Story Telling Week

National Storytelling Week is an annual event which celebrates the power of sharing stories. Stories teach us about the world; they allow us to step into someone else’s shoes and feel empathy.

From 3rd February until the 9th February, as part of National Storytelling Week, shared some stories and encourage anyone who would like to share their own experiences of Willowbrook Hospice in the comments.

National Story Telling Week

Our first story is one we first shared in 2023. This is Neil’s Story:

“My husband, Jonathan Stott sadly passed away in 2022 at Willowbrook. The hospice provided a calm, safe and serene place for us both to just BE. I will always be grateful for the whole team at the hospice, who played an important role in Jonathan’s care. “

Neil has been passionate about raising funds for Willowbrook, and has since 2023 managed to raise over £7,000 through a number of challenges as well as asking his dear friend Heather Small to perform at an intimate concert at Prescot Parish Church (which raised £10,000!), and is planning on doing another fundraiser this year too.

We are so grateful for all that Neil has done to continue supporting our hospice, amazing fundraising efforts like this allows us to provide the service that we do for patients and their families in St Helens and Knowsley.

National Story Telling Week

This is Billy, a volunteer at our Sutton Warehouse. We asked Billy about his role as volunteer and how he got involved:

“I sadly lost my wife seven years ago to cancer, although we didn’t come to the hospice, we requested donations be made to Willowbrook. When I took the donation to the hospice, I broke down. They were so kind to me and helped me so much when I didn’t realise I needed it.

They asked if I had considered volunteering, as I was feeling a bit lost as to what to do with myself. I never looked back after this moment. I am so glad that I started to volunteer as I have made some really good friends now. Volunteering has changed my life.”

Thank you Billy for sharing your lovely story, and for all that you do for Willowbrook Hospice.

Volunteering is a great way to meet new people, whilst helping a good cause. If you have a few hours to spare, why not consider donating the gift of time? You can sign up here or find out more: https://willowbrook.org.uk/volunteer/

National Story Telling Week

Senior Staff Nurse Lauren pushed herself out of her comfort zone to do a skydive for Willowbrook Hospice, raising a fantastic £1,050!

Lauren had never done anything like this before, and chose to tick this item off her bucket list.

Lauren said, “Since working at Willowbrook six years ago, I see life from a different perspective now. Our patient’s will often speak fondly of their memories, not usually about a car they drove or clothes they wore, but their life experiences, love they have found or lost along the way and their family/friends who they have shared their lives with. I wanted to do something that I would remember for a long time. These experiences last, long after we do.

The sky dive was just unbelievable! I was so nervous until the day, but I highly recommend it to anyone! It was so incredible!”

Read more about Lauren’s story here: https://willowbrook.org.uk/senior-staff-nurse-lauren…/

Watch the video of her jumping out of the plane here: https://fb.watch/xwIooDdYY8/

If you fancy taking on a skydive like Lauren, we have some places available for 3rd May: https://willowbrook.org.uk/willowbrook-skydive-2025/

National Storytelling Week

Fundraising plays a huge part in supporting the running costs of Willowbrook Hospice. We rely so much on the help given to us by supporters. Sometimes our fundraisers are those who have a personal connection to the hospice, and sometimes there are just some wonderfully kind people who want to do their bit for their local area.

Today, we want to introduce you to a passionate new fundraising group dedicated to supporting Willowbrook Hospice. Founded by five enthusiastic and community-minded women – Michelle, Vicky, Jeanine, Lesley, and Louise – the group is committed to raising vital funds through exciting and engaging events.

Michelle said: “We are a group of friends and like minded women who have joined forces to raise money and awareness for Willowbrook hospice and the amazing work they do.

We have all individually raised money in the past for various charities, personally I’ve been raising money for the hospice since my Dad was a patient 8 years ago and I will be forever grateful for the care he received.

Hopefully, the Willowbrook Wonders will be around for many years, raising much needed funds though our varied and exciting events.”

To kick off their fundraising efforts, the Willowbrook Wonders are hosting a Fashion Show & Afternoon Tea on Sunday 13th April at the beautiful Houghwood Golf Club.

This promises to be a fantastic afternoon filled with style, entertainment, and delicious treats – all in support of a great cause! You can book via the link below.

Click here to find out more about our upcoming fundraising events https://willowbrook.org.uk/willowbrook-events/

National Story Telling Week

This is Conor, who is running the Dublin Marathon in aid of Willowbrook Hospice.

Conor said: “I’m running the Dublin Marathon this October in memory of my dad and to support the Hospice – Dublin holds a special place in my heart not just for Guinness but because it was the last trip me and my dad took before he passed.

Willowbrook was where he spent his final weeks, and the care, kindness, and support they gave not only to him but to myself and my sister was something I will never forget. The staff and volunteers made an incredibly difficult time that little bit easier, and this is my way of giving back.

This will be my first-ever marathon (I’ve only ever run 10K before), and to be honest—I’ve always hated running. But if my dad could face everything he did with resilience and a smile, I can push myself through this challenge. I want to raise at least £600, but I’m aiming to go beyond that.”

A big thank you to Conor for sharing his story, we are absolutely thrilled that he has chosen to take on this challenge and is already close to reaching his target!

If you would like to sponsor Conor, you can do so via the link below.

If Conor has inspired you to do something for Willowbrook, we have plenty of opportunities to suit everyone! Just pop over to our website and see what we have on offer: https://willowbrook.org.uk/willowbrook-events/