Tag: Glossop

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Our Glossop shop is officially award winning

Willow Wood Hospice is celebrating after its Glossop charity shop was crowned the East Midlands winner in the UK’s Favourite Charity Shop Awards 2025.

The much-loved shop on High Street West was one of over 5,000 charity shops nominated from across the UK and rose to the top following a public vote of more than 40,000 people.

It is one of just 12 winners nationwide, representing each of the nine English regions, plus Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland.

Adding to the Hospice’s success, Willow Wood’s shop in Hyde was also shortlisted in the highly competitive North West category.

The awards organised by the Charity Retail Association, now in their second year, celebrate the very best of charity retail – shops that not only raise vital funds through the sale of pre-loved goods but also serve as community hubs, providing employment, volunteering opportunities, and support for local people.

Customers of the Glossop shop echoed this sentiment in their nominations.

One supporter commented: “This charity shop is so well presented, colour co-ordinated and the staff are so lovely. They are very reasonably priced, making it accessible to all – I go in four times a week. Everything is priced very reasonably; range of stock is really good. The staff are amazing; they can never do enough for you.”

Some of the Willow Wood Glossop shop’s hard-working volunteers celebrating with the award.

The award was presented to the shop’s team on Thursday 30th October by Emma Peake, Chair of the Charity Retail Association, who spoke with the dedicated staff and volunteers behind the shop’s success.

Caroline Lillis, manager of the Hospice’s Glossop shop, said: “We’re absolutely thrilled to have been named East Midlands winner – it means so much to our whole team. Every day, our volunteers bring warmth and passion to what they do, and our customers are like family to us. This award is for the community of Glossop who support us so loyally – we couldn’t do it without them.”

Pauline Lunt, Head of Retail at Willow Wood Hospice, added: “A huge thank you to everyone who took the time to vote, share, and spread the word among family and friends. Your support truly makes a difference and these awards recognise the outstanding work our retail team does every day to support patient care at the Hospice.”

Robin Osterley OBE, Chief Executive of the Charity Retail Association, commented: “Congratulations to all the winners and thank you to everyone who voted. The volume of support the Awards received this year not only demonstrates the public’s passion for their favourite stores but really shows the impact they have within their local communities and the difference they make to people’s lives.”

The overall UK winner will be announced in November.

For more information about the UK’s Favourite Charity Shop Awards and to see all the area winners, visit https://charityretail.org.uk/the-uks-favourite-charity-shop

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MP and councillor see Willow Wood’s vital work

Willow Wood Hospice has welcomed High Peak MP Jon Pearce and Councillor Damien Greenhalgh for the first time to see and hear about its vital role in the community.

The Hospice, based in Ashton-under-Lyne, provides compassionate, specialist and dignified care to patients with any life-limiting illness and those closest to them from Tameside and Glossop.

The Labour MP, who represents Glossop residents in Parliament, and Cllr Greenhalgh met with several members of Willow Wood’s Senior Management Team and Timothy Jackson, Chair of the Board of Trustees.

They were also given a tour of the Hospice by Timothy and Clinical Director Nicola Cheetham and interacted with some staff and volunteers.

During the round-table discussion, CEO Tracy Minshull expressed her gratitude for the government’s support in providing £181,000 to the Hospice in capital funding – which will be spent on refurbishing the Inpatient Unit – but outlined the significant challenges relating to long-term sustainable funding, particularly as supporters have less money to donate and it costs at least £3.6 million a year to keep the Hospice running.

Clinical Director Nicola Cheetham showing High Peak MP Jon Pearce and Councillor Damien Greenhalgh one of our Complementary Therapy suites
Clinical Director Nicola Cheetham showing High Peak MP Jon Pearce and Councillor Damien Greenhalgh one of our Complementary Therapy suites

Nicola gave an overview of Willow Wood’s array of services and outlined that 70 per cent of the care provided is by the Community Services team, both at the Hospice and in a patient’s own home, encouraging patients to live as well as possible for as long as possible.

Sam Duncan, Director of Fundraising and Communications, emphasised how much the Hospice relies on the generosity of the local community through supporting fundraising events and the shops. She also acknowledged the success of moving the Hospice’s Glossop shop into a bigger and better location and recent awards recognition for Willow Wood, including the retail team.

