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Theme: Fundraising

New Year New Challenge

January 14, 2020 | 11:28am

Whatever your fitness level, we have a challenge to suit you, from a full-on marathon to a 5km run or walk complete with four amazing bubble stations. As well as giving those who want to get active a specific event to train for, those taking part will have an even bigger sense of achievement when they cross the finish line knowing that they have also raised valuable funds to look after local people living with life-limiting illnesses.

Greater Manchester residents wanting to support St Ann’s can take part in the Manchester Marathon, our Midnight Walk or even the London Marathon in April. These are followed by the Great Manchester Run and Tour De Manc in May and our Bubble Rush and Great North Swim in June. In September fundraisers can reach new peaks with a Snowden Trek or take a gentler approach with our month long Step Up challenge. Manchester’s half marathon takes place in October then to round off the year there’s the popular Christmas Pudding Dash run in partnership with the hospice in December.

Looking ahead to October 2021, the hospice’s adventurous supporters will have the once in a lifetime chance to take part in St Ann’s sponsored Great Wall of China Trek. During the trek people will have the amazing opportunity to lay a brick in the Great Wall in memory of a loved one or to celebrate their achievement. Local residents interested in signing up are being invited to come along to St Ann’s in Heald Green on 5th February to find out more.


I took part in our Step Up challenge last year and thoroughly enjoyed it. It really gave me a great incentive to get active and because I could walk or run I could push myself as much or as little as a felt I could. With the range of events we have lined up for next year people can choose what’s best for them based on their own fitness level and how much training they can do, so they can raise money for a great cause and keep their New Year’s resolution at the same time.


Eamonn O’Neal , Chief Executive of St Ann’s


Signing up to a sporting event is a fantastic way to challenge yourself and improve your fitness. Whether you’re new to exercise and looking for the motivation to get started or if you’re a seasoned exerciser looking for a new challenge, there is an event for you. You’re guaranteed an amazing atmosphere with your fellow participants and supporters who’ll be with you every step of the way and being able to remind yourself that you’re raising funds for St Ann’s will also be a great incentive to keep going.


Emma Cooke, Personal Trainer and Online Coach at the Wellbeing-Project in Manchester

Fancy taking part in one of our events?

Is 2020 your year for taking on a challenge and pushing yourself for St Ann’s? Find out which events suits you…

Here!




Get ready to buzz with excitement for the Manchester Midnight Walk 2020!

January 7, 2020 | 4:22pm

The event’s popular bee theme will be back this year and another familiar presence will be local company Betfred, which is sponsoring the 10km moonlit walk around some of Manchester’s most iconic landmarks for the sixth year.


Our Manchester Midnight Walk is a key date in our diary, and with the number of supporters joining us increasing every year, it’s clearly a highlight for our wonderful supporters across Greater Manchester too.

The walk has raised more than £2million since it began, and the money raised helps St Ann’s to continue providing their specialist care to local patients and their families.

This year we’re hoping that Manchester city centre will be a bigger hive of activity than ever on the night. It really is wonderful to see so many people coming together to have fun and show their pride for our great city and support for Manchester’s hospice.



Eamonn O’Neal, Chief Executive of St Ann’s Hospice

Eamonn O'Neal


It’s an honour for Betfred to be sponsoring this fantastic event for the sixth year. The hospice is very close to Fred’s heart and his support has been a huge benefit to the hospice. The St Ann’s Team work endlessly to ensure that this event delivers on its fundraising goals. I look forward to attending and seeing the seas of yellow and black! Good luck to all the walkers taking part on Friday 24th April.


Gemma Strath-Billington, Group Head of Marketing at Betfred

The walk starts at midnight, and participants will take on a 10km loop which starts and ends at Manchester Cathedral.  Warm up entertainment starts at 9pm, with music, disco and refreshments available before the walk begins.


The Midnight Walk has been incredibly popular since we launched it 14 years ago, and as those who have taken part in the past know, there’s a real party atmosphere. Many walkers take part in memory of lost loved ones, whilst others join in simply for a night of fun and fundraising.

I’m looking forward to seeing lots of bees buzzing around on the route this year but anyone who isn’t a fan of dressing up shouldn’t worry, please still come along, everyone’s support is very much appreciated.



Eamonn O’Neal , Chief Executive of St Ann’s Hospice

Eamonn O'Neal

We’re asking participants to support our patients by pledging to raise £100 in Midnight Walk sponsorship this year. This amount could fund its ambulance for a day or provide a two-hour specialist rehabilitation session for one of its patients.

A special early bird rate is available for keen walkers who book their place by 29th February 2020.

Thinking about buzzing through Manchester for the Midnight Walk?

Find out more information

Click here!




Happy New Year to all of our supporters

January 7, 2020 | 11:42am

I can’t believe another 12 months has passed and we’re looking back at 2019.

The last year has been a bit of a whirlwind at St Ann’s, with so much going on as we launched new services for patients and their families, and developed new and innovative ways to raise the money we need to continue providing our specialist care.

