Tag: Willow Wood Hospice

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Flower Festival blooms again at Willow Wood with magical success

Hundreds of visitors visited the ninth annual Flower Festival at Willow Wood Hospice across a sun-soaked weekend to experience the spellbinding sights and floral delights.

The event has already raised over £6,000 towards patient care at the Hospice, based in Ashton-under-Lyne, with more money still to come in.

Guests who came on Saturday, May 10, and Sunday, May 11, wandered through an enchanting array of 21 floral displays which followed the theme of the magical world of Harry Potter.

The wizarding world of Hogwarts was reflected – from the Ministry of Magic and Quidditch, to The Prisoner of Azkaban and even Professor Pomona Sprout’s Herbology Class.

To further boost Hospice funds, each display had a price tag attached so they could be purchased by those in attendance and collected at the end of the festival.

The festival was officially opened on Saturday morning by Hospice patron Ellie Leach – a former Coronation Street star and Strictly Come Dancing champion – who cut the ribbon.

Adding an extra touch of Harry Potter magic on Saturday was Bill Andrew — the real-life driver of the Hogwarts Express in all seven films — who shared stories from behind the scenes and signed books and photos for delighted fans.

Visitors also enjoyed posing for photos with life-sized cutouts of Harry Potter characters, generously donated by Star Cutouts UK, which were available to buy at the end of the weekend to raise additional funds for the Hospice.

There were also refreshments served by a band of volunteers in The Hive, and Prosecco in the Garden Room, where there was card, craft, wooden craft, cake, tombola and raffle stalls for visitors to browse.

Outside in the Hospice’s picturesque gardens, guests basked in the beautiful weather while enjoying live music from the Mossley Ukulele Group and Mike Styan and friends on Saturday, and the Sounds Familiar Ukulele Band on Sunday.

The festival is organised by a committee of dedicated volunteers, comprising Eileen Smith, Ann Fee, Pauline Giblin, Christine Lucas, Sheila Redfearn, Lorraine Vaughton, Moya Evans and Pam Chadwick.

Speaking on behalf of the Flower Festival Committee, Eileen said: “It was an amazing weekend and the weather was glorious. We’re so grateful to everyone who came along to support the festival. A special thank you to our Willow Wood patron Ellie Leach for opening the event, and to Bill Andrew for travelling from Crewe to share his unique Hogwarts stories.

“We would also like to thank everyone who helped in any way — from arranging flowers and sponsoring displays, to working in the kitchen and manning the stalls. A big shoutout goes to Jeanette, Christine and John who work all year to handcraft cards, cushions, and wooden gifts — donating 100 per cent of their takings to Willow Wood.”

As the petals settle on another successful festival, the committee will soon start looking ahead to next year’s event — which will mark the 10th edition of this much-loved community celebration.

It costs £3.6 million a year for Willow Wood Hospice to continue providing its vital services to deliver compassionate care to patients from Tameside and Glossop with a life-limiting illness.

With only around 24 per cent of that total coming from the Government, the Hospice relies on the generosity of the community by making donations; organising or supporting fundraising events; donating or buying goods to its charity shops; leaving gifts in Wills; joining the weekly lottery or volunteering.

If you would like to organise your own fundraiser for Willow Wood, the Hospice’s Fundraising team can support you – contact fundraising@willowwood.org.uk or call 0161 330 7788.

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Double recognition at Tameside Business Awards

We’re thrilled to share that Willow Wood Hospice won the Retailer of the Year award and received a Special Commendation for Care in the Outstanding Contribution to Tameside category at the Tameside Business Awards.

The awards ceremony took place on Wednesday night at The Village Hotel in Ashton-under-Lyne.

We were represented by our CEO Tracy Minshull, Chairman Timothy Jackson, Clinical Director Nicola Cheetham, Director of Fundraising & Communications Sam Duncan, Head of Retail Pauline Lunt, and Partnership Development Lead Joanne Lees.

These honours are a testament to the dedication, compassion and relentless hard work of our incredible workforce – which is all of our staff and volunteers.

We have also been shortlisted in the Social Enterprise / CIC / Charity of the Year category at this year’s Pride of Tameside Business Awards.

We will find out if we have been successful on Friday 13th June at Dukinfield Town Hall – fingers crossed!

Pictured: CEO Tracy Minshull and Clinical Director Nicola Cheetham (left) with our Special Commendation for Care and Director of Fundraising and Communications Sam Duncan and Head of Retail Pauline Lunt with our Retailer of the Year award.

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New community partnership aims to enhance patient care

Willow Wood and GTD Healthcare have been working in partnership on an exciting 12-month pilot project, aimed at enhancing the delivery of palliative care at the Hospice.

The initiative, which began in February 2025, was developed from an idea of the Hospice’s Clinical Director Nicola Cheetham.

