Tag: Donations

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Hospice needs Creme Eggs for cracking Easter fundraiser

Willow Wood Hospice is appealing for donations of Creme Eggs to reward local children taking part in its Bunny Hop Easter fundraiser.

Last year, a w-hopping 6,000 bunnies took a leap of love, raising a jaw-dropping £45,000 by donning bunny ears to hop, skip and jump around playgrounds, halls and parks across Tameside and Glossop.

In the year Willow Wood celebrates 25 years of patient care, the Hospice based in Ashton-under-Lyne wants Easter 2024 to be Top of the Hops.

It’s looking for individuals, groups and companies who can donate Creme Eggs which will be given to youngsters participating in the Bunny Hop.

Don’t worry if you cannot get hold of Creme Eggs, as donations of other small wrapped Easter treats would be gratefully received too.

Some of the small wrapped Easter treats we would gratefully receive for our Bunny Hop

People can drop off treats at the Hospice reception on Willow Wood Close, off Mellor Road in Ashton-under-Lyne (postcode OL6 6SL) or at any of the Hospice’s charity shops. A full list of locations can be found at https://wwtransfer.bsats3.co.uk/shop-locations/

There is also the option of purchasing Creme Eggs online, such as via Amazon, and having them delivered directly to the Hospice, via the address above, for the attention of Tracey Schofield.

To ensure they reach the children once they have completed the challenge, the Hospice ideally needs the eggs by 5th April.

Anyone who is unable to physically donate items but still wants to get involved can make a cash donation, which will sponsor the children taking part in the Bunny Hop, through a simple online form at https://wwtransfer.bsats3.co.uk/events/bunny-hop/

The Hospice’s very own Easter Bunny, Tracey Schofield, said: “It’s an egg-citing year at Willow Wood as we recognise 25 years of delivering patient care and the Bunny Hop showcases the incredible power of our community coming together for a cause that truly hops straight to your heart.

“Every child taking part will receive an Easter activity pack, a cute snap wristband, a sweet treat and, of course, the all-important bunny ears which they can take home and use throughout Easter.

“We need as many Creme Eggs as possible and every contribution, however small, will make a difference to children who are raising funds to support patients from the local community with a life-limiting illness. We appreciate your generosity.”

Any school, nursery or children’s group that wishes to take part in the Willow Wood Bunny Hop can still sign up, by emailing tracey.schofield@willowwood.org.uk or calling 0161 330 7788.

By Adam Higgins

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Ashton shop manager speaks to Tameside Radio

The manager of our Ashton-under-Lyne shop, Denise Royle, has been speaking to Tameside Radio’s Alex Cann about how you can support the Hospice through our shops. 

The interview was first aired on the Breakfast show on Monday 5th February.

If you missed their chat, you can listen below…

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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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Donate your unwanted belongings to Willow Wood

Willow Wood Hospice is encouraging local residents to start the new year by having a declutter and generously donating any items or gifts they no longer want, need or use.  

Did you get more shirts than you’ll ever wear for Christmas, or perhaps a pair of jeans that isn’t your size or style?

Maybe you’ve got a book you’ve already read sitting on a shelf, or a board game you’ve already played gathering dust in a cupboard?

The Hospice is hoping that people will consider donating these new or used items to ensure they become the gift that keeps on giving.

You can feel a lot better knowing that having a clear-out can make the house feel calmer post-Christmas and the items you donate to Willow Wood’s charity shops will be re-sold to help raise vital funds to support the care of patients from the local community with life-limiting illnesses.

The Hospice has six charity shops across Tameside and Glossop, in addition to the Purchase and Donate (PAD) Furniture Shop in Stalybridge and Distribution Centre in Ashton-under-Lyne.

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.

Supporting Willow Wood’s shops is one way you can help and our team of dedicated staff and volunteers will gratefully receive any donations of items during opening hours to keep the shelves stocked – with the exception of duvets, car seats and crash helmets.

Furniture will also be accepted at the Purchase and Donate (PAD) Furniture Shop on Shepley Street in Stalybridge.

See where your nearest Willow Wood Hospice shop is and check the opening hours at www.willowwood.org.uk/shop-locations

People can make their donations worth an extra 25 per cent for the Hospice by signing up to Gift Aid. By filling out a simple form when dropping off your donations, Willow Wood will receive an extra 25p from the government for every £1 raised from donated goods and it won’t cost you a penny.

