Theme: News story

Natalie Cheetham had two good reasons to take part in the Manchester Midnight Walk organised by our hospice this year.

Her late grandfather Harry Withington, from Droylsden, was one of the first patients treated by our charity in the 1970s.

Natalie, from Northenden, also needed the loving care of St Ann’s herself 12 years ago when she was diagnosed with stage 4 bladder cancer.

Thankfully, her chemotherapy treatment worked and she received counselling and other therapeutic support at our sites in Heald Green and the Neil Cliffe Centre in Wythenshawe Hospital.

Natalie, who was joined by partner Jerry Howe at the 10k city centre walk, said: “It’s the first time I’ve taken part but I wanted to get involved because St Ann’s has been fabulous for me and my family. Walking is good for my own well being at the moment.”

Lisa Rothwell, Erica Shawcross and Karen Sutherland were joined by friend Sharon Gresty for the 10k city centre walk raising money for our patients.

They were among hundreds of walkers taking part in our flagship fundraising event which returned in style after a two-year break due to Covid.

Barbara, a child minder from Walkden, died from cancer last year aged 72 and was cared for by our Hospice@Home team.

Her late brother Robert Green had been a patient at our Little Hulton hospice 12 years ago.

Lisa said: “We would have been happy and comfortable if mum had also gone into St Ann’s, but she was treated brilliantly by the nurses who came to her home. It was because of Covid really that she didn’t go there as an inpatient.

“It’s nice to remember mum by doing this walk. It’s a local charity which means a lot and we’re glad to support the hospice.”

Sharon was also remembering her late dad Ronald Horsfield and late brother David by doing the walk.

Dad James accompanied him on the 10k route through the city centre and they were fast asleep in bed by the time hundreds of fellow walkers left Manchester Cathedral on the stroke of midnight.

The father-and-son team, from Royton, were remembering James’ mum Susan who spent three days at our hospice last August before she died of bowel and ovarian cancer, aged 60.

James said:  “The hospice staff were brilliant and so lovely. It never felt like it was an effort for them to offer that support.

“When mum died we decided we wanted to do something and make a positive out of a negative. Our family, including dad Alistair and sister Eleanor, are undertaking all sorts of challenges.”

For James that means running 60 marathons over five years. He has already completed nine and has raised more than £4,000 for various charities.

James said: “The Manchester Midnight Walk is one of our challenges. Harley needed to be 11 which is why we set off early, wearing No 1 and No 2 bibs. It was absolutely brilliant walking through the streets of Manchester. “

Nurses at our hospice in Little Hulton swapped their uniforms for sparkly tutu outfits as they joined in the fun at the Manchester Midnight Walk.

The nurses were off shift from their roles caring for patients so did not miss the chance to support the event which has raised more than £2m since it started 16 years ago.

Stephen Todd said: “This is my first time doing the walk and we’re all here raising money for our patients. I only joined St Ann’s in November and it’s a great team and everyone has been really welcoming.”

Five years ago Rachel gave birth to daughter Florence, but within 48 hours her father-in-law Trevor Sills died after several weeks as a patient at our hospice.

Rachel’s mum Gail joined her on our annual 10k Manchester Midnight Walk through the city centre to mark her birthday and honour Trevor’s memory.

Rachel, from Hazel Grove, said: “It’s a night of celebration and commiserations really for us both. I lived just across the road from St Ann’s in Heald Green when Florence was born.

“My father-in-law knew she was coming and fortunately just managed to hold on until his granddaughter was born.

“It’s the first chance I’ve had to do the walk. I missed it the following year when I had an operation and then lockdown came.”

Cleaners Gillian Clarke and Louise Davies were happy to be pounding the streets again in the Manchester Midnight Walk, raising funds for St Ann’s.

The Droylsden mother and daughter were regulars at our city centre 10k walk until the event was postponed for the last two years because of Covid.

Gillian was making her 15th appearance at the 10k walk, our flagship fundraising event which has raised more than £2m over almost two decades for the care of our patients.

Gillian said: “I missed one year when I was ill and started doing the walk after a work colleague’s son was cared for by St Ann’s. I liked it so much I’ve just carried on.

“I love everything about the walk. The atmosphere, meeting people and making friends and raising money for a good cause.”

The pair took part in a virtual walk in 2020 at the height of the pandemic.

Louise, who is also a carer, was doing the 10k walk for the sixth time. She said: “I love the whole vibe of the evening and it’s great to walk with my mum.”

The man dubbed the voice of Old Trafford hosted the entertainment at Manchester Cathedral before our popular Manchester Midnight Walk.

Alan, from Marple, has been a familiar voice and face at United for 22 years and has travelled the world with the Reds, hosting pitch side before European cup finals and club tours.

He said: “It’s been an unbelievable journey and life changing. I’m living the dream. The aura of Sir Alex Ferguson during the glory years was brilliant and to be honest there has been more pressure without the same success over the last few seasons.

“I’m proud and delighted to support St Ann’s Hospice. It’s an institution and everyone knows about St Ann’s and the wonderful compassionate care patients and their families receive.

“It’s a privilege to be part of something special, particularly when the hospice is planning to build a new home.”

Journalist and author Andy Mitten took part in the Manchester Midnight Walk – just hours before playing football at Old Trafford.

Andy joined hundreds of other walkers in the 10k stroll around the city centre to raise money for our patients.

The same day he donned his football boots to play for his beloved Manchester United in a charity legends match against Liverpool.

Andy was joined by wife Barbara and daughters Olivia (11) and Clara (8) at Manchester Cathedral where the walk began.

The family had just flown in from their home in Barcelona and they also spend time in Urmston where Andy is originally from.

After his late dad Charles spent his final few hours at our hospice in 2018, Andy and brothers Jonathan and Sam, plus two friends, cycled 1,200 miles from Barcelona to Old Trafford.

They raised more than £40,000 to buy an ambulance for our patients.

Andy said: “Clare and Olivia were keen to come along to the walk to honour the memory of their grandad.

“My dad received fantastic care at St Ann’s and we promised we’d give something back. The walk was a fabulous occasion and a great warm up for playing at Old Trafford.”