Willow Wood’s Christmas tree recycling service has raised a tree-mendous amount towards supporting patient care at the Hospice.
The convenient recycling initiative allowed residents across Tameside and Glossop to register their festive firs online to be collected and responsibly disposed of in the new year, while making a donation of their choice to the Hospice.
In total, over 460 real trees were collected and nearly £9,000 has been raised, which will make a difference to patients with a life-limiting illness from our local communities.
In Tameside, trees were collected between 8th and 17th January and then chipped by Tameside Council’s Greenspace team, who will re-use them in local parks.
In Glossop, the trees were collected by Amazon and A&D Distribution Services between 8th and 13th January and taken to Hartleys Garden Centre to be stored. They have been chipped by Bankswood Treecare and used by the Pony Patch to lay a new path for the ponies.
Samantha Kitch, Fundraising Manager at Willow Wood Hospice, said: “On behalf of us all at the Hospice, a sincere thank you to all of our brilliant partners for facilitating the collection and recycling of the trees, and to everyone who registered their trees and donated to Willow Wood.
“We would also like to thank all those who helped to spread the word and raise awareness of the tree recycling service.
“With only around 21 per cent of our funding coming from central government, the support we receive from our local communities is absolutely vital.”
Tameside Council Executive Member for Environmental Services and Neighbourhoods, Councillor Laura Boyle, said: “We’ve been really pleased to work with Willow Wood Hospice on this scheme once again and it’s fantastic to see it going from strength to strength.
“It has been a brilliant opportunity for people to do something positive for the environment while also supporting a charity that does such important and valued work in our community and is close to so many people’s hearts. Thank you to everyone who supported the scheme, you have really helped to make a difference.”
The collection and recycling service was also supported by national charity Just Helping, which assists charities, volunteers and businesses to contribute to their community and the environment.
After costs, Willow Wood Hospice will receive 85 per cent of donations and up to 15 per cent will be distributed by Just Helping to other local charities.
Willow Wood Hospice has warmly welcomed four new members to its Board of Trustees.
The group were sworn in at the Hospice’s Annual General Meeting (AGM) on Tuesday 28th January.
Their recruitment follows an appeal last summer for skilled and experienced people to help shape the future of the Hospice, which provides specialist, compassionate and dignified care to patients with a life-limiting illness from Tameside and Glossop.
Phill Brown MBE is a Tameside businessman and entrepreneur who has chaired boards at Tameside Council, Active Tameside and Tameside College, as well as served as a trustee for the Stockport County Community Trust.
Julieann Carter is a qualified nurse whose career in healthcare has spanned both clinical care and management across hospitals, community settings and hospices. She was honoured to be named Marie Curie Nurse of the Year for England in 2000.
Chris Hinds has lived in Tameside over 45 years and runs his own marketing and web design consultancy in Glossop. Alongside his wife Joanne, he has volunteered at the Hospice since 2009 and helped to raise tens of thousands of pounds.
Karen Richardson has spent nearly 40 years in nursing within Greater Manchester as a Staff Nurse and Ward Sister before specialising as a Macmillan Clinical Nurse Specialist in Palliative and End-of-Life Care and, more recently, moved into commissioning and service transformation.
(from left to right) Trustees Liz Needham, Paul Schofield, Martin Willescroft, John Maltby, Philip Millson, Phill Brown MBE, CEO Tracy Minshull, Steve Flanagan, Chris Hinds, Julieann Carter and Karen Richardson.
The quartet of new trustees join as Timothy Jackson assumes the role of the Chair of the Board, succeeding Philip Millson, who has stepped down as Chair but will continue to serve as a trustee.
Timothy said: “I am proud to take on the role of Chair, working alongside a dedicated team of trustees and senior management who each bring expertise to support our mission and vision.
“I look forward to continuing to ensure our services remain equitable, timely and tailored to meet the needs of our patients and those closest to them.
“The collective passion, collaboration and commitment of everyone at the Hospice truly makes Willow Wood a special place.”
Timothy Jackson, the new Chair of the Board
Tracy Minshull, Chief Executive Officer of Willow Wood Hospice, commented: “I would like to sincerely thank Philip for his valuable leadership as our Chairman over the past four years and we are grateful to have his continued support as a trustee.
“I am delighted to welcome Timothy as our new Chairman and introduce our four new trustees, who each bring a diverse range of skills and experience. This will be vital as we continue to provide compassionate care to our community while evolving to meet future challenges and opportunities.
“They join at an exciting time for the Hospice as we finalise our new five-year strategy, which has been shaped by our workforce – our staff, volunteers and trustees.”
