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Theme: Staff and volunteers

We are looking for new members to join our Cheer Squad!

September 11, 2025 | 12:18pm

St Ann’s Hospice is calling on the public to join its Cheer Squad for the upcoming Manchester Half Marathon on Sunday, October 12. 

In October we will be crossing the finish line as Moya Cole Hospice as our name change comes into effect on October 1st, but today, we proudly train as St Ann’s Hospice. Different name, same mission: providing outstanding care when it matters most. 

Cheerers for St Ann’s meet at a designated cheer spot along the route and make as much noise as possible for those running the half marathon for the hospice – they will be easily recognisable in their St Ann’s gear! 

The Manchester Half 2025 cheer spot is the Chester Road/Edge Lane area of Stretford, right by Stretford tram stops and close to Stretford Mall. 

St Ann’s staff member and one of the most vocal cheerers for the hospice, Gayle Shaw says there is nothing quite like being part of the cheer squad. 


Supporting the Manchester Half Marathon is always a highlight of my year. The atmosphere is electric from start to finish, and cheering as a team truly boosts the runners. Seeing their smiles and hearing their heartfelt ‘thank yous’ as they pass by is worth its weight in gold. It’s genuinely one of the best feelings in the world, knowing you’ve helped someone achieve a goal they’ve worked so hard for


Gayle Shaw, Corporate Fundraiser, St Ann’s Hospice

“From shouting runners’ names and giving high fives, to clapping, cheering, blowing whistles, and ringing bells. It’s all part of the fun. Spotting St Ann’s t-shirts in a sea of runners becomes a skill in itself! I’d recommend the experience to anyone. Joining the cheer squad isn’t just a day filled with joy and laughter. It’s also a powerful and valuable way to support St Ann’s Hospice and the incredible work they do for patients and families living with life limiting illness’ across Greater Manchester.” 

Marie Foster, also a staff member at St Ann’s also dedicates some of her time to cheering St Ann’s supporters in various events. 


I love cheering for all the runners at any event in Greater Manchester. From the moment we see the first runners come towards us there’s a real buzz in the air and anticipation of who we might see. It’s amazing to witness runners of all abilities and often really humbling too. I love bringing my energy to cheer them on, blowing whistles, calling their names, giving them high-fives. It’s great when you catch their eye and know your cheering has helped them keep going.


Marie Foster, Innovation and Digital Fundraiser

 “I’d recommend cheering to anyone – for a few hours of your time, you’ll have a fun day out, feel a real sense of community and enjoy being part of an iconic Manchester event. Plus you will have helped the hospice too! 

Being a cheerer for St Ann’s provides an atmospheric day where you can meet lots of new people and become an integral part of the St Ann’s community. 

If you are interested in becoming a cheerer for St Ann’s and more specifically for the Manchester Half Marathon, then please email events@sah.org.uk or call the team on 0161 498 3631. 

Volunteers’ Week 2025: Meet Jennifer

June 6, 2025 | 9:00am

Jennifer Scragg began volunteering in the café at our Heald Green hospice in 2017, having previously volunteered at Seashell Trust.

She says: “It’s one day of the week when I can still do what I used to – my background was catering.” She previously worked in catering for Manchester City Council – mainly in schools, but occasionally helping out at civic events at Manchester Town Hall and even being involved in the 2002 Commonwealth Games.

Jennifer has a personal connection to St Ann’s. Her husband was a patient twice before he died at the hospice in 2013.


I wanted to give something back for the care that he had and I had – and the kindness. It took me a long time to come back because he had hoped to die at home, but died the day before. He came in for what was then called daycare too – he loved making things. I’ve got a drawer full of necklaces and things he made here.


Jennifer Scragg, Café Volunteer

She returned to volunteering in February 2024, after a break during the pandemic. The café, though quieter than before, still offers a place of comfort for visitors and patients. “I like being here because I like to talk to people. Visitors appreciate being able to get something to eat and drink. Some people are here for a few weeks, so I get to know them. They see a friendly face and chat.”


It’s a nice atmosphere – people don’t believe you if they haven’t been – all the staff, regardless of what they do are always very friendly.


Jennifer Scragg, Café Volunteer

Jennifer’s memories of St Ann’s go back much further. Over 50 years ago, when her father was very ill with cancer, she heard talk of a hospice being built in Manchester. “It wasn’t in time for him, but not long after,” she recalls.

Jennifer says she would definitely recommend volunteering to others:


Do it! It benefits the hospice, and yourself. Once you retire you can very easily get into a routine of going to garden centres and going out for lunch! This is something meaningful.


