List, and brief description, of the participating charities:

Age Concern East Cheshire

Age Concern East Cheshire is a local independent charity. Our aim is to promote the well-being of everybody aged 50+ in East Cheshire and make later life a fulfilling and enjoyable experience. We provide a number of services around the Borough of Macclesfield and Congleton Town.

Promoting Independence:
• Information and Advice - free, confidential, independent support, including welfare benefits, transport, housing, leisure, care, financial and legal issues
• Healthy Lifestyles - health walks, exercise groups, scrabble, and other activities
• Learning Centre - free computer, internet, e-mail, digital photo and other sessions

Care Services:
• Day care for older people with dementia and the physically frail
• Domestic cleaning for people over 60
• Home based respite care to give carers a break
• Creative Activities services at Macclesfield Hospital

We couldn't provide all this without the support of over 100 wonderful volunteers who bring their energy, skill, practical help and commitment to the work.
As a local charity, with no central funding, we need to raise all the money for the services we run ourselves, and all money raised is spent locally.
If you would like further information or to offer help, contact Age Concern East Cheshire on 01625 612958.
Cards available at Macclesfield

Alzheimer's Society East Cheshire Branch

Dementia currently affects over 750,000 people in the UK. Approximately 18,000 people with dementia are under the age of 65. Dementia affects one person in 20 over the age of 65 and one person in five over the age of 80. There are nearly 18 million people with dementia in the world. Add to that the number of people who care for family and friends affected, and you can get an idea of the amount of work we need to do!
Our Branch currently supports 230 carers and an increasing numbers of people with dementia. We provide specialized information, advice and emotional support. We currently have three part time Family Support Workers and a team of Volunteers for essential home visits, telephone contact and various support and information groups. Some of our money is used to purchase respite care for Carers to enjoy a well earned break
. We rely heavily on donations and fundraising, which is undertaken by a variety of very dedicated volunteers. We also apply for funding and grants to help with the day to day costs/Any donations are greatly appreciated and will be used on our local area.
Anyone interested finding out more, becoming a volunteer or making a donation, please contact Johanne Hawkins on 01625 503302
Cards available at Wilmslow, Macclesfield, Knutsford and online
Visit the Alzheimer's Society web site

Amnesty International

First, the big picture. Amnesty International is a worldwide movement of people who care about Human rights. It adopts individual “Prisoners of Conscience” as long as they have not used or encouraged violence. It is staunchly independent of any government, political ideology, economic interest or religion. Its campaigns for victims of Human Rights violations are based on accurate research and international law.

Local Groups of volunteers send their well-gotten gains to Amnesty's Human Rights Centre in London, where it pays for a wealth of worthwhile projects.
At national level, Amnesty case-workers observe trials, investigate reports of Human Rights abuses, research law & facts, compile reliable reports, lobby authorities, and create case-work for Local Groups and public appeals.
At local level, volunteers use letters, faxes, e-mails, petitions, articles in the media, publicity stunts, and whatever it takes to shine a spotlight on abuses. In many countries, persistent publicity is followed by an improvement in prison conditions (eg: an end to torture), by open trials, by release even, by relaxation of death sentences, by investigations into abuses such as death squad killings or “disappearances”.
As well as protecting individuals, Amnesty supports other Human Rights Groups under threat, and it campaigns with like-minded partners on Human Rights themes eg: with Oxfam for an International Treaty on Arms Trade Control.

That's all pretty broad stuff. Here`s a practical example.
Vera and Orton Chirwa were lawyers in Malawi. Having criticised their government for Human Rights violations, they were falsely charged and convicted of treason. Letters flooded in from tens of thousands of Amnesty members around the world. Their death sentences were relaxed and so began a long campaign for their release. English and German members spearheaded publicity campaigns to make sure that the pair were not forgotten. Year after year, they continued to raise the case with Malawi officials, judges, religious groups, academics, medics, anyone with interest or influence. When Orton died in prison, leading UK lawyers laid a wreath outside the Malawi High Commission in London, the international outcry swelled, three months later Vera was freed.
Cards available at Macclesfield and online
Visit the Amnesty web site

Arthritis Care

Arthritis affects 8 million men and women in the U.K., including one million under forty-six and 14,500 children. Arthritis Care is the U.K.'s largest voluntary organisation working with and for all people with arthritis.
For over 50 years we have been working to promote their health, well-being, and independence through services, support, self-help, information and influence.
Cards available online only
Visit the Arthritis Care web site

Arthritis Research Campaign

Arthritis is a disease that affects so many of our families and friends; children too can suffer. These insidious diseases can destroy lives, leaving their victims in severe pain and with life-threatening disabilities.
We work hard through voluntary committees, to raise money for research into these diseases. In the North West, the beneficiaries of research funds include the prestigious ARC Epidemiology Unit at Manchester University, and the Rheumatology Research Group at Liverpool University. Huge advances are being made through clinical trials to combat the effects of arthritic diseases, which affect over 60% of the population.
Examples of recent trials in Manchester are ones researching intramuscular methylprednisolone in very early inflammatory polyarthritis - a common form of arthritis. Many people who develop this (painful swollen joint) recover spontaneously within a few weeks; the remaining people have a persistent arthritis which may develop into rheumatoid arthritis (RA). One reason for this may be that people do not produce enough steroid hormones. This trial will test whether boosting the body level of steroid during the early weeks of arthritis improves the rate of resolution of arthritis. If it does, then this will be a simple and inexpensive way of “curing” arthritis in a proportion of cases. The funding for this particular trial will cost over £400,000.
Your contributions are fundamental to ARC research and are greatly appreciated by all involved and ultimately by the huge numbers of people suffering from arthritic diseases.
If you would like to help please contact: Liz Ferguson 01625-585290 (Alderley/Wilmslow) or Alison Gee 01625-263558 (Macclesfield and Congleton)
Cards available at Wilmslow, Macclesfield and online
Visit the Arthritis Research Campaign web site

Asthma UK

Asthma UK (the operating name of the National Asthma Campaign) is the charity dedicated to improving the health and well-being of the 5.2 million people in the UK whose lives are affected by asthma.

