Tag: Retail

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Join our Online Sales team and help turn donations into vital care

Do you enjoy discovering hidden treasures, researching unusual finds or selling items online? If the answer is yes, we’d love to hear from you.

Our Online Sales team, based at our Clearance Outlet and Donation Centre on Langham Street (off Oldham Road) in Ashton-under-Lyne, is looking for friendly and enthusiastic volunteers to join our growing department.

No two days are the same. You could be sorting donations, researching interesting items, taking photographs, packing orders or preparing listings for our online selling platforms. Donations can include everything from ceramics and vinyl records to clothing, books and electrical items.

Volunteer hours are flexible between 9am and 4pm, Monday to Friday, so whether you can spare a morning, an afternoon or a full day, we’d love to welcome you to the team.

It’s an exciting time to get involved. Our Online Sales team manages our eBay, World of Books and Vintage Cash Cow platforms, and we’ve recently re-launched our Vinted page. Every item sold helps raise vital funds to support patient care at Willow Wood Hospice.

Ben Williams, who recently joined the team alongside Sally Dawson, said: “I’ve had my own eBay business for over three years. Since coming in, we’ve tried to streamline our processes and make everything more efficient, spending more time taking photos and listing items to raise as much money as possible to support patient care at the Hospice. It’s a fantastic place to work and a great time to get involved. Your role can be tailored around your skillset and what you’re interested in, so it really is varied and flexible.”

If you’d like to become part of our Online Sales team, please contact Lisa Pye, our Volunteer Services Manager, by emailing volunteering@willowwood.org.uk or calling 0161 330 1100 to find out more.

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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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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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Fabulous fashion and fantastic fundraising

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!
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Rita’s courage and years of support

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.

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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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Celebrating one year of our Clearance Outlet

What a year it has been! Just twelve months ago, our Clearance Outlet and Donation Centre opened its doors, transforming a warehouse into a vibrant retail hub – not just a place to donate and shop, but a place with heart.

From our Opening Day on 12th October to the launch of our branded vans and improved collection and delivery service, every milestone has helped the team grow stronger together.

Highlights included a Family Fun Day, filled with laughter and music, and the unveiling of our community garden – now a welcoming green space for everyone.

Behind the scenes, success has been powered by our staff and volunteers, including young people from the Tameside YES scheme. We’ve also welcomed many new faces – individuals and corporate volunteers – whose energy and commitment have made a huge difference.

“We’ve all learned so much this past year – and we’re still learning every day,” said Paul King, Warehouse and Logistics Manager. “Shopping or donating here isn’t like your typical charity shop. There’s always something happening, plenty of space to browse, and a real buzz thanks to our customers, staff, and volunteers.”

Most importantly, thank you to everyone who has donated, shopped, or supported this multi-faceted retail hub. You’ve helped make this outlet truly special.

Here’s to another year of growth, community, and making a difference TOGETHER.

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Artist transforms Hyde shop window

Artist Emma Evans has been brightening Hyde’s high street with vibrant shopfront murals in partnership with Tameside Council.

Her latest project transformed the window of our Market Place shop, framing it with Willow Wood Hospice’s familiar trees in a colourful, welcoming design.

The artwork has sparked conversations among shoppers, volunteers, and passers-by, raising awareness of the Hospice’s vital work.

Emma said: “It was such an honour to create the window artwork for Willow Wood. The team are incredibly friendly and the work they do is truly inspiring. The words they chose flow beautifully with the values of the wider Hyde project.”

Gemma Wharmby, manager of our Hyde shop, commented: “I think it really brightens up the window and fits in with our logo perfectly. Emma was lovely and is a regular visitor to our shop so it was really nice to see her work.

“We have had lots of customer feedback saying it looks lovely and bright and really grabs your attention. Lots of customers have asked about the reason behind it and said she’s done a fab job.”

Thank you to Emma and Tameside Council for combining creativity with community pride.

Our Hyde shop manager Gemma next to the finished shop window
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Find out more about volunteering at our Clearance Outlet

If you’re thinking of giving back and making a difference in your community, this is the perfect opportunity to come along and find out more about volunteering with Willow Wood Hospice.
Our Clearance Outlet and Donation Centre on Langham Street (off Oldham Road) in Ashton-under-Lyne is holding a Volunteer Recruitment Day on Saturday 9th August from 10am to 2pm.
There are a range of flexible roles available – from helping with eBay and sorting through donations to being a Retail Assistant or a Driver’s Mate. You’ll get a glimpse of what’s involved in the video below…
What to expect on the day:
• Tours of the premises every hour on the hour
• Meet our friendly team in a relaxed environment
• Say hello to our mascot Woody!
• Enter our raffle to win a hamper worth over £50
Whether you’re looking to learn new skills, meet new people, or simply want to support a local cause, we’d love to see you there.
Come along and see how you can make a difference!