Tag: Scientific Sanitation Solutions

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Glamour and generosity shine at 1920s Glitz Gala Ball

More than 200 guests stepped back in time to the roaring 1920s for Willow Wood Hospice’s Glitz Gala Ball.

Held at The Village Hotel in Ashton-under-Lyne, the glittering event has helped to raise over £30,000 in support of patient care at the Hospice.

The venue was transformed into a dazzling 1920s scene, thanks to the creative vision of Denton-based agency Visual Architects, who provided the stunning themed décor.

Guests embraced the glamour of the era, donning tuxedos and flapper dresses as they enjoyed a night of vintage style on Friday 17th October.

Attendees were treated to welcome drinks and a three-course meal, before dancing the night away to live music from the band Schwing. The compere for the evening was Tameside Radio DJ Cameron Kennedy.

The night began with a light-hearted Stand Up for Willow Wood fundraiser, where guests could purchase a fan or trilby for the chance to win a selection of celebrity wines and champagne.

In her welcome speech, Willow Wood Hospice CEO Tracy Minshull spoke passionately about the importance of community support.

“Much like the 1920s, we’re making every penny count,” she told the audience. “But truth be told, it’s our community – not the coffers – that keeps us going. Times are tough, costs are rising, but thanks to your fundraising and generosity, we’re still here, delivering care with dignity and you are the heartbeat of the Hospice.”

A raffle, auction and silent auction – featuring an array of fabulous prizes – boosted the funds even further.

GALLERY: Click on the image below to browse through our photo album. Image credit: David Hirst.

Headline sponsors for the event for the second consecutive year by Scientific Sanitation Solutions, an Ashton-under-Lyne business developing innovations in sanitation and agriculture. Other sponsors included Gerard McDermott KC, Sofology, Manchester City Football Club, Bamford Print, FGH Security and Vivienne Westwood Limited.

Students from Tameside College lent a helping hand on the night, assisting guests in the cloakroom.

Tracey Schofield, Events Lead at Willow Wood Hospice, said: “The Ball is always a highlight of our fundraising calendar, and this year’s 1920s theme brought so much sparkle and energy. Keep an eye out for details of the exciting events we have planned in the run-up to Christmas.”

Sam Duncan, Director of Fundraising and Communications at Willow Wood Hospice, added: “It was a wonderful night but the moment that stood out for me was when we showed a video sharing the story of a family we’ve supported – which perfectly and poignantly captured why supporting hospice care is so important. We’re incredibly grateful to everyone who attended, donated, or contributed in any way to the event, to help raise vital funds towards patient care.”

Willow Wood Hospice, based in Ashton-under-Lyne, is a local charity providing specialist, compassionate and dignified care for patients across Tameside and Glossop living with life-limiting illnesses, as well as supporting those closest to them.

The Hospice is not part of the NHS and receives only a quarter of its annual funding from the Government, meaning it relies heavily on the community’s generosity – through donations, fundraising, volunteering, shopping in its eight charity shops, playing the weekly lottery, or leaving a Gift in a Will.

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Director’s daring bungee jump for Willow Wood

Neale Samways, Sales Director at Scientific Sanitation Solutions, has taken fundraising to new heights—literally—with a heart-pounding 300ft bungee jump in support of Willow Wood Hospice.

Neale, whose company is one of our main Ball sponsors for the second year running, has already raised over £250 from the daring leap, which took place at scenic Bray Lake in Windsor on 29th June.

This isn’t his first jump for charity—in 2023, Neale completed a 150ft bungee and raised £785.

Inspired by the support he received then, he decided to go even further this year, doubling the height and pushing himself outside his comfort zone.

Speaking after the challenge, Neale said: “The bungee jump was an incredible experience – terrifying but absolutely worth it! Knowing it was for such a great cause kept me focused and made the whole thing even more meaningful. Willow Wood does amazing work, and I’m proud to support them in any way I can.”

