News story Archives - Page 4 of 91

Joseph to run first 10k for Moya Cole Hospice on 15th birthday

December 19, 2025 | 10:42am

The RunThrough Run MediaCity Christmas 5k & 10k takes place tomorrow, Saturday and many runners will be supporting Moya Cole Hospice.

Moya Cole Hospice is proud to be the charity partner of this celebrated event, starting and finishing in the heart of MediaCity, Salford.

Joseph Bailey who will be turning 15 on the day of the race is taking part to raise money for Moya Cole Hospice. It will be his first 10km race.

Joseph’s mum, Paula says he is running for Moya Cole Hospice to give back following the care the hospice gave his grandad, Brian.

“He is also running as a thank you because I received bereavement counselling from the hospice.

“Upon deciding to run, I mentioned would he like to try his luck and do it as a fundraiser to which he immediately said yes for Moya Cole Hospice as he had witnessed myself and his dad fundraise for the hospice by walking up Snowdon at midnight,” Paula said.

Brian was admitted on Boxing Day 2023 to the Little Hulton site, and upon arrival, he was welcomed with “warmth and care.”

His Grandad wanted to be at the hospice, and we instantly saw some of his old humour appear back whilst being here. The staff were lovely with many knowing his grandmother on first-names terms.

Paula Bailey , Moya Cole Hospice

According to Paula, Joseph’s training is going well.

“He is yet to complete the full 10km but has been going to the gym and has been out by himself running, with me (chasing him) and with a local run club,” she said.

Events Fundraiser for Moya Cole Hospice, Laura Hindley commented.

“I’m so looking forward to seeing Joseph and all our runners dressed up in their festive outfits for this year’s Christmas Run. This is our first time being a charity partner of RunThrough Run MediaCity Christmas 5k & 10k and we are looking forward to a fantastic event during Christmas week,” she said.

For more information, click here.

Local panto gearing up for 40th anniversary

December 19, 2025 | 9:00am

January marks the 40th anniversary since St Catherine’s Club Didsbury staged a panto in aid of the Christie, raising £2,500 and this year they are raising funds for Moya Cole Hospice.

The panto this time around is Cinderella 2: the Sequel in honour of their first-ever panto, Cinderella.

Little did they know, they would still be taking to the stage in 2026, having raised approximately £200,000 for charities such as Francis House Children’s Hospice, and Moya Cole Hospice.

Funds raised in the forthcoming performances on January 16,17,23, and 24 will again be donated to Francis House Children’s Hospice and Moya Cole Hospice. The 2025 event raised £6,400.

Irrespective of the funds raised we like to think that bringing people together in an atmosphere of friendship and co-operation whilst helping those in need makes all the hard work well worthwhile

St Catherine’s Club Didsbury Panto Spokesperson

“Our willing band of ageing thespians, many of whom have been involved for almost 40 years, are blessed with great camaraderie. They look forward each year to forgetting their lines, missing cues and tripping over dance steps,” the spokesperson said.

Tickets are £5 kids and £10 big kids available from Sarah 07811833105 and Mike 07788135184.

Sale on all Moya Cole Hospice Christmas lines now on!

December 16, 2025 | 9:42am

Moya Cole Hospice is having a sale on all Christmas lines and some other items in the hospice shops.

The sale started on Monday, December 15.

The sale includes half-price Christmas cards and diaries, and reductions on other Christmas stock.

You can shop in the Moya Cole online shop at shop.moyacole.org.uk, or at any of our charity shop locations.

Each purchase from one of our charity shops or our online store goes a long way in helping provide end-of-life care to our patients, support for their families, and to provide support to our outpatients as they navigate their diagnosis.

Centennial Celebrations as Maureen celebrates turning 100 on the Moya Cole Hospice wards

December 11, 2025 | 2:38pm

Maureen McClusky celebrated turning 100 on the Moya Cole Hospice ward on Monday, December 1st.

Her family and friends surrounded her with love as they celebrated the centennial anniversary of her birth.

Maureen said she sees turning 100 like any other birthday but enjoyed spending time with her loved ones.

Speaking the Friday before her birthday she said: “Turning 100, it’s one of those things, you either do it or you don’t. There have been times where I’ve felt I wouldn’t make it and I’ve come out the other side,” Maureen said.

“I look forward to seeing everyone on Monday when we’ll have some cake,” she added.

Click through the pictures above to see Maureen’s celebrations.

At the time Maureen spoke with Moya Cole Hospice her friend, Louise was visiting Maureen.

“Maureen has been such a lovely friend to so many people that now they want to wish her well. Her family are always here for her. She loves to help people, she loves to listen. Every Sunday afternoon we get together where we’ve spent many a time on her sofa having a laugh,” Louise said.

