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Theme: Fundraising

Teeing up in 2022 to support St Ann’s

April 8, 2022 | 7:47am

We’re excited to have opened registration for our popular annual Golf Day, which sees teams from across Greater Manchester gather together to raise money for local patients with cancer and other life-limiting illnesses.  

The Golf Day, which will be held at the beautiful Dunham Golf Club on Thursday 12th May, is a one-day event open to all levels, giving teams the opportunity to practice their putting and sharpen their swing whilst raising vital funds for local patients.  

A raffle on the day will give you the opportunity to win a selection of luxury prizes, and all attendees will be offered a light lunch on arrival, refreshments throughout the day, and a delicious barbeque after play has concluded. On course prizes will be awarded on the day, and a presentation to competition winners will conclude the event. 

Rachel McMillan, Chief Executive of St Ann’s, said: “We’re lucky to have such a supportive business community, with local organisations often coming together in support of St Ann’s.  The help they give to the hospice is so important to our sustainability and we really appreciate everyone who thinks of us.”


Our annual Golf Day is always popular, with some people choosing to join in as a team building experience, whilst others bring clients or other contacts along for the day too.  We really enjoy meeting everyone and there’s always a great atmosphere too – and most of all, it helps us raise money so we can continue caring for local patients


Rachel McMillan, Chief Executive of St Ann’s


I lost my partner to cancer and she spent the last remaining days of her life at a hospice and the staff were so kind and helpful. Therefore, I decided to try and help raise money for the hospice. We thoroughly enjoyed previous golf days organised by St Ann’s and are really looking forward to putting a team forward again.


George Hadden, Previous Golf Day champion winner (pictured above)

For those local businesses who would like to be involved in other ways, sponsorship options are also available. The fundraising team at the hospice is also keen to hear from local businesses who might be able to donate prizes for the special event.  

 To book a place, please visit www.sah.org.uk/golf-day email our corporate team on corporate@sah.org.uk or call 0161 498 3631.  

 

Tee up for St Ann’s

Score a hole in one for your local hospice and sign up for St Ann’s Golf Day.

Sign up online




Martin Foster’s hospice running challenge

March 29, 2022 | 7:41pm

Martin Foster, 38, from Urmston, works as programme lead for GM Hospices, and his job means he is all too aware of the invaluable role hospices play in providing a unique, holistic approach to palliative and end of life care. 

That insight and knowledge that, with only around a third of funding (or less in some hospice cases) coming from the NHS, the ten hospices in Greater Manchester have to raise £20million a year to continue providing care, spurred him on to come up with his very special challenge.  

Martin will start his challenge at Derian House Children’s Hospice, running 40km a day over the four days, visiting each of the other hospices in the area – Bolton, Bury, Dr Kershaw’s, East Cheshire, Francis House, Springhill, St Ann’s, Wigan and Leigh, and Willow Wood –  before ending his epic run at Piccadilly Place in Manchester city centre. 

Martin began his training six months ago and is looking forward to seeing his wife Lucy, and children Freddie (5) and Tilly (2) waiting for him on the finish line on Friday 1st April, along with colleagues and friends from some of the hospices he has visited on his run. 

To sponsor Martin, please visit www.gofundme.com/gmhospices 


People have a preconceived idea about what hospices are like, and I have to admit I did too before I worked in this sector.  It’s an expectation that they’re really sad places and only exist to support those who need care at the very end of their life.  But, while obviously there are very sad times and end of life care is such an important part of what hospices offer, there’s so much more goes on too. 

Patients are cared for right through their journey and there’s a whole range of services that local people simply wouldn’t have access to if hospices didn’t exist.  They rely heavily on their communities fundraising, and having worked so closely with them I just had to put my trainers on and do my bit to support them.

I used to run before my children were born but haven’t really done much since.  I’m a bit nervous about the scale of the challenge and how my body will feel to be honest, as I’ve never really put it through anything like this.  After the first day we’re in uncharted territory, but I’m hoping that the support of the hospice staff and patients I see on route will really spur me on – as will the knowledge that all the money raised will be split between the local hospices and hopefully help them make a difference to people’s lives. 

