Janet Valentine, who lives in Oldham, had a great start to 2026 when she discovered that she’d won £3,250 from our lottery.
“It was such a lovely surprise,” Janet told us. “I was in the car with my husband when I got the call. I thought I might have won £100 or £500, so when Wendy said it was £3,250, I was over the moon!”
Janet hasn’t decided exactly how she’ll spend her winnings yet, but she’s already planning to give back a little to the Hospice.
“It’s come at a good time after Christmas and New Year. We’ll take our time deciding, but I want to donate some of it back to the Hospice.”
Janet first came across our Lottery team at a local supermarket and signed up in September 2018. She’s been a regular player ever since.
“I heard about the great work the Hospice does and it was a nice way to support it. I don’t notice it coming out of my bank account. It’s the price of a couple of cups of coffee – it’s a small sacrifice to make for supporting Willow Wood, and you could win big like me!
“It’s important to me. I’ve never been in a situation where I’ve had any friends come into a hospice but you never know when someone you know or love could be in that position.”
Janet’s long-standing connections with education in Tameside, including time at Tameside College and Ashton Sixth Form College, where she’s currently a governor, mean she’s known Willow Wood for years.
“I’ve been aware of the hospice for many years,” she said. “I’ve visited before and met some of the staff to get a feel for what they do. People feel hospices might be places that are not pleasant to visit but this place is nothing like that – it’s just so lovely, positive and friendly.”
Her advice to anyone thinking about joining the Lottery?
“If you can spare a pound or two every week, definitely give it a go. You’ll be doing something really good, and you never know – you could be the next winner!”
Join Janet and support local patients
By playing the Willow Wood Hospice Lottery, you’re not only in with a shot at our exciting rollover prize and our weekly £1,000 jackpot, you’re helping fund the vital care our teams provide to local people with life-limiting illnesses.
For just £1 a week, you could win up to £25,000 and make a real difference in your community.
Willow Wood Hospice has welcomed the government’s renewed commitment to palliative and end-of-life care, while also calling for fairer and more sustainable funding for hospices.
The response follows a statement made by Care Minister Stephen Kinnock at Hospice UK’s recent annual conference in Liverpool.
Writing on behalf of the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care in a letter to Hospice UK, the Minister addressed Hospice UK’s four-point plan for fair hospice funding and recognised the vital role hospices play, as well as the serious financial pressures many are facing. These pressures have already led to staff and service cuts in some areas at hospices across the country.
The government has confirmed that Integrated Care Boards (ICBs) must commission palliative and end-of-life care services. This is supported by national guidance to help ensure local people can access the care they need. However, the Minister said difficult financial conditions and high national debt mean the government cannot provide funding beyond the existing £180 million support package.
This funding includes £100 million for buildings and facilities for adult and children’s hospices, and £80 million in running costs for children’s hospices over three years. The Minister explained that extra funding requested by Hospice UK would cost several hundred million pounds each year and is not possible at this time.
The government also highlighted NHS England’s Medium Term Planning Framework, which aims to improve care for people at the end of life by reducing avoidable hospital stays. A new Palliative and End of Life Care Modern Service Framework is also planned for spring 2026, with a focus on improving quality, fairness and long-term planning of services. There is an aim to move away from short-term grants towards more stable, long-term funding arrangements.
Tracy Minshull, CEO of Willow Wood Hospice
Willow Wood Hospice’s Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Tracy Minshull, said: “We are grateful for the support we receive and we welcome the government’s recognition of how important hospices are for patients and families at the most difficult times. Our services help relieve pressure on local provision and fill gaps in the care system.
“However, our ICB funding position remains a real concern. Willow Wood currently receives just 24 per cent of its annual funding from the government, which is well below the national average of 33 per cent. This puts ongoing pressure on our services and workforce. We haven’t had to cut vital services yet but, should this continue, it is inevitable that services and support will be affected.”
She added: “Now more than ever, the hospice sector needs a major change in how it is funded, so it was deeply concerning that the recent Budget did not address the wider funding crisis.