Gill Egerton, Head of HR and Workforce, explained how Willow Wood’s army of around 500 volunteers support all areas of the Hospice and its eight charity shops. She also spoke about collaborations with local colleges and businesses, as well as supporting 16 to 24-year-olds into paid work placements through the Youth Employment Support (YES) scheme in Tameside.

MP Jon Pearce and Cllr Damien Greenhalgh in conversation with our Senior Management Team and Chair of the Board of Trustees
MP Jon Pearce and Cllr Damien Greenhalgh in conversation with our Senior Management Team and Chair of the Board of Trustees

CEO Tracy Minshull said: “It was a pleasure to welcome Jon and Damien to the Hospice to give them a snapshot of what we do. We are grateful for their time and engagement – we were impressed by their knowledge of the hospice and wider healthcare sector. We hope to have their continued support as we work to meet the increasing demand for our services while navigating financial challenges.”

Jon Pearce MP said: “Visiting Willow Wood Hospice was both moving and inspiring. The care provided by the organisation goes far beyond medical support – it’s about dignity, compassion, and standing alongside families during some of the most difficult times of their lives. I was especially impressed by the Hospice’s outreach to support people living with dementia and their family carers – something I have a deep personal connection to through my family’s own experience with my father’s illness.

“The professionalism and kindness shown by the entire team at Willow Wood is making a real difference to so many across Tameside and Glossop. I’ll continue to do all I can to ensure hospices like Willow Wood get the recognition and long-term support they so clearly deserve.”

Cllr Damien Greenhalgh said: “This was a truly heartwarming visit. The impact and power of volunteering came through loud and clear – from the 20-strong team lovingly tending to the beautiful gardens, to those welcoming patients and families, and the volunteers raising vital funds in community shops. Willow Wood Hospice is nothing short of remarkable – not only for the quality of care it provides, but for the dedication, heart, and generosity of the staff and volunteers who make it all possible. It’s a local treasure we must all champion.”

Mr Pearce – whose family have a working background in the medical profession – was elected as an MP for the first time last year, while his Chief of Staff, Damien Greenhalgh, is also Deputy Leader of High Peak Borough Council and represents the Glossop South division on Derbyshire County Council.

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Patient fulfils childhood dream with Willow Wood’s support

A patient who was cared for at Willow Wood fulfilled a lifelong dream — with the help and support of the Hospice’s dedicated team.

Joanne Bradburn, from Glossop, was diagnosed with lung cancer in September 2024 and was first referred to our Inpatient Unit in April 2025, to help manage her pain and support her ongoing care.

After a period in hospital, Joanne returned to the Hospice, where she received end-of-life care before she died in June, aged 45.

During her time at the Hospice, Joanne shared with our team that she had always dreamed of going on a barge trip — a wish inspired by fond childhood memories.

“I’ve always wanted to go on a barge trip since I was young,” she said. “I used to love watching Rosie and Jim on TV – me and my brother were obsessed with it.

“After my diagnosis, I came up with a bit of a bucket list and one of the things on it was to do a barge trip with my family because none of us had ever been on one.”

Joanne’s family had originally booked two barges that could accommodate 19 people, but as her health declined and she lost her mobility, the plan felt increasingly out of reach.

“My brother Wesley found two barges which held 19 of us which was booked a while ago. But as time has gone on, my condition has got progressively worse and I cannot walk anymore. I’m not mobile so I’m restricted to a wheelchair.

“We were all thinking it was too much and we’re not going to be able to do it.”

That’s when Nicola, one of Willow Wood’s Specialist Occupational Therapists, stepped in. Hearing about Joanne’s dream, she suggested a more accessible option closer to the Hospice – ensuring there was access on and off the boat, safe transport to the barge, and that Joanne’s needs could be met whilst she was on the boat.

“Nicola gave us lots of information about ‘Still Waters’ – a trip boat operated by Tameside Canal Boat Trust at Portland Basin in Ashton-under-Lyne, because otherwise we wouldn’t have known about it.

“The barge had an accessible lift and toilet.  To transport Joanne from the Hospice to Portland Basin, she needed her wheelchair to be clamped down in the taxi. We used Hyde Accessible Transport, which we highly recommend.

“My sister Hayleigh contacted them and they accommodated us straight away. It was a shorter barge trip which worked better for me – about two-and-a-half hours up and down Droylsden Canal.