Pauline Lunt, Head of Retail at Willow Wood Hospice, said: “There’s no better time than the new year to clear space in your wardrobe or from your shelves and cupboards. We would be incredibly grateful if you could donate any belongings you don’t want or need any more to our Willow Wood charity shops and we will find a loving new home for them. You will be helping us to be there for our patients and their families when they need us most.

“By extending the season of goodwill and donating your unwanted items to Willow Wood Hospice, you will also be helping to reduce waste.

“Whilst dropping off your donations, you might even spot something you like and bag yourself a bargain.”

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Football Night Fundraiser scores big for hospice

Almost 200 people enjoyed a fantastic evening of funny stories, memories and fun in Dukinfield, which raised a massive £3,740 for the Hospice.   

Former professional footballers Peter Barnes, Tommy Booth and Trevor Ross engaged in a fascinating trip down football memory lane, sharing stories and anecdotes about their lives and funny events in the world of football in the last century.

They certainly kept the packed audience at the Masonic Hall entertained on Friday night (10th November).

Trevor, who was born in Ashton-under-Lyne, where the Hospice is based, said: “I’m so pleased to have been able to help Willow Wood Hospice and meet so many old friends in Tameside.”

Long-time supporters of the Hospice, Chris Smith and Brian Wild, who organised the event for the fourth year running, had aimed to raise £2,500 and, such was the demand, tickets had sold out weeks prior to the night.

“We’re astonished at the generosity of the crowds that attended,” said Brian, a former Trustee of the Hospice and Civic Mayor of Tameside.

“The audience had a great night and we sent them home happy – which is down to the kindness of the football legends Peter, Trevor and Tommy, who gave their time free of charge and really entertained us all.

“Master of ceremonies and former Premiership referee Roger Dilkes held the night together with professional skill, without a single yellow or red card issued – and VAR wasn’t used once!”

Chris commented: “Everyone involved gave their time as volunteers but I must single out Councillor Denise Ward, who singlehandedly produced pie and peas for 200 people, donating all the ingredients herself.

“That sort of volunteering and commitment is vital and wonderful in our determination to support our local hospice.

“Plans are already under way for the 2024 event but we have headaches already – how do you top this amazing result?”

Lisa Buckley, Community Fundraiser at Willow Wood Hospice, hailed the success of the event.

She said: “We hope that everyone who attended had a great night and we are thrilled that a magnificent amount of money has been raised which will make a huge difference to patients in our local community who need our care.

“We are immensely grateful to Brian and Chris for organising the popular event once again, to Dukinfield Masonic Hall for hosting and to all of the volunteers who supported what was a fabulous night.”

Pictured: (left to right) Arsenal and Everton legend Trevor Ross, fundraiser Brian Wild and former Premiership referee Roger Dilkes.

By Adam Higgins

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Ethan’s sunflower garden blossoms into funds for hospice care

A five-year-old boy from Hyde has been making a difference to those in the local community who need our care – one sunflower at a time. 

Ethan Howarth loves gardening and he was just four years old when he started using his pocket money to grow sunflowers at his home in Newton.

Ross, Ethan’s dad, lost his mum to cancer 10 years ago and has previously worked in hospice care, so they decided to name the plants and sell the small shoots to raise funds for Willow Wood Hospice.

The family set up a Facebook page – Ethan’s Charity Sunflowers – to share pictures of Ethan planting the flowers and also naming them, to watch their journey growing.

Along with dad Ross and mum Rachel, Ethan also brought some into the Hospice, before they were sold for a donation.

Ethan has raised almost £200 for the Hospice and we cannot thank him enough.

By Adam Higgins

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Skydiving great grandma flying high for Willow Wood

A remarkable great grandmother has helped to raise over £3,000 to support patient care at Willow Wood Hospice after taking to the skies to leap from a plane.

Sylvia Heatley, who turns 80 at Christmas, braved a 7,500ft skydive for the Hospice earlier this year, alongside her granddaughters Ashley Clifton, 34, and Karys Heatley, 24.

Sylvia wanted to keep the final amount they had raised a surprise for the Grand Ball, held on Friday 20th October at The Village Hotel in Ashton-under-Lyne, where four generations of her family were in attendance to receive a big cheque to present to the Hospice.

In total, Sylvia and her granddaughters donated a fantastic £3,408.37 to Willow Wood, whose staff cared for Sylvia’s husband of 59 years, Barry, who sadly died from throat cancer a year ago.

Sylvia, from Mottram in Tameside, praised the work of the Hospice, saying: “I can’t thank them enough. They are just a wonderful organisation. Everything about the ball was great – the room, the food, the music, the volunteers – just everything.”

