Tag: Christmas

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Ashton girl’s festive fundraising in memory of her nan

An enthusiastic girl made Christmas tree decorations to raise a fantastic amount for Willow Wood Hospice, which supported her nan.

Ava Knott crafted her own Gonks, which she sold at the Christmas Market and one of the Garden of Lights celebration evenings at the Hospice with her mum Cheryl.

The 10-year-old from Ashton-under-Lyne made around 85 in total – some of them even travelled as far as France!

The Holden Clough Community Primary School pupil raised £201.60, which will make a difference to patients with any life-limiting illness from Tameside and Glossop in Willow Wood’s care.

Ava’s mum Cheryl said: “We also sold them to family and friends, and even friends of friends as other people heard about what she was doing and wanted to support her. We’ve done so many orders!

“We suggested a donation of £2 for one, but some people donated as much as £6.”

Helping the Hospice based in Ashton-under-Lyne is important to Ava’s family, and making the Gonks was a creative way for Ava to show her own support.

Cheryl explained: “We lost my mum, Ava’s nan Lynn Elizabeth Knott, in October 2022 so Ava knows how much this has meant to us as a family. The Hospice supported us when we needed it.

“It started off when my sister, Ava’s auntie Michaela, came around one day and, as the weather was bad outside, she suggested making some Gonks.

“We got some wool out and then she said all we needed was a toilet roll holder. That’s how they started to make them.

“Ava then carried on making them and then she asked me if we could sell them as we had been saying how good they were. She then came up with the idea of giving the money she raised to Willow Wood.

“I put a Facebook post on with a picture of three of the Gonks, saying that Ava was thinking about selling these to raise money for Willow Wood in memory of her nan and before we knew it, orders were coming in. Every day, people were messaging asking for a particular colour.

“She made a variety of colours and I helped her out with the gluing part but she’s done it mainly on her own, in her own time after school and at weekends. She’s been very enthusiastic about it.”

Selling the festive-themed Gonks has encouraged Ava to think about more fundraising ideas for the Hospice.

Cheryl said: “We’ve got Valentine’s Day and Mother’s Day coming up and she’s been thinking about what she can do for those, so she’ll be busy over the next few weeks!”

Ava is grateful for all of the support she has received so far.

The youngster told us: “I want to thank my mum and my auntie Michaela for helping me and giving me the idea. My grandad Allan has also been very supportive.”

If you would like to join Ava in helping to raise funds for Willow Wood Hospice in any way, you can contact our Fundraising Team by emailing fundraising@willowwood.org.uk or call 0161 330 7788.

By Adam Higgins

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Christmas tree recycling raises tree-rific hospice funds

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, whilst making a donation of their choice to the Hospice.

In total, 498 real trees were collected and £7,175 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 12th 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 10th and 15th January and taken to Hartleys Garden Centre to be stored. They will be 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 20 per cent of our funding coming from central government, the support we receive from our local communities is absolutely vital.”

Tameside Council Executive Member responsible for environmental services, Cllr Denise Ward, said: “This is a fantastic result and has been a great opportunity for people to so something positive for the environment while also supporting a charity that is important to so many local people and that does a lot of positive, valued work in our community.

“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.

By Adam Higgins

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How our Garden of Lights became a festive fixture

Our Garden of Lights celebration evenings are enjoyed by people throughout the local community and beyond every year, but very few know how they first came about. 

It all began in 2017, when the Hospice’s Maintenance Manager Dave Egerton (pictured) approached CEO Karen Houlston.

“I asked Karen if there was any way we could put some lights on for the Inpatient Unit,” explained Dave.

“I said it would be of no cost to the Hospice and I would do it all in my own time, so I put a few lights up and everyone liked them.

“The following year, the fundraising team asked me if they got hold of some lights, would I put them up and I did. From there, it just took off.”

At the beginning, there were around 800 to 1,000 lights – now there are in excess of 11,000 lights which illuminate our stunning gardens in the dark and make them a picturesque scene for patients, staff and visitors to enjoy.

For Dave, a lot of hard work goes in behind the scenes to ensure it looks spectacular.