“My whole family came along on the first Bank Holiday Monday in May. There were 19 of us – including my partner Bill, my parents, my two brothers, my two sisters and their children.

“We all managed to get on a very traditional narrow boat. We had an amazing time and the weather was beautiful. The children loved it, they were able to feed the birds too. It really was a dream come true for me.”

Joanne with her family on the barge
Joanne with her family on the barge.

Joanne had other items on her bucket list – including attending her sister Hayleigh’s wedding in Halifax in August.

“I’d love to have a ride in a hot air balloon but my family were a bit sceptical on that one. I think I’d be a bit nervous about that as well but I would like to do a bit more of a daredevil kind of activity – perhaps with my partner.”

Joanne was extremely grateful for the care she has received at Willow Wood, which she described as ‘11 out of 10’.

She said: “I cannot fault it. I’ve been really looked after, in every aspect I could possibly wish – it’s been second to none. The team have been so compassionate – you can see they genuinely care about my wellbeing and make sure that I am okay.

“The surroundings are just perfect. I love the gardens where I’ve spent a lot of time. It’s great that the rooms back onto the gardens. I was able to experience the Flower Festival here too which was lovely – I managed to take part in some of the raffles and tombolas and won a lovely bottle of perfume. It was like a bit of normality.

“My family have been able to visit me regularly as well at any time they like, which has been another good thing. They have said they have enjoyed coming and how beautiful it is. It’s not a scary place to come to.”

Before coming to Willow Wood, Joanne didn’t know about the services we provide — or the scale of funding needed to keep the Hospice running.

“I did not know anything about it before but it’s a place I’ll be shouting about now and I want to do some charity events to help towards fundraising because it’s a lot of money to run the place.”

It costs at least £3.6 million every year for Willow Wood Hospice to continue providing our 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.

To find out more about the care we offer and how you can help, visit www.willowwood.org.uk/together-we-care or call 0161 330 1100.

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Glossop shop celebrates Vivienne Westwood’s legacy

Our charity shop in Glossop is paying tribute to the iconic fashion designer Dame Vivienne Westwood with a stunning window display celebrating her incredible legacy.

Vivienne made her mark in the 1970s, bringing punk and new wave fashion into the mainstream with her bold and eccentric designs. We’re honouring her creative spirit with a unique display that reflects her iconic style.

Millie, who has been volunteering in the shop for three years, came up with the idea.

“I’m a massive Vivienne Westwood fan and as we are close to her birthplace, I thought what better way for us to celebrate a true icon for what would have been her birthday,” she said.

Crafted by our talented staff and volunteers, the display was unveiled last Saturday (29th March) and will remain in place until at least Tuesday 8th April, which would have been Vivienne’s 84th birthday.

WATCH: See the window display in a short video, by clicking the play button below…

A connection with Vivienne

Vivienne’s company Vivienne Westwood Limited donated a designer bag to Sara Scott-Rivers, Executive Assistant to our CEO Tracy Minshull – who lives in Tintwistle, where Vivienne grew up.

Sara is a big fan of Vivienne and her brand, as well as her environmentally conscious ethos.

Vivienne received hospice care in south London before she died in December 2022 at the age of 81 and as Sara works at a hospice, it felt like a meaningful connection.

Sara said: “I think Vivienne would approve of the bag helping to raise vital funds for a hospice.”

Describing the piece, Sara added: “It’s small and tartan with a thick heavy chain – very eye-catching. It’s in its dust bag with a little card. I hope it raises a decent amount for Willow Wood and it would be lovely if it finds a home with someone who loves all things Westwood.”

Sara with the bag outside the Hospice

Win a Westwood masterpiece!

That very bag is now part of our Glossop shop display, in photographic form, and is the prize in an exciting raffle.

Tickets can be bought in the shop at 12 High Street West, and at Pixie Bakes Cakery & Coffee Shop in Tintwistle, for £1 each. The raffle will be drawn on Saturday 19th April.  

Even after her move to London, Vivienne never forgot her Peak District roots. Indeed, a striking mural of the designer, created by local artist Deggy, is proudly displayed in Glossop town centre.

So it’s fitting that our boutique-style Glossop shop remembers a local icon who will always be synonymous with fashion.

Caroline Lillis, our Glossop shop manager, said: “We’re excited to celebrate Vivienne Westwood’s incredible legacy with this special window display. I’d like to thank the whole team for their hard work – it looks magnificent.