The trio embarked on their skydive endeavour over the August bank holiday weekend, taking off from the Black Knights Skydiving centre near Lancaster.

Sylvia described it as ‘amazing’ but admitted: “I enjoyed it but I didn’t enjoy the freefall!”

She added: “I’m glad I did it, it was a bucket list moment. It was the best day and all the family supported us on the day. To do it with two of my grandchildren was special.

“It was a cloudy day which made it scary but you don’t have time to think about it. Ashley didn’t want to see her nanna get thrown out of a plane so she went before me.

“The staff at Black Knights looked after us and put me at ease – the instructor even joked about whether we had checked the parachutes!

“Ashley and Carys wanted to jump from 15,000ft but went from 7,500ft like me. They said afterwards that they wanted to do it again.”

Sylvia would like to thank everybody who has donated and supported their fundraising efforts.

“We are very grateful for all of the incredible support we have received,” she said. “When we told everyone about the skydive and what Willow Wood did for Barry, people were happy to give.

“I want to give a special mention to Manchester Royal Infirmary Social Club and Tourist Security Group for helping to raise money, through my son Lee.”

Ashley, who is from Ashton-under-Lyne, described the skydive as ‘the best experience she has ever had’.

“It was simply amazing,” she explained. “There’s nothing like it. It was a really positive and emotional day, especially with our family there to support us.

“We had a two-and-a-half hour wait for the weather to clear up, and the anticipation during that time built up. I was wondering ‘Can I do this?’ but it was the best experience I have ever had.”

Sam Duncan, Director of Fundraising and Communications at Willow Wood Hospice, commented: “Sylvia is an inspiration to us all. What an absolute legend she is!

“It costs at least £3.3 million to run Willow Wood each year and we only receive 20 per cent in Government funding. The remaining 80 per cent comes from the generosity of our local community.

“It’s because of the support of fundraisers like Sylvia, Ashley and Karys that we can continue to provide specialist palliative care to the people of Tameside and Glossop. We thank them all and it was a privilege to celebrate their achievement at our Grand Ball.”

Sylvia has pledged that she and her family will continue to support the Hospice. She is considering the possibility of further fundraising – with a wing walk planned next, so watch this space!

By Adam Higgins

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Hospice benefits from Glossop car show proceeds

Willow Wood Hospice has received a generous donation of £600 from the proceeds of this year’s classic car show in Glossop.

It’s organised every year by Glossop Vehicle Enthusiasts Club and is always a well-attended and great event.

This year, the hospice was chosen as one of three charities to benefit from the show in Manor Park on 20th August.

There were more cars, just under 300 in total, and stallholders than ever before.

Woody made a crowd pleasing outing, our Teddy Bear Lottery was busy throughout the day and the weather was kind!

Our Lottery Manager Diane Austin-Hughes and Head of Retail Pauline Lunt were also interviewed by Tameside Radio.

Lisa Buckley, Community Fundraiser at Willow Wood Hospice, said: “We were delighted to be part of the day and also to have been chosen as one of the charities to benefit from the event.

“It was a great day, which was well organised, and we hope to be there again next year.”

The GVEC committee said: “A huge thank you to everyone that made the show possible and supported the event. We’re really proud to continue to host the largest Car Show in the High Peak area and we are already planning for next summer’s event.”

The date for next year’s show is 4th August 2024.

By Adam Higgins

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Charity donates iPads to hospice

A local charity has kindly donated seven tablets to Willow Wood Hospice so that patients can browse the internet.

The pre-loved iPads have been given to the hospice by Tameside Community Computers CIC, which support local community groups and charities who are in a less fortunate position to have access to data and technology.

Lisa Buckley, who received the donation on behalf of the hospice, said: “We are very grateful to Tameside Community Computers for giving us these iPads which our patients in the hospice will be able to make use of and have internet access.”

The charity opened in 2022 on the back of amazing support that Mike Brooks, Cerid Grimshaw and the team at Zen Tec Network Solutions provided to the local community throughout the Covid-19 pandemic.

From December 2020 to August 2022, Zen Tec Network Solutions donated 2,822 devices completely free of charge to the local community living in digital poverty and estimate the value to be over £776,050.

Zen Tec are still on the lookout for items that are no longer needed from schools, businesses and individuals that are six years older or younger. They will take your appliances and update them ready to be donated to someone in need.

If you have any items you would like to donate, you can get in touch with Cerid by emailing ceridg@tamesidecc.org

To see the work that Tameside Community Computers do, visit www.tamesidecc.org

By Adam Higgins