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.
After receiving heartbreaking news that her bone cancer is incurable, Tristessa Sedgwick underwent chemotherapy that made her so ill that she felt like she was on the brink of dying.
One phone call to Willow Wood Hospice, however, helped change her outlook.
“A friend of [my husband] Andrew’s came to know Willow Wood when his mum came to the Hospice and suggested we had a look around and get to know the team,” explained the 58-year-old.
“Soon after my chemotherapy, when I was not in a good place, I called the Hospice. Julie from the Wellbeing team asked if it would help if I came in to talk to her whenever it suited me. I said it would – I came in that afternoon and Julie listened to me for two hours over a cup of tea.
“The difference I felt just talking through my emotions was phenomenal. I told Julie I could not thank her enough.”
Tristessa with her husband Andrew and dog Bob in the Hospice gardens
It wasn’t just the conversation with Julie in late August 2024 that helped put Tristessa at ease, it was the environment of the Hospice – which she quickly learned was not just ‘a place to come right at the end’.
“It’s very calm and peaceful,” Tristessa stated. “You come in and feel like you’re taking a big, deep breath because you can let go and just relax a bit. It’s like a bit of a release, a hug. It feels very reassuring when you come in.
“I’ve said categorically to Julie, my GP and everybody that the Hospice is where I want to come at the end. I want it to feel like an extension of home, not somewhere that feels scary.”
As she came to terms with her diagnosis, Tristessa enjoyed attending the Be Active sessions on Wednesdays at the Hospice.
“Even though we haven’t all got the same issues and problems, fundamentally we’ve got a similar diagnosis so you feel like you can relate with other people.
“What struck me from the first session was I expected everyone to be elderly but there were people of mixed ages, which made me realise I wasn’t alone and I couldn’t feel too hard done by.”
Tristessa, Sharon and Deepak in the Bee Active session in The Hive at the Hospice
‘We concentrate on a patient’s individual wellbeing’
Julie Moran, the Hospice’s Wellbeing Team Leader, explains how Tristessa and others are supported by our Wellbeing service.
“At Willow Wood Hospice, we focus on a patient’s individual wellbeing. Our role is to offer a holistic programme of care that supports the patient, their families and carers.
“It is paramount that we are there to help Tristessa and others to carry on their lives, knowing that if they need us, they can call us or drop in. We take pride in supporting local people and are frequently humbled by their bravery and resilience.
“When I reflect on my work, I feel extremely privileged in my role as Wellbeing Team Leader to support Tristessa along her palliative journey – the true hero being Tristessa, who has faced her incurable illness with such courage and dignity.”
As a keen gardener, Tristessa has also been comforted by the serenity of our beautiful gardens.
“When I first came in, Julie encouraged my husband and I to look in the gardens. For me, it was that tranquility that struck me,” she noted.
“I did a mindfulness walk in the gardens for my first Be Active session and met head gardener Sophie, who I had a nice talk with – she even offered to give me some tips for my garden!”
Tristessa with Julie in the Hospice gardens
The array of vital services that the Hospice provides has been beneficial to those closest to Tristessa too.
“My diagnosis doesn’t just affect me, it has a knock-on effect on my family,” she told us.
“I’m very close to my three sisters. We started coming together to the Coffee Mornings at the Hospice – it’s something nice to do and it was good so they became familiar with Willow Wood too.
“I’ve been having counselling with Sarah which has been great, and two of my sisters are going to use it as well. They want to get involved and see somebody.”
Sarah Ellenbogen, Senior Family Support Counsellor, explained: “Tris gave me permission to share this small part of the work we’ve done together. In our sessions, we’ve explored how her cancer diagnosis started to define her, dominating conversations and routines.
“By offering Tris space to reflect, she was able to separate herself from her cancer — she was still the person she’s always been. We spoke about losing her agency, and how making small plans, like meeting a friend or getting her hair done, helped her take back some control. Planning, something central to her work as a designer, felt significant.
“Together, we also explored what the future might look like — recognising it still existed, even if different than before. By planning the time she has left, she felt able to have important conversations with loved ones and helped her imagine what life might look like after she was gone. This felt like acceptance.”
‘You don’t realise how vital hospices are until you’re here’
Tristessa’s sisters Scarlett, Saffron and Tiffany grew up in Saddleworth but live in different parts of the region now, so they started getting together at our monthly Coffee Mornings in September 2024.
