In an extraordinary display of dedication, a Macclesfield volunteer has honoured her late mother's final request by dedicating 35 years of service to East Cheshire Hospice.
A Promise Honoured
Angela Roberts made a heartfelt promise to her mother, Phyllis Moran, back in 1990 when she was a patient at the hospice. Phyllis asked her daughter to continue supporting the vital work of East Cheshire Hospice after she was gone.
True to her word, Angela has devoted an incredible 35 years to volunteering for the charity. Since 2016, she has taken on the leadership of the hospice's Macclesfield support group, coordinating their fundraising efforts and supporting the local community.
The Power of Community Support
The Macclesfield support group, featuring volunteers including Betty Malkin, Gillian Belt, Jennifer Watkin, Beryl Bailey, and Elsie Knight, forms part of a wider network of hospice supporters. Similar groups operate in Buxton, Goostrey, Knutsford, Poynton and Wilmslow, all working tirelessly to raise essential funds.
Collectively, these dedicated groups raised an impressive more than £43,000 in the last financial year ending in April. Their activities range from organising coffee mornings and bingo events to providing crucial backup for other fundraisers.
Creative Fundraising and Family Involvement
Angela's personal passion for arts and crafts has generated astonishing results over the years. Through recycling cards and creating thousands of knitted 'humpties' - characters containing cream eggs - she has personally raised more than £61,000 for the hospice.
The spirit of volunteering runs in the family. Angela's 10-year-old great-granddaughter Lottie helps at events, while grandson Declan Fletcher collects raffle prizes. This multi-generational support highlights the deep community roots of the hospice movement.
The commitment within the Macclesfield group is truly remarkable. The nine members boast 158 years of combined service, with many having held other voluntary roles previously.
Jennifer Watkin and her sister-in-law Beryl Bailey, both former helpers at the Chestergate shop, represent this long-term commitment. They worked there for 17 years until the pandemic, with Jennifer's father William Bailey being one of the first hospice patients when he passed away in 1988.
Elsie Knight, another dedicated volunteer, shared how her 24 years of service, particularly flower arranging on the wards, benefited both patients and her own mental health. She described it as "making me realise how lucky I am."
Other longstanding members include Joan Nadin with 18 years' service, Margaret Hogg with a similar duration, and newer member Jacqueline Mackenzie who joined in 2019 and contributes her baking skills.
The hospice is actively seeking new members for all its support groups. Anyone inspired by this story of community dedication can reach out to the community team at events@ehospice.org.uk or contact Angela directly about the Macclesfield group at angela.jroberts@btconnect.com.
