In the heart of Stockport, a local musical ensemble is using the power of festive melodies to make a significant difference this Christmas. The Sunshine Steel Band is dedicating its seasonal performances to raising crucial funds for Moya Cole Hospice, a cause deeply important to the local community.
Spreading Cheer and Raising Funds
Band member Vivien explains that the group, which has been together for a long time, makes an annual Christmas busk for charity a key part of its tradition. This year, they have chosen to support Moya Cole Hospice, an organisation that provides holistic care for patients with life-limiting illnesses.
The first collection was held at John Lewis in Cheadle, where the band played cheerful festive songs on their steel drums. The initiative proved so resonant with the public that a second collection followed on Saturday, December 13, outside Sainsbury’s in Cheadle.
Vivien noted the profound local connection to the hospice, stating that during their collections, it seemed nearly everyone who passed by knew someone who had been helped by its services. This widespread impact made supporting the hospice "a nice thing to do."
The Vital Work of Moya Cole Hospice
The funds raised by the Sunshine Steel Band will contribute to the hospice's extensive care network. Moya Cole Hospice operates from sites in Heald Green, Stockport, and Little Hulton, Salford, offering inpatient care, day therapy, and supportive outpatient services.
Its reach extends far beyond its buildings. The hospice teams provide a comprehensive range of community and outreach services, including a Hospice at Home service in Salford and Trafford, a Community Specialist Palliative Care Team in Salford, and a dedicated homelessness palliative care service in Manchester.
A critical resource is its 24-hour telephone advice line, available to patients, carers, and healthcare professionals across Salford, Manchester, Trafford, and Stockport.
A Band with Deep Community Roots
The Sunshine Steel Band is no stranger to bringing joy to local events. Throughout the year, they perform at a variety of occasions, including weddings, parties, and garden parties. Their Christmas charity busk, however, holds a special place in their calendar, channelling their musical talent directly into community support.
This festive fundraising effort highlights how local arts and community spirit can combine to support essential health services. The band's cheerful steel drum renditions of Christmas classics are not just entertaining shoppers; they are directly contributing to the compassionate, end-of-life care that Moya Cole Hospice provides to hundreds of local families.