This year we’ll be entering our 50th year of caring for local patients, and as we lead up to our 50th birthday in May 2021, it’s amazing to reflect on the fact that St Ann’s has been providing care for generations of people across Greater Manchester for almost half a century.  But, what’s even more amazing, is the fantastic communities who have supported us and enabled us to provide that care – we simply wouldn’t still be here without you.

Local people have been so supportive over the years, whether that’s by choosing to come to our events, make donations, remember us in their Will, play our lottery, or grab a bargain in one of our 14 hospice shops.  And with £20,000 a day to fundraise to keep our services running for local patients, we couldn’t be more grateful for your help.

We’ve exciting plans for the coming year, which we’re hoping will make a real difference to the lives of future generations of patients with life-limiting illnesses in our local communities.  We need to ensure that specialist hospice care provision is still here in fifty years’ time, that the hospice care of the future remains fit for purpose, and that it’s suitable for meeting the ever-changing needs of patients, right when they need it most.  I’ve absolutely no doubt that, as we share plans and look ahead to the next half-century of care in Greater Manchester, our amazing supporters will rally round to help us to ensure that we can continue to do just that.

I’d, therefore, like to wish a very Happy New Year to you all and send a sincere thank you for all your kind and unending support for our work.

Whether you’re one of more than 700 fantastic volunteers who give your valuable time to help us, someone who has been to one of our events, or made a donation, or you’re a health professional who has helped us to provide the very best care for local patients, I can’t thank you enough.

Time does fly by so quickly but you really do enable us to make every minute, hour and day count for our patients and their loved ones.

We’re extremely grateful, and I wish you all the best for what I’m sure will be an exciting and prosperous new year.

Are you interested in supporting the hospice in 2020?

Find information on lots of forthcoming events and activities or make a donation by clicking the link below.

Click here




Why I’m taking part in the Manchester Marathon

December 20, 2019 | 3:16pm

Sometimes I still find it weird to say I’m a runner, I’m not the fastest in the world – but I’m still a runner. I started running as a hobby back in 2010 when I ran the Manchester 10k. Since then I have ran two more 10k’s, 15 half marathons and one marathon. So I guess I really am a runner!

Time has never really been important to me, but for my next run… it really is. I am taking part in the Manchester Marathon on Sunday 5th April and I’m determined to beat my time from London Marathon 2017 … of 5 hours, 17 minutes. I don’t even care if it’s 2 minutes faster, as long as I beat my time.

I told myself after the London Marathon that I would never run a marathon again. It was one of the hardest things I’ve ever done, not just on the day itself – but all the training. It took over my life for a few months. But it was 100% worth it. I learnt massively that unless your legs physically break – you can carry on running. It’s definitely mind over matter, which I think I am an expert in now! Running a marathon is emotional, hard work but such a personal achievement.

I would say the main reason for me taking part in the Manchester Marathon is to raise money for St Ann’s Hospice. I started working for St Ann’s as the Fundraising Manager back in October 2018 and cannot begin to explain how proud I am to work for such a wonderful organisation. I meet incredible patients and families, volunteers, staff and fundraisers every single day. St Ann’s believes that everyone deserves the best, high quality care, which I agree with too and I honestly don’t know where we would be without our hospices.

I think one thing that will keep me going on the day is remembering the work we do and the difference we make to patients, their families, and loved ones. I remember when I was helping at the Manchester Half Marathon cheer point in October, a lady came over to me and gave me a huge hug and she said “thank you for the work you do, you looked after my brother and I’ll never forget it” – this meant so much to me and I’ll never forget that she did that. In fact, I am pretty sure her hug and words were what sealed the deal –because I signed up the following day because of it!

I am so excited to be part of Team St Ann’s at the Manchester Marathon in April. I can’t wait for the atmosphere, to run past the hospice cheer point and meet the other hospice runners.

Want to join Lucy and Team St Ann’s for the Manchester Marathon?

Find out more and sign up by clicking the link below.

Click here




Festive fundraising at our fairs

December 11, 2019 | 5:06pm

We heralded the arrival of the festive season with our two annual Christmas fairs, raising more than £8,500, thanks to strong support from kind-hearted local families who came along and joined in with the festivities.

The fairs, which were held at our Heald Green site in St Ann’s Road North and Little Hulton site in Meadowsweet Lane, included gift stalls, tombolas and festive family entertainment, and a visit from Santa. There were mince pies and mulled wine for visitors to enjoy too.


Our annual St Ann’s Christmas Fairs are a highlight in our fundraising calendar and we know that lots of families in the community also look forward to them and see them as the perfect way to start the festive season. We only receive around a third of our funding from the NHS so we have to fundraise about £20,000 a day to keep our services and our three hospice sites as well as our community and outreach care provision going for local patients. As well as being a great festive afternoon out for families our annual Christmas Fairs enable us to raise valuable funds to help us care for our patients and their families, so it’s wonderful that so many local people come along and support us. I can’t tell you how much we appreciate this support, the people of Manchester never cease to amaze us with their warmth and generosity. Thank you so much to everyone who joined us at the fairs and Merry Christmas from all of us at St Ann’s Hospice.