We work together with people with asthma, health professionals and researchers to develop and share expertise to help people increase their understanding and reduce the effect of asthma on their lives.

Our vision is: control over asthma today, freedom from asthma tomorrow.
Cards available online only
Visit the Asthma UK web site

Barnardos

Barnardo's aim is to challenge disadvantage and create opportunity through its 64 services in the North West. Barnardo's vision is that all children and young people should be free from poverty, abuse and discrimination. Our purpose is to help the most vulnerable children and young people to transform their lives and fulfil their potential.

Barnardo's were best known for their homes. Having closed our last children's home in the 1980's, we do, however, continue to work with children and young people who live in foster homes and many others in care. Through our successful campaigning on behalf of children and young people, we have been able to influence government objectives on child poverty, abuse and discrimination. All of our work in the North West reflects these key issues.

Through our history and modern day voice for children and young people, we have established ourselves as the UK's largest children's charity. Last year, we helped over 21,000 children and young people across the North West.

In our area, the Manchester Leaving Care Service is based in Moss Side. The main aim of this service is to help disadvantaged and vulnerable young people who have been “in care” all their lives to take their first tentative steps into the “adult” world. The service aims to help the young people referred to them with issues such as finance, education, training and employment and to live for the first time independently. It works with 550 young people at any one time, comprising every young person leaving care in the city Manchester city area.

As a specific example, Jane is a chaotic young woman, still only 17 years old, but it seems that she has already experienced so much. She has been in all sorts of care placements and since she left care has stayed in hostels and homeless places. On top of that, she has taken overdoses or threatened to commit suicide on countless occasions. Working with Jane can be exhausting. The Project Workers see her nearly every day some weeks. Sometimes she is then “missing” for a few weeks and then she will turn up with a crisis; homeless, with no money and in a state of confusion. On other occasions, she will turn up for what she calls a spot of TLC - tender loving care. For all her problems, Jane is a survivor.
Cards available at Wilmslow, Macclesfield, Hale and online
Visit the Barnados web site

Beechwood Cancer Care

There are no beds at Beechwood so it isn't a hospice. There are no doctors nor medicines at Beechwood so it isn't a hospital, yet our patients say it is their time with us that helps them most following a cancer diagnosis.
Described by a patient as a haven of tranquillity, the Beechwood Centre based in Stockport offers emotional and psychological support, not just to cancer patients, but also to their carers and their families. Thousands of people from all parts of the North West of England have benefited during the past fifteen years and in 2005 we celebrate 15 years of excellence in caring, during which time we have received numerous accolades and awards for our work and business practices.
Our programmes of support are individually structured and are provided free of charge by fully qualified nurses and experienced complementary therapists. Referrals are accepted from hospitals, including Christies, from GPs, from Macmillan Nurses and from other health professionals, who all work closely with Beechwood. However patients can refer themselves direct - we are as near as a telephone.
Our charity income target now stands at £1,000 per day. Your purchase of our Christmas cards helps greatly and is very much appreciated. Visit our website to learn more about Beechwood, its work, and our popular events.
Tel 0161 476 0384; e-mail: info@beechwoodcancercare.co.uk
Cards available at Hazel Grove and Heaton Moor

BIBIC

BIBIC - British Institute for Brain Injured Children - aims to become the charity of choice for interdisciplinary assessment and service delivery to support the families and carers of children with conditions affecting their sensory, social, communication, motor and learning abilities.
We work with the children and their families with the goal of improving the quality of life for both, and the number we can support.
With the families and the community we work to develop generous external support, to foster mutual co-operation between families, and to improve our services to better meet their needs.
In the national arena we aim to create awareness of the needs of our families, to gain a recognition of the services we deliver, and to increase financial support by partnership activity.
Cards available online only
Visit the BIBIC web site

The Blue Cross

Established in 1897 The Blue Cross is Britain's pet charity, providing practical support, information and advice for pet and horse owners.
Through our network of adoption centres we rehome thousands of animals each year. Our equine centres rehabilitate needy horses and ponies and find them long-term homes. Blue Cross animal hospitals provide veterinary care for the pets of people who cannot afford private vets' fees.
The Blue Cross receives no government funding. We are grateful that profits from your order will help fund our vital work. Thank you for your support - our work would not be possible without people like you.
Cards available at Wilmslow and online with a bigger card selection
Visit the Blue Cross web site

Breakthrough Breast Cancer

Breakthrough Breast Cancer is the leading charity committed to fighting breast cancer through research and education and has established the UK's first dedicated breast cancer research centre, in partnership with The Institute of Cancer Research. Breakthrough's scientific work ultimately aims to eradicate breast cancer by discovering the causes of the disease, finding methods of prevention and developing new treatments, with results being translated as rapidly as possible into practical help for patients.
Breakthrough campaigns for policies that support breast cancer research and better services, as well as promoting breast cancer education and awareness among the public, policy makers, health professionals and the media.
To find out more about the work of Breakthrough visit www.breakthrough.org.uk or for further information on breast cancer call the Breakthrough Information Line FREE on 0800 100 200
Cards available online only
Visit the the Breakthrough Breast Cancer web site