Jennifer Scragg, Café Volunteer

Thank you to Jennifer and all our volunteers for the difference they make every day.

Volunteers’ Week runs from Monday, June 2 to Sunday, June 8.

Could you volunteer at St Ann’s?

You’ll be challenged, inspired, and empowered to help us achieve our purpose and to play your part in making a difference. We’re currently looking for volunteers in our cafés, as well as in fundraising, offices, charity shops and more, including skilled roles.

Find out more




Volunteers’ Week 2025: Meet Susan

June 4, 2025 | 12:26pm

Susan Conlon has been volunteering at St Ann’s Hospice’s Edgeley shop for the past three years, bringing warmth, dedication, and plenty of colour coordination to the shop every Wednesday.

Before joining the shop team, Susan first volunteered at the hospice itself, fitting in shifts on the drinks trolley for inpatients every other Saturday morning around her job as a receptionist.

She says: “I loved it at the hospice, it was really nice. I didn’t have a personal connection to the hospice, but it was near where I worked and something I’d always wanted to do after looking after my parents – I started after Mum died.”

After the pandemic paused volunteering on the hospice wards, she was eager to return and found her new place at the Edgeley shop.

At the shop Susan takes on a variety of duties, from working the till to steaming clothes and rotating stock. It’s the people that make the experience worthwhile for her. She says: “I enjoy meeting people. It was like that at the hospice too. Some just want a chat, and that’s lovely. It keeps my brain active too. I’d recommend volunteering to anyone – it’s quite rewarding.


For me, because I worked at the hospice before the shop, I saw first-hand how important it was to raise the money for the hospice. The nurses were lovely and treated the patients with such respect.


Susan Conlon, Shop Volunteer

Volunteering has brought Susan friendship, fun, and a sense of purpose. “We’ve done a couple of fashion shows and late-night openings at the Edgeley shop. All the volunteers were the models – it was great fun!”

She says the Edgeley volunteers are proud of the shop and the team behind it.


It’s a great shop. We keep it very colour coordinated and some people don’t even realise it’s a charity shop when they walk in. It has a big children’s section which is great. Zoe, the shop manager, is always open to listening to people’s ideas. It’s an open and supportive environment.


Susan Conlon, Shop Volunteer

For Susan, volunteering is about giving back and enjoying life in retirement. “It’s a good way of meeting people and a worthwhile cause. I’d definitely recommend it.” 

We’re grateful to Susan and all our volunteers for the difference they make every day.

Volunteers’ Week runs from Monday, June 2 to Sunday, June 8.

Could you volunteer at St Ann’s?

You’ll be challenged, inspired, and empowered to help us achieve our purpose and to play your part in making a difference. We’re currently looking for volunteers in our shops, as well as in our hospice cafés, fundraising, offices and more, including skilled roles.

Find out more




St Ann’s Hospice marks Volunteers Week 2025

June 2, 2025 | 9:00am

This week marks Volunteers’ Week, a UK-wide campaign to celebrate and recognise the contributions of volunteers. 

St Ann’s Hospice wouldn’t be able to operate without the hard work and dedication from its volunteers.  

Volunteers contribute to St Ann’s Hospice in a wide variety of ways. Some volunteer by managing the reception desk after hours, some volunteer in the local charity shops, in the cafés on the hospice sites, some work in various offices throughout the hospice and some volunteer their time to help out at various fundraising events throughout the calendar year. 

Rekha Senapati was honoured in the Popular Choice category of the Inspiring Indian Women awards largely due to her volunteering efforts with St Ann’s. 

She initially began volunteering by helping arrange flowers for patients in the Little Hulton hospice before dedicating her time to help out the Little Hulton Volunteer Fundraising Committee.

Susan Conlan is one of the volunteering team at St Ann’s shop in Edgeley, having previously volunteered on the ward at the Heald Green hospice.


I enjoy meeting people. It keeps my brain active too. I’d recommend volunteering to anyone – it’s quite rewarding. For me, because I worked at the hospice before the shop, I saw first-hand how important it was to raise the money for the hospice.


Susan Conlan, Shop Volunteer

Chief Executive of St Ann’s Hospice Rachel McMillan commented:


St Ann’s would not be able to function without the dedication of our wonderful volunteers. This week marks a way of celebrating their constant support of St Ann’s. I would like to formally thank all of our volunteers and we look forward to progressing our relationship with our volunteers for many years to come


Rachel McMillan, Chief Executive at St Ann’s Hospice

Volunteers’ Week was launched in 1984, and the initiative provides organisations and communities with a platform to thank current and past volunteers for their invaluable efforts. 