“As a trailblazing fashion icon with strong local connections, this is a wonderful opportunity to honour her creativity and impact. We hope the display inspires our community and highlights Vivienne’s lasting influence on fashion.”

If you’re in Glossop, make sure to stop by and take a look!

You’ve got to see the display for yourself!

Fashion Show alert!

On the subject of style, don’t miss our next Fashion Show on Friday 9th May at The Lock in Stalybridge. Expect a fabulous night of style, sparkle, and bargains!

For more details and tickets, visit willowwood.org.uk/events/fashion-show

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Listen to our CEO on The Business Podcast

Our CEO, Tracy Minshull, features in the latest episode of The Business Podcast with Dave Sweeton.
 
During their chat, Tracy shares insights into what it takes to lead Willow Wood Hospice and discusses the vital role the Hospice plays in our local community.
 
If you would like to have a listen, you can do so here:
https://open.spotify.com/episode/2zr8TdIvNX4tyg8PAdsSTX 
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Shop volunteer Stella shows ‘unusual’ find some love

With an eye for quality and a passion for discovering hidden history, our Glossop shop volunteer Stella Quinn knows a thing or two about jewellery. 

During her Friday and Saturday afternoon shifts, Stella meticulously processes donations of bric-a-brac and jewellery, pricing them up and stocking them on the shelves.

She was sorting through one particular bag of costume jewellery donated recently when one item immediately stood out, much to her excitement.

“I just happened to come across an oval locket, it was absolutely stunning,” explained Stella.

“It could have possibly come from a house clearance. I noticed straight away that it was a much older item.

“I know about jewellery and collect some myself. It was just so unusual. The rim was gold metal but not hallmarked.

“It was a miniature of a sailor and his love, with a ship in the background and he’s handing her a bag of money. On the reverse was plaited hair, which was the norm for a love token. It would have been the hair of your best beloved. The couple were in typical Georgian dress in the painting on the front of the locket.

“It was probably earlier than the Victorian age because the style of the dress is Regency and it wasn’t a mourning item because they were almost always black. Victorian jewellery would tend to be black often with plaited hair, based on items worn by Queen Victoria.

“It wouldn’t be something that you could really wear in this day and age, unless you’re dressed for it. But it’s a great item for a collector.”

The love token, around two inches by 1.5 inches in size, is believed to be from circa 1820 to 1840.

The front (left) and back of the locket that was donated to our Glossop shop

Recognising there could be more to the locket than meets the eye, Stella decided to explore online to see if she could get an auctioneer to value it – and her endeavours were worthwhile.

“I discovered Adam Partridge Auctioneers and Valuers, based in Devon, and they were really enthusiastic about it.

“They gave it a basic valuation of between £150 to £200 and also said that they don’t charge charities commission which is really good. They were exceptionally helpful.

“They said anything of that age, like a miniature, would be painted on ivory so we had to get an ivory exemption certificate which for the size of the locket was around £20. They sold it for us and we got £100 for it which was fantastic. I didn’t have a reserve on it, so that was fine.

“It was a real learning curve because I hadn’t taken anything to an auction house before. I certainly would consider it for future donations.”

Stella, who lives in Simmondley, has volunteered in our Glossop shop for around six years.

The former teaching assistant, who worked with students with special educational needs for around 30 years, wanted to support the Hospice after our teams cared for her husband when he was ill.

Stella finds great joy in using her inquisitive mind to really make a difference.

“You never know what you’re going to find when you open a bag of donations and that’s the beauty of it,” she shared.

“In any donation, you can find a piece of silver or occasionally gold. You can’t discount it so you’ve got to look – I always carry a little lens in my pocket, just in case.”

Well done Stella, here’s to unearthing more gems!

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Glossop shop is on the move

Willow Wood Hospice’s charity shop in Glossop will be moving into a much larger home next week. 

The current shop at 57 High Street West has a half-price sale on before it permanently closes at 4pm on Saturday 25th May.   

The new shop is situated across the road at 12 High Street West – which was most recently One Bay and previously Thomas Cook.

It will open to customers for the first time on Wednesday 29th May at 11am – when the High Peak Mayor, Councillor Stewart Gardner, will officially cut the ribbon. On opening day, customers will receive a raffle ticket with every purchase to be in with a chance of winning a food hamper. 