Trustees are crucial to the work of Willow Wood. With their support, scrutiny and challenge, the Hospice is able to grow and operate effectively.
Working on a voluntary basis, they ensure the organisation’s strategic direction, governance and financial sustainability. Trustees also act as ambassadors for the Hospice out in the community.
Willow Wood needs at least £3.6 million every year to run and, with only around 21 per cent of that amount coming from the Government, the Hospice relies heavily on the generous support of the local community to continue providing its essential services.
Seventy per cent of those services are provided by Willow Wood’s Community Services teams – in the Hospice, based in Ashton-under-Lyne, and in a patient’s own home.
For Sue Fagan, Willow Wood Hospice means so much and is “part of my life”.
Sue, who lives nearby in Ashton-under-Lyne, has been a friendly face on Reception on Wednesday afternoons since May 2022.
She has also given the gift of her time to supporting our Wellbeing team and Inpatient Unit (IPU) team.
Sue, who has two children and two young grandchildren, first became connected to Willow Wood when her partner of 16 years, Wolf, was admitted to the IPU in 2019.
“We were nursing Wolfe at home and then one of the Macmillan nurses said we could get him a place at Willow Wood,” she explained.
“We were a little hesitant about Wolf coming to Willow Wood at first, but he became better mentally and even said I should get a job here one day!
“He sadly passed away at the Hospice and then Covid came. I applied to go on the ward, there weren’t any vacancies at the time but I was asked if I wanted to go on Reception.
“I didn’t fancy it at first but I did it and started working with Verrien. We had mutual friends so we got on really well and I love it.”
Sue, who is now semi-retired, has developed plenty of skills during her varied career – from being a nurse and an Office Manager at an accountancy firm to a qualified reflexologist and now does some part-time admin and sales work for a jeweller, Oscar and Olivia.
She feels her public-facing role has improved her understanding of the Hospice’s values and the extent of the services we provide.
“You get to know everyone at the Hospice as they come and go,” Sue told us. “I’m really glad I am on Reception because I feel like I really know what Willow Wood is all about now. I know there’s more to it than the Inpatient Unit.
“Over time, I have learned to know what tone to take in certain situations which I think is important. You know when you can tell a bit of a joke to someone, you know when it’s a bit more serious and you know when it’s a sad time.
“People recognise you from the Hospice – I spoke to a lady in Marks & Spencer who remembered me from Reception.
“We have a WhatsApp group where we can manage the rota ourselves and arrange cover for each other if needed, which is great. I feel part of a friendship circle.”
Sue is a friendly face on Reception on Wednesday afternoons at the Hospice
The plethora of different duties that Sue is trusted with on Reception is what she enjoys about the important role.
“One minute you’re answering the phone, the next minute you could be speaking to a patient and then you could be selling something in the Reception shop.
“I love the buzz and the variety of the role. My time as an Office Manager has helped me multi-task.
“I feel sometimes if I have said something to somebody that made them have a more positive day or made them feel a bit more comfortable or made them smile, it is all worth it. I remember how I used to feel when I walked through the door of the Hospice when Wolf was ill and it is nice to always be greeted so warmly.”
Sue has seen the value that volunteers like herself bring to the organisation.
“On Reception, we are the first face people see when they walk through the door. Volunteers are so important to Willow Wood. What I have realised is all the volunteers have come from really good backgrounds with lots of different skills from different professional roles.”
For Sue, giving back financially by attending fundraising events is important but giving her time is even more precious.
“When Wolf was at the Hospice, he thought it was a private hospital and that we were going to receive a bill,” she said.
“I told him it’s free and that the Hospice would get paid back. I feel like I am giving back not just for me but for him.
“For his funeral, we asked for donations and raised £800. Our families have also supported fundraising events like the Butterfly Memory Release – my granddaughter loves this event.
“I would recommend volunteering to anyone because it’s not just about what you do, you meet the other volunteers, you make friends and become part of the Hospice family.”
Two of our dedicated volunteers experienced a “once-in-a-lifetime” opportunity at Westminster Abbey this Christmas.
Eileen Smith was nominated by Mark Llewellin DL, Deputy Lieutenant of Greater Manchester, to be part of the congregation at this year’s ‘Royal Carols: Together at Christmas’ service.
Eileen was accompanied by fellow Flower Festival committee member Christine Lucas at the service – which shone a light on around 1,600 individuals across the UK who have shown love, kindness and empathy towards others in their communities.
It’s the fourth successive year that the Princess of Wales has hosted the heart-warming seasonal event – one of the biggest appearances of the year so far for Kate after she confirmed in September she had completed her cancer treatment and would be easing back into royal duties.
