Kathy will be bringing festive cheer to the Moya Cole Hospice ward this Christmas

My name is Kathryn Edwards, and I’m a Health Care Assistant at Moya Cole Hospice. 

Working on Christmas Day is always a privilege. So, this year I’ll be here at the hospice, caring for patients and their loved ones during what can be an incredibly emotional and difficult time. 

It’s thanks to kind supporters like you that we can be there when people need us most. That’s why I’m asking you to support our Give the Gift of Care appeal this Christmas. 


Your donation will help ensure that every patient at Moya Cole Hospice receives the same warmth, dignity, and compassion you would wish for your own loved ones – especially on what may be their final Christmas together


Kathryn Edwards, Healthcare Assistant, Moya Cole Hospice

We start the day early, helping patients to get ready so they can spend precious time with their loved ones. We do everything we can to make Christmas special – filled with love, comfort, and moments to cherish. 

We also make it extra special for those of us working, with small gifts and festive treats to share during our breaks. I never mind missing Christmas at home – as being on the wards at Moya Cole Hospice is always an honour. 

If you’d like to support our Give the Gift of Care appeal, please visit our website  

Wishing you a peaceful and joyful festive season. 

Rachel treks the Great Wall of China for Moya Cole Hospice

Photos by Rachel

Rachel Johnson, came across the Moya Cole Hospice Overseas Treks on social media as the date stuck out to her as it was the anniversary of her dad’s death. 

Even though her dad did not die at the hospice, Rachel knew that something was drawing her to the trek; it had been a lifelong goal of hers to walk the Great Wall of China. 

She attended the information evening and convinced her friend to go with her. 

“I felt the Great Wall of China trek was a really nice way to honour my dad, we flew out on his 30th anniversary,” Rachel said. 

Rachel mentioned the company that runs the treks, Global Adventures Challenges were “amazing”. 

“They provide you with a lot of support, a lot of information. They tell you everything that you need,” she said. 


The hospice provided us with a lot of information as well. We had a WhatsApp group with other people who were doing treks


Rachel Johnson, Moya Cole Hospice Supporter

According to Rachel, the overall Great Wall of China trek was “hard”, but with the right training, it is very manageable. 

“It was absolutely outstanding, the views that you see and the history of being on the wall. It’s hard to put into words, it’s awe-inspiring when you are there.” 

In total, Rachel trekked for five days. The first day is a “warm-up day” but is still quite challenging. According to Rachel, the second day was the hardest, the third was quite tough, and it was a little easier on the fourth, with the fifth being a “warm-down trek”. 

“In the evenings, we were all so exhausted that when we got back to the hotel, it was generally dinner and off to bed. The last day, we had a full day around Beijing,” she said. 

“I would 100% recommend everyone to take on a trek such as the Great Wall of China. There is a theory in China that someone who has never trekked the Great Wall will never be wise,” Rachel added. 

In 2026, Moya Cole Hospice is offering two Overseas Treks. The Inca Trail Trek and the Spanish Three Peaks. More information on these treks can be found here. 

An information evening on the 2026 Overseas Treks will be held on November 18th at 6.30pm in Moya Cole Hospice, Heald Green. For more information or to express your interest in attending, please click here. 

Geraldine wins Moya Cole Hospice raffle twice totaling £10,000

Geraldine Manning has won a Moya Cole Hospice raffle for the second time, having initially won the Winter Raffle in 2022 and is now the latest winner of the Summer Raffle. 

Geraldine says she is “over the moon” with the win and never saw the first win coming, let alone the second. She has now won a total of £10,000 through the hospice. 

“I just can’t believe it. I got a phone call a few weeks ago and I’m still in shock. The most I ever won before the raffles was winning a pack of Jaffa Cakes. To win twice like this is just unbelievable,” Geraldine said. 

“My husband bought the tickets as well, but he hasn’t had any luck yet. They told me I had won so I went into the hospice to collect the cheque. 


We always buy the tickets for the raffle because we want to support the hospice because it’s such a good cause. My husband’s mum was cared for in the hospice. We never expected to win anything


Geraldine Manning, Two Time Raffle Winner

Geraldine also donated some of the money back to the hospice following her first and second wins. 

“I said to Frank, my husband, I’m not entering it again. Then I thought, I will enter it again, of course, it’s going to a good cause. 

“I’m getting a new bathroom, and I’ve just gotten kitchen doors in as well. So the money has all gone to help me with that,” Geraldine added. 

Will you help us this year by entering the Winter Raffle?    

You can enter online by clicking here.    

The Great Mancunian Lunch raises £40,000 for Moya Cole Hospice

The Great Mancunian Lunch, an exclusive charity event created by Moya Cole Hospice, in partnership with the Taylor Lynn Corporation and hosted by Emma Neville, to raise funds for the new Moya Cole Hospice that took place this week! 

Victoria Warehouse housed the lunch, which indulged guests with a delectable three-course meal, outstanding performances from musicians from Chetham’s School of Music to create an uplifting afternoon of creativity and entertainment. 