This year’s celebrations run from Monday, June 2 to Sunday, June 8.

Check back on our website throughout the week as we spotlight some of our amazing volunteers.

St Ann’s staff visit new hospice site to see patient bedrooms

April 7, 2025 | 11:56am

Members of the St Ann’s Hospice clinical team stepped foot into what will be the new inpatient unit in Heald Green. 

Head of Clinical Services, Emma Barclay, Director of Clinical Services, Emma Dixon, Medical Director, David Waterman, and Head of Facilities/Operations, Rob Kind all visited the new inpatient unit to visualise what the patient rooms would look like. 

It was the first time any member of staff from St Ann’s stepped foot into what will be the new hospice building’s inpatient unit. 

The group were guided around the construction site by Project Manager, Lee Haughton of Caddick Construction who are overseeing the project. 


It was absolutely incredible seeing the sheer size of the patient bedrooms, it blew us away. To actually walk through the corridors was just immense. We’re so grateful for everything Lee and Caddick are doing, it is going to make such a difference to our patients and our staff


Director of Clinical Services, Emma Dixon


To be able to see the new inpatient unit from plan and starting to see the space, and to see where we are going to care for patients and families, it’s been absolutely amazing.


David Waterman, Medical Director


I’ve been at the hospice for ten years so to see an actual new building that we can walk around and not being too far away from patients being able to come in and to seeing us all walking up and down those corridors is absolutely incredible


Emma Barclay, Head of Clinical Services

The St Ann’s Hospice Build it Together appeal seeks to raise £2m for the new build through community effort. The hospice has now reached its £1.5m milestone with a final push being made to raise the last £500,000 to oversee the construction of the new building. 

The new St Ann’s Hospice in Heald Green is on track to be opened by the end of this year. 

Celebrating a monumental year for St Ann’s Hospice!

December 26, 2024 | 5:00pm

As we come to the close of 2024, we at St Ann’s Hospice are reflecting on what has been a momentous year of accomplishments for our organisation.

The biggest milestone we hit this year is without a doubt the beginning of construction of our new hospice site in Heald Green. This £26.5m project will allow us to revolutionise our care going forward. The new 27-bed care facility will include individual en-suite rooms and access to private outdoor terraces. The development will also feature modern outpatient and day therapy services, dedicated bereavement and family support spaces, all surrounded by beautiful, landscaped gardens.

All going to plan, we will make the transition to the new Hospice in Autumn, 2025.

In March of this year, we were honoured to be awarded the End-of-Life Care Award at the 3rd Sector Care Awards 2024.

The national awards, which took place in March in Birmingham, aim to uncover excellence, innovation and creativity in the voluntary care and support sector.

Our application focused on St Ann’s success in innovation by delivering the rehabilitative approach to palliative care which is all about focusing on our patients wishes and goals to help them achieve what is important to them.

We were delighted to be awarded We Invest in People platinum accreditation by Investors in People in October.

Only 7% of organisations assessed globally achieve platinum status and at the heart of the accreditation it shows that every single person at St Ann’s is involved in supporting each other and is doing their best to make work better.

Also in October, we were over the moon when our Director of Clinical Services, Emma Dixon, was awarded the Nurse Leader of the Year at the national Nursing Times Awards. The Nursing Times Awards are given to individuals who are “truly exceptional and have gone above and beyond what is expected in their day-to-day roles”.

Emma was “deeply honoured” to have received the Nursing Times Nurse Leader of the Year Award and following her win she said: “It’s humbling to know that my work has been recognised. This recognition reflects not just my efforts, but also the incredible teams I have had the privilege to work alongside.”

The Great Mancunian Ball held in November and hosted by Gary and Emma Neville helped to raise over £550,000 for the new Hospice. The star-studded event was attended by Roy Keane, Jamie Carragher, Jill Scott, and many more. The night kicked off with a live recording of the award-winning The Overlap presents Stick to Football podcast, which is now available on the Overlap’s Youtube channel, amassing almost 1,000,000 views.

We could not have achieved any of these milestones without the incredible support from the community. It warms our hearts to see the outpouring of love and support the public have for the work we do at St Ann’s Hospice and we hope you have all had a happy Christmas and we wish you a wonderful New Year.

Paralympic gold medalist pays visit to St Ann’s Hospice for open discussion on end-of-life care

December 4, 2024 | 9:35am

Paralympian gold medal rower, Gregg Stevenson paid St Ann’s Hospice a visit as he has an interest in health inequalities as he is currently studying at Manchester Metropolitan University.