“I start looking at the lights in October and there’s lots of testing to do,” he said. “There’s around 35 hours of work involved in putting them up.

“We buy some lights and we get some donated, so we mix and match and try to make it look different every year. I have to wire them in such a way based on where the electric points are and I draw a map so I know where to put the lights every year.

“I leave the lights on every night over Christmas, even after we’ve had the Garden of Lights events, for our patients and then start to take them down in the new year. That involves around 25 hours of work in total and then the lights are taken to our Distribution Centre to be stored.”

What makes it all worthwhile for Dave is hearing about the positive impact the lights have on our patients.

“On the very first night, I was testing the lights for a couple of hours and a young man came in with his dad, whose eyes lit up when he saw the lights. I had to nip out but I said I would leave the lights on a bit longer for them. When I returned, staff had turned his bed round so he had a better view of the lights. The young man said ‘thank you Dave from me and my dad’. His dad sadly died two days later.

“Last year, an elderly lady who has been in and out of the Hospice was here at Christmas. She asked me when the lights would be on as her family were coming in, so we put the lights on for them and they all sat watching them together which was lovely.

“It makes all the hard work worthwhile knowing that seeing the lights could be the last memory for a patient when they come out of the Inpatient Unit into the gardens or sit watching them through their window.”

What started as a way of decorating our Hospice gardens for patients quickly became a fixture in the festive calendar and a popular event which raises vital funds to support the care of patients with life-limiting illnesses from Tameside and Glossop.

“It’s nice to have seen it grow from being just a few lights where a handful of staff were here to open the doors for the public to have a look around,” added Dave.

“In 2021, we introduced the memory stars in the top section of the garden and now it has graduated into a fundraising event which is well supported and raises a substantial amount for the Hospice.”

This year, there has been seven free-to-attend celebration evenings – with a different choir from the local community performing at each one, as well as seasonal refreshments available and a range of festive stalls to browse.

By Adam Higgins 

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Bag a festive bargain at our charity shops

With the countdown to Christmas well and truly under way, Willow Wood Hospice is encouraging the local community to call in to its charity shops and pick up some festive bargains. 

If you’re looking for gift ideas or stocking fillers, the shops in Tameside and Glossop offer good value across a wide variety of stock.

They have cards and decorations still available, as well as food, sweets and biscuits if you’re looking to stock up for festive gatherings or treat yourself.

You will also find a range of pre-loved items including books, toys and games – so there is something for everyone.

But if you’re not sure what to buy, you can pick up a charity shop gift card – available from the tills – which can be used in most charity shops, as well as Willow Wood’s charity shops.

To get yourself ready for the festive season, there are Christmas jumpers to choose from and the Stalybridge shop has a selection of party dresses upstairs.

On Saturday 9th December, the shop on Grosvenor Street is holding a ‘Taster Day’ where you can sample a mouth-watering selection of our Hospice jams and chutneys, as well as purchase a bottle of our exclusive vodka or gin.

In the Reddish Lane (Denton) shop, there is a Christmas raffle where you could win some fabulous prizes.

As well as helping to save you money, every item bought in the shops makes a difference to patients from Tameside and Glossop in the care of the Hospice.

Willow Wood needs at least £3.3 million every year to continue operating and, with only 20 per cent of that funding coming by way of central government, the Hospice relies on the generosity of the community it serves.

Pauline Lunt, Head of Retail at Willow Wood Hospice, said: “Our staff and volunteers have worked hard to get our shops ready for the festive period and you will be spoilt for choice with ideas for Christmas gifts for your loved ones.

“Shopping in our Hospice shops is a great way to recycle and at the same time find a bargain. Every purchase could add joy to your festivities and also supports compassionate care for those in need.”

All Willow Wood shops will be open from Wednesday 27th to Saturday 30th December, but closed on Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, Boxing Day, New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day.

The shops will gratefully receive any donations of items during opening hours to keep our shelves stocked – with the exception of duvets, car seats and crash helmets. Furniture will be accepted at the Purchase and Donate (PAD) shop on Shepley Street in Stalybridge.