“We remain committed to working together with our ICB colleagues and partners across health and social care to make sure hospices like ours are funded properly. This will help us continue to provide the specialist care people need, now and in the future.”
The impact of hospice care can be seen through people like Jai Mistry, who first came to Willow Wood Hospice while caring for her husband, Balu, who had a rare neurological condition called progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP).
Jai Mistry
Jai left her job to care for Balu full-time. Together, they accessed wellbeing sessions and therapies at the Hospice, which helped ease both physical and emotional pressures.
Jai said Willow Wood was “totally the opposite of what I expected” and gave her “a sigh of relief”, explaining that the reassurance, regular check-ins and compassionate care made an overwhelming situation more manageable.
After Balu died in May 2025, Jai – who had once thought hospices only provided end-of-life care – continued to receive counselling and support through the Hospice’s Family Support team.
Her story shows how hospices provide care free of charge for patients and families before, during and after death, and help people with any life-limiting illness to live as well as possible, for as long as possible.
Jai and Balu
CEO Tracy Minshull added: “We are privileged to support patients and families at some of the most difficult times in their lives, and we simply could not do this without the generosity of our supporters. Every donation helps us to provide compassionate, specialist and dignified care.
“We are continually inspired by the kindness of our local communities and the extraordinary commitment they show to Willow Wood. Their support plays a vital role in ensuring we can continue to deliver the very best services at the point of need, now and in the future.”
Willow Wood Hospice is a charity and relies on fundraising, donations, volunteers and Gifts in Wills to raise around three quarters of the money needed each year to stay open in Ashton-under-Lyne.
The Hospice remains committed to working with the NHS and government to help create a fairer, more sustainable future for hospice care in Tameside and Glossop.
Tintwistle Climate Emergency Campaign – supported by Tintwistle Village Club and Tintwistle Parish Council – is launching a clothing appeal in January 2026.
You can help the Hospice raise vital funds and keep items from landfill by donating your clean, good quality adult and children’s clothing.
Simply drop off your items at the Parish Council offices on Sexton Street, off New Road (SK13 1JN) on these dates:
Saturday mornings: 3rd, 10th, 17th, 24th and 31st January – 10am to 1pm
Tuesday mornings: 6th, 13th, 20th and 27th January – 10am to 11am
Wednesday mornings: 7th, 14th, 21st and 28th January – 10am to midday
Coat hangers would also be welcomed, but shoes, toys and homewares cannot be accepted. Please take items only during the hours stated above.
When people arrive on the Inpatient Unit at Willow Wood Hospice, they can feel uncertain, emotional, and unsure of what to expect.
Being greeted by a friendly, reassuring face can make all the difference. That’s where the essential role of our Visitor Liaison Volunteers come in.
Hilary Platt, from Hyde, has been volunteering on the Inpatient Unit since November 2025, working once a week and combining it with her current job. Her role is simple, but incredibly meaningful.
As a Visitor Liaison Volunteer, Hilary is one of the first people patients and families meet when they come onto the unit.
Duties include being a friendly, familiar face; answering the phone, taking messages and directing enquiries to the appropriate hospice team; meeting and greeting visitors and guiding them to where they need to go; and replenishing refreshments in the family lounge.
The role does not involve using a computer, and no previous admin or medical experience is required.
Hilary has worked in a bank and other public-facing customer service roles, which helped her feel confident interacting with people – but she’s clear that formal experience isn’t essential.
“You don’t need to have any particular skills – you just need to be a people’s person and have discretion and empathy. Empathy is very important.”
Although Visitor Liaison Volunteers work independently at their own desk, they are never alone. Hilary is supported by Julie, our Clinical Administrator, as well as the wider Inpatient Unit team.
“You are well supported by Julie and the team who are amazing – they are just down the corridor or a phone call away. The team on the main reception are also very supportive, so you are not alone.”
Volunteers can choose from flexible shifts, either 9am-1pm or 1pm-5pm, making it easier to fit volunteering around work, family or other commitments.