Gregg was greeted by Director of Clinical Services, Emma Dixon; Head of Clinical Services, Emma Barclay; Rehab Team Lead, Frances Brown; Head of Fundraising, Anne-Marie Wynn; Trainee Advanced Clinical Practitioner, Bobby Magee; and Occupational Therapist, Jody Lee Jones.

As Gregg is interested in the treatment of individuals in end-of-life care, the hospice staff held open and honest discussions about their experiences with treating people with life-limiting illnesses and health inequalities in palliative care. He was also given a tour of the Heald Green hospice where he met with an inpatient

Gregg who is from Lancashire, lost both of his legs in an explosion while serving as a Royal Engineer Commando in Afghanistan 15 years ago.


I have an interest in health inequalities as I am studying at Manchester Metropolitan University. So, I’ve come here today to learn more about how we treat people in end-of-life care, and the word for me today that sums up my experience is dignity, treating people with dignity. We’ve been talking about a sense of belonging and identity and it’s just been an incredible experience, and I am really excited to see the work that is going to be happening in the future.


Gregg Stevenson, Paralympic Gold Medalist

Director of Clinical Services at St Ann’s Hospice Emma Dixon was “delighted” to welcome Gregg to St Ann’s.

“Gregg has spoken with us about the inspirational work that he has done, not only as a rower, but with NHS England, and the Veterans across the North-West, and I am really excited to work with Gregg moving forward in the future, and hopefully get his support with our new build,” Emma said.

Jody Lee Jones took part in an open discussion with Gregg at the Hospice following his arrival.

“Today, I’ve had the pleasure of meeting with Gregg Stevenson, and I’ve been able to share a patient story focusing on our rehab approach here at the Hospice, which links in with Gregg’s own journey, focusing on belonging and identity and how important that is for the people that we work with,” Jody said.

Bobby Magee said it was a “great opportunity” to meet Gregg.

“Gregg has been telling us about his life journey and his rehab focus and what got him to think about how he can improve not only as an individual but also how he can link that into the work he is currently doing with his Masters and his PhD, also linking in with the support he is doing for Veterans at the moment. There are loads of similarities and differences between what we can do and it’s about how we can link up and move together with all those connections in the future,” Bobby said.

St Ann’s staff present at Hospice UK’s national convention

December 3, 2024 | 5:00pm
Lesley and Lynsey

A number of St Ann’s staff members presented at Hospice UK’s annual National Conference 2024 taking place in Glasgow.

Programme Lead, GM Hospices Provider Collaborative, Martin Foster; IPU Ward Sister, Lynsey Ayres; and Dr Lesley Henson were the St Ann’s Hospice staff members who presented at the conference.

The theme for this year’s event which took place from November 26 – 28 was ‘Hospice care for all, for now, forever’ and the three day conference was officially opened by Her Royal Highness Princess Anne.

Following a consultation with the palliative and end-of-life care sector, Hospice UK outlined three key themes on the challenges facing members and the sector. The conference programme explored three priorities: improving equity of access, enhancing quality care, and achieving sustainability.

Martin Foster said his presentation was based around the collaborative approach adopted by St Ann’s, along with colleagues across the Greater Manchester Hospices Collaborative, to sharing and using their data in a more clever, meaningful and impactful way.

“My presentation brought together a little bit of the past and a little bit of the future. It first focused on the early stages of our collaborative data journey together, which started slowly but has set us in really good stead. I then looked to a more exciting future around data; to a more sophisticated and exciting collaborative approach to sharing really important data with the Greater Manchester Health and Care Intelligence Hub,” Martin said.


It was quite nice to get some real-time interest and validation following the presentation. Attendees at the event were tapping me on the shoulder, saying they have little similar in terms of a data approach, how lucky we are, and how well we are doing.


Martin Foster, Programme Lead, GM Hospices Provider Collaborative

Dr Lesley Henson’s presentation was about the role of the hospice in supporting patients who are in a prolonged disorder of consciousness.

“We worked with some of the medical and nursing team here at St Ann’s Hospice, and also with one of our bereaved caregivers. Together we put a poster together with information and a case story about one of the patients who died at the hospice. That was displayed at the conference,” Lesley said.

The Hospice UK’s annual National Conference allowed St Ann’s to broadcast our role as leaders in the hospice sector. Our presenting team were able to demonstrate our bold and brave approach and shine a focus on innovation and learning from others.