Eileen – from Stalybridge – said it was “an absolute privilege” to be part of the occasion and she was “very humbled and very grateful” to have been invited.
“Mark rang me up and asked if he could nominate me to go to the Princess of Wales’ Carol Concert in London,” she explained. “He said I might not get a ticket but he chose to nominate me because of all the work I have done for the Hospice, including the Flower Festival.
“So I said yes, of course! I got an email about 10 days later from Mark’s office to tell me I’d actually got an invitation. Christine is also very active on the Flower Festival committee, so she was an obvious person to come with me.”
Eileen (right) and Christine outside Westminster Abbey
For Eileen and Christine, the experience of their day in the capital was truly magical.
“We went down on the train and we had to be at Westminster Abbey for 3.30pm so we booked a hotel near the Abbey, had some lunch and got ready,” said Eileen. “People were queuing up and you couldn’t get anywhere near the Abbey unless you had a golden ticket.
“There was a steel band there playing carols and they were giving out mince pies. When we went inside, it was just so beautiful and it’s a huge building. It was the first time I had been and it was just so wonderfully decorated, with lights everywhere and a stunning Christmas tree. You could write a message and put it on the tree.
“There were a lot of famous faces you see on TV there, so we were star spotting! We were in the knave near the door so we could actually see the Prince and Princess of Wales come in with their little ones. We recognised Zara Tindall and all of the Royal Family, who came in first.
“We all had a candle which they lit for us. Greg Porter started off by singing a carol and Prince William gave a speech. We sang carols and there was a lovely service. We waited for the Royal Family to disperse and then we went outside into the darkness, where all the lights were on and it was just so lovely.
“I’ll remember it for a long time. I’m framed my invitation and I’ve got a programme from the service. The Princess of Wales also wrote a letter to everyone who attended thanking us for coming and for everything we do.”
The service took place at the world-renowned Westminster Abbey
It’s an experience Eileen will relive when the service airs as part of a special hour-long programme on Christmas Eve (24th December) on ITV1 and ITVX at 7.30pm.
She first started volunteering for Willow Wood on the Reception desk when the Hospice opened in 1999 and, after taking a gap when she opened a nursery, continued her support through fundraising.
“I was really interested in fundraising for the Hospice and when it opened was a time in my life when I needed to volunteer so I wanted to give something back to a charity. Since it’s opened, I’ve known lots of people who have needed the services here. It’s a lovely place and it feels like the right place for me to be.
“Dot [Birchfield] asked me first if I could help out and then John [Fellowes] approached me one day to see if I knew anyone who could take over the running of the annual Flower Festival. I used to do some arrangements for it so I took it on. We started it in 2015 and we have raised around £66,000 so far.”
Eileen also helps to keep the shop in the Hospice Reception stocked up and recently took part in Willow Wood does Strictly as a dancer.
She also decorates a Christmas tree on behalf of Willow Wood at the Albion Church in Ashton-under-Lyne every year.
“I enjoy supporting the Hospice and I’ve done a bit of everything which all helps in some way,” she added. “I’ve been to Ascot Ladies Day fundraisers and the Grand Balls down the years. When I had the nursery, we used to sponsor a table at the Ball.”
The cover of the service programme (left) and Eileen’s official invite
We are delighted to have recently seen an increase in the number of students choosing to undertake a placement at Willow Wood Hospice.
Christina applied for a counselling placement with us as part of her studies at Tameside College, working towards becoming a qualified counsellor.
“I knew Willow Wood offered counselling, and I thought, where better to do it than here? I honestly couldn’t have been happier with the placement,” said Christina.
“It’s been an excellent environment for my placement, and the Family Support team has been incredibly supportive.
“I was interviewed by Callie [Head of Community Services] and Sarah [Senior Family Support Counsellor] and I remember walking away thinking ‘I really hope I get this.’ You just know when something feels right. I was over the moon when Callie told me I’d been offered the placement at Willow Wood.”
After completing her placement, Christina continued to volunteer at the Hospice, describing the experience as overwhelmingly positive.
She explained how pivotal the placement had been in supporting her journey to qualification.
“Every hour spent with a client is a learning opportunity – you can’t help but grow. I’ve developed as a counsellor here, thanks to the ongoing support and guidance from Callie and Bethan [Family Support Lead]. That support has been there every step of the way, both as a trainee and now as a qualified counsellor.”
“I’d known about Willow Wood before my placement, having taken part in the Midnight Wander, and through friends who had shared their positive experiences when loved ones were cared for here.