For Hilary, the role is also deeply personal. Having had both her mum and uncle cared for at Willow Wood, volunteering felt like a natural way to give something back.
“Most people have not been to a hospice before so it’s good to put people at ease. I know how that feels because my mum and uncle were both here.
“Since then, I’ve always wanted to do something like this as a way of giving back. I can give my time and hopefully make a difference to other people at what is a difficult time in their lives.”
She describes the role as varied, rewarding, and emotionally fulfilling.
“You feel like you are appreciated and your heart’s full of love that you’re doing something really, really special.”
Visitor Liaison Volunteers play a key role in sensing what families need – whether that’s practical help, a familiar face, or simply space.
“If you think a family member needs help, don’t be afraid to approach. But if you feel like they want to be on their own, it’s alright to leave them on their own.
“Sometimes just saying hello or being there as a familiar face can mean the world to someone.”
If you enjoy working with people, can offer kindness and empathy, and want to make a real difference, the Visitor Liaison Volunteer role could be perfect for you.
The Temple Project is an initiative aimed at providing nursing students with valuable exposure to different health settings, including hospice care.
Through this project, students undertake one-day placements at Willow Wood Hospice, allowing them to observe and participate in the multidisciplinary approach to palliative care.
This hands-on experience is designed to enhance their understanding of holistic, patient-centred care in a real-world setting.
Willow Wood Hospice has been actively supporting the Temple Project by welcoming a select number of students for these placements. The feedback from participants has been overwhelmingly positive, highlighting the educational value and the compassionate environment at the Hospice.
The Hospice is committed to continuing its support for this initiative, aiming to inspire and educate future healthcare professionals in the field of palliative care.
Nicole Williams, a first-year Adult Nursing student at the University of Salford, recently completed her one-day placement at Willow Wood Hospice as part of the project. The experience exceeded her expectations and left a lasting impression.
Nicole, from Oldham, had never stepped inside a hospice before and understandably felt nervous.
Her only previous connection was through a friend whose mother had died at a different hospice. “I thought it would be a sad and heavy place,” she admitted. “But I was so wrong.”
From the moment she arrived, Nicole was struck by the calm, welcoming atmosphere and the warmth of the team.
Shadowing ward sister, Lauren, she took part in medication rounds, attended a doctors’ meeting, and observed the changing of a syringe driver – all under compassionate guidance. A workbook helped her explore the many services offered at Willow Wood, from patient support to The Sanctuary room.
What stood out most was the environment itself. “It’s so different from a hospital,” she reflected. “Every member of staff greeted me, the pace was calmer, and the care was deeply personal.”
She also noticed how the team interacted with patients and families: always speaking directly to them – even when a patient was unconscious – and keeping clinical paperwork unobtrusive to preserve a homely, respectful atmosphere.
Nicole’s understanding of hospice and palliative care transformed throughout the day. She learned the important distinction between palliative and end-of-life care and saw first-hand how hospices support quality of life, not just its end. “I used to think nothing could beat being at home at the end of life – but Willow Wood felt like home.”
Describing her day as awe-inspiring, serene, and stimulating, Nicole says the experience has sparked a strong interest in hospice care. “I’d love to return for a longer placement. It just felt right for me.”
To anyone who thinks hospices are just sad places, Nicole offers a different view: “It’s not a place of sadness – it’s a place of love, respect, and dignity.”
She’s already recommended Willow Wood to her peers – and will continue to do so. “Even if hospice care isn’t your chosen path, it’s an invaluable learning experience.”
Our sixth Fashion Show was a night to remember, bringing together glamour, generosity and community spirit.
Held once again at The Lock on Castle Street in Stalybridge, the stylish venue welcomed over 140 people last Friday (7th November).
The evening sparkled from start to finish, raising a fantastic £4,000 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 winter 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 another fantastic night.
“A huge thank you goes to Wendy and all of the team at The Lock for their incredible support and kind donation; to the students from 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 six Fashion Shows combined have raised £20,000, which has really made a difference to patients with a life-limiting illness in our care.”