Pauline Lunt, Head of Retail at Willow Wood Hospice, said: “We are always looking to improve our retail offering and we had outgrown our space in Glossop thanks to the fantastic support of the local community. 

“In our new premises, we have an increased floor space and a greater high street presence.

“We wish to express our sincere thanks to local businesses who have supported us in getting the new shop up and running – including Colebarn Developments Ltd in Hadfield.” 

Caroline Lillis, Glossop shop manager, added: “We are really excited to open our new Glossop shop, which is bigger and brighter with an extended range of items. 

“We cannot wait to welcome customers old and new so they can see our brilliant new shop for themselves.”  

The shop will be open seven days a week – from 9.30am to 4.30pm Mondays to Saturdays and 10.30am to 4.30pm on Sundays and Bank Holiday Mondays. 

You can contact the shop by calling 0161 669 4855 and keep an eye out on the community noticeboard in the shop for updates about the Hospice, its services and fundraising events. 

Supporting the Hospice’s charity shops is just one way that people can make a difference to patients from the local community. 

Donations of new or used items, dropped off during the shop’s opening hours, are always appreciated to ensure they become the gift that keeps on giving. See which items you can donate at https://willowwood.org.uk/what-can-i-donate/

The Hospice would also be grateful to anyone who can spare a few hours every week to lend a hand in the new shop. No previous retail experience is needed as training will be given. You can express your interest by visiting https://willowwood.org.uk/hospice-volunteering/interest/ 

If you would like to be part of the Hospice’s Retail team, keep an eye out for any new positions when they become available at https://willowwood.org.uk/vacancies/ 

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Local author pens children’s poems to raise hospice funds

A local author has penned a bespoke treasury of poems to help raise funds for Willow Wood Hospice, which she describes as “a very special place”.

‘Into the Willow Wood’ by Johanne Lee is a variety of poems aimed at children aged 7 to 11, that she hopes adults will enjoy reading too.

The book covers a wide range of subjects from self-belief and faith, to fairytale and nature.

Johanne, who lives in Glossop but is originally from Droylsden, has always had a keen interest in reading and writing poems since her childhood.

It was only during the Covid pandemic that the mother-of-three, who also recently became a grandma, decided to combine her poems together into published books and join poetry groups.

“Poetry has become a daily practice for me,” the 56-year-old told us. “I love poetry and found a way with the picture books to raise awareness in early years settings of things like conservation and kindness.”

‘Into the Willow Wood’ is out now and is the 11th book of Johanne’s collection – which has helped to raise important subjects in children’s minds, as well as awareness and funds for both local and national charities.

The front cover of Johanne’s book called ‘Into the Willow Wood’ which will help to raise funds for Willow Wood Hospice

“The concerning thing to me is how much charity is needed,” said Johanne, who is a former dance teacher, hairdresser and teaching assistant.

“Willow Wood Hospice is a place I’ve known about for a long time. I know so many people who have been in the Hospice and I’ve always wanted to support it in some way. It has helped so many people over the years.

“Local charities like Willow Wood are amazing and they are so imaginative in the ways they raise funds – which never stops and it’s never easy.

“I wanted to put my words and poems to good use. I genuinely wanted to do something with purpose and I want to raise as much money as possible for Willow Wood.”

Fittingly, a poem dedicated to the Hospice called ‘Into the Willow Wood’ features in the book.

The butterfly on the book’s front cover is also a symbol to make the book more unique to the Hospice.

“I know Willow Wood releases butterflies every year and a friend of mine goes to the event,” she said. “I knew it was something associated closely with the Hospice and I wanted it to feature prominently on the cover.”

VIDEO: Listen to Johanne reading one of her poems from the book, called The Truth Fairies, below…

The book, which is around 50 pages in length, was a couple of years in the making.

“I write poetry every single day and some things are to a prompt and some things are specific,” Johanne told us.

“With these poems, I realised they are very different – some are almost fable, which I loved as a child. They are poems that all of a sudden I realised were this book, so I’ve probably been writing them over the last two years and I’ve realised this was the place for them.”

Johanne held a book launch on Friday 12th April – the day it was released – at the Masonic Lodge in Glossop, which was a great success. She raised £550 on the night, which she has kindly donated to the Hospice.

