Women's Group Achieves £500,000 Fundraising Milestone for East Cheshire Hospice
A dedicated group of five friends, known as What Women Want, has successfully raised an impressive £500,000 for East Cheshire Hospice through nearly 15 years of continuous fundraising efforts. The group reached this significant milestone at a recent bingo night held at Tytherington High School, which attracted over 300 supporters even before official advertising.
Decade and a Half of Dedicated Fundraising
Since their inception, the group—comprising Julie Barnes, Jo Millward, Jill Harding, Elaine Burgess, and Jayne Carter—has organized a variety of popular events to support the hospice. These have included ladies' lunches, fashion shows, and glitzy balls, all designed to combine fun with fundraising. Jayne Carter, the group's chair, emphasized their mission: "We've always tried to put the fun in fundraising and have always had the hospice in mind. We all care passionately about the hospice and have been touched by it in some way."
The group's efforts have not gone unnoticed; they were honored with a Mayoral lifetime achievement award two years ago, recognizing their long-term commitment to the cause.
Impact on Hospice Services and Facilities
The funds raised by What Women Want have had a tangible impact on East Cheshire Hospice, directly enhancing patient care and operational capabilities. Key contributions include:
- Purchasing three cars for nursing staff to visit Hospice @Home patients.
- Acquiring a retail van for the hospice's shops.
- Buying reclining chairs, bed hoists, and laundry items for patient comfort.
- Furnishing a patient lounge and contributing to the refurbishment of the Sunflower Living Well Centre.
Jayne Carter highlighted the importance of community support, stating, "We're incredibly grateful to our sponsors—local businesses who have supported us year after year—and to the people who attend our events. Without fundraisers, the hospice wouldn't be able to provide such exceptional care."
Recent Success and Future Plans
The recent bingo night alone raised £12,000, with an additional £2,183 generated from a raffle for a Rolex watch. Remarkably, ticket sales of £20 each pushed the total past £500,000 before any on-night fundraising began, demonstrating the strong community following the group has built. Jayne Carter expressed ongoing enthusiasm: "The enthusiasm is still there. You see how the hospice touches lives, and it motivates us to continue. It's a very special place, and people donate because of that."
With no signs of slowing down, What Women Want remains committed to supporting East Cheshire Hospice, ensuring that vital services continue to benefit patients and their families in the community.