Lucy Ta’ati, our Community and Events Fundraiser, added: “We’re so grateful to Neale for once again going above and beyond—quite literally—for Willow Wood. His energy, bravery, and continued commitment mean the world to us, and every penny raised helps us continue providing vital care for our community.”

Founded in 2023, Scientific Sanitation Solutions is based in Ashton-under-Lyne and has a growing global presence.

Some of the team also took part in our Velocity Team Challenge in north Wales last year, helping to raise over £17,000 for Willow Wood.

You can still support Neale’s fundraising efforts by donating via his JustGiving page: justgiving.com/page/scientific-sanitation-solutions-neales300ft-bungeejump

Thank you, Neale, for your continued and courageous support!

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Anniversary Ball raises vital Hospice funds

More than 200 guests enjoyed Willow Wood’s 25th Anniversary Ball, helping to raise over £26,000 for the Hospice.

Held at The Village Hotel in Ashton-under-Lyne last Friday (14th June), guests enjoyed welcome drinks, a sumptuous three-course meal and a live band before dancing the night away with a disco at the glittering event.

A raffle and silent auction with some fabulous prizes on offer, donated courtesy of businesses and supporters, helped to boost vital funds further.

CEO Tracy Minshull welcomed everyone to the ball and shared the experiences of her first 60 days in the role.

“It’s been fantastic and a real pleasure and honour to work for such a community organisation,” she declared.

She did not shy away from the challenges facing hospice funding nationally, explaining that collectively the sector faces a £77m deficit.

“We are a critical partner in the NHS. Hospices are part of the solution and everyone has a right to live and die with respect and dignity in a place of their choosing and hospices provide that opportunity and that unique service.”

Tracy praised the many other associated services the Hospice provides, adding it was one reason she wanted to come to Willow Wood so much.

She also highlighted the work of the bereavement, wellbeing and dementia services the Hospice provides.

In attendance at the ball was Greater Manchester Vice Lord-Lieutenant Sharman Birtles MBE, who has been a proud patron of the Hospice for many years.

She said: “I spend as much time as I possibly can telling the world about the good work that goes on at Willow Wood. It never ceases to amaze me about the work and the atmosphere there. It is a magical place that does wonderful work with wonderful people.”

She encouraged others to volunteer and help the Hospice, whether it be one hour, a week or one day.

“I have spent a good part of my life giving my time and there is nothing more rewarding and giving to something like Willow Wood can only enrich your life,” she added.

This year’s anniversary ball was sponsored by Ashton-based Scientific Sanitation Solutions.

Managing Director Wahid Ali said the company was committed to supporting the work of Willow Wood once they had visited the Hospice and found out more about the remarkable work undertaken.

“We saw the work that people are doing at Willow Wood and it resonates with us as a group and we are so proud to be aligned with Willow Wood.

“We are a humanitarian-based business and what we see Willow Wood doing is aligned with our own humanitarian work. It’s a very special, special thing for us.”

The business develops solutions in sanitation and agriculture.

Sales director Neale Samways, who has already undertaken a bungee jump for the Hospice, added: “It’s the little things that Willow Wood do that makes such a difference to people, and it’s the little things that we have implemented as a business that helps change lives, like the sanitation of water for instance.

“Our ethos completely mirrors the ethos of Willow Wood. They are a local organisation like us that are doing great things.”

The event has raised over £26,000, a fantastic total which will support patients from the local community in the Hospice’s care.

Sam Duncan, Director of Fundraising and Communications at Willow Wood Hospice, said: “Thank you so much to everyone who attended this year’s very special anniversary ball.

“The hospice and all its services couldn’t continue without the community’s support and we would especially like to thank Scientific Sanitation Solutions for their support and sponsorship of the ball this year.”

An especially busy year for the Hospice continues with many more special events planned, including next month’s Butterfly Memory Release, Martin Wild Golf Day and Willow Wood Does Strictly to name just a few.

To find out more, visit https://willowwood.org.uk/events/

You can see more photos from our 25th Anniversary Ball in our Facebook album here.