British Heart Foundation

Nearly everyone has some association with heart disease during their lifetime, either through friends or family or your own experience. The U.K. has one of the highest death rates from heart disease in the world. It is also our most expensive illness, costing the U.K. economy £10 billion yearly in hospital care, drugs, and working days lost. Research funded by the B.H.F. has made a huge impact over the years. Advances in the treatment of heart disease continue apace. Heart valve replacements, pacemakers, transplants, clot-busting drugs, angina and blood pressure treatments have all contributed to the better health of patients.
The B.H.F. fund rehabilitation programmes at the Manchester Royal Infirmary and Wythenshawe Hospitals, among many others. it also helps to finance life saving equipment in Cardiac care wards. Defibulators are financed for use by GP's, Police Ambulances and other organisations.
Research is expensive and on-going. Your support is valued. For further information please contact Pam and Brian Critchley on 01625-828528.
Cards available at Wilmslow, Macclesfield, Altrincham, Hale, Hazel Grove, Heaton Moor
Visit the the British Heart Foundation web site

British Horse Society

We work for every horse and rider. The specific aims of the Society are central to equine welfare and we achieve this by constantly striving towards improved knowledge through education, training and advice.
Cards available online only
Visit the the British Horse Society web site

British Red Cross

The British Red Cross aims to be the certain sign of hope in crisis. By giving the British Red Cross your support you are helping vulnerable people in the UK and overseas.
The British Red Cross is always ready to respond should a disaster strike in the UK. Trained volunteers and staff give their time and skills in support of the statutory services in many types of situations - from a major incident, such as a train crash, to local weather problems, such as storms and flooding. This might include setting up rest centres for victims and/or their relatives; helping to transport people to a place of safety; providing supplies or equipment; helping with first aid or general care.
Volunteers and staff maintain the skills they need to give this care by helping people in their own communities. They may help people to make essential journeys; supply medical equipment on loan; care for people in their homes to help them through a crisis; provide first aid; or help meet the needs of the most vulnerable in their local area.
As part of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement the British Red Cross provides neutral and impartial care to people in crisis and is ready to respond to emergencies around the world., such as the recent Indonesian tsunami. In armed conflict or natural disaster the Movement cares for those most in need, as well as helping National Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies around the world to prepare for emergencies and develop services to meet the needs of their own communities.
Cards available at Knutsford, Hazel Grove and Heaton Moor
Visit the the British Red Cross Christmas card site

Cancer Research UK

Cancer Research UK was launched in February 2002 following the merger of The Cancer Research Campaign and Imperial Cancer Research Fund, and is now the world's leading independent organisation dedicated to cancer research. It supports the work of more than 3000 scientists, doctors and nurses, and is the European leader in the development of novel anti-cancer treatments and is training the next generation of cancer scientists and doctors.
Our vision is to cure cancer faster, aiming to control the disease within two generations, carrying out world-class research into the biology and causes of cancer, developing effective treatments, improving the quality of life for patients, reducing the number of people diagnosed with cancer and providing authoritative information on cancer.
Cancer Research UK is almost entirely funded by donations from the public with a network of 640 shops, 1000 fundraising groups, 30,000 volunteer supporters and more than one million people who regularly donate to Cancer Research UK.
In. the three years since merger the amount spent on scientific research has increased from £l75M in 2001-2 to £213M in the last year, a truly excellent growth in research expenditure in more than 30 towns and cities in the UK, over £15M being spent in North West England.
In Manchester the Paterson Institute for Cancer Research has approximately 15 teams working on a range of projects including bowel cancer, cervical cancer, leukaemia, and the cell changes involved in the development of cancer.
The Christie Hospital, one of the biggest cancer hospitals in Europe, and Cancer Research UK Department of Oncology are developing new treatments for kidney, stomach and bowel cancer.
At the Royal Manchester Children's Hospital we are funding the UK Children's Cancer Study Group ensuring children receive the most up-to-date treatments, with over 30 clinical trials currently being run.
At the Wolfson Molecular Imaging Centre, we contributed £2M towards building and equipment costs for the scanning tool PET, which tracks in real time the effectiveness of a particular drug in cancer treatment.
At Liverpool we are funding several projects at the University, including studies on pancreatic cancer, lung cancer and genetic aspects of small cell lung cancer, and the involvement of viruses in cervical and non-melanoma skin cancer.
Cards available at Wilmslow, Macclesfield, Altrincham, Hazel Grove, Heaton Moor, Hale and online

Visit the Cancer Research UK web site

Cheshire Wildlife Trust

The Cheshire Wildlife Trust started in 1962 and was originally known as the Cheshire Conservation Trust. It now owns or manages 45 nature reserves covering over 400 hectares throughout Cheshire. Locally we manage Cotterill Clough near the airport, Saltersley Moss, and a small reserve on Wilmslow's peat bog. In Knutsford we manage both the Heath and the Moor.
The trust has about 5000 members and has many corporate supporters who help to protect our County's fragile natural history from the ravages of development, intensive farming etc.
The trust employs four full time staff engaged in education visiting schools and colleges to involve young people in our work.
The trust recently acquired Gowy Meadows, its largest reserve at over 165 hectares, which adjoins the Shell Stanlow Oil Refinery and is owned by them but leased to us to manage for the benefit of wildlife.
Cards available at Wilmslow, Macclesfield and Altrincham

ChildAid to Russia and the Republics

ChildAid to Russia & the Republics (formerly Aid to Russia & the Republics) seeks to improve the lives of disadvantaged children particularly street children, children with disabilities and orphans, in Russia, Ukraine, Belarus and Moldova. We work with local partners supporting community initiatives which are usually led or inspired by Christians, and care for all children irrespective of their faith. Our work is currently focused on 10 projects.