Our Fashion Show will return next year – keep your eyes peeled for more details!
We’d like to shine a spotlight on one of our wonderful volunteers – Rita Evans, from Hyde, who has received her badge for volunteering for an incredible 10 years at our Waterloo shop in Ashton-under-Lyne.
Rita, who is 79 years old, has brought kindness, laughter and friendship to everyone she meets.
She first joined the shop after moving to the area – she could see it from her flat window and thought volunteering there would be a lovely way to support Willow Wood, meet people and make new friends.
And that’s exactly what she did! As shop manager Kellie Moulton says: “Rita has made the most amazing friends whilst volunteering at our shop, enjoying nights out and holidays with them for which she’s forever grateful. She’s loved all the laughs and chats with our fantastic customers, and every minute of her time helping and supporting the Hospice as it’s such a special place.”
Recently, Rita has been undergoing treatment for lung cancer, but her positivity and dedication to supporting Willow Wood have never wavered.
Rita raised a fantastic £924.42 towards patient care at the Hospice.
In fact, she decided to turn a difficult moment into something inspiring. After being told her hair would fall out during chemotherapy, Rita chose to have her head shaved in the shop – surrounded by her friends, family, and loyal customers – to raise funds for the Hospice she loves so dearly.
One Saturday afternoon in October, Kellie took up the clippers and carried out the head shave. It was an emotional moment, but one filled with warmth, laughter and pride as Rita raised a fantastic £924.42 towards patient care at the Hospice.
“When Rita joined us, she quickly became my sidekick,” Kellie added. “She came in most days at the start and learned sorting, pricing and till work but then soon learned how to open up and close the shop, cashing up and banking, so she was able to cover my days off and my holidays.
“Without Rita by my side, I would have been lost some days. She has a heart of gold and is always willing to help no matter what. She has played a massive part in the shop from supporting me and other volunteers.”
Rita says she felt emotional but happy to do something good out of a horrible situation. She’s loved her role in the shop but, more than anything, she treasures the wonderful friendships she’s made along the way.
Thank you, Rita, for everything you’ve done and continue to do for Willow Wood Hospice.
Our teams have been reaching out to the local community to spread the word about the wide range of services and support we can offer.
Our Wellbeing Team Lead, Julie Moran, has been out sharing information about the Hospice, answering questions, and connecting with people who may not otherwise be aware of the help available.
Julie recently paid a visit to the Shree Ram Mandir, an Indian temple in Ashton-under-Lyne. Every Thursday, the temple runs a session called Krupa Mandal, where people come together for hymns, prayer, talks, games, and lunch.
Julie was warmly welcomed by around 35 people, many of whom spoke about their own positive experiences of Willow Wood.
Julie (right), our Wellbeing Team Lead, visited the Shree Ram Mandir temple in Ashton-under-Lyne.
Among them was Pravina Mistry, one of the temple’s secretaries, who also supported as a translator for those whose first language is Gujarati and aren’t as fluent in English.
Pravina shared: “I think Willow Wood is becoming more familiar to people who come here. I know some whose partners were looked after at the Hospice. My mother-in-law received care there when she was diagnosed with cancer.
“I think everyone was really engaged and has taken a lot from Julie’s talk about how they can access the services at Willow Wood. I don’t think it’s a taboo anymore – having a life-limiting illness can be talked about openly. I had ovarian cancer 14 years ago and I’m still here. It’s beneficial having people from Willow Wood coming into the temple to make that connection and raise awareness.”
Julie’s visit is part of our Community Services team’s engagement strategy – aiming to increase referrals, build new relationships, increase our profile and identify opportunities for community partnerships.
She has also been to the Shree Bharatiya Mandal Indian Temple in Ashton, and The Together Centre in Dukinfield for an event hosted by the Advanced Cancer Team. As a direct result of these visits, we’ve already received new referrals, meaning more local people are now receiving the care and support they need from us.