A passionate advocate for nursing, Nicola proposed trialling a new model of care that places a senior nurse with enhanced skills and non-medical prescribing (NMP) responsibilities alongside doctors on the Hospice’s Inpatient Unit.

Nicola said: “This collaboration builds on the success of our previous partnership in 2022, when GTD Healthcare supported our out-of-hours medical cover.

“We are excited to see how this new initiative enhances patient care and look forward to working closely with GTD Healthcare to develop further opportunities for partnership and service improvement.”

Recognising the value of this innovative idea and the challenges of implementing it, GTD Healthcare – a social enterprise that delivers GP practices, urgent care and community services across the North West – provided one of its experienced clinicians to support the pilot.

Claire Wilson, a Senior Clinical Practitioner and Specialist Palliative Care Nurse, has had a positive impact since February when she started working two days a week alongside the Hospice’s medical and nursing teams, delivering specialist palliative care within the Inpatient Unit.

Claire Wilson has been working on the Inpatient Unit at the Hospice since February 

Claire said: “This is such an exciting opportunity for me — it’s the first time I’ve worked in Tameside, but having worked in a hospice before, I know just how special and impactful they are.

“The team here have made me feel incredibly welcome. I see this as not just a learning opportunity for the whole team, but for me too. Ultimately, everything we do is about enhancing patient care, and I’m really proud to be part of this pilot.”

In addition, Margaret Hayes, Palliative Care Lead at GTD Healthcare, is also overseeing clinical supervision to the Hospice’s Inpatient Unit team on a monthly basis.

A full evaluation of the pilot will take place after six months but the early feedback has been overwhelmingly positive.

Margaret commented: “This is a great opportunity for GTD Healthcare to work with our wider partners and show the wide range of knowledge and expertise that the organisation has. We are really looking forward to our ongoing work with Willow Wood and to see how the project progresses.”

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Tracy Minshull reflects on first year as CEO

Tracy Minshull says she feels “both proud and humbled to lead such an incredible organisation” as she marks a year in charge of Willow Wood Hospice.

Tracy officially took over the reins as Chief Executive Officer from Karen Houlston on 1st May 2024.

It has been a busy and rewarding first 12 months in the role for Tracy, who has worked in the health and social care sector for over 25 years.

Reflecting on her time at the Hospice so far, she said: “One early moment stood out to me: a patient’s husband said: ‘Even the smallest things, you do really well’. It’s a simple statement that perfectly captures the care we provide.

“This year has been all about relationships. It’s been a privilege to connect with our staff, volunteers, trustees, patrons, and the families we serve. I’ve spent time in our hospice, across the community, and at our retail shops, gaining insight into the vital roles everyone plays.

“I’ve also focused on building strategic partnerships, including becoming Deputy Chair for the Palliative and End of Life Care Improvement Group. These connections help ensure our services remain accessible across Tameside and Glossop.

“I also joined fellow Greater Manchester hospice leaders to lobby MPs in Parliament to raise awareness for the funding plight of hospices, and to keep hospice care at the forefront of the minds of our elected representatives.

“We’ve welcomed four new trustees, launched quarterly engagement sessions, and co-designed our Five-Year Strategy, which will be published in June. A big thank you to all who contributed — your input has shaped our future.

“Looking ahead, we’ll continue building strong relationships, delivering exceptional care, and ensuring Willow Wood thrives for years to come. Thank you for being part of our journey.”

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Magical experience ahead at Willow Wood Flower Festival

Fans of Harry Potter are in for a treat as that’s the adopted theme for this year’s fundraising floral fundraiser event.

The much-anticipated Flower Festival returns to Willow Wood Hospice in 2025 for the ninth year, on Saturday 10th and Sunday 11th May.

Guided by a dedicated committee comprising Eileen Smith, Ann Fee, Sheila Redfern, Christine Lucas, Pauline Giblin, Judith Scott, Bernice Woodward and Lorraine Vaughton, this cherished annual event promises to be as vibrant as ever.

This year’s festival will be inspired by the theme of the magical world of Harry Potter. Throughout the weekend, visitors can immerse themselves in captivating displays, crafted by both individuals and groups.

While leisurely exploring the stunning exhibits, you can bask in the serenity of the Hospice’s picturesque gardens. Attendees will have the opportunity to purchase the showcased displays, adding a touch of beauty to their homes while making a difference to patients in our care.

The event will also include some life-sized Harry Potter cardboard cutouts to grab your photograph with, donated by Audenshaw business Star Cutouts Ltd. The licensed cutouts feature a range of Harry Potter characters that can be ordered online at mycardboardcutout.co.uk.