In RUSSIA 3 projects support 14 orphanages, care for street children and abandoned babies, and teach life skills and a trade to street children. In UKRAINE 3 projects feed street children and care for poor families, teach life skills to orphanage graduates and support foster families caring for homeless children. In MOLDOVA 3 projects care for children with disabilities, and provide free medical treatment to children with chronic long term illnesses. In BELARUS our project has a day centre and residential centre for young adults with disabilities.

Our child sponsorship scheme provides financial support to several groups of children in Russia, Ukraine, Belarus and Moldova. We are currently looking for UK volunteers with specialist skills to send to our projects. If you would like to volunteer overseas, or would like to work as a volunteer for ChildAid in the UK, please get in touch with us.
Cards available online only
Visit the ChildAid to Russia and the Republics web site

Childlife

Childlife is a special collaboration between four charities helping children. More information about Childlife and links to the four charities we support can be found on our website below. Your card purchase will help so many children who are living with constant challenges to their daily lives.

National Deaf Children's Society (NDCS): The NDCS is the leading UK charity solely dedicated to supporting all deaf children and young people, their parents, carers and professionals working on their behalf, through 110 local groups.

Acorns Children's Hospice: Acorns care for life-limited children and support their families at their children’s hospices in Selly Oak, Birmingham, and Walsall, as well as through a community team who are on call around the clock for families in their own home.

National Children's Bureau (NCB):  NCB promotes the interests and well-being of all children and young people across every aspect of their lives.  Founded in 1963, NCB is a charitable organisation that acts as an umbrella body for organisations working with children and young people in England & Northern Ireland. Through working in partnership, sharing knowledge, resources and services they have created a powerful, authoritative and influential voice to improve the lives of children and young people.

Ataxia UK: The ataxias are rare neurological disorders which cause key nerve and muscle cells to die and can strike at any age - babies, children, teenagers or adults.  Ataxia UK support people affected by ataxia with research, information, welfare grants, campaigning and the opportunity to meet and help others in a similar position.
Cards available online only
Visit the Childlife web site

Children's Adventure Farm Trust

Based within 10 acres of beautiful Cheshire countryside, The Children's Adventure Farm Trust, (CAFT) is a haven for hundreds of disabled and disadvantaged children. Our aim is to provide very special holidays for these Special Children. Groups of children (average age 4-14) and their carers visit the Farm for a week long holiday during May to October each year.
All children visiting CAFT are at a disadvantage compared to other children. They may be chronically sick, terminally ill, sensory impaired, physically disabled, learning disabled, abused, or living in areas of social deprivation. We also feel privileged to welcome children who themselves act as carers for a family member, or have suffered bereavement.
Our 17th Century farmhouse has been converted to sleep up to 18 children and carers. Surrounding the courtyard we have a series of adapted coaching buildings that now house activity rooms and three wheelchair-friendly apartments -for children with complex disabilities. During the holiday season we have a dedicated activities team on site, The Green Team, who lead a programme of film and educational activities. Our grounds are also host to a fantastic omni-ability sports hall, playing fields, adventure playground, nature trail, sheep enclosure, sensory garden and organic vegetable patch.
Thus we are able to provide a relaxing and stimulating break to children for whom a holiday is not a luxury, but a very vital break away from what are often difficult circumstances.
Cards available at Altrincham and Hale
Visit the Children's Adventure Farm Trust web site

Children's Society

The Children's Society works with some of Britain's most vulnerable children and young people. Children with disabilities, child runaways, homeless teenagers and young families experiencing problems.
Originally called The Waifs and Strays Society in the 19th Century, The Children's Society has changed more than just its name. It has responded to changes in social attitudes and problems, finding new ways to help the many children damaged by society and often neglected by their own families.
One of the new schemes was pioneered very successfully here in Manchester and has now extended to other parts of the country. Called Safe in the City, it aims to help both practically and emotionally some of the 100,000 children under 16 who run away from home each year. Social workers from the Society seek out these children in railway and bus stations, squats and other areas to which youngsters gravitate.
Practically they are given clothing, food and shelter in refuges established for this purpose. They are befriended by caring young adults who will listen to their problems and help them to plan a way forward. For many children it is often the first time anyone has cared enough to listen without criticism.
The Children's Society is a Christian organisation which exists to work with and for children and young people regardless of race, culture or creed. If you have ideas for fundraising events or would like to help with fundraising, please contact one of our local committees - Altrincham (Jackie Granger Brown 0161 928 0530) or Wilmslow (Barbara Naylor 01260 252663)
Thank you for helping to give all children the positive start in life they deserve.
Cards available at Macclesfield, Altrincham and Hale
Visit the the Children's Society web site

Christian Aid

Christian Aid believes in, and campaigns for, life before death. By identifying the root causes of worldwide poverty and suffering Christian Aid can then work towards eradicating them particularly in the lives of the world's poorest people. Campaigning towards the cancelling of third world debt, adopting fair trade and most recently the major campaign “Make Poverty History” are all part of the work of Christian Aid. It is hoped that, during Britain's presidency of the EU, and particularly at the G8 conference in Edinburgh, pressure can be brought to bear on world leaders to significantly improve the lives of the children in the world's poorest families.

In the Boxing Day Tsunami disaster, Christian Aid workers were on hand to provide help immediately because of its policy of using, in the main, local people to provide its services rather than sending UK staff.

In the Democratic Republic of the Congo there was a volcanic eruption in 2002 which caused terrible disruption in the Goma region. Christian Aid supporters raised £1.4M in an emergency appeal.
Christian Aid has been working in India for 50 years and during this period life expectancy has doubled and infant mortality halved. Much has been done to change traditions such as only educating boys, girls are now encouraged to go to school and a “bridge school” has been established which gives girls intensive teaching to bring them to a high enough standard to transfer to mainstream schools.