“When I first started my placement, people would often comment on how sad it must be, and yes, it is difficult watching someone experience the pain of losing a loved one. But it’s also incredibly rewarding to know that I’ve played a part in supporting that person through such a challenging time. I feel privileged to have had the opportunity to work with the clients here. It’s truly been an honour.”
Christina (centre) with Callie Harrop (left), Head of Community Services, and Bethan Creighton, Family Support Lead at Willow Wood Hospice
Christina described Willow Wood as ‘a wonderful place doing vital work for the community’.
When talking about the wider organisation, Christina felt Willow Wood has been ‘one of the most positive places I’ve ever worked at’.
She added how the team excels at making a difficult time more manageable. “The Hospice staff are deeply committed to their work, and it’s inspiring to see so many volunteers from the community involved too. I’ve really felt like a valued member of the team.”
Christina’s passion for counselling stems from her desire to help others through the toughest times of their lives, and Willow Wood provided the ideal setting for this. “I’ve worked with children and young people for the past 12 years, and I love what I do. Being able to combine this experience with counselling has been an incredibly enriching and insightful opportunity for me.”
Christina also works as a Programme Development Manager for the charity Power2, which supports children and young people to thrive. She has been with the organisation for over 12 years, where her role involves designing and writing programmes to help young people at risk of not reaching their full potential.
“I’m thrilled to be completing my next placement at Power2, working with young people facing mental health challenges. It means a great deal to me to be able to complete my placement at a charity that I know does such incredible work with children and young people.”
Callie Harrop, Head of Community Services, said Christina has been a real asset to the Hospice’s Family Support team.
“Her warm, friendly nature and her passion for good outcomes for those she works with has been a joy to observe,” she said.
“Whilst on placement and through volunteering, Christina has supported a number of people including patients and family members of those who have accessed Willow Wood services, and has received some fantastic feedback about the relationships she has built and the impact the counselling has had for those she has supported.
“Whilst we will miss Christina on our team, we wish her all the very best for her future studies and next steps in her career and know that anyone lucky enough to meet Christina as a counsellor will have a positive experience.
“We are always so grateful that individuals choose to spend their placements with us and always aim to provide a supportive and inclusive environment for our Trainee Counsellors, with guidance when navigating a caseload, a chance to reflect on their sessions and the offer of training, supervision and learning opportunities to enhance their placement offer.”
When asked if she would recommend a placement or volunteering at Willow Wood to others, Christina’s response was simple: “100%! I’ve already spoken to my previous college tutor and told them I’d highly recommend Willow Wood for counselling placements.
“I honestly couldn’t recommend it enough. It’s been an incredible placement – it feels like you’re really giving something back, and that’s something I think is really important.”
Willow Wood Hospice welcomes students on medical, nursing, physiotherapy, occupational therapy and counselling placements.
We are deeply moved by the story of Liz Cummins, who is honouring her dad’s memory and raising funds for Willow Wood Hospice by braving the shave.
On Christmas Eve, Liz will be having her head shaved on what would have been her dad Bernard’s 82nd birthday.
This act of bravery fulfils one of her dad’s final wishes: to raise money for the Hospice that cared for him so lovingly in the final weeks of his life.
Liz shared: “On 5th September this year, I sadly lost my dad after a 20-year-long fight against cancer.
“My dad was amazingly cared for by Willow Wood Hospice during the last three weeks of his battle and they were amazing in not only looking after my dad, but also supporting us all as a family.
“My dad had two final wishes – one being raising money for Willow Wood. When I asked him how he wanted me to do this, his reply was by shaving my head.
“So, on 24th December, which would have been his 82nd birthday, I am braving the shave in honour of my dad’s wishes and raising money for an amazing cause.”
This fundraiser holds even greater significance now for Liz, whose mum has recently received her own diagnosis and has expressed her wish to spend her final days at the Hospice.
Hannah Eves, from Ashton-under-Lyne, knows all about the Hospice’s vital work in the communities we serve.
Willow Wood has been there for members of her family during some of their most testing times.
“As a local resident, I have been aware of the Hospice for a number of years,” she said.
“Personally they have supported members of my family through their final journeys and also provided broader support to our family after they have passed, which has been a great resource for us to access.”
In September 2023, Hannah (pictured, second from left) got involved in volunteering at the Hospice through her company Bank of New York (BNY).
Over 30 people from the global financial services firm’s Manchester office have since supported Willow Wood in many different projects.
“I have completed some maintenance at the Hospice as we painted The Sanctuary room in line with the vision from the Family Support team and helped to update the space to meet the needs of the community,” Hannah explained.
“I have also completed a few days at the Clearance Outlet and Donations Centre, helping to sort donations for the Fashion Show, and I have attended many fundraising events to participate in the activities.”