The event was certainly the standout moment in the autumn calendar and those in attendance were part of something truly meaningful and magnificently Mancunian as they supported the future of Moya Cole Hospice with its new state-of-the-art building in Heald Green. 

The aim of the Great Mancunian Lunch was to fundraise for the Being You Centre at the new Moya Cole Hospice. Construction of the new hospice started in June of last year with the aim of opening in early 2026. A total of £40,000 was raised at the lunch thanks to all who supported the outing. 

View images from the event, below.

The Great Mancunian Lunch 2025

Host of the Great Mancunian Lunch, Emma Neville said the afternoon provided an opportunity to make an impact on the lives of the people of Manchester impacted by life-limiting illnesses. 

“We have a chance to make a difference for those who are facing some of the toughest challenges of their lives, bringing them greater comfort, care and dignity.” Emma said. 


It was wonderful to welcome everyone to the event. By coming together at the lunch, we were able to raise funds to go towards a consultation room at the hospice that will provide a calm, comfortable, and welcoming place for counselling, complementary therapies, and other wellbeing support for the people of Manchester and their families


Emma Neville, The Great Mancunian Lunch Host

Liz Taylor, Founder of Taylor Lynn Corporation (TLC), who organised the event commented.


I’m thrilled to be part of The Great Mancunian Lunch and to support the incredible work of Moya Cole Hospice as they create their new state-of-the-art building in Heald Green. It’s always inspiring to collaborate with such passionate people — Emma Neville, Truth Creative, and Chetham’s School of Music — all coming together to celebrate Manchester’s spirit while supporting such a vital cause.


Liz Taylor, Founder of Taylor Lynn Corporation (TLC)

Head of Fundraising and Capital Campaign at Moya Cole Hospice, Anne-Marie Wynne says the support of all those at the Great Mancunian Lunch is “vital” for the future of the hospice. 

“On behalf of Moya Cole Hospice, I would like to send Emma Neville a massive thank you for hosting the event. We stand together with her in our commitment to championing the importance of both physical and emotional wellbeing, and we are so grateful for her support to raise funds for our Being You Centre at our new hospice,” Anne-Marie said. 


Once again, the Taylor Lynn Corporation is supporting Moya Cole Hospice with the Great Mancunian Lunch. It is through their support in organising events that we at Moya Cole Hospice can fund the construction of our new building in Heald Green


Anne-Marie Wynne, Head of Fundraising and Capital Campaign, Moya Cole Hospice

Entertainment throughout the afternoon was provided by talented musicians from Chetham’s School of Music, bringing upbeat musical delight, showcasing some of Manchester’s finest talent. 

The fundraising included a silent auction with the chance to bid on some incredible lots including a signed Courteeners guitar and four VIP concert tickets and stunning original artwork by acclaimed contemporary artist Aiden Phelan from the “George Best: 20 Years of Immortal Legacy” series. Aiden and George’s son Calum Best attended the lunch and kindly donated the artwork.  

The dress code for the outing was smart chic in black and yellow. Those in attendance came dressed to impress with a stylish nod to the lunch theme of Manchester.  

There was also an after-lunch party where the music continued in an exclusive bar area. DJ Six kept the party alive while street food was served later in the evening. 

Moya Cole Hospice would like to thank all those who supported and attended the event which led to the vital fundraising towards the brand-new state-of-the-art facility in Heald Green. 

Get in with a chance to win £5,000 in this year’s Winter Raffle

Moya Cole Hospice has officially launched its 2025 Winter Raffle where you could win one of six cash prizes including the £5,000 jackpot! 

With every £1 ticket you buy, you’re helping us care for patients and be there for their loved ones when it matters most.  

Sarah Turner-Blow and Justine Hoffman both work as part of the Community Specialist Palliative Care Team (CSPCT) at the hospice. 

They spoke about their work and why supporting the Winter Raffle can help them in their roles.  

They work out in the community, providing pain and symptom guidance and advice to patients, families, and other healthcare professionals. 

Their roles involve providing holistic assessment of patients with life-limiting illnesses at home. They work closely with district nurses and GPs.  


Through the collaborative work the CSPCT conducts with our community colleagues, our aim is to fulfil the wishes and goals of the patients to have end-of-life care at home if this is their preference. By doing this, we believe we advocate strongly in helping to achieve patients’ final wishes


Justine Hoffman, Community Specialist Palliative Care Team, Moya Cole Hospice


Supporting a cause such as our Winter Raffle is vital to the ongoing operation of Moya Cole Hospice. Our services are free of charge and we only receive a third of our funding from the NHS. The rest is made through the kindness and the generosity of people like you


Sarah Turner-Blow, Community Specialist Palliative Care Team, Moya Cole Hospice

Sarah and Justine can’t continue with their work in the community or in our hospices without you. Will you help them this year by entering the Winter Raffle?  

To play, you can enter online here 

We hope you’ll join in to support Moya Cole Hospice by buying and selling as many tickets as you can. Thank you so much for your support – and best of luck! 

Christmas fair to bring festive cheer to Heald Green

A Christmas Fair is to be held at Heald Green Village Hall on behalf of Moya Cole Hospice. 