I can imagine I’ll feel quite emotional when I get to the end to be honest.  It’s been a lot of hard work and long hours to get to this point, and I know there are lots of people cheering me on.  Any of us could need hospice care, or know someone who will at some point in their life, so if local people could spare even a couple of pounds in sponsorship I’d be hugely grateful.  It would mean so much to patients across Greater Manchester, and it would help me continue putting one tired foot in front of the other for the 100 miles too.  Thanks in advance for your support.


Martin Foster, Fundraiser

GM Hospices is a unique, first of its kind partnership, comprising the Greater Manchester area’s adult hospices, plus Derian House and Francis House children’s hospices. The group works together to help influence and improve the provision of specialist palliative and end of life care for people in the area, sharing resources, creating standards for equitable care, and building infrastructure to enable those standards, ambitions and aspirations to be delivered locally. 

Hospices in Greater Manchester need to raise £20million a year to continue providing their care, with money raised via a huge range of initiatives – from high street shops to events, lotteries to donations left in Wills – and is only achieved thanks to the generosity and support of the local communities they serve. 

Has Martin’s challenge inspired you?

Take on a fundraising challenge for St Ann’s!

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Supporter takes on Route 66 with a twist to raise funds

March 29, 2022 | 4:30pm

The challenge is in honour of his aunt who was cared for at St Ann’s after being diagnosed with cancer in 2000 and his cousin, Jillian Mulcahy, who has worked as an Assistant Practitioner at the hospice since 2007. 

The National Road 2 or N2 as it’s known by the locals is 738km (458 miles) long and covers the length of the entire country. 

His incredible journey will take place over seven days, starting on 13th April in the northern city of Chaves close to the border with Spain and ending in Faro in The Algarve on 19th April. 

Deep into training camp, Pete will be joined by seven fellow cyclists on his challenge. His friends, David Thorneycroft and Peter Hughes will be flying out from Manchester to flank him and Eric Doehrman will be making the journey all the way from Alabama, USA as a result of “wanting to tick it off his bucket list.” In addition, a group of friends Pete cycles with on a regular basis in Portugal will be joining forces. 

Pete’s ride is a great example of people collectively supporting St Ann’s Hospice, regardless of where they are based in the world. 


I’ll be honest, my friends and family think I’m mad and they are right to a certain extent. I’ve never done two consecutive days of riding 100km and this is over 100km a day over seven consecutive days, climbing over 9,600 metres.

The people that work at St Ann’s Hospice are all angels in my opinion, the challenges they face and support they provide on a daily basis to people in need is incredible. Those people and the dedication that Jill has to her job, that’s why I’m attempting to do this.


Pete Nutter, Fundraiser


We were finding it difficult to get a van that my wife could drive, and we could all afford to pay for over eight days. Portugal Airport Transport got wind of what we were doing and have donated a van free of charge for the entire eight-day stretch, which is an amazing gesture.


Donna Nutter, Pete’s wife

To donate to Pete’s Route 66 challenge visit: www.justgiving.com/fundraising/route66portugal     

You can follow Pete’s training progress on Strava: https://www.strava.com/athletes/35644154  

Has Pete inspired you to take on your own challenge for St Ann’s?

Have a look at different ideas and support we can help you with.

Click here




Join us for a very special running challenge!

March 23, 2022 | 2:41pm

The Sixty in 60 challenge is simple – we want to appeal to over 60 people to take part in this year’s Great Manchester Run in aid of St Ann’s – and for each participant to aim to finish the 10km distance in 60 minutes.   

The challenge, which was devised by long-term supporter Mitchell Brough, has evolved from last year’s event, which saw more than 50 sporting superstars take on a Fifty in 50 challenge in honour of our 50th anniversary. 

The Great Manchester Run will be taking place on Sunday 22nd May 2022, with 10km and half marathon routes.

The Sixty in 60 challenge will be open to all St Ann’s runners but this is an optional challenge for runners who wish to push themselves further for the hospice. We would still love to also welcome other runners who would like to complete the run in their own time, as part of #TeamStAnns. 

Team members running for St Ann’s will get free entry into the run, we’re asking that you try to raise a minimum of £200 sponsorship for St Ann’s for the 10km distance, or £300 for the half marathon. You’ll also have the opportunity to attend training events, will receive a free #TeamStAnns running vest and a special fundraising pack. There will also be a post-event party to celebrate the achievements of the runners.  