In 2004 Christian Aid week raised £14.5M, over £1M of which was Gift Aided adding a further 22% to each donation. Please consider this form of giving when you make any charity donation.
Cards available at Macclesfield

Christie's - Towards a future without cancer

Christie's is the charity which raises funds for the Christie Hospital - the largest single-site cancer treatment centre in Europe.

We provide:
• High quality diagnosis, treatment, and care for more than 3.2 milli
on people in Greater Manchester and Cheshire.
• World class research from the laboratory to the clinic.
• Education of international renown in all aspects of cancer

But we want to do better. Our vision is a future without cancer and we aim to provide ever more effective treatments for our patients so their chances of surviving cancer are greatly increased.
To do this we need money. We need money to buy equipment and pay for the expertise that is crucial to making advances in treating cancer. Every advance we make buys someone more time.

Projects we are currently raising money for include:
A short-stay chemotherapy ward
A digital gamma camera and CT scanner system
Long term effects research

Developments in radio-immunotherapy
New clinical trials research unit

Given that one in three of us are affected by cancer, chances are that one day it could be you, or somebody you love. So please do what you can to support the Christie. Your help could go a long way towards paying for projects that could dramatically improve treatment for our patients and take us all towards a future without cancer.
Contact the Christie's appeals office on 0161 446 3988
Cards available at Wilmslow, Macclesfield, Altrincham, Hale and Knutsford
Visit the Christies Against Cancer web site

Cystic Fibrosis Trust

The CF Trust is the only national charity solely concerned with the wellbeing of people with Cystic Fibrosis (CF), the UK's most common life-threatening, inherited disease, which attacks the lungs and digestion. The CF Trust funds research aimed at understanding, treating and curing CF. It also provides direct financial, practical and emotional support to families and individuals.
Cards available online only

Visit the CFT web site

David Lewis Centre

The David Lewis Centre is the UK's foremost epilepsy health and educational establishment. Nationally renowned as a unique, highly specialised organisation, it provides residential care, treatment and education for children and adults with complex epilepsy and associated conditions.
More than 700 dedicated staff provide unreserved care and support to 275 residents, striving to make enjoyable, loving and fulfilling lives with highly individualised medical treatment and education.
As we are a registered charity, donations help the Centre excel in its goals, to surpass the "expected" standards of care and to make a significant difference to each individual, regardless of their experiences and circumstances.
Cards available at Macclesfield

for dementia

for dementia (The Dementia Relief Trust prior to 2003) works in partnership with the statutory, voluntary and independent sectors to provide ADMIRAL NURSES for carers of people with all forms of dementia. Admiral Nurses are qualified nurse specialists who offer individual psychological and practical support for carers from the point of diagnosis and for as long as necessary. They also provide consultancy and advice to other professionals in the field, and work to raise awareness of the immense stresses that caring for someone with dementia brings.

With around 700,000 people in the UK diagnosed as having dementia (that's 1 in 5 people over 80, and 1 in 20 people over 65), and most of them being cared for at home by their families and friends - at least in the early stages of the illness - there is a huge need for Admiral Nurses.

Since its foundation in 1994, for dementia has set up 13 teams of Admiral Nurses around England, but it is our aim to reach out to carers of people with dementia right across the UK. Each team of two nurses costs about £100,000 a year to maintain, and we constantly need to raise funds to support existing sevices as well as to expand our network and carry out the research and evaluation we constantly need to undertake. We have also developed a programme of low-cost, high-quality training for professional carers.
Cards available online only
Visit the for dementia web site

Devon Wildlife Trust

The Devon Wildlife Trust is the only the only organisation exclusively concerned with all aspects of wildlife conservation in Devon.

The Devon Wildlife Trust manages more than 40 nature reserves which are home to an amazing wealth of wildlife.

By supporting the Devon Wildlife Trust through the purchase of Christmas cards you will be a vital part of a combined community effort, making a practical contribution to local wildlife conservation.
Cards available online only
Visit the for Devon Wildlife Trust web site

Diabetes UK

Diabetes UK is the leading charity for people with diabetes. Over 2 million people in the UK have diabetes and up to 750,000 others have the condition but do not know it yet.

Diabetes UK is the largest organisation in the UK working for people with diabetes, funding research, campaigning and helping people live with the condition.

Our mission is to improve the lives of people with diabetes and work towards a future without diabetes. You can make a real difference to the lives of those we help.
Cards available online only

Visit the Diabetes UK web site

East Cheshire Crossroads - Caring For Carers

Crossroads promotes, offers, supports and delivers high quality services for Carers and people with care needs within their own homes.
East Cheshire Crossroads is a Registered Charity and a Scheme Member of Crossroads Association. East Cheshire Crossroads provides support to Carers and people with care needs in Macclesfield Borough and surrounding area and is responsible for its own management and funding. Quality services are delivered by highly trained paid care support workers.

Crossroads offers help and support to:
• Carers of all ages, including Young Carers
• Carers of people with physical disabilities
• Carers of people who are elderly, frail or confused
• Carers of people who are terminally ill
• Carers of children and young people with special needs
Crossroads is the leading charity providing practical support to Carers
Cards available at Macclesfield and Knutsford

East Cheshire Hospice

The East Cheshire Hospice is a centre of excellence providing specialist care with emotional and practical support for all terminally ill patients and their families within the local community.
During their stay, patients will receive treatment to help relieve pain and other symptoms causing discomfort. They will also receive a great deal of love, care and skilled attention from trained medical, nursing and support staff. Some patients may attend the day care centre or return to a hospice for a short stay, possibly to give their family a respite from the stress of nursing on a 24 hour basis. A hospice cannot claim to extend life, but it can certainly improve the quality of life for each patient, so that each day can be lived to the full.
East Cheshire Hospice needs to raise over £4,500 every day of the year to ensure we maintain the high standard of care we offer to those people suffering illnesses for which there is presently no cure. We currently receive just 21% of our annual running costs from statutory sources. If you would like to support East Cheshire Hospice in any way, please contact 01625 433477.
Hospices were originally resting places for the weary traveller...... they still are. But more, they add quality and dignity to the lives of those who visit, ensuring that, if required, the remainder of the journey is not undertaken alone.
Cards available at Wilmslow, Macclesfield and Knutsford

Fight for Sight

Every day 120 people in the UK start to lose their sight through eye disease or injury – that's five people every hour.