“The Coffee Mornings are very welcoming and the volunteers make it fun and light-hearted, yet there is still time for us to have a coffee and a talk,” said Saffron. “It’s hard for us to come together in one room so it’s an opportunity for us to have a catch-up face to face.”
Tristessa, Scarlett, Saffron and Tiffany pictured in The Sanctuary at the Hospice
Scarlett, who is looking to access our Counselling service, has already seen the impact hospices like Willow Wood have and was surprised to learn how they are funded.
“At Willow Wood they support the patient and the patient’s family,” she explained. “I feel certainly that I could phone the Hospice at any time. Sometimes you want to speak to someone who understands but isn’t a close family member or friend.
“The focus is very much on patient wellbeing as opposed to making something better because, in a lot of situations, you can’t make it better. That’s what has really opened my eyes about hospices. The community spirit of hospices is very supportive to individuals and also their families.
“I thought hospices were attached to hospitals, I didn’t realise they are largely self-funded. I think if people did realise this, they would be horrified and would want to support more because most people will find themselves needing a hospice at some stage in their life.”
Saffron added: “Unless you become involved, you just think of a hospice as helping people in the very last few days of someone’s life. You don’t realise how vital hospices are until you’re here and that has to change.”
Tiffany has certainly noticed a positive difference in Tristessa since the Hospice has supported her.
“Coming to Willow Wood has really helped lift her back up rather than pushing her down.”
‘My workplace has been phenomenal’
Tristessa’s illness has led to a period of absence from her job as a sales manager at a fabric manufacturer in West Yorkshire, however the unwavering support of her employer Mobus Fabrics has meant work has been one less thing to worry about.
“I’ve not been well enough to work but my workplace has been phenomenal. They know my situation at home and have been super supportive.
“I was talking about resigning and they wouldn’t hear of it – they still see me as part of the team. I’ve worked with them for 10 years and knew them well before I joined. I imagine not every employer is like that, so I’m lucky.”
Such is how much the company value her, 13 members of the Mobus team took on the Yorkshire Three Peaks Challenge in April to support Tristessa and to raise funds for Willow Wood Hospice.
They set themselves a target of £10,000 and raised 80 per cent of that total in less than a week, so they increased their target and have raised over £20,000 – an incredible amount!
“Tris is more than just a colleague to us – she is family,” said Managing Director Lee Paxman. “She has been part of our team for many years, and now, as this amazingly strong woman faces an incredibly difficult journey with incurable bone cancer, we want to do something to show our love and continued support.
“The walk was not just a challenge – it was a tribute to Tris and a way to give back to Willow Wood Hospice, the place that is bringing her peace, comfort and care when she needs it the most.”
In honour of Tris, UK Fabric Shows also donated £5,000 to Willow Wood and would like to support the Hospice as their adopted Charity of the Year.
Tristessa’s colleagues from Mobus Fabrics have helped to raise over £20,000 for Willow Wood Hospice
Focusing on quality of life
Tristessa was first diagnosed with scleroderma in 2013 – a condition similar to arthritis but affecting connective tissue rather than joints.
A CT scan eventually revealed something far more serious – cancer in her lungs, which then spread to her bones.
“Once I heard it had spread to my bones, I thought this is terminal,” she said.
Tristessa was referred to the Christie for chemotherapy over the summer, but the treatment left her extremely ill.
“My husband and I decided I couldn’t have any more chemotherapy, it was giving me no quality of life.”
With the support of her consultant, Tristessa chose to focus on quality of life.
Tristessa has been able to resume one of her favourite activities: walking her miniature Schnauzer, Bob, around Mossley, where she lives. Walking became her way of staying mobile after her diagnosis.
“Everything I’ve been through makes you realise it’s those small pleasures in life that are the most important things,” she said.
“It’s just one day at a time. The network I have around me has helped me psychologically as well as physically. I feel lucky that I’ve got this window of life, however long, and some people don’t get that.”
Tristessa has visited the Hospice for her Be Active sessions and continues to receive support from our Counselling team. For more information about the Hospice’s services, visit www.willowwood.org.uk
Willow Wood Hospice is inviting the local community to join in the important conversation about death and dying during Dying Matters Week.
The Hospice is once again supporting Hospice UK’s national campaign, which runs from 5th to 11th May.
This year’s theme is The Culture of Dying Matters, focusing on how different communities and cultures in the UK feel, talk about, and deal with death and dying – and what brings them together.
