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Theme: Fundraising

Michael felt ‘great’ following Walk 100 Miles in September challenge

August 20, 2025 | 9:53am

Michael Hunt took on the Walk 100 Miles in September challenge last year in memory of two friends who died at St Ann’s Hospice. 

Michael raised over £1,000 during the challenge through sponsorship. He also saw the 100 Miles as a way to challenge himself. 

“I had been through a rough patch myself and had spent 6 weeks in hospital and I wanted to prove to myself that I am still here, and that I am still able,” Michael said. 

“I was given a second chance and I wanted to push myself.” 

Michael said that ever since he retired, he has been an active walker. 

“When I achieved the target I just felt great that I was able to do it.”

Michael said it was joy as time went on, seeing the figure raised on his Just Giving page increase. 

“That was sort of an incentive in itself to complete the challenge. I was well pleased with what I raised.” 


I wanted to do this for St Ann’s because even though my two friends died there and it was a sad time, their families were so appreciative of how they were looked after and to me it just sounded like a worthwhile cause


Michael Hunt, St Ann’s Hospice Supporter

This year’s Walk 100 Miles in September is only a few weeks away but there is still plenty of time to sign up. Do you think you are up for the challenge of walking 100 miles in a month? 

Signing up is easy, click here to learn more. 

Christmas trees bring £67k gift to St Ann’s this August

August 13, 2025 | 1:33pm

As we enter the final summer month, St Ann’s Hospice is celebrating the success of one of our Christmas fundraisers from the beginning of the year! 

Just Helping recently shared the total amount raised through our partnership on the Manchester Christmas Tree Recycling scheme, and we couldn’t be more thrilled. 

The annual initiative involves collecting and recycling Christmas trees following the festive season for an optional donation. 

We are delighted to announce that our collaboration with Just Helping raised an incredible £67,528.75 for St Ann’s Hospice during the 2024/25 campaign. 

These funds were raised by collecting Christmas trees from across Greater Manchester in January for recycling. Generous supporters made donations in exchange for this excellent service, which not only raised vital money for our hospice but also benefited the environment: We are thrilled that we have helped prevent 84,944 kg of CO₂ emissions from being released into the atmosphere.

The Manchester collection is a team effort between Just Helping, St Ann’s Hospice, and Francis House Children’s Hospice, with all three charities working together from planning through to the collection itself. 

Together, and with the incredible support of volunteers and local businesses, the team collected and recycled an amazing 5,309 Christmas trees. We are delighted that the Manchester appeal raised an incredible £117,675.20 for charities across Greater Manchester. Of this, £67,528.75 was donated directly to St Ann’s Hospice. 

The 2024/25 collection was sponsored by Caddick Construction, helping to ensure that more funds directly benefit local patients and their families. 

Corporate Fundraiser for St Ann’s Hospice, Gayle Shaw was over the moon with the donation.


We are so grateful for the support of the 2024/25 Christmas Tree collection campaign in partnership with Just Helping. The over £65,000 would not have been possible without the support of those in Greater Manchester and the dedication and hard work of the amazing team over at Just Helping. Over the last ten years, Just Helping have helped raise over £370,000 for St Ann’s Hospice through the Christmas Tree collection scheme. We look forward to working with them again this Christmas season.


Gayle Shaw, Corporate Fundraiser, St Ann’s Hospice

Georgia Vacher, Partnership and Development Manager at Just Helping, added: “It’s a privilege to be part of Just Helping’s Christmas Tree Cycle Appeal and to help raise vital funds for incredible hospices and charities like St Ann’s and Francis House Children’s Hospice.”


The dedication and enthusiasm from the whole team is truly contagious, making the entire event even more rewarding. I’m already looking forward to an even bigger year in 2026 and continuing to support these well-deserved charities!


Georgia Vacher, Partnership and Development Manager at Just Helping

Huge Oasis fan wins tickets in St Ann’s Hospice prize draw

August 11, 2025 | 1:56pm

Ged Reddy is a self-proclaimed “huge Oasis fan” and secured two tickets to one of their Manchester gigs thanks to the St Ann’s Hospice ticket draw. 

St Ann’s ran a competition where entrants were in with a chance for two Oasis tickets to their Manchester concert on Wednesday, July 16. 

The fundraiser raised over £1,500 for the Build it Together appeal at the hospice. 

“I’ve been an Oasis fan since I was about 16. I’ve seen them about four times,” Ged said. 


The tickets were in huge demand, and I didn’t get one and it didn’t work out. So, I was shocked to hear that I won


Ged Reddy, St Ann’s Hospice Supporter

Ged has a personal connection with St Ann’s as his mum was cared for by the hospice before she died nearly ten years ago. The July 16th concert that Ged attended also marks the day she passed. 