For 40 years Fight for Sight has been at the forefront of research into the prevention of blindness and treatment of eye disease in the UK. Thanks to our supporters major medical advances have been made possible.

Fight for Sight has invested £10 million into eye research over the last five years. What's more, the charity has committed £1 million into children's eye diseases – Fight for Sight's biggest ever investment into children's eye research.

This Christmas, help Fight for Sight to raise vital funds to continue funding leading edge eye research across the UK.

We've made considerable progress but there's still so much more to be done.
Cards available at Macclesfield and online
Visit the Fight for Sight web site

Foundation for the Study of Infant Deaths

FSID is the UK's leading cot death charity preventing infant death and promoting infant health. FSID raises funds for research, supports families whose babies have died suddenly and unexpectedly and promotes reduce the risk advice among parents, carers and professionals. A 24 hour helpline is available for advice and information, call 0171 235 1721.
Cards available online only
Visit the FSID Web Site

Francis House Children's Hospice

Francis House is a Hospice for children who suffer from life-limiting illnesses.
The hospice was set up by the Rainbow Family Trust in 1991. It is situated in Manchester and is at the heart of caring for children whose lives are shortened due to complex medical illnesses for which there is no known cure. Hundreds of very sick children and their families have shared their joys and sorrows in a wonderfully comfortable, home from home environment. Far from being a sad place, Francis House is a hive of activity and fun, a place where children are enabled to live life to their fullest! We are there for the very sad times too, of course, and in offering support through the respect we bear for each and every child and family who hold varied creeds, cultures and beliefs, they allow us the privilege of working with them through their times of stress, pain and grief.
A massive 96% of the £1.5M costs each year have to be met from Voluntary sources. Your support provides this oasis of love and peace, rainbows of hope in the lives of so many families each year - 180 plus. Thank you.
Cards available at Wilmslow, Altrincham, Hale and online
Visit the Francis House web site

Friends for Leisure

Friends for Leisure continues to flourish and will celebrate its tenth birthday of this year, The charity supports nearly two hundred disabled children and young people to participate in mainstream leisure activities and friendships. Covering East Cheshire, Friends for Leisure has a large network of over 120 volunteers and paid support workers.
“Friends for Leisure provides friendship support,” says Trevor Surtees, Coordinator of the organisation, “to enable disabled youngsters to access inclusive leisure activities of their choice. Confidence, self-esteem and valuable life skills are developed through friendships and help young people to become integrated into and contribute to society.”
Fundraising is always time consuming and hard work and the charity is grateful for the opportunity to display its Christmas Cards at the Macclesfield shop. It also raises the profile of Friends for Leisure as the opportunity is taken to talk to many people. The camaraderie of the participating charities is wonderful to see and hear with a useful exchange of ideas particularly funding sources.
For more information contact
Trevor Surtees (01625 813419)
E-mail info@friendsforleisure.org.uk
Cards available at Macclesfield
Visit the Friends for Leisure Web Site

Genesis Breast Cancer Appeal

The Genesis Appeal is the UK's only breast cancer charity entirely dedicated to the prevention of the disease. 1 in 10 women will currently be expected to develop breast cancer in their lifetime. Our mission is to create a future without breast cancer by making 1 in 10, none in 10.
Our purpose built breast cancer prevention centre, Europe's first, was completed in 2007 and we aim to support its services by sponsoring and raising funds for the people and science based there.
We will achieve this by providing a strategic programme of clinical research, the UK's largest family history clinic, plus a training centre for specialists in all breast cancer disciplines. We also promote breast screening, early diagnosis and research new treatments to stop breast cancer in its early stages. Join the fight to make 1 in 10, none in 10.
Anyone interested in making a donation to Genesis can contact us on 0161 291 4400
Cards available at Wilmslow, Macclesfield, Altrincham, Hale, Hazel Grove, Heaton Moor and online
Visit the Genesis Appeal Web Site

Guide Dogs For The Blind

Guide Dogs for the Blind Association celebrates its 75th Anniversary in 2006 having been founded in Wallasey in 1931 and it is still the only charity of its kind in the UK; it receives no government funding. It works closely with the R.N.I.B. and Dogs for the Disabled (D.f.D.), sometimes passing dogs which are unsuitable for guiding to the D.f.D. Guide Dog owners pay a nominal 50 pence for their dogs.
The main aims of the GDBA are to help visibly impaired people retain their dignity and independence, to improve accessibility, mobility and fund major research projects into the prevention and cure of eye disease.
The North West has an Advanced Training Centre at Bolton (tel: 01204 495 111) which currently has 150 puppies being walked and 104 Dogs in advanced training.
Look out in the future for new breeds being trained (experimental at the moment) which include Standard Poodles, Chesapeake Bay Retrievers, Tervurens, Long Haired Weimaraners, and Irish Water Spaniels.
Cards available at Altrincham, Hale, Knutsford and online
Visit the Guide Dogs for the Blind Web Site

Hearing Dogs for Deaf People

Hearing Dogs for Deaf People is the only charity in the UK dedicated to training dogs, mainly from rescue centres, to alert severely or profoundly deaf people to everyday household sounds such as the doorbell or telephone and to danger signals like a smoke alarm. Hearing dogs transform the lives of their recipients by providing greater independence, increased confidence and security, and valuable companionship. Currently there are 64 working partnerships in the North West region.

