List, and brief description, of the participating charities:

Macmillan Cancer Relief

July sees the successful conclusion to the Macmillan Macclesfield Appeal with the last £20,000 of the appeal having been raised thanks to all the magnificent support they a have received in the local area.
In Manchester the news is just as bright – in 2004 Macmillan spent over £2.32M improving cancer services in the area and paid out £350,607 in Macmillan grants helping 878 who faced immediate financial need as a result of a cancer diagnosis – next year the figure will be even more. In greater Manchester there are now over 150 Macmillan funded & supported nurses, doctors, allied health professionals, information workers and benefits advisors.
November 2004 saw the launch of Macmillan's “Better Deal Campaign” to help highlight the financial problems that people diagnosed with cancer, and their families face. In 2005 Macmillan will be investing over £0.5M in Manchester to provide 24 cancer information points in Manchester libraries and 4 new benefits advisors who will be based in Manchester Hospitals.
The Greater Manchester Appeal (South) has recently secured some very prestigious support from British Cycling & Sale Sharks. In addition, Stockport County have named Macmillan as their charity of the season for 2005-2006 so it's all looking good, but we still have a lot of money to raise to keep up with demand so any help you can give will be very welcome indeed!
Cards available at Wilmslow, Macclesfield and online
Visit the Macmillan Cancer Relief web site

Make-A-Wish Foundation® UK

Make-A-Wish Foundation UK has a very simple objective - to grant magical wishes to children and young people fighting life threatening illnesses. The charity was founded in the UK in 1986 and since then we have granted over 4300 wishes.
Our wishes are truly magical. A small and dedicated team of professional wishgranters work alongside hundreds of volunteers to turn our children's wishes into reality. Whether a wish is to be a princess or a train driver for a day, own the latest TV or computer equipment, meet a favourity celebrity or just enjoy some special time away from home with their family, a wish come true is truly magical and brings so much to a child's life and provides memories that last a lifetime.
Cards available online only
Visit the Make-A-Wish Foundation UK web site

Marie Curie Cancer Care

Marie Curie Cancer Care Nurses provide high quality nursing, totally free, to give terminally ill people the choice of dying at home supported by their families.
 For more than 50 years, across the UK, Marie Curie Cancer Care has been caring for people affected by cancer and their families. Research has shown that most people dying of cancer would like to be cared for in the comfortable surroundings of their own home.  So for those patients who would like to be cared for at home, the Marie Curie Nursing Service plays a vital role.  Our nurses work through the day or night, usually for 8 to 9 hours at a time, to care for the patient and allow the family to get some well-earned rest. Referrals for a Marie Curie Nurse are made through the District Nurse or GP and they work in partnership with the primary care team which also includes a Macmillan Nurse.
We are often asked about the difference between Marie Curie Nurses and Macmillan Nurses.  Marie Curie Nurses give direct nursing care to terminally ill cancer patients at home.  They spