Tag: Third party supporters

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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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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.

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Charity ball in Ashley’s memory raises over £19k

More than 200 guests dressed to impress for an emotional and uplifting evening at The Premier Suite & Lounge in Audenshaw, as family, friends and supporters came together to honour the memory of Ashley Butterworth.

The Ashley B Charity Ball, organised by Bryan Butterworth, John Havern and the team at Premier Events and Memorabilia, raised an incredible £19,542.65 for Willow Wood Hospice – with the final total still expected to rise.

The glittering event, held on 24th January at the Corporation Road venue, was in honour of Ashley, who received end-of-life care at the Hospice in Ashton-under-Lyne. For his dad Bryan, the evening was both a tribute and a thank you.

“I would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone involved, as well as those who donated and attended, the Ball. With the help and generosity of so many people, we raised £19,542.65.

“Our aim was to thank Willow Wood Hospice for the care they gave to my son Ashley in his final days with us. They are amazing in the way they cared for him and us as a family, so we decided we were going to raise awareness and as much money as we could to help the Hospice.

“I want to thank all of our sponsors for the event. A massive thank you to Peter Harrop, whose donation of the Lake District weekend raised us an incredible amount, to Lee at Millers Flooring who after winning the weekend put it back in for auction, and to Gerald and Judith Thompson who bought it for £3,700 and then gave it back so we could raffle it again. I could never thank you all enough. A massive thank you to John Havern – without him, none of this could have happened.”

The entertainment ensured the night was filled with energy as well as emotion. Guests enjoyed performances from R&B soulman Kevon Bennett, Simply Red tribute act Andy Lee, and magician Rob Bardsley, who kept tables captivated throughout the evening.

A raffle and auction featuring bespoke framed memorabilia from footballers, boxing stars, rugby players and iconic bands including Oasis and The Stone Roses proved hugely popular. One standout prize – a three-night stay at a luxury house in the Lake District – alone generated more than £7,700 thanks to an extraordinary chain of generosity from supporters determined to boost the fundraising total.

Staff from Willow Wood Hospice were in attendance on the night and were met with a standing ovation from the packed venue – a poignant moment that reflected the deep gratitude felt by Ashley’s family and the wider community.

Tara Farren, Community and Events Fundraiser at Willow Wood Hospice, said: “It was a really moving evening and a true testament to the love people have for Ashley and the appreciation they have for the Hospice. The atmosphere in the room was amazing, and to see over 200 people come together to raise such a fantastic amount was truly incredible. We are so grateful to Bryan, John and everyone involved.

“We rely on the generosity of our community to raise around three quarters of our annual running costs, so support like this really does make a huge difference to ensure we are here to provide specialist, compassionate and dignified care to anyone in Tameside and Glossop who needs it – now and for generations to come.”

Bryan now hopes the Ashley B Charity Ball can become an annual fixture, continuing to raise both funds and awareness for the vital work carried out by the Hospice.

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Drop off your clothes for Willow Wood in Tintwistle

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.

Email tintwistle.climate@gmail.com with any queries.

Thank you for your support.

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Tameside College serves up spicy success for National Curry Week fundraiser

Tameside College’s Business Innovation team brought flavour, culture and community together for a good cause this month, hosting a National Curry Week celebration to raise funds for Willow Wood Hospice.

The event, held on Tuesday, October 7 at The Restaurant at Tameside One on Wellington Road, drew in staff, students and local food lovers for an afternoon of tastings and talks celebrating the best of South Asian cuisine and hospitality innovation.

Guests enjoyed a range of tasting plates prepared in partnership with local favourites Moksha Restaurant & Bar and Lily’s Vegetarian Indian Cuisine, with chefs sharing their expertise and passion for authentic dishes.

Alongside the feast, visitors also had the chance to hear how local hospitality businesses are working with the College to innovate, inspire new careers and grow skills in the region’s thriving food and drink industry.

Entry fees and donations went directly towards supporting patient care at Willow Wood Hospice, which provides vital services to patients and families across Tameside and Glossop.

Organisers said they were delighted with the turnout and generosity of those who attended.

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Football Night nets record amount for hospice care

The sixth annual Football Night fundraiser has raised over £9,000 to support local patients and families at the Hospice.

