care to patients with any life-limiting illness from anywhere in Tameside and Glossop, offering compassion, dignity and comfort when it is needed most.

As part of the partnership, StalyFest will host a range of fundraising activities throughout the festival, including donation points, charity-led initiatives, and awareness campaigns to highlight the essential work carried out by Willow Wood Hospice. Members of the public will be able to buy tickets for the festival directly from posts on the Hospice’s social media channels at a reduced rate and 10 per cent of the cost will be donated to Willow Wood.

Paul Bowden, Chief Financial Officer at Stalybridge Celtic, said: “We are delighted to welcome Willow Wood Hospice as our official charity partner. Their work touches so many lives in our community, and we are proud to support them through StalyFest. Our main aim is to increase awareness of the essential services they provide, but we have also created a fantastic opportunity for Willow Wood to fundraise on the day and through tickets sold via their digital platforms.”

Joanne Lees, Partnership Development Lead at Willow Wood Hospice, added: “We are incredibly grateful to be chosen as StalyFest’s charity partner. Support from our community, like this from Stalybridge Celtic, is vital so that we can continue to be here when patients, and those closest to them, need our services. It costs around £11,200 a day to run the Hospice, so every penny raised really does make a difference. We’re looking forward to being part of such a fantastic local event.”

Attendees are encouraged to get involved, support the cause, and help make this year’s festival one to remember – not just for the music, but for the positive impact it will have across the community.

The Festival Line-up Is Almost Complete

Along with the Lightning Seeds, the supporting line-up is sure to excite. With bands like Republica and the Virginmarys appearing alongside well-known solo acts Huey Morgan (Fun Luvin’ Criminals) and Ben Ottewell (Gomez).

And to keep things local, we’ve asked Cobain Jones to return after his brilliant set last year and we introduce our “Battle of the Bands” winners the Ventrelles.

With a few final touches to put to the line-up, it should be an even bigger day than the 2025 inaugural festival.

For more information about StalyFest, including event details and tickets, please visit www.stalyfest.co.uk.

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Step into the world of Beatrix Potter at 10th Flower Festival

The much-loved Flower Festival at Willow Wood Hospice is marking its 10th edition with an enchanting theme. 

Taking place on Saturday 9th and Sunday 10th May 2026, the popular event will this year be inspired by the magical world of Beatrix Potter.

The author’s recognisable characters such as Peter Rabbit, Jemima Puddle-Duck and Mrs Tiggy-Winkle will be brought to life by local individuals and community groups through creative floral displays.

The festival, based at the Hospice on Willow Wood Close in Ashton-under-Lyne, offers visitors a chance to explore the exhibits at your leisure, while supporting the compassionate care of patients from Tameside and Glossop with any life-limiting illness.

Many of the floral displays will also be available to purchase at the end of the festival, helping to generate even more funds for the Hospice.

On Saturday 9th May at 11am, the event will be officially opened by former Willow Wood patron and trustee, and long-time supporter of the Hospice, Mark Llewellin DL, the High Sheriff of Greater Manchester, who will cut the ribbon.

The cherished annual fundraiser – organised by a dedicated committee of volunteers – has raised around £70,000 over the years. This has funded the care of all services at the Hospice and in the community for a whole week.

Eileen Smith, on behalf of the Flower Festival committee, said: “We’re absolutely delighted to be celebrating the 10th Flower Festival this year, and the Beatrix Potter theme has given everyone so much inspiration. It’s wonderful to see our local community coming together to create such imaginative and beautiful displays, all in support of the Hospice.

“The festival is always a special weekend for us, not only because of the creativity on show, but because of the difference it makes. Every visit helps us to continue supporting Willow Wood Hospice and the essential care it provides to patients and those closest to them.”

The event will run from 10am to 4pm on the Saturday and 11am to 4pm on the Sunday.

Entry is £3.50 per person with all proceeds going to the Hospice, while children aged 12 and under can attend for free.

Light refreshments will be available to buy throughout the weekend.

Before the Flower Festival takes place, the committee has also organised a Coffee Morning at the Hospice on Saturday 18th April from 10am to midday – which includes a talk by Hospice Lead Gardener, Sophie Cordingley, on preparing your garden for spring and summer.

Admission is £3 per person, which includes tea/coffee and biscuits. All proceeds will go towards the Flower Festival.