Staff and supporters at East Cheshire Hospice are celebrating a monumental achievement, having successfully reached the target for their crucial Bed Appeal. The community's overwhelming generosity means that 16 new, upgraded beds will be delivered to the hospice in early 2026, enhancing patient comfort and care.
A Community Rallies for Vital Care
The appeal for funds to replace ageing beds sparked an incredible response from the local community. Donations flooded in, allowing the hospice to quickly secure the necessary amount. Laura Tomlinson, Head of Fundraising, expressed her gratitude, stating the campaign was a shining example of the sustained generosity from their loyal supporters.
This success forms part of another remarkable year for the Macclesfield-based charity, which has seen a series of impactful fundraising events. Among the highlights is the annual Starlight Walk, a poignant nocturnal fundraiser held in the grounds of the picturesque Capesthorne Hall.
Starlight Walk Shines Bright for 2026
Fresh from the success of the 2025 event, which saw almost 300 walkers raise an impressive £32,000, the hospice has just announced the date for next year's walk. The Starlight Walk 2026 will take place on Thursday, 16th April, and registrations are now officially open.
The walk holds deep personal significance for many participants. Among those taking part this year was Tom Willis, catering manager at Capesthorne Hall, who walked alongside his mother, Sandra Biddulph. Sandra's father, the late Jack Key, was cared for by the hospice in his final days, a testament to the vital service it provides to local families.
Challenging Climbs and Nostalgic Nights
Fundraising efforts extended far beyond the local grounds. In August, a determined team of 40 hospice supporters faced severe wind and rain to complete a gruelling overnight climb of Mount Snowdon. The challenging nine-mile trek raised close to £25,000.
One of the oldest participants was 68-year-old grandfather John Wilkinson, a dedicated hospice volunteer who raised over £1,700. Reflecting on the tough conditions, the retired policeman said it was a foggy, wet, and miserable experience, but still managed to be good fun.
The year's cultural fundraising events included the nostalgic Hospice Aid concert, which recreated songs from the historic Live Aid event, and Hospice Rocks, headlined by Macclesfield band Virginmarys. The latter was organised by Alan Bailey and his son Stuart in memory of Alan's wife, Maureen, who spent her final days at the hospice.
In an extraordinary feat of endurance, 79-year-old veteran cyclist Graham Daly also completed the iconic Land's End to John O'Groats ride on a non-electric bike, adding to the hospice's coffers.
With the Bed Appeal target met and plans for 2026 already underway, East Cheshire Hospice continues to rely on the incredible support of its community to provide essential end-of-life care. To register for the Starlight Walk 2026, visit the hospice's official website.