The Great Manchester Run has been such an important fundraiser for the hospice for many years.   

We’re really grateful to anyone who joins Team St Ann’s to take part in aid of our patients.  There’s an amazing atmosphere on the day, and every penny raised makes such a difference to the lives of local people.  We can’t wait to see you there – please sign up now and help support St Ann’s.


Rachel McMillan, Chief Executive of St Ann’s

Take on the challenge and join us for Sixty in 60!

For more information, or to sign up, please click the link below, email events@sah.org.uk or call 0161 498 3631.  

Click here to sign up




Get on yer bike for St Ann’s with the Tour de Manc!

March 16, 2022 | 10:37am

We’re appealing for as many people as possible to join Team St Ann’s to take part in the challenge and raise money for local patients. 

The Tour de Manc, which will be taking place on Sunday 1st May, has four routes for participants of all abilities to choose from, ranging from 50km, 100km, 100 miles or 200km – all taking in some of the best sights across Greater Manchester.


It’s amazing to see the range of different challenges people take on in aid of the hospice, and we’re really excited about the prospect of lots of cyclists in Team St Ann’s t-shirts taking on this year’s Tour de Manc. 

As Manchester’s hospice, we are really proud to have been serving local communities for more than half a century, so it’s great to be able to take part in an event like this one that takes in so many of the iconic sights of Greater Manchester.  Please do sign up to join us, we’d love to see you there.

It’s been a really challenging few years for the hospice as our staff have been working hard to ensure people could continue receiving the specialist care they needed right through the pandemic.  We’ve only been able to keep our doors open to do that because of the kind support of members of our local communities who have donated or joined in events and activities. Huge thanks to everyone who continues to support us.  We appreciate it so much.


Rachel McMillan, Chief Executive of St Ann’s


The Tour de Manc exists to help charities like St Ann’s and to help them raise vital funds. We’re immensely proud to have St Ann’s Hospice as one of our associate charities.


Danny Franks, Tour de Manc

Are you interested in taking part?

We have a special discount code for the Tour de Manc available for those registering their interest with us. For more information, click the link below or contact our fundraising team on 0161 498 3631 or email events@sah.org.uk.  

Click here




Rachel McMillan’s latest blog – Making a Will

March 16, 2022 | 10:15am
Rachel McMillan sat in the hospice gardenholding a metal forget-me-not

At the hospice, we always encourage open, honest conversations about advance planning for the future. Whether that’s what is most important to a person in terms of their current goals or priorities, or what they would like to happen as they approach the end of their life and when they die. 

Conversations about death and dying aren’t always easy.  People often instinctively want to shy away from talking about it. But, if we want to make sure that people receive the same high quality of care and support at the end of their life as they do when they are born, then it’s really important that we have those conversations. It’s also important that people have those conversations with those closest to them too. 

One very practical part of that process is making a Will. Many people don’t have one, but it’s a much simpler process than people think, and gives real peace of mind too. 

To help local people get their affairs in order, this March, we’re joining forces with local solicitors who have kindly agreed to waive their usual fee and provide a free Will writing service, in return for a donation to St Ann’s.   

Our Will Month is really easy to take part in and you can sign up now – simply choose a solicitor from our list, make an appointment to turn your wishes into a Will, and make your donation to the hospice.   

We’re really privileged that many people choose to remember us as part of their lasting legacy in their Will.  Just 1% of a person’s estate left to a charity like ours makes a big difference, and around a third of the care we provide is funded by the kind gifts we receive from Wills. You don’t need to leave St Ann’s a gift to take part in Will Month, but we’re always very appreciative to anyone who does think of us in this way. 

A few minutes taken putting your Will together can make a huge difference to those around you.  And, by taking part in Will Month and making a donation in lieu of the usual solicitor fees, you’ll be making a huge difference to the lives of the people we support at the hospice too.  Thank you. 

Have you made your Will?

You can find details of how to make a Will this Will Month by clicking below or by calling the Fundraising Team on 0161 498 3631. 

Click here




Will you go over the edge for St Ann’s Hospice this June? 

March 3, 2022 | 6:07pm

We’re appealing for local people brave enough to scale new heights by taking on a daring abseil challenge to raise much-needed funds for our local patients. 