The record-breaking amount – almost double last year’s total – was made possible thanks to the generosity of footballing legends, supporters, and dedicated volunteers.

More than 200 football fans from across Tameside gathered on Friday 26th September for an evening of laughter, memories and behind-the-scenes stories from Manchester City greats Joe Corrigan MBE, David White and Brian Horton.

Hosted by former top-flight referee Roger Dilkes, the event – held at Dukinfield Masonic Hall for the third successive year – proved to be a huge hit, with the audience enjoying candid and entertaining insights from the trio of City stars.

Over the years, a host of football favourites – including Martyn Buchan, Peter Barnes, Eamon O’Keefe, Trevor Ross, Ella Toone, Alex Williams MBE and Tommy Booth – have appeared free of charge to help raise vital funds for the Hospice. This year was no different, with the three City legends ensuring the night was one to remember.

Former professional goalkeeper and Manchester FA ambassador Allan Grafton MBE once again played a crucial role in securing the support of the footballing guests.

Around 200 people enjoyed a trip down football memory lane at Dukinfield Masonic Hall

The Football Night is organised each year by long-time Hospice supporters Brian Wild and Chris Smith, who have together raised more than £40,000 for Willow Wood since Chris’s wife was cared for at the Hospice in 2013.

Former Tameside Civic Mayor and Hospice patron Brian Wild said: “We’re all volunteers and even the pie and peas for 200 guests are made at home by Cllr Denise Ward, at her own expense. We aimed to raise £7,000 but this result is just astonishing. Chris and I are so pleased this money will go straight towards providing compassionate and dignified care for people across Tameside and Glossop.”

“The Football Night always sells out, and the tickets get snapped up quickly. I take my hat off to the sportspeople who give up their time to entertain and support the Hospice. Many people here have a personal connection to Willow Wood, and this event shows how deeply the Hospice touches local lives.”

Much of the fundraising success also came from the wider community, with sponsorship and donations from local businesses including Cosmo Bingo (Stalybridge), Bay Freight, Manchester Credit Union, APEX Joinery, Lo-Cost Windows and Hyde Accessible Transport Ltd, among others.

Lucy Ta’ati, Community Fundraiser at Willow Wood Hospice, said: “Without people like Brian and Chris organising these events, Willow Wood would not be able to continue offering the care and support our community needs. We are truly grateful for their incredible dedication and for the generosity of everyone who supported this year’s Football Night.”

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Rotary hits fundraising hole-in-one for Willow Wood

Charity was the real winner at Werneth Low Golf Club as Tameside Rotary’s annual golf day for Willow Wood Hospice raised more than £5,100. 

A bumper 24 teams took part in the competition, which has become a fixture on the local fundraising calendar. 

Thanks to sponsorship from Malbern Windows and support from other local businesses, this year’s event topped previous totals. 

Among the winners on the course were Elly’s Heroes, who took the overall team prize, while WGAF 4 finished runners-up. 

Special mentions also went to Steve Cooper Clarke (nearest the pin, 9th hole), Chris Ventress (nearest the line) and Matt Foster (nearest the pin, 11th hole). 

In the hotly contested “Yellow Ball Competition”, sponsored by FTDS, M60 Scaffolding came out on top.

The 23rd edition of the golf day had a new feature this year – a silent auction for six rounds of golf at courses across the region, donated by supporters.

Lucy Ta’ati, Events and Community Fundraiser at Willow Wood, said: “Tameside Rotary have been steadfast supporters of Willow Wood since the very beginning, and we are so grateful for their dedication in organising this wonderful Golf Day for over 20 years. 

“This year’s event was the biggest and best yet and we want to thank the kind-hearted Rotarians, everyone who joined in, all the sponsors and in particular Malbern Windows and Werneth Low Golf Club for hosting. 

“It costs around £10,000 each day to keep the Hospice open, and without supporters like Tameside Rotary, we simply couldn’t continue providing our vital care for local people.” 

Werneth Low’s Club Captain Lou Arrowsmith added that Willow Wood is also his nominated charity this year, with members already raising another £1,000.

Tameside Rotary’s President Mike Glover paid tribute to the volunteers who made the event possible, before looking ahead to their next big community fundraiser: the Tameside Beer Festival, taking place at Stalybridge Civic Hall on Friday 19th and Saturday 20th September – which is also supporting the Hospice.