Julie told those in attendance about Willow Wood Hospice services
“Our Wellbeing team are keen to actively visit community faith groups to introduce our services and ensure they are accessible, inclusive, and respectful of all cultural and spiritual needs,” said Julie.
“By engaging directly with diverse communities, our aim is to build trust, listen to their perspectives, and raise awareness about the support we offer. It was a privilege to be welcomed into the Shree Bharatiya Mandal temple and enjoy fellowship with such lovely people.
“This outreach helps bridge gaps in understanding, fosters meaningful relationships, and ensures our care is truly person-centred and respectful of all cultures and backgrounds.”
By meeting people in a familiar environment, we’re able to provide vital education, break down barriers, and show how our Hospice can support not only patients but also their families.
We are so grateful to everyone who has welcomed us into their communities – and we look forward to continuing these important conversations across Tameside and Glossop.
If you’re part of a community group that would benefit from hearing from our Hospice team, give us a call on 0161 330 1100 and ask for Callie Harrop, our Head of Community Services.
Willow Wood Hospice is kicking off its Christmas fundraising fun with a return to Hyde Town Hall for its popular Christmas Fair on Saturday 15th November.
From 11am to 3pm, step straight into the festive spirit by meeting Santa; picking up unique gifts, crafts and decorations; and treating yourself to tasty festive goodies, candles, cards and more.
There will also be the opportunity to enjoy some delicious festive refreshments and soak up the seasonal cheer.
Entry will be £1.50 per person and Under-12s are free.
Another must-see Christmas event for the community is the Garden of Lights celebrations evenings at the Hospice, where the gardens are transformed into a winter wonderland of over 11,000 lights.
Kindly sponsored by Brother International, each of the seven nights in December will feature a different local choir bringing seasonal cheer, along with refreshments and festive stalls to explore.
Doors are open from 5pm to 8pm on Tuesday 2nd, Thursday 4th, Tuesday 9th, Thursday 11th, Saturday 13th, Tuesday 16th and Thursday 18th.
Entry is free and you can just turn up with no need to book, for what promises to be a magical evening for all.
On Thursday 4th, there’s the added bonus of a Festive Wreath-making Workshop, where you can unleash your creativity by creating a stunning wreath from scratch to take home and enjoy.
It will be a relaxed, creative evening in a cosy atmosphere in the Hospice’s dining room, guided by floral expert Zoe Smith, from The Flower House in Marple.
Tickets are £35 per person, which includes all materials for your wreath and a festive drink and nibbles.
As this time of year often brings memories of those we love, the Hospice’s Light up a Life appeal is a beautiful way to remember someone special, while also helping to care for local patients and families.
By making a donation in their memory, your loved one’s name will be included in a Book of Remembrance, you can hang a personalised ornament on a Tree of Dedication in the reception area at the Hospice, and you will be invited to one of two dedication events in December.
Generously sponsored by Anthony Barton Independent Family Funeral Services in Mossley, the events include moments of reflection and music, followed by the symbolic lighting of the Light up a Life tree.
They are taking place on Saturday 6th December at 2pm at Old Glossop Parish Church and Sunday 14th December at 2pm at Albion Church in Ashton-under-Lyne.
The Hospice is also supported by the generosity of the communities of Tameside and Glossop, who organise their own events to raise vital funds for patient care.
These include the Festival of Christmas Music at Albion Church on 30th November and the Willow Wood Hospice Choir Christmas Concert at Holy Trinity Church in Stalybridge on 13th December.
Sam Duncan, Director of Fundraising and Communications, said: “Christmas is such a special time for our community, and we’re very excited to welcome you to our festive events this year.
“Throughout the season, there are so many wonderful ways for people to come together, make memories and support local hospice care.
“Last year’s Christmas Fair raised £8,000 and this year we’re hoping for an even bigger success. It costs around £10,000 to run the Hospice for a day, so every pound raised really helps us to continue providing specialist, compassionate and dignified care for patients and those closest to them.”
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