Eamonn O’Neal, Chief Executive of St Ann’s

To make a Christmas donation to St Ann’s click the button below.

Click here




Greater Manchester is lit up in memory of loved ones

December 11, 2019 | 4:58pm

Thousands of lights are sparkling in Greater Manchester following our Light Up A Life appeal, with each light remembering a loved one who will not be here to celebrate Christmas this year.

Light Up A Life, which is now in its 23rd year, enables people to honour and celebrate the life of someone special either by dedicating a Christmas tree light at Manchester Cathedral or one of our hospice sites. Loved ones are also remembered with photos and messages in dedications in our winter forest online.

Hundreds of people attended Light Up A Life services, which were held at Manchester Cathedral, St Peter’s Church in Hale and our sites in Heald Green and Little Hulton. During the services the lights were turned on and family members shared their stories of the support they received from St Ann’s, with the congregation joining together in remembrance through song and reflection.


I never fail to be moved by the way families and friends celebrate the lives of those being remembered at our Light Up A Life services.  The moment of reflection when the lights are turned on is so poignant. Obviously, Christmas can be very difficult if you’ve lost someone and it’s important that the time we spend together at these services offers so much comfort. Once again this year we received dedications and donations both from those whose family member had been cared for at St Ann’s and also people who are becoming part of our hospice family for the first time. I’m always humbled to know that the appeal has so much support from people across Greater Manchester.


Eamonn O’Neal, Chief Executive at St Ann’s

There’s still chance to dedicate a light in our Winter Forest

Click here




St Ann’s Hospice Festival Choir

December 3, 2019 | 3:11pm

St Ann’s Hospice Festival Choir, founded by Music Director John Pomphrey, has raised more than £700,000 since it was formed in 1991. It will take to the stage at the Bridgewater Hall on Friday 6th December along with the Loreto Preparatory School Choir to entertain families with a programme packed full of seasonal music and carols, raising even more valuable funds for St Ann’s in the process.


We are so grateful to John and his amazing Festival Choir for their support over the last 27 years. The time that they dedicate to supporting St Ann’s and the amount that they have raised for us over the years is truly incredible and we can’t thank them enough.


Eamonn O’Neal, Chief Executive of St Ann’s


There will be around 100 of us performing along with 60 children from the Loreto Preparatory School Choir and the most wonderful brass ensemble, Corus Brass who play the most beautiful and uplifting music. John Pomphrey is a superb and well-respected musical director, with a great sense of humour. He is accompanied by concert pianist Chris Ellis, whose incredible talent combines to make us proud to be part of this annual fundraiser on behalf of the hospice. John likes to engage the audience and encourages audience participation, it’s a true family event.

I joined the choir in 2004, not long after my husband died. Going to practice on Friday evenings after a stressful day in my practice helped me so much at that time. As a doctor I can appreciate the therapeutic benefits of singing with a group of people with a common purpose. This year’s concert is on the anniversary of my husband’s death, so it’s going to be especially poignant for me and I’ll be thinking of him throughout what I’m sure is going to be a wonderful evening.



Dr Barbara Murray , Volunteer Doctor at St Ann’s

Barbara Murray

Do you want to attend the concert?

Find out more information and how to book you tickets

Here!




Christmas Pudding Dash 2019

November 26, 2019 | 12:40pm

Families from across Greater Manchester will be gathering in Wythenshawe Park on Sunday 1 December to take part in the ninth Manchester Christmas Pudding 5 Mile Dash.

The festive race – where Christmas themed fancy dress is encouraged – comprises a two lap flat off road course, using the footpaths, fields and trails in the park.  Suitable for both experienced runners and beginners, there’s also a 2.5 mile course, for those not wanting to take on the full 5 mile distance. A dedicated children’s race is also available for youngsters wishing to join the festive fun.

Organised by Nice Work, the annual event has proven popular with runners, who enjoy the Christmas puddings and other festive goodies on offer on the day, as well as receiving a bespoke Christmas themed medal when they cross the finish line.


Thanks so much to Nice Work for choosing the hospice as their local charity to benefit from the race this year. Who doesn’t love a Christmas themed family day out? I’m sure it will be a cracker.
The money raised in sponsorship by those taking part for the hospice really will make a difference to the lives of the patients we care for and their loved ones. This is a particularly special time of year at St Ann’s, and we try and do everything we can to make memories for the families we support.
Thanks so much to everyone thinking of signing up. Please do – we’d love to see you there, and it promises to be lots of fun too.



Eamonn O’Neal , Chief Executive of St Ann’s

Eamonn O'Neal

The run starts at 11am.

For more information, or to book a place and join the race, please visit https://www.nice-work.org.uk/races/manchester-pudding-dash

Join the Christmas Pudding Dash this Christmas!!

Find out more information

Here!