Hospice honoured to receive High Sheriff award

Willow Wood Hospice has received a Special Recognition Award from the High Sheriff of Greater Manchester in its 25th anniversary year.

Dr Eamonn O’Neal DL presented a certificate to CEO Tracy Minshull on a visit to the Hospice, based in Ashton-under-Lyne, on Monday July 15.

The award celebrates Willow Wood’s “outstanding contribution to the community” and “recognises the appreciation of the people of Greater Manchester for your altruistic acts of thoughtfulness and kindness”.

Dr O’Neal DL was greeted by staff, volunteers and trustees in the Hospice’s garden room, where he spoke about the importance of their work, thanked them for their service and explained his role.

During his visit, the High Sheriff embarked on a tour of the beautiful gardens in the glorious sunshine, led by Head Gardener Sophie Cordingley and her team of dedicated volunteers.

He spoke to patients and learned more about the work on the Hospice’s Inpatient Unit, guided by Ward Manager Kath McGuinness and Sister Paula Tansey.

Willow Wood’s Head of Community Services, Callie Harrop, also showed Dr O’Neal DL the Hospice’s community services facilities including The Hive, counselling rooms and complementary therapy suites.  

Speaking about his visit, Dr O’Neal DL commented: “One of the privileges of being High Sheriff is that you get to visit places like Willow Wood and it is the most uplifting thing that can happen to you.

“The people I have met have been so warm, welcoming and friendly – only what I expected – and I would encourage anyone who has some nervousness about the word ‘hospice’ to come along to Willow Wood to meet the staff and volunteers here.

“The gardens are just magnificent too. I had a wonderful morning, the best visit of the High Sheriff year so far.”

Tracy Minshull, CEO of Willow Wood Hospice, said: “It was a huge honour to welcome the High Sheriff of Greater Manchester to our Hospice. Eamonn was very engaging with our staff and volunteers, who showed him what a special place Willow Wood is.

“It was a lovely surprise to be given a Special Recognition Award, which we were very grateful to receive.

“As a new CEO, I personally found it invaluable to listen to his experiences of working in the hospice sector and we thank him for taking the time to visit us.

“We would like to thank Mark Llewellin DL, Vice Chair of the Board of Trustees and a Deputy Lieutenant of Greater Manchester, for inviting Eamonn.”   

The Office of High Sheriff is the oldest secular title in British history and among the most ancient in the world, dating back more than 1,300 years.

Dr O’Neal DL was chosen by King Charles as High Sheriff of Greater Manchester and installed in April. This is the second time he has served as High Sheriff, having previously held the 12-month ceremonial position in 2020.

He is a trustee of Francis House Children’s Hospice and was previously Chair and Chief Executive of St Ann’s Hospice.

Willow Wood Hospice’s mission is to lead and deliver high quality multi-professional specialist palliative care, support and education across Tameside and Glossop.