Speaking prior to the concert Ged said: “I asked my cousin from Ireland to come with me, so he’s booked his flights. He’s a huge Oasis fan, even a bigger one than me, so there was no better choice.” 

Oasis finished their final Manchester concert at Heaton Park in Manchester on Sunday 20th July, having played for a total of five nights. 

Family of Manchester football legend run from Old Trafford to the Etihad Stadium

August 5, 2025 | 11:16am

Reds and Blues from a football family put aside rivalries to honour the memory of their famous grandad.  

The eight youngsters ran 7.5k from Old Trafford to the Etihad Stadium, raising more than £2,000 for St Ann’s Hospice. 

Their grandfather Ian Mellor, who played for Manchester City in the early Seventies, died in the hospice last year.  

The family have so far raised more than £35,000 for an inpatient consultation room at a new St Ann’s Hospice opening in Heald Green, Stockport, early next year.  

After the run, they enjoyed the new VR experience at City. The futuristic football journey is the first of its kind in the country.   

Eliot, Theo and Albie are City fans; Noah, Zach and Molly follow United, while cousins Nicole and Harry are Liverpool fans.  

Hardly surprising since their father Neil played for Liverpool, some 30 years after his dad was a professional footballer.  

Ian’s wife Sue said: “The grandkids had a great time and wanted to do their bit to raise funds for St Ann’s Hospice where Ian received such great care.” 


It has been wonderful to see all of Ian’s grandchildren get so involved in the fundraising and following in the footsteps of their parents and the rest of the family who have already done so much for the hospice. The money they have raised will make a huge difference for our future patients and their loved ones and we are so grateful for their support


Anne-Marie Wynne, Head of Fundraising and Capital Campaign at St Ann’s Hospice

The new £26 million hospice will replace the current building in Heald Green and will offer a new and modern facility for the hospice to care for people impacted by life limiting illnesses. The new building will include a 27-bed inpatient unit including individual en-suite rooms and access to private outdoor terraces. The development will also feature modern outpatient services, dedicated bereavement and family support spaces, all surrounded by beautiful, landscaped gardens.* To donate visit https://www.justgiving.com/page/themellorgrandchildren 

Charity football match raises over £4,000 for St Ann’s Hospice

July 30, 2025 | 10:44am

A charity football match has raised over £8,200 for St Ann’s Hospice and the Christie Hospital. 

Alan Davies and his friends used to play football together in the 80s and 90s and were sadly reunited a number of years ago at their friend’s funeral, where they decided to meet up to play five-a-side again. 

Alan’s son Jack joined the group one day when they were low on numbers and has been a member ever since. 

All changed once again when the founder of the group was diagnosed with cancer. The founder, being a huge inspiration to Jack, has been in and out of the Christie Hospital for the last number of years and according to Jack, still turns up every Wednesday to be a part of the squad. 

“He was the main reason why we wanted to put this charity match together,” Jack said. 

The match was facilitated by Monton Sports Club in Eccles, with the match kicking off at 10.30am on Saturday, June 28. 

“My mum and girlfriend were selling match day programmes, which included some information about the day and the two charities we were raising money for,” Jack said. 

The match was between the Little Hulton Legends and the Rest of Walkden with the Rest of Walkden team winning 2-1. 

After the match, a trophy was presented to the winners, which now sits in the pub that the group go to after their weekly game. 

Also hosted at the pub was an auction that included some signed Manchester United, Bolton Wanderers, and Liverpool memorabilia. Auction prizes were donated by people in the community. Ella Toone also kindly donated an England Lionesses shirt. 

After that, the group hosted a mini raffle, which included vouchers from local businesses. 

“We also had a bit of a speech at the end of the auction to make sure everyone was aware who the event was for and that he was everyone’s inspiration for the day,” Jack added. 

Win tickets for An Evening with Sir David Jason!

July 22, 2025 | 2:45pm

Calling all Sir David Jason fans!

We are delighted to have been donated two pairs of tickets for An Evening with Sir David Jason, a brand-new live show at The Lowry Theatre.

Sir David Jason will be joined by a special guest host live on stage, promising an unforgettable evening filled with laughter, fun, and never-before-heard stories.

From Only Fools and Horses, Open All Hours, The Darling Buds of May, A Touch of Frost, Porterhouse Blue, Danger Mouse, The Top Secret Life of Edgar Briggs, and many more, David will share rare footage, behind-the-scenes insights, and the defining moments of his remarkable career.