See where your nearest Willow Wood Hospice shop is at www.willowwood.org.uk/shop-locations

By Adam Higgins

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Hospice to hold heartwarming festive fundraisers

The holiday season is a time of joy, togetherness and giving, and this year Willow Wood Hospice is holding a series of festive fundraisers that will warm your heart and bring hope to those in need.

As we approach the most wonderful time of the year, the Hospice is committed to spreading love, compassion and support to our community through events that will brighten the festive season and make a significant difference in the lives of Willow Wood’s patients and their families.

This is encapsulated through our Garden of Lights celebration evenings, where you can join us at the Hospice, on Willow Wood Close in Ashton-under-Lyne, to create magical memories with family and friends in our stunning gardens.

Stroll amongst the glowing trees, twinkling with thousands of lights, enjoy a seasonal tipple and festive fayre, and browse stalls stacked high with Christmas crafts, gifts, cards and more. You will also be able to buy refreshments and explore our Gift Shop in reception.

Join us on any of these dates: Tuesday 28th November, Thursday 30th November, Tuesday 5th December, Thursday 7th December, Saturday 9th December, Tuesday 12th December and Thursday 14th December.

Entry is free and you can just turn up on any of the evenings between 5pm and 8pm.

You will also receive a warm Willow Wood welcome at our Christmas Market, taking place at the Hospice on Sunday 26th November from midday until 3pm.

Enjoy a seasonal drink or two whilst having a look around our selection of stalls filled with Christmas goodies and gift ideas.

Admission is £3 per person, while Under-12s are free. There is no need to book as you can pay on the door on the day.

Only Blue Badge permit holders will be able to park at the Hospice but external parking has been secured, so you will be able to park in the car park at West Hill School on Stamford Street and there will be a shuttle bus service running to and from the Hospice to help reduce traffic.

If you are unable to attend any of these events but still want to support the Hospice, you can visit our online shop at www.willowwood.org.uk/shop where you will find an array of bespoke items to buy – from beautifully designed Christmas cards and notepads to 2024 calendars and diaries which will make for perfect presents.

On that very note, there’s a £2,000 jackpot and 39 other fantastic cash prizes up for grabs in the Winter Super Draw, which you can enter for just £1 per ticket at www.willowwood.org.uk/superdraw

Alternatively, the Hospice would be incredibly grateful for any donations of items which could be used as raffle prizes – whether it be a chocolate selection box or a scented candle – that can be dropped off at our main reception or any of our charity shops.

Attending any of Willow Wood’s festive events or making a purchase in our online shop will directly support the care of patients from the local community in Tameside and Glossop at the Hospice, which needs at least £3.3 million every year to continue its vital work.

As well as celebrating the season, the Hospice also recognises that the festive period can be a difficult time for many who dearly miss loved ones and remembering friends and family who are no longer with us is precious.

Light up a Life is an opportunity to dedicate a light on a beautiful willow tree in the Hospice gardens for your loved ones, and light a star for them in our virtual night’s sky.

The community is also invited to three Light up a Life events, where you, your family and friends can share the heart-warming experience as you watch the tree lit and see your loved one’s light shining bright.

The services, which are free to attend, will take place as follows:

Saturday 25th November at 4pm at Willow Wood Hospice, Willow Wood Close, Ashton-under-Lyne, OL6 6SL.

Saturday 2nd December at 2pm at Old Glossop Parish Church, Church Street South, SK13 7RU.

Sunday 10th December at 2pm at Albion Church, Stamford Street East, Ashton-under-Lyne, OL6 6QQ.

To dedicate a light and find out more, go to https://wwtransfer.bsats3.co.uk/events/lual.

On 25th November, only Blue Badge permit holders will be able to park at the Hospice but you will also be able to park at Ashton Sixth Form College, which can be accessed via Montague Road, and there will be a shuttle bus service running to and from the Hospice.

The closest pay and display car park is on Darnton Road, where you can park for a small fee of £1.50 for an hour, £2.50 for two hours, £3.50 for three hours or £4 for all day.

Pictured: The Hospice gardens lit up spectacularly at night ahead of our Garden of Lights celebration evenings

By Adam Higgins