Maureen said she is receiving wonderful care at Moya Cole Hospice.

“You can’t say a wrong word about the care,” Maureen said. “Everyone is so pleased to be here and to do what they are doing.

“They’re all young and yet the nurses want to give their time up to help the elderly people.”

Louise said she can confirm everything that Maureen has said about the care.

“I’ve come in twice to see Maureen since she’s been in and the staff are just wonderful. Everybody has been very kind and attentive. They explain everything to her which is really important. They talk her through what they’re going to do and why they are going to do it,” Louise said.

On turning 100, Maureen received her card from King Charles, and a blessing from Pope Leo XIV.

Best wishes to Maureen from everyone at Moya Cole Hospice on turning 100.

Moya Cole Hospice release candle in collaboration with Molly Lou Home Fragrance

December 10, 2025 | 1:24pm

Moya Cole Hospice has teamed up with Molly Lou Home Fragrance to bring you a candle that is a rich, comforting blend that feels like a warm embrace.

The scent of the candle was developed with Rose Grundy our complementary therapist and will be based on scents used with our patients.

The candle is currently available at our Light Up a Life services taking place this week and will be available on our online shop from Friday, December 12.

The scent of the Moya Cole Hospice candle is Mandarin and Sandalwood.

Molly Lou Home Fragrance described the scent.

“This fragrance opens with indulgent chocolate, brightened by a lively burst of orange, bergamot, and mandarin,” a spokesperson for Molly Lou Home Fragrance said.

“At its heart, soothing amber wraps around soft notes of lavender, lily, and guaiac wood, adding depth and elegance.

“As it settles, the scent melts into a beautifully smooth base of musk, vanilla, sandalwood, moss, and caramel. A creamy, cosy finish that lingers long after the flame is out. Perfect for creating a space that feels warm, inviting, and blissfully serene.”

Head of the Moya Cole Hospice Trading Company– Retail, Ryan Perkins commented.

We are delighted with this collaboration with Molly Lou Home Fragrance. It is an exciting time as we have never released a Moya Cole Hospice candle before. There has been a great uptake of the candle so far at our Light Up a Life events this week, and I look forward to them launching on our website on Friday

Ryan Perkins, Head of Moya Cole Hospice Trading Company – Retail

The candle costs £25 and refills are available for £19.50. For every candle sold, £10 will be donated directly to ongoing care at Moya Cole Hospice.

Moya Cole Hospice will be collaborating with Molly Lou Home Fragrance once again in the new year to develop a candle inspired by the Moya Cole Hospice Complementary Therapy team.

WATCH: First three Light Up a Life services held at Manchester Cathedral

December 9, 2025 | 3:31pm

The first of three Moya Cole Hospice Light Up a Life services took place at Manchester Cathedral on Sunday.

The atmospheric and emotional services are held by the hospice each year as a way of remembering those we have lost in our lives. The services involve lighting a candle in dedication to a loved one who has died.

Each service was led by our Chaplain Support Coordinator, Peter O’Brien and all the services had a different story about the work and the care at Moya Cole Hospice.

Video by Cathal Doherty and Lauren Kingsley

Steph Darbyshire was the speaker at the first service at 1pm. She spoke about the care that her son Nicholas received at our Little Hulton hospice.

“I have been asked by Moya Cole Hospice to speak about why the hospice means so much to me,” Steph said.

Moya Cole Hospice will forever be a special place in my heart and in my life. The care, compassion, and dedication during the three months that Nicholas was in their care was outstanding

Steph Darbyshire, Moya Cole Hospice Supporter

Mark Heil was the speaker at the second service at 2.30pm and he detailed the care that his wife, Helen received at the hospice during her illness and at the end of her life.

“I am a proud ambassador for Moya Cole Hospice,” Mark said. “When Helen was first admitted into Heald Green, just the mention of the word “hospice” filled our hearts with absolute fear and trepidation.

On a personal level, I was thinking how could I do this to my wife, I was letting her down. Within a short period of entering the hospice, I felt a weight had been lifted off my shoulders and the responsibility of care had been shared, and we had made the correct decision

Mark Heil, Moya Cole Hospice Supporter

Margaret Tait was the speaker at the third and final service at 4pm. She spoke about her time as a volunteer chaplain at the hospice and how it meant so much to her.

It has been my privilege and pleasure to be involved with hospice care for so many years, and I continue to be involved for as long as I can. Although I am no longer active within the hospice as a chaplain, Phil [Margaret’s husband] and I make a regular monthly donation… this is the way in which I can still feel part of the hospice family in the present and the future

Margaret Tait, Moya Cole Hospice Supporter

A tree lighting ceremony also takes place, and attendees are given card baubles so they can write a dedication to someone they love and place them hanging on the tree.