Prize details

Prize 1
Friday 22nd August, 7:30pm
The Lowry Theatre, Salford
Seats: Stalls Left – Row W, seats 13 & 14
Ticket value: £78 each

Prize 2
Saturday 23rd August, 7:30pm
The Lowry Theatre, Salford
Seats: Circle Centre – Row H, seats 22 & 23
Ticket value: £93 each

How to enter

Simply text DAVIDJASON to 70215.

You’ll receive a free bounce-back message with instructions to complete your entry and the option to donate to St Ann’s Hospice. Every donation helps us continue our vital work.

The draw closes at 1pm on Friday 15thAugust.

Texts cost the chosen donation amount plus one standard network rate message.

Terms and Conditions

Texts cost your standard network rate, plus optional donation. This prize draw is not affiliated with The Lowry or By Parallel Events. Full Terms and Conditions are below.

Good luck!

This article and the Terms & Conditions for this prize draw were both updated on Thursday 24th July to reflect an additional donation of a second pair of tickets.

Stockport and District Soroptimists donate £1,000 to Build it Together appeal

July 17, 2025 | 3:21pm

Members of the Stockport and District Soroptimists made their way to St Ann’s Hospice for a £1,000 cheque presentation towards the new build at Heald Green.

The Soroptimists donated the £1,000 and now qualify to have their name on our wall in the new hospice.

Member of Stockport and District Soroptimists, June Munro says the group decided to fundraise for St Ann’s due to the hospice’s mission.

“We’re aware of the work of the hospice, it’s local, and we know how it benefits local people,” June said.

The Soroptimists are an international organisation for women with over 80,000 members in 130 countries. The organisation has an advisory role at the United Nations.

The Stockport and District Soroptimists meet twice a month for a business meeting and a fundraising meeting.


The group is open to any woman interested in their community, and particularly the welfare of women and girls


June Munro, Stockport and District Soroptimists Member

“We support local charities as well as national charities.” 

The Soroptimists also give voluntary service to a range of other services and organisations. 

June believes that St Ann’s has served its community “very well” since first opening its doors in 1971 and believes the hospice will continue to do so once the Heald Green site moves into the new building. 

“The hospice needs this new building to be able to continue its work long into the future and it will be a great facility to have for Stockport and the surrounding areas,” June said. 

If you want to learn more about the Stockport and District Soroptimists, then please, click here. 

Peru and Spain are calling! St Ann’s announces Overseas Trek destinations for 2026

July 15, 2025 | 11:58am

St Ann’s Hospice is excited to launch a new series of overseas trek challenges for 2026. 

The Overseas Treks involve hiking across some of the most picturesque landscapes in the world. Next year, St Ann’s Hospice is offering two trek destinations: the Spanish Three Peaks, and the Inca Trail. 

The Spanish Three Peaks trek is a hiking challenge that takes place in Sierra Nevada National Park and involves trekking the summits of three of Spain’s highest peaks: Veleta, Alcazaba, and Mulhacén. Mulhacén is Spain’s highest peak at 3,482m. 

The trek takes place from September 30th to October 4th, 2026. 

The Inca Trail trek will see you flying to Peru for a multi-day hike that culminates at the iconic Machu Picchu. This Trek will take place from October 30th to November 8th, 2026. 

Tizzie Brass took part in an oversees trek in May 2025, to raise funds for St Ann’s Hospice in memory of her dad. She took on the Great Wall of China trek which was available to the 2025 participants. 

“It was unlike anything I’d ever experienced,” Tizzie said.


When we landed in China, we were introduced to the introduced to our tour guide, and suddenly we were in this completely unfamiliar place. It was overwhelming at first, but absolutely incredible.


Tizzie Brass, St Ann’s Hospice Supporter

“We hiked along stunning stretches of the Great Wall of China—it was genuinely phenomenal. Our guide was fantastic; as we walked, he shared fascinating insights into the area’s history and culture.” 

“The trek ended in Beijing, which brought even more unforgettable moments. There were also a few surprise activities planned that none of us expected, and they really added something special.” 

Tizzie shared her enthusiasm for the overseas adventure: “I can’t recommend a trip like this enough. It’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. I took so many photos, but they don’t capture the full magic—you’ve got to experience it for yourself. And knowing you’re raising money for a brilliant cause and in memory of our loved ones makes it even more meaningful.”

To find out more about the treks on offer in 2026, click here.

Overseas Treks Information Evening

You can find out more about our 2026 overseas treks, the Spanish Three Peaks and the Inca Trail, at this free event at our Heald Green hospice this September.

Find out more