Willow Wood football fundraiser scores big thanks to Manchester Credit Union support

Willow Wood Hospice’s much-anticipated annual Football Night Fundraiser is set for another successful evening this September, following a generous financial boost from Manchester Credit Union.

The hospice, which provides compassionate care and support for people in Tameside and Glossop with life-limiting illnesses, has received £1,958 from the Busy Bee Lottery - a charitable initiative run by Manchester Credit Union. The funding will help cover costs for the sixth edition of the popular fundraiser, which takes place on Friday 26th September.

A major highlight in Willow Wood’s fundraising calendar, the Football Night regularly draws support from football fans and the local community, raising thousands of pounds each year. The event brings together former players and football personalities to share their stories with guests, all in support of hospice care.

This year’s line-up features Manchester City legends Brian Horton, Joe Corrigan, and David White, who will be taking to the stage for interviews conducted by former top-flight referee and long-time event host Roger Dilkes.

Funds raised on the night will go towards the hospice’s essential services, which cost around £10,000 per day to deliver. As a registered charity, Willow Wood relies heavily on community fundraising and support to provide holistic care for patients and their families.

The Busy Bee Lottery, which is open to members of Manchester Credit Union, offers participants the chance to win cash prizes while supporting local charities and causes. Since launching in 2023, the initiative has already raised over £32,000 for community groups and non-profits across Greater Manchester.

Willow Wood Hospice is the latest to benefit from the scheme, with this new funding ensuring that the Football Night Fundraiser continues to be a memorable evening.

Commenting on the Busy Bee Lottery donation, Lucy Ta’ati, Willow Wood Hospice Community Engagement and Events Fundraiser said: “We are very grateful for this generous donation, which will help to stimulate more giving, through our Football Night event. 

“Our care is always provided free of charge and is available to patients regardless of age, gender, disability, race, religion, sexual orientation or diagnosis. However, we must raise £10,000 per day to run all our services and we rely on the generosity of our community to help us achieve this, so the support of Manchester Credit Union members is vital.”

Brian Wild, Willow Wood Hospice patron and Football Night organiser said: “I joined Manchester Credit Union back in the 1990s and I’m so proud that credit union members can now support the other community organisation I love to promote, with this massive donation to the 6th Annual Willow Wood Hospice Night. A classic case of people helping people”.

Mandy Wilcock, chief executive of Manchester Credit Union, added: “We’ve been able to support a wide variety of charitable organisations, across Greater Manchester, thanks to the Busy Bee Lottery and the kindness of our members. 

“All of the organisations that we support help to enhance quality of life for local people. Willow Wood Hospice is an excellent example of a positive change maker – reflecting our own values.”

Operating from three physical branches, Manchester Credit Union serves members in the City of Manchester, Stockport, Bury, Rochdale, Tameside, Trafford, and the High Peak. 

Manchester Credit Union is authorised by the Prudential Regulation Authority (PRA) and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) and the PRA.

Tickets for Willow Wood Hospice’s Sixth Annual Football Night are £15 each and can be bought by calling 0161 718 7911.