During the week, Willow Wood will be hosting four pop-in sessions in the local community and an interactive market place event at the Hospice, to help continue opening up the vital conversation around death and dying.
Members of the public, colleagues from health and social care across both acute and community teams, faith leaders, funeral directors and other charities are all welcome to come along to learn about the culture of death and dying.
On Thursday 8th May, the interactive market place event at the Hospice is a chance for individuals, families and professionals to come together, challenge taboos, and reshape how we talk about death, dying and bereavement.
The guest speaker will be Mohamed Seedat, who is the Lead Chaplain at Tameside Hospital. He will be speaking about culture and spirituality in end-of-life care and death.
There are two sessions you can come along to – from midday to 1.30pm and from 2pm to 3.30pm, at the Hospice based on Willow Wood Close, off Mellor Road, in Ashton-under-Lyne (postcode OL6 6SL).
There will also be pop-in sessions on the following dates:
Tuesday 6th May: 9.30am to midday
The Hub in Hattersley (postcode SK14 6AF)
Wednesday 7th May: Midday to 2pm
The Together Centre in Dukinfield (postcode SK16 5AU)
Friday 9th May: 3pm to 5pm
The Wellness Centre in Denton (postcode M34 3EZ)
Saturday 10th May: 10am to midday The Bureau in Glossop (postcode SK13 8BW)
At these sessions, there will be an informative stall sharing information and insight into Willow Wood Hospice services, the opportunity to ask any questions relating to death, dying and bereavement, as well as gaining an understanding of culture within these topics too.
There will be a fun part to the stalls with a spin the wheel game, alongside a learning opportunity of cultural norms, myths and gaining a wider insight into conversations that we sometimes feel fearful of or unsure on how to broach.
Rachael Grimwood, Clinical Educator at Willow Wood Hospice, said: “Dying Matters Week gives us a unique opportunity to approach some of the taboos and fears that still surround death and dying.
“Our interactive market place event at the Hospice and pop-in sessions in Tameside and Glossop will be welcoming spaces to ask questions, learn more and take part in open conversations, so please come along if you can.”
For more information about any of the events or Dying Matters Week, contact Rachael at education@willowwood.org.uk or on 0161 330 1100.
At Willow Wood Hospice, collaboration isn’t just a word – it’s the foundation for how we work.
Our mission is to lead and deliver high-quality, specialist palliative and end-of-life care, support and education to those in our local community living with a life-limiting illness.
We achieve this through close-knit teamwork that puts our patients and those closest to them at the centre of everything we do.
For years, our dedicated staff have worked closely with the Community Specialist Palliative Care (CSPC) team. This collaboration is more than a partnership – it’s an integrated approach to care.
Every day, nurses, who are part of the CSPC team, from Tameside and Glossop Integrated Care NHS Foundation Trust join our daily triage meetings and engage with all of our clinical teams – from Wellbeing Support to Therapy Support.
They provide specialist support in a patient’s home environment, as well as education and support to staff within the local community – such as GPs and district nurses.
The Specialist Palliative Care team based at Willow Wood Hospice
Since 2019, the community palliative care and respite teams have made the Hospice their home, while the hospital palliative care team joins us weekly, representing the multidisciplinary team.
This regular interaction enables us to provide holistic care to patients and those closest to them from across our community, ensuring they receive the services and support they need when they need it most.
Zoe Price, on behalf of the Community Specialist Palliative Care team, said: “We carry out joint visits if required and are always liaising with all teams, ensuring a patient receives the right service at the right time.
“We have a close working relationship with the Hospice teams. Daily conversations and communication help make our patients’ experience the most positive it can be during a difficult time.
“We are continually sharing information, sometimes on an ad-hoc basis, which we may not have the opportunity to if we were not in the same environment.”
Rebecca Stimson, Community Services Therapy Lead at the Hospice, commented: “Working collaboratively with the Specialist Palliative Care nurses ensures that the needs of all patients and those closest to them are assessed holistically.
“We work closely with the Specialist Palliative Care nurses and patients are supported by this, as they know their needs are being addressed.”
A Strictly Come Dancing champion brought some sparkle to a festive wreath-making session at Willow Wood Hospice.
Ellie Leach, who is a patron of the Hospice, joined Wellbeing patients for an afternoon of craft and creativity last Thursday (12th December).