Members of the Flower Festival Committee and Lucy, our Community Fundraiser, with some familiar faces from the Harry Potter series

Star Cutouts Managing Director, Ian Ravey, said: “We thought it would be really nice to support Willow Wood Hospice and it’s an organisation I have had experience with, because they looked after my brother before he died. They rely on charitable donations so it is always good to help when we can.”

The cutouts – which normally cost around £40 each – will also be available to buy at the end of the festival by making a donation to the Hospice.

“We’re absolutely thrilled to be bringing the magic of Harry Potter to this year’s Flower Festival,” said the Willow Wood Hospice Flower Festival Committee.

“A huge thank you to Star Cutouts for their generous donation of the fantastic life-sized Harry Potter cutouts – they’ll add a fun element to the weekend, and we’re so grateful for their support in helping us raise vital funds for the Hospice.”

Bill Andrew, the driver of the Hogwarts Express in the Harry Potter films, will also be bringing lots of photos and signing copies of the books on the first day of the festival.

The Flower Festival will be open on Saturday 10th May from 10am to 4pm and Sunday 11th May from 11am to 4pm. Entry will be £3.50, with proceeds going to Willow Wood Hospice. Admission is free for children aged 12 or under. Light refreshments will also be available.

Parking at Willow Wood Hospice is restricted to patients, families, Blue Badge holders and the workforce. Alternative parking is available nearby at the Darnton Road Pay & Display car park (postcode OL6 6RL).

If you would like more information about the Flower Festival or you are interested in buying a cutout, please contact Eileen Smith on 07799 172 313.

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Place of Welcome has a cracking time supporting Willow Wood

There were smiles all around as a self-funded community group in Ashton-under-Lyne helped to raise over £400 for Willow Wood Hospice this Easter.

Based at St Gabriel’s Church, Place of Welcome is a friendly, welcoming group that meets every Monday, offering a vital space for companionship and connection.

Since it started in November 2018, it has grown steadily and is run by around 20 dedicated volunteers, welcoming an average of 45 people each week from around Tameside.

“We wanted to try to help people who are socially isolated and lonely – we’ve been going ever since,” said volunteer Sandra Kiy. “On the third Monday of every month, we have a theme and provide a free two-course lunch and some entertainment to make it fun.

“A lot of people who come live alone or they are carers for somebody so we want them to have something to look forward to and remember when they go back to their empty homes. We try to get out into our Community Garden as much as we can too, weather permitting.”

With Easter Monday (21st April) falling on one of their themed days, it was the perfect opportunity to do something special – and meaningful.

Everyone had plenty of Easter fun while supporting the Hospice.

The group marked the occasion in style – not only celebrating together, but also raising funds for patients with life-limiting illnesses from the local community in our care.

“We decided that we wanted to do something for charities in the area. The people who come to us are very generous and it’s nice to give to a good cause which does a lot for the community,” Sandra continued.

“Mandy, Julie and I all sing in the Hospice Choir, so we had a connection already to Willow Wood. We said we would like to support the Hospice because it’s something that’s close to everybody’s hearts. Everyone knows someone that’s either been there or visited.”

Sandra reached out to our Fundraising team after reading about our Bunny Hop campaign, which inspired their own Easter-themed challenge. Although not everyone in the group could hop, that didn’t stop the fun – or the fundraising!

On the day, around 50 people packed into the church’s community room, donning bunny ears and full of Easter cheer.

They enjoyed a repertoire from the Willow Wood Hospice Choir and a visit from our mascot Woody the Bear, before the winners of their Easter bonnet and cake competitions were announced.

Members of the Willow Wood Hospice Choir performing.

After a delicious lunch, there was a packed programme of Easter activities, for which they were sponsored to complete – from ‘pin the nose on the bunny’ to a game tossing eggs into a basket.

Of course, no Easter celebration would be complete without chocolate – and everyone got Crème Eggs to take home!

“We all had lots of fun and we’re delighted to support Willow Wood – we hope the money we’ve helped to raise makes a difference,” said Sandra.

Tracey Schofield, who leads on our Bunny Hop campaign, said: “We are incredibly grateful to the Place of Welcome volunteers and attendees for supporting the Hospice as part of their Easter celebrations.

“It’s heartwarming to see everyone come together and that our Bunny Hop campaign inspired them to raise vital funds. We rely on the generosity of our community to support patients and those closest to them from Tameside and Glossop when they need us most.”

Keep an eye out soon across our platforms to see how much this year’s Bunny Hop campaign has raised.

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Dukinfield cyclist’s birthday bike ride for Willow Wood

A father-of-two from Dukinfield has cycled 60 miles for his 60th birthday to raise money for Willow Wood Hospice.

Ian Saxon, who retired in 2023 after 40 years working in environmental services at Tameside Council, peddled around the Greater Manchester area in support of his local hospice.