Hannah has found her experience of volunteering at the Hospice “very rewarding” and recommends it to other people.
“You’re supporting a community and you see the difference that you’re making in real time,” she told us.
“It’s a great activity to complete as a team where you can share your skills and expertise and, of course, your time to support an organisation which really needs public support.
“Everyone at the Hospice is so appreciative of the assistance we provide and I know that all the volunteers from BNY love attending events due to the welcoming environment.”
Our CEO, Tracy Minshull, features in the latest episode of The Business Podcast with Dave Sweeton.
During their chat, Tracy shares insights into what it takes to lead Willow Wood Hospice and discusses the vital role the Hospice plays in our local community.
If you would like to have a listen, you can do so here:
The Inpatient Lounge at Willow Wood Hospice has been transformed thanks to the generous support of local and national businesses.
The room is a dedicated and comforting space for those who are visiting patients on the Inpatient Unit at the Hospice, based in Ashton-under-Lyne.
It has received a welcome uplift through a project led by Joanne Lees, the Hospice’s Partnership Development Lead, at no cost to Willow Wood.
Sofa supplier Sofology provided sofas and chairs, and their team cleared, cleaned, designed and painted the room on Monday 18th November.
Oak Furnitureland gifted new accompanying furniture – including a coffee table, dresser, lamp tables and a book case – which was delivered by Stephen and Balazs.
Kath and Sarah from Notcutts Garden Centre in Ashton-under-Lyne, who are long-time supporters of the Hospice, made sure the room was complete by donating relaxing house plants.
VIDEO: Take a quick look around our Inpatient Lounge, without setting foot inside…
Joanne said: “We are incredibly grateful to Sofology, Oak Furniture Land and Notcutts, whose generosity has made the transformation of our Inpatient Lounge possible.
“Every well-used room needs a little TLC after a while and the support of our corporate partners really does make a huge difference especially when the Hospice is faced with a challenging financial situation.”
Gemma Hannan, manager of the Sofology store in Stockport, wanted to give something back to the Hospice, whose team provided compassionate care to three of her family members when they needed it most.
“Just after our daughter was born, my partner Warren’s mum Pauline found out she had throat cancer and was told she had three months to live,” Gemma explained.
“Her health really deteriorated and Willow Wood became the point of contact to look after her. I’ll never forget my first visit to the Hospice, which was very emotional, and the nurses made Pauline feel very comfortable.
“When we got the call to say she was near the end of her life, the nurses were fantastic – they made it so comfortable for Pauline and for us as a family. We couldn’t have asked for more. They made us laugh when we needed to laugh, they cried with us when we cried. It just felt like a community.
“My nanna Frances also had to come to the Hospice when she had cancer. The Hannan family is huge and it was the first time they visited Willow Wood. Under the circumstances, they felt so at home and the Willow Wood team were brilliant again. You couldn’t wish for a better place to look after your family member.
“My uncle Darren also passed away at the Hospice – I was there literally by his side which was really emotional. I cannot thank everyone at the Hospice enough for what they have done for my family.”
GALLERY: Check out some images before, during and after the refurb…
Sofology allow their staff two days a year to volunteer for a good cause and Gemma used one of hers to help out in our shop in Hyde, where she lives.
“I was a fashion retailer for 20 years before joining Sofology so I wanted to get stuck in and it really opened my eyes,” she said.
“The team were so welcoming and it’s really amazing what they do. I helped unpack clothes, label and rack them.”
Gemma has always wanted to help out at the Hospice too so, when the opportunity to give the Inpatient Lounge a glow-up arose, she jumped at the chance to join her Sofology colleagues.
“I know what it’s like to need to use the room so we wanted it to be warm and cosy so people can get respite from difficult moments.
“I was joined by our Warrington store manager Laura, James from our Maintenance team and Craig who is one of our Style Partners.
“We wanted to make it very comfortable and reflect the beauty of the Hospice gardens. When you’re going through a difficult day and you just want a breath of fresh air or a walk, the gardens are just beautiful.”
Willow Wood’s Clinical Director feels the newly-refurbished room can make a real difference to those closest to patients at the Hospice.
“Having a peaceful and welcoming space on our Inpatient Unit for those closest to our patients is invaluable,” said Nicola Cheetham.
“During undoubtedly difficult times in their lives, we hope they can find solace and share precious moments by using the facilities in our refreshed lounge.
“When our teams first saw the new-look lounge, they were blown away – it looks fantastic. We really appreciate the support of our corporate partners for making it happen and working so diligently whilst respecting the privacy of our patients.”
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