Felicia Walton, a resident from Macclesfield, explains how her hearing dog Benjy has changed her life…. A toy poodle adopted from the RSPCA, Benjy is Felicia Walton's second hearing dog.
“I lost much of my hearing in 1985 and was devastated,” says Felicia, 82, a widow. “ I quickly became withdrawn, lonely and unhappy, but Paddington, my first hearing dog, helped me to understand that my hearing loss was a new start, not the end. The things we did, the people we met, he gave me joy and a sense of security, and helped me to live again. Then, at 12, Paddington started to lose his hearing, so we decided to let him retire. When my current hearing dog, Benjy, finished his training he came home with me, and all three of us lived happily together until Paddington passed away last year. Benjy is a wonderful, and like Paddington has made a real difference to my life, I feel I have been doubly blessed.”

Hearing Dogs for Deaf People help many people like Felicia, and give many rescue dogs a second chance too….. just like Benjy.

Hearing Dogs does not receive any government funding, and so relies on the fundraising support of the public. By purchasing Christmas Cards from the Combined Charities Christmas Shops you will be helping to raise vital money to help train more dogs and to transform the lives of deaf people.
Cards available at Hazel Grove and Heaton Moor
Visit the Hearing Dogs for Deaf People web site

Heart Research UK

Heart Research UK is a visionary charity that leads the way in funding groundbreaking, innovative, medical research projects at the cutting edge of science into the prevention, treatment and cure of heart disease. Among our achievements, we funded 6 of the UK's first 8 heart transplant operations in the 1970's and the world's first artificial heart pump operation in 2000.
We have a strong emphasis on supporting clinical and surgical projects and young researchers on their first steps into research. However, the charity also encourages and funds original healthy lifestyle initiatives that explore novel ways of preventing heart disease in all sectors of the community.
Cards available online only
Visit the Heart Research web site

Home Farm Trust

HFT - originally Home Farm Trust -, was founded in 1962 by a group of pioneering parents who wanted a secure and stimulating future for their learning disabled youngsters once they had left school. Their vision has been sustained and built on over the past 43 years, to make HFT a leading and trusted provider of services for over 2,000 people in England with learning disabilities. All HFT residents are now in ordinary residential houses or flats. Those in the Wirral area are all within an 8 mile radius of the administrative base in Willaston. All enjoy their greater independence and wider social contacts.

HFT is helping people to achieve their ambitions, and some are now employed in paid or voluntary work. Leisure time is important; HFT staff help with a wide range of activities, including special swimming sessions for those with high care needs; opportunities for drama, music and sport and now an extensive range of IT activities. www.hft.org.uk or contact Stella Charlwood on 01625 2604
Cards available at Wilmslow, Altrincham, Hale, Hazel Grove, Heaton Moor and online
Visit the Home Farm Trust web site

Hope and Homes for Children

Hope & Homes for Children was founded in 1994 by Mark and Caroline Cook. Mark Cook, a British UN Commander in Croatia, left his 30 year army career after witnessing the terrible suffering of sixty children who were living under heavy bombardment in the cellar of their destroyed orphanage. Mark vowed to these young, innocent victims of the war that he would return to rebuild their home. This promise was indeed fulfilled and the work of the charity began.
Today, Hope & Homes for children now operates in 14 countries in Eastern Europe and Africa, with the specific aim of giving love and hope to children who have been orphaned or abandoned through war or disaster. To date, nearly 7000 children are either living in small family homes with foster parents, have been reunited with their families, or are being helped by the charity in other ways. They have been successful in closing down the orphanages in Romania and putting the children into individual loving homes.
The Cheshire Support Group was formed just over a year ago. We hope to have raised over £20,000 by the end of 2005. If you would like to join us please phone Alison Ratcliffe, 01625 423131
Cards available at Macclesfield, Altrincham and Hale

Humane Research Trust

The Humane Research Trust is a national charity, which works with scientists to develop new medical research techniques for the permanent benefit of people without the use of animals.
For over 30 years The Trust has been at the forefront of efforts to-promote the health of people and at the same time reduce animal suffering in the laboratory. We fund a wide-ranging programme of postgraduate studentships at academic centres of excellence throughout the UK. This enables a new generation of researchers to further their careers by making a real contribution to human health in ways that do not involve the use of animals.
At the University of Manchester we are funding a team of scientists who are working on the development of human therapies with the potential to both treat and prevent cancer. We are also funding a project aiming to build a model of functional human arteries at the Manchester Medical School.
For more information please contact 0161 439 8041 or info@humaneresearch.org.uk
Cards available at Wilmslow, Macclesfield, Altrincham, Hale, Hazel Grove, Heaton Moor and online
Visit the Humane Research Trust web site

IndependentAge

IndependentAge is a national charity whose primary focus is helping older people stay independent. It provides help for those over 65 struggling on low incomes (or those over 40 unable to work due to physical disability) with a small, regular, additional income for life, as well as special equipment for the home and crisis grants for emergencies.
The charity has a network of volunteer visitors who offer support. Many older people face their troubles alone. This is when friendship from an IndependentAge volunteer makes such a difference. As one beneficiary said, “I will be able to stay in my home where I've lived for 30 years, but I also feel I've been invited to join a “family” and now have a sense of belonging.”
The charity is so committed to the principle of independence they publish a FREE guide called 60 Wise which is packed with essential information and sources of help for coping with problems and staying on top.
For information on volunteering in the North-West, or if you know someone the charity could help, please contact Mrs. Diana McVeigh 01625 521381. To obtain a free copy of 60 Wise call 083457 585680
Cards available at Wilmslow, Altrincham, Hale and online
Visit the IndependantAge web site

Jo's Trust

Jo’s Trust Fighting Cervical Cancer is a UK registered charity that is dedicated to women and their families and friends affected by pre-cancer and cancer of the cervix. Jo’s Trust’s primary activity is the provision of easily accessed ‘good’ information, support and confidential medical advice, free of charge, 24 hours a day through our website below.