The Trafford Centre abseil, which is one of the largest abseil events in the North West, will take place on Friday 24th and Saturday 25th June, seeing participants taking on the 170 feet drop down the Barton Square Tower at the Trafford Centre. 

Training will be provided on the day, and all safety equipment and guidance is included in the discounted ticket price of £25. Supporters are asked to aim for a minimum of £125 sponsorship to help to support the hospice’s patients, and our fundraising team will be on hand with lots of ideas to help you achieve your fundraising goal.  

We’re currently one of three charities that benefits from the Trafford Centre’s Fountain Fund charity partnerships until December 2022.  


It’s been a really challenging time for us during the pandemic, as our teams have worked hard to ensure care could continue for patients and those closest to them. 

This latest challenge is one we’re hoping lots of local people will get behind, to try and help us raise as much money as possible to carry on providing that care.  Whether you’re planning your next corporate team-building day, or just looking for a once-in-a-lifetime adrenaline rush, we’d love you to join us.


Rachel McMillan, Chief Executive of St Ann’s

Sign up now!

For more information, or to sign up to take part in the abseil, email events@sah.org.uk, call 0161 498 3631, or click the button below.

Click here




Betfred sponsor this years Manchester Midnight Walk

March 3, 2022 | 12:51pm

For fifteen years, generous Mancunians have been gathering together to see their city in the moonlight whilst raising money for St Ann’s, with funds generated by sponsorship totalling more than £2million.  But, for the last two years we have had to cancel the event due to covid restrictions, with a virtual-only event taking place instead. 

But this year the walk is back in the city centre, with Betfred as the headline sponsor for the 10km sponsored challenge.  Walkers will set off from Manchester Cathedral at midnight on the evening of Friday 20th May, passing many of the city’s landmarks, with entertainment on route ensuring a fun-packed evening. 

Walkers can take part on their own, or in a group and will also be welcomed into Manchester Cathedral for a pre-midnight party, complete with entertainment, dancing, DJ and live music.  

There’s also an opportunity to reflect on the lives of loved ones with special memory lanterns which can be lit at the Cathedral before the Walk. 


It’s great news that the walk is back in the city centre and it’s an honour supporting St Ann’s Hospice and the outstanding work they do.


Fred Done, Betfred boss

Fred Done Betfred Pies

For those unable to attend on 20th May, we’re also offering people the opportunity to take part in the Manchester Virtual Walk, a challenge which offers participants the chance to choose their own date in May to complete a 10km walk. 

The virtual walk can be done at any time and place supporters wish, with some choosing to walk 1km a day for ten days, some 10km in one go, or others 10km a day for a set period of time.  The challenge can be fully flexible and tailored to fit the individual’s own preferences, location and pace. 


As a charity we’re so grateful to Betfred for their support of this year’s Manchester Midnight Walk.    

They have a long association with the hospice and are always so generous in supporting our patients, giving both financial support and their time to help us continue our work.  They’ve previously supported this flagship event and we’re so proud that they’ve agreed to do so again this year as the walk returns to the city centre where it belongs. 

It’s really exciting that, after a few years of not being able to hold the event in the city due to covid restrictions, we’re able to gather together to hit the streets and see Manchester in the moonlight.  I always feel quite emotional seeing more than a thousand people walking together in their bright yellow shirts, all raising money for the local people we care for.  Please do sign up and join us, we’d love to see you there.

As a charity we’ve had a challenging few years, working hard on the frontline to continue providing specialist care to local people, while also having to adapt and think on our feet as many of our fundraising events and activities were cancelled due to restrictions. 

We’re so grateful to everyone who has supported us in the past, and who continues to think of us too, whether that’s individuals who take part in events like this one, or who make a donation, or generous businesses like Betfred who support our patients.  We can’t thank you enough.


Rachel McMillan, Chief Executive of St Ann’s Hospice

Manchester Midnight Walk participants will receive a free fundraising pack and yellow t-shirt to don during their walk, and will also be sent an exclusive medal on completion. 

Don’t miss out sign up now!

Signs ups can be made online by clicking below or by calling 0161 498 3631, or emailing events@sah.org.uk   

Click here