The fair, which is being organised by the Heald Green Volunteer Fundraising Committee, is going to be a day out for all the family. The fair will be taking place on Sunday, November 16 from 12pm to 3pm 

The festivities at the fair include face painting, raffle and tombolas, refreshments, and so much more. 

There will even be an appearance made by Father Christmas! 

This event has been kindly organised by our Heald Green Volunteer Fundraising Committee on behalf of Moya Cole Hospice, to help raise vital funds for our new Heald Green hospice. 

Entrance to the fair is £1. Children enter for free. 

Chair of the Heald Green Fundraising Committee, Lynn Partridge commented.


We are so looking forward to welcoming everyone to the Heald Green Village Hall for our Christmas Fair. It is going to be an occasion for the whole family that you won’t want to miss with activities for all to enjoy; from face paintings, a raffle, tombolas, and even an appearance from Father Christmas. Come and join us and support our wonderful local hospice


Lynn Partridge, Chair, Heald Green Volunteer Fundraising Committee

Community Fundraiser for Moya Cole Hospice, Julie Peters also commented. 


The Christmas Fair in Heald Green is going to be an event you won’t want to miss. Moya Cole Hospice would like to thank the Heald Green Volunteer Fundraising Committee for organising this fair. It’s events such as the Christmas Fair that enable Moya Cole Hospice to provide state-of-the-art care to our patients and their loved ones


Julie Peters, Community Fundraiser, Moya Cole Hospice

Heald Green Village Hall is located on Outwood Road, Heald Green, SK8 3JL. 

If you wish to purchase tickets or to learn more then click here.

 If you have any questions, get in touch on supporter@moyacole.org.uk or 0161 498 3631. 

Festive Afternoon Tea returns to Little Hulton

The Festive Afternoon Tea at Moya Cole Hospice, Little Hulton returns this year for a day of fun for all the family. 

The event has been kindly organised by our Little Hulton Volunteer Fundraising Committee on behalf of Moya Cole Hospice, to help raise vital funds for patients and families who need us this Christmas. 

The event will take place on Saturday, November 22. Santa will be making an appearance in his grotto. There will be a festive scavenger hunt for children, a tombola, and a raffle. 

There will be two afternoon tea sittings, the first starting at 12pm and the second at 2pm. 

Member of the Little Hulton Volunteer Fundraising Committee, Rekha Senapati, said the day will be a festive event to remember. 


We loved hosting the Festive Afternoon Tea at the Little Hulton hospice last year, and we cannot wait for it again this year. It will be a day filled with fun for all, old and young, with delicious treats, and plenty of tea and coffee to go around. We are honoured to organise this event on behalf of Moya Cole Hospice. We look forward to seeing everyone on the day


Rekha Senapati , Committee Member, Little Hulton Volunteer Fundraising Committee

Community Fundraiser at Moya Cole Hospice, George Bartram commented. 


On behalf of Moya Cole Hospice, I would like to thank the Little Hulton Volunteer Fundraising Committee for organising the Festive Afternoon Tea. These events are the backbone of the hospice and the reason we are able to provide care for our patients and their loved ones throughout Christmas and beyond


George Bartram, Community Fundraiser, Moya Cole Hospice

If you would like to book tickets or find out more information about the Festive Afternoon Tea, click here.

If you have any questions, get in touch on supporter@moyacole.org.uk or 0161 498 3631. 

Piers and Chris raise over £1,500 for Moya Cole Hospice following Manchester Half Marathon

Piers Brown convinced former colleague, Chris to run the Manchester Half Marathon with him following an “ill-timed” like on his Strava profile. 

The duo decided to run for Moya Cole Hospice following research into charities listed on the Manchester Half Marathon’s website. 

“I didn’t have a familiar connection with the hospice,” Piers said. “With it being based near Wythenshawe, not too far from me, I thought it was a nice local cause to raise money for.” 

Piers began running about a year ago and used it as a time to think, and focus. In preparation for the Manchester Half Marathon, he was looking for someone to run with. 

“Whenever I run on the treadmill in the gym, it links to my Strava app on my phone. I saw that Chris had liked one of my runs. It gave me a reason to pick up the phone, and I convinced him there and then,” he said. 

“I took the run pretty seriously. It was my first half marathon. Chris has run marathons in the past.  


I did seven weeks of training leading up to the run and it was funny because I thought I was going to run a better time than him but, in the end, he beat me by 30 seconds


Piers Brown, Moya Cole Hospice Supporter

Piers said it was all going so well until the final few kilometres.  

“My running app in preparation for the marathon never took me over 16 kilometres, so that final 5k really took it out of me,” he said. 

Piers finished the half marathon with a time of 1 hour and 47 minutes. 

He is not hanging up the running boots anytime soon, however, as he has already signed up to run the Ibiza Half Marathon in April. 

If you would like to run for Moya Cole Hospice in the future, please click here to view upcoming running events where Moya Cole Hospice is a charity partner. 

To view Piers and Chris’s Just Giving page, click here.