Our objectives are:

To raise the public profile and understanding of the causes of pre-cancer and cervical cancer and how they can possibly be prevented and overcome

To create greater awareness of the importance of having regular cervical screening and improve the uptake of women attending, especially those aged 25-29

To campaign for new and improved preventative, diagnostic and therapeutic procedures for cervical cancer
Cards available online only
Visit the Jo's Trust web site

Kidney Research Association

North West Kidney Research Organisation (NWKRA) was founded over 30 years ago by a group of North West businessmen to help research into the causes of renal disease and failure, and also the problems associated with rejection after kidney transplantation. Research projects are specifically located in the North West region and are all carried out locally.

The NWKRA is not affiliated to any of the National Kidney Research bodies, and despite its modest scale and localised stance, many papers have been submitted as a result of NWKRA supported research, both in Europe, America and worldwide, and are used as guidelines for further study.

In essence NWKRA performs a “pump priming” role so that small but promising projects have the opportunity to demonstrate their potential value, and subsequently attract grant support from other organisations on a much more material scale.

Currently, NWKRA is funding four research projects with the aggregate support being in excess of £65,000. This small charity is still doing very valuable work here in the North West.
Cards available at Wilmslow

Knutsford Heritage Centre

It is 40 metres long, took 3000 pairs of creative hands 4 years to complete, is a modern masterpiece of 6 million stitches, yet many people still do not know it exists. What is it? It is the Knutsford Millennium Tapestry that's what. . . and it is one of Cheshire's finest secrets. Hidden away up the alley by “Jumper” off King Street.
In spite of the location we welcome around 12000 visitors a year. Some are expert embroiderers who have read about the tapestry others may be WI members on a day trip or NADFAS folk on a cultural tour. Also known internationally we entertain many tourists from abroad who have written such complimentary comments in our visitor's book. Loyal residents and enthusiastic volunteers give a great deal of their time and energy to make sure this wonderful community asset remains open.
As well as the Tapestry there are constantly changing exhibitions in the Garden Gallery which showcase local artistic talent, promote our town history or various events like Royal May Day or the Literature Festival. The Bridge Club has already attracted a large membership.
The History of Knutsford is in the Upper Gallery above the gift shop and tells of the characters associated with the town like famous writer, Elizabeth Gaskell, Henry Royce and architect Richard Harding Watt and many more.
Family and Children's events are on offer during school holidays and are widely advertised. A successful Antiques and Collectables Fair was held recently and other similar functions are planned.
The Gift Shop has been re-furbished and as well as selling a large range of tapestry goods there are a variety of books, cards, prints of Knutsford and gifts related to the town's heritage.
There is a charming and calming inner courtyard garden to delight the green fingered and the Centre can be hired for small private evening functions. We are open from Monday to Saturday from 11am - 4pm including all Bank Holidays. Disabled access is available off Canute Square between The Red Cow and Martins newsagent. Limited parking facilities. Please call 01565-650506 for further information on future events and exhibitions.

Leukaemia CARE


Leukaemia CARE exists to provide vital care and support to all those whose lives are affected by leukaemia, lymphoma and the allied blood disorders. Our work extends to the welfare of families and carers, as well as that of patients themselves. Quite simply... 'supporting a quality of life'. 0800 169 6680 (call us FREE 24/7)
The devastation felt when someone is diagnosed leaves them shattered, questioning and vulnerable. With 6,000 current members and over 26,000 people diagnosed annually the charity constantly seeks to help the people who so desperately need us. Leukaemia CARE runs a unique 24/7, 365 days a year freephone helpline, message board and community based volunteer service, among other key services, offering respite and a friendly ear through home visits and phone calls.
The charity is completely dependant on voluntary contributions. To make a donation visit http://www.leukaemiacare.org.uk/donate.asp or call 0870 77 43 667. Alternatively send a cheque to Leukaemia CARE, One Birch Court, Blackpole East, Worcester. WR3 8SG
Cards available online only
Visit the Leukaemia CARE web site

Leukaemia Research

We are the only UK national charity working exclusively to improve treatments, find cures and prevent all forms of leukaemia, Hodgkin's and other lymphomas, myeloma and related diseases which together are often referred to as "cancers of the blood".
These diseases affect people of all ages and are characterised by their relatively high incidence in young people. Leukaemia and lymphoma account for almost half of all childhood cancers. The diseases as a whole account for one third of cancers in people under the age of 30.
Our aim is to support life-saving research of the highest calibre and we achieve this through rigorous and impartial advice drawn from experts worldwide.
A substantial part of our nationally co-ordinated research programme goes on in Manchester where we support leading edge research at Manchester University, Manchester Royal Infirmary and St Mary's Hospital. This work together with research at other major centres across the UK is driving forward the more successful outcomes we see today.
Purchasing our cards will provide vital impetus to meeting the huge challenge that lies ahead as we work for a better and brighter future for patients of all ages.
Cards available at Wilmslow, Macclesfield, Altrincham, Hale and online
Visit the Leukaemia Research web site