Light Up a Life is one of the hospice’s flagship events and appeals of the year. Every donation made means that we can continue to provide the very best care to our patients and their families.

A Light Up a Life service took place in Little Hulton on Monday and two more will be taking place this week. One at St Peter’s Church, Hale on Wednesday, December 11 at 7pm and one at the Heald Green hospice on Thursday, December 12 at 7pm.

You are welcome to donate by leaving a dedication on our Winter Forest. Click here to find out more.

Anita Rolfe appointed Chair of the Board of Trustees at Moya Cole Hospice

December 2, 2025 | 1:29pm

There has been a transition in the Board of Trustees at Moya Cole Hospice as Anita Rolfe takes over the position from Jackie Oldham.

Monday 1st December marked Anita’s first day as Chair of the Board of Trustees at the hospice.

Anita has served on the Board of Trustees since May 2024, bringing a wealth of experience and expertise. She is employed as the Deputy Chief Nurse for NHS Greater Manchester and has worked in the NHS as a registered nurse for 39 years having started her nursing career in 1985.

Anita has worked in a variety of clinical roles across Greater Manchester including community, acute, mental health and primary care provision. Anita has significant senior clinical leadership experience across commissioning and provider organisations, with a particular focus on governance, quality assurance and improvement, patient safety and care experience.

Anita has a close connection with the hospice, as her daughter received end-of-life care from the care team in 2019, and therefore brings a deep understanding of the feelings that families experience when engaging with the hospice.

“I’m grateful for the trust of the Board and for Jackie’s leadership,” said Anita. “This is an exciting chapter in the history of the hospice as we change our name to Moya Cole Hospice, move to our new site in Heald Green and plan for development at our Little Hulton site.

I look forward to building on our strong foundation and working with the board, staff, and community to further our commitment to caring for the people of Greater Manchester impacted by life-limiting illnesses.

Anita Rolfe, Chair, Moya Cole Hospice

Anita’s predecessor, Jackie, has led Moya Cole Hospice through the challenges of Covid, as well as the exciting and transformational plans to build a new hospice in Heald Green. She will remain actively involved as a trustee, continuing to support the organisation’s mission and provide valuable guidance during this next chapter.

“It has been an honour to serve as Chair of Moya Cole Hospice,” Jackie said. “I’m proud of what we’ve accomplished together, and I’m excited to support Anita as she steps into this important role. Anita brings extensive strategic experience, a strong commitment to our values, and a clear vision for the future.

It has been wonderful to be part of the process to bring the new hospice project from planning to reality. I look forward to the day the doors of the new hospice open for our community.

Jackie Oldham, Former Chair, Moya Cole Hospice

Christmas Tree Collections now open for registration

November 20, 2025 | 11:14am

Christmas is only around the corner! And I’m sure as the nation is starting to put up their festive trees, there is always the lingering thought in the back of the head, wondering, “how am I going to get rid of this in the new year?”.

Fear not, as Moya Cole Hospice is once again partnering with national charity Just Helping to collect and recycle Christmas trees from residences across parts of Greater Manchester!

Those who wish to have their real Christmas tree recycled by our team are able to register, here for collection dates in the new year. Moya Cole Hospice will remove your tree in exchange for a donation.

All trees are collected by a team of volunteers, then chipped and used for pathways and forest management at Wythenshawe Park.

The January 2025 Manchester collection raised £117,000 for Greater Manchester charities, with net proceeds distributed to Moya Cole Hospice, Francis House Children’s Hospice, Just Helping, and other local causes.

Georgia Vacher, Manchester Collection Lead for Just Helping, said:

“I’m so excited for this year’s Manchester Treecycle Appeal! Every year, our amazing volunteers and supporters come together to make a real difference. Last year we collected 5309 trees and raised £117,000 for Moya Cole Hospice and Francis House Children’s Hospice, and 2026 is set to be our best year yet!

The Manchester community never fails to show up with incredible generosity and spirit, helping us raise vital funds for these amazing hospices and wonderful community charities across Manchester, while also giving Christmas trees a new, eco-friendly purpose in the parks. It’s such a special campaign to be part of, and I can’t wait to see what we achieve together this year

Georgia Vacher, Manchester Collection Lead, Just Helping

Corporate Fundraiser at Moya Cole Hospice, Gayle Shaw is looking forward to the Christmas tree collection campaign.

We are so grateful to the community and Just Helping for their support of the 2024/25 Christmas Tree collection. Over the last ten years, Just Helping has helped raise over £370,000 for Moya Cole Hospice through the Christmas Tree collection scheme. We look forward to working with them again this Christmas season. So why not get ahead of yourself and book a slot to have your Christmas tree collected right from your front door in the new year

Gayle Shaw, Corporate Fundraiser, Moya Cole Hospice

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