The workshop in The Hive – the Hospice’s Wellbeing activity space – was led by volunteer Brenda Wardle and her granddaughter Sarah.
Brenda sourced some of the materials to make the wreaths and some came from generous donations from the local community through our charity shops.
Julie Moran, Wellbeing Team Leader at Willow Wood, said: “Our patients had a wonderful time creating their festive wreaths alongside Ellie.
“Her kindness, enthusiasm and down-to-earth nature brought so much joy to the session. We thank Ellie so much for making the day extra special.
“Creativity and crafts help to enhance mental health and wellbeing by reducing stress, boosting mood and enabling self-expression and mindfulness.”
Willow Wood – based in Ashton-under-Lyne – provides specialist, compassionate and dignified care to patients from Tameside and Glossop with any life-limiting illness, empowering them to live as well as possible for as long as possible.
The Hospice’s patrons believe in the aims of Willow Wood, help raise valuable funds for its work and generate awareness of achievements and campaigns.
In October 2023, Ellie became the youngest-ever patron of the Hospice – where her grandad died.
The 23-year-old – who was last year’s winner of the BBC show Strictly Come Dancing – is best known for playing Faye Windass in ITV’s Coronation Street for 12 years before leaving the cobbles last year.
Ellie, who lives in Audenshaw, says she enjoyed the experience of meeting patients and encourages the local community to continuing supporting the Hospice.
“I had such a lovely time talking to the patients, seeing their creativity shine and getting into the festive spirit with them – the final creations looked superb,” said Ellie.
“The environment at the Hospice is so warm and welcoming. I feel very proud to be able to support such a fantastic place, which really needs all of our support.
“If you can make a donation however small, volunteer your time or buy from Willow Wood’s charity shops, you really will be making a difference.”
The Wellbeing team provides personalised, emotional and psychological support through one-to-one and group sessions, focused on being active and promoting mindfulness, relaxation and self-care and complementary therapies.
If you or someone you know is living with a life-limiting illness in Tameside and Glossop, you can find out what support could be available to you by calling 0161 330 1100.
One of the Hospice’s longest-serving staff members has retired after 25 years of being part of the Willow Wood family.
Janet Breslin has been with the Hospice almost from the very beginning of our journey, joining in August 1999 – around a month before the Inpatient Unit (IPU) opened.
Staff and volunteers from all departments gathered to say a fond farewell and thank you on her final working day on Wednesday (31st July), which brought the curtain down on a career in nursing spanning over 45 years.
Janet started her training in 1976 in Stafford before registering as a psychiatric nurse in 1979. Two years later, she registered as a general nurse after completing her training and has stayed in that field ever since.
She has worked as a district nurse and had previous experience of working in a hospice at St Ann’s for 10 years, before taking up a role as a sister on our IPU.
Janet before the Hospice opened (left) and on the Inpatient Unit before she moved to Wellbeing (right)
“The first few weeks were getting ready for the ward opening, making sure we had all the equipment we needed and getting documentation ready,” Janet explained.
“Most of the staff had been appointed by then and we had a team building week before the IPU opened which went very well. We were blessed to have a mixed team – including people from The Christie and several other hospices with different ideas.”
Janet expanded her skillset at Willow Wood by working in several different roles, most recently as Wellbeing Team Leader.
“I worked on the IPU for over 20 years. From there, a triage role was developed, it was a one-year secondment so I worked with the specialist palliative care nurses and clinical admin team to triage all of the referrals that came into the Hospice and specialist nurses, so the role was to contact people, get a background history and find the right care for patients.
“Following that role, I joined the Wellbeing team to help with the development of services, which I have done for just over two years up to my retirement.”
Unsurprisingly, she has seen a myriad of changes at the Hospice as the services available to patients from Tameside and Glossop with any life-limiting illness have evolved.
This has included the appointment of occupational therapists and a clinical educator; the development of the complementary therapy team, medical team and dementia support; and the increase in counselling available through the family support team.
Janet with some of her colleagues in the early days of her career
Indeed, there are various achievements that Janet will look back upon with immense pride.
“I am certainly very proud to have been part of the Hospice from the very start, involved in setting up the services, and making a difference to people’s lives through my work,” she reflected.
“In 2016, I was thrilled to represent Willow Wood at an event to celebrate the work that hospices do at the Speaker’s House in the House of Commons. It was a special occasion and I met Baroness Finlay of Llandaff and Dr Sarah Wollaston MP.