‘Into the Willow Wood’ is available to buy at Dark Peak Books & Gifts in Glossop and through online retailers such as Amazon and Waterstones as a hardback for £14.99. It will soon be available in the Hospice reception shop, on our online shop and at forthcoming fundraising events – we’ll keep you updated! 

The book will also be accessible in the future as an eBook.

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Hospice to hold heartwarming festive fundraisers

The holiday season is a time of joy, togetherness and giving, and this year Willow Wood Hospice is holding a series of festive fundraisers that will warm your heart and bring hope to those in need.

As we approach the most wonderful time of the year, the Hospice is committed to spreading love, compassion and support to our community through events that will brighten the festive season and make a significant difference in the lives of Willow Wood’s patients and their families.

This is encapsulated through our Garden of Lights celebration evenings, where you can join us at the Hospice, on Willow Wood Close in Ashton-under-Lyne, to create magical memories with family and friends in our stunning gardens.

Stroll amongst the glowing trees, twinkling with thousands of lights, enjoy a seasonal tipple and festive fayre, and browse stalls stacked high with Christmas crafts, gifts, cards and more. You will also be able to buy refreshments and explore our Gift Shop in reception.

Join us on any of these dates: Tuesday 28th November, Thursday 30th November, Tuesday 5th December, Thursday 7th December, Saturday 9th December, Tuesday 12th December and Thursday 14th December.

Entry is free and you can just turn up on any of the evenings between 5pm and 8pm.

You will also receive a warm Willow Wood welcome at our Christmas Market, taking place at the Hospice on Sunday 26th November from midday until 3pm.

Enjoy a seasonal drink or two whilst having a look around our selection of stalls filled with Christmas goodies and gift ideas.

Admission is £3 per person, while Under-12s are free. There is no need to book as you can pay on the door on the day.

Only Blue Badge permit holders will be able to park at the Hospice but external parking has been secured, so you will be able to park in the car park at West Hill School on Stamford Street and there will be a shuttle bus service running to and from the Hospice to help reduce traffic.

If you are unable to attend any of these events but still want to support the Hospice, you can visit our online shop at www.willowwood.org.uk/shop where you will find an array of bespoke items to buy – from beautifully designed Christmas cards and notepads to 2024 calendars and diaries which will make for perfect presents.

On that very note, there’s a £2,000 jackpot and 39 other fantastic cash prizes up for grabs in the Winter Super Draw, which you can enter for just £1 per ticket at www.willowwood.org.uk/superdraw

Alternatively, the Hospice would be incredibly grateful for any donations of items which could be used as raffle prizes – whether it be a chocolate selection box or a scented candle – that can be dropped off at our main reception or any of our charity shops.

Attending any of Willow Wood’s festive events or making a purchase in our online shop will directly support the care of patients from the local community in Tameside and Glossop at the Hospice, which needs at least £3.3 million every year to continue its vital work.

As well as celebrating the season, the Hospice also recognises that the festive period can be a difficult time for many who dearly miss loved ones and remembering friends and family who are no longer with us is precious.

Light up a Life is an opportunity to dedicate a light on a beautiful willow tree in the Hospice gardens for your loved ones, and light a star for them in our virtual night’s sky.

The community is also invited to three Light up a Life events, where you, your family and friends can share the heart-warming experience as you watch the tree lit and see your loved one’s light shining bright.

The services, which are free to attend, will take place as follows:

Saturday 25th November at 4pm at Willow Wood Hospice, Willow Wood Close, Ashton-under-Lyne, OL6 6SL.

Saturday 2nd December at 2pm at Old Glossop Parish Church, Church Street South, SK13 7RU.

Sunday 10th December at 2pm at Albion Church, Stamford Street East, Ashton-under-Lyne, OL6 6QQ.

To dedicate a light and find out more, go to https://willowwood.org.uk/events/lual.

On 25th November, only Blue Badge permit holders will be able to park at the Hospice but you will also be able to park at Ashton Sixth Form College, which can be accessed via Montague Road, and there will be a shuttle bus service running to and from the Hospice.

The closest pay and display car park is on Darnton Road, where you can park for a small fee of £1.50 for an hour, £2.50 for two hours, £3.50 for three hours or £4 for all day.

Pictured: The Hospice gardens lit up spectacularly at night ahead of our Garden of Lights celebration evenings

By Adam Higgins