Ian, accompanied by his friends and family, started their ride at the iTrain gym in Dukinfield before traversing throughout Manchester, passing down the Fallowfield Loop, around Manchester Airport, and making their way past Jodrell Bank, Poynton and Romiley.

Instead of receiving gifts for his birthday, Ian asked people to donate to the Hospice. After his fantastic efforts on 9th March, over £1,200 has been raised so far!

Ian, who also has a granddaughter, said: “I always had a bike as a child. I’ve got very fond memories of cycling as a kid, and then I probably lost a little bit of interest whilst I was at university, but I soon got back into it and probably since then I’ve cycled continuously.”

Ian with his family and friends before they set off on their bike ride. Photo credit: Steve Giblin.

Experienced cyclist Ian has always felt a connection to the Hospice and has supported Willow Wood in the past, by previously peddling 50 miles for his 50th birthday and 40 miles for his 40th birthday.

Ian elaborated on his cycling adventures: “We’ve done some quite long trips. We’ve done Land’s End to John O’Groats twice. When I retired, me and my friend did a ride which we called from Home to Rome.”

As for Ian’s reasons for supporting the Hospice, he explained: “Someone described it to me, which really resonated with me, as Willow Wood for local people is something like a life insurance policy that you hope you never need to claim on.

“But if you need it, you need it local and we all need it to be there. We just hope we never need to use it. So that’s kind of stuck with me, and I know the value of it locally.”

Ian pictured in our beautiful Hospice gardens.

Ian didn’t do his fundraiser alone and he is grateful for the support he received.

“I want to thank my wife Mandy and our friend Bev for making coffee and sandwiches for everyone, as well as my friend and former colleague Steve Giblin for coming to take some photos.”

Lucy Ta’ati, Community Fundraiser at Willow Wood Hospice, commented: “We are incredibly grateful to Ian for his support to Willow Wood Hospice with his fantastic fundraiser. Donations are a valuable part of supporting the work the Hospice does, and support in any way is greatly appreciated. Well done, Ian!”

If you want more information about Ian’s fundraiser and you wish to donate, please visit https://www.justgiving.com/page/ian-saxon-3.

If you want to support the Hospice with a fundraiser of your own, please contact our Fundraising team by emailing fundraising@willowwood.org.uk or by calling 0161 330 7788.

By Ciaran Greenwood

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LISTEN: Sam Duncan on BBC Radio Manchester

Our Director of Fundraising and Communications, Sam Duncan, appeared on BBC Radio Manchester on Thursday morning (20th February). 

Sam spoke to Breakfast show host Joe McGrath about Willow Wood Hospice and our Creme Egg Appeal as part of our Bunny Hop campaign.

Listen to the interview in full by clicking the play button below:

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New bereavement support for people who have lost loved ones at Willow Wood

Willow Wood is launching two new groups aimed at bereaved people grieving for loved ones who have received care at the Hospice.

The Sunflowers Support Group is designed specifically for children aged eight to 13 years old, offering age-appropriate activities and gentle guidance to help them understand and express their grief.

They must be comfortable in a small group with other young people; be demonstrating a struggle in their grief where a parent/guardian/carer is noticing adverse changes to their behaviours or usual routines; be able to attend all six proposed dates.

The group – led by a qualified Counsellor – will run for six weekly sessions on Mondays at the Hospice, from 4pm to 5.30pm, starting on 24th February and ending on 31st March.

To express interest in a child attending the group, visit https://willowwood.org.uk/sunflowers-support-group/ to fill out a simple form and the Hospice’s Family Support team will be in touch with more details.

A new drop-in is also starting to support bereaved family members and those closest to someone who was cared for through any service at Willow Wood.

The Bereavement Support Hub gives people the opportunity to connect with the Hospice’s Family Support team for reassurance, guidance, information and signposting, as well as to self-refer to Counselling, future groups or spiritual support.

There will be quarterly drop-in sessions at the Hospice from 9.30am to 11am on the following Tuesdays this year: 25th February, 27th May, 26th August, and 2nd December.

Anyone interested in attending can express their interest by going to https://willowwood.org.uk/bereavement-support-hub/

The Hospice is based on Willow Wood Close, off Mellor Road, in Ashton-under-Lyne (postcode OL6 6SL).

Bethan Creighton, Family Support Lead and Senior Family Support Counsellor at Willow Wood Hospice, said: “Grief can be an overwhelming and isolating experience, especially for children and families who have lost a loved one.

“At Willow Wood, we want to provide a safe and supportive space where people can express their emotions, connect with others who understand, and find the guidance they need.

“Our new bereavement support offers that opportunity to those whose loved one was cared for at the Hospice, ensuring nobody has to navigate their grief alone.”

PICTURED: Bethan Creighton, Family Support Lead and Senior Family Support Counsellor, in the Hospice gardens.