“In 2017, I was very proud that myself and Wendy Irons received a Dignity in Care award for collaborative working with the palliative respite team to enable a young lady to have her wishes granted.
“Also in 2018, the Inpatient Unit was shortlisted from around 400 recommendations for the Greater Manchester Care Awards in the category ‘People’s champion’ for outstanding commitment to improving the health and wellbeing of others. It was brilliant and I felt so proud of the team for what was a big achievement.”
Janet and some of her colleagues at a Masquerade Ball
Janet hopes to volunteer in healthcare locally and stay connected with the Hospice, but there are aspects of her job she will dearly miss.
“I will miss the people who I have worked,” she said. “I have enjoyed supporting and developing staff and volunteers, and working with the student nurses in helping with their development – it was a big part of my role which I really enjoyed.
“The team I have worked with in Wellbeing are fantastic. I will certainly miss the contact with patients and making a difference to their lives which is what it’s all about. I will still stay in touch with the Hospice, Willow Wood has been a big part of my life for 25 years.”
As she begins a new chapter in her life, Janet plans to make the most of her free time – including following her beloved Manchester City Football Club at home and abroad.
“I might have the opportunity to go to more European matches now,” she said. “I’ve got some holidays already booked to places I want to see.
“I will go out for lunches with my friends and catch up with old colleagues. I’ve been thinking about getting a dog so more walks too. Last year I started going to a pottery class which I’ll continue going to.
“It will seem strange at first having time to do all these things. The fact I will no longer be in nursing will leave a void, it’s part of my identity.”
Everyone at Willow Wood thanks Janet for her long service and wishes her a happy and healthy retirement.
Janet with her Wellbeing team colleagues
She has also expressed her gratitude to the Hospice for supporting her over the years.
“Thank you to the teams that I have worked with for the support they have given me and the commitment to the work they do. I’m thankful to be blessed to have worked with some amazing people at Willow Wood and thank you to the management for believing in my abilities.
“When I went to Wellbeing, it was so new to me but Nicola [Cheetham], our Clinical Director, gave me that belief and support to be able to do that. It was a challenge that I embraced and have enjoyed.
“Thank you to all of our volunteers, I have worked with some amazing people. They support us and we support them.”
Willow Wood’s dedicated band of volunteers give the gift of their time to make a huge difference to every aspect of hospice life.
To say thank you for their valuable contributions, our Volunteer Services Manager Lisa Pye organised a range of free activities based around the theme of ‘wellbeing’ to celebrate this year’s Volunteers’ Week.
Our Catering team’s very own star baker Lynn Valentine put on a cake decorating workshop which went down a treat.
There was an opportunity to discover jewellery-making techniques with Denise Royle, the manager of our Ashton shop.
A crafty group of volunteers had a creative afternoon painting pots at the 4C Community Centre in Ashton.
To look after their physical wellbeing too, volunteers took in some fresh air with a gentle stroll through nearby Stamford Park.
The week culminated with a lively and competitive session of bingo games and a quiz, led by volunteer Chris Hinds in The Hive.
There were some great prizes thanks to generous donations from local businesses including The Village Hotel, Lilly’s Patisserie & Bistro, Hobsons Hair & Beauty, Magpie’s Nest and Flip Out.
The activities were also funded with help from a £500 grant from local charity Action Together.
Every department in the Hospice received fruit hampers for their volunteers, which were put together primarily with supplies donated by Alimentari Di Alberti Greengrocers in Uppermill and 5 A Day in Stalybridge.
Our retail team also marked the occasion by showing their appreciation to the much-valued volunteers who provide help and support in our charity shops.
Shop managers bought cakes, brownies and keyrings for their volunteers and displayed banners in their windows to celebrate the occasion.
Louise Beeden, our Reddish Lane shop manager, also invited her volunteers to her house for an afternoon tea and a fun quiz.
Lisa Pye, Volunteer Services Manager at Willow Wood Hospice, said: “Volunteers’ Week is always a special time of the year as we celebrate our amazing volunteers across every department of the Hospice.
“We simply could not provide the vital services we do without their help and support – they make a profound difference.
“Everyone who took part in the activities had a great time. We cannot thank our volunteers enough for their selfless contributions.”
If you would like to join our team of volunteers and make a positive impact on our community, you can express your interest by filling out a simple form on our website at https://willowwood.org.uk/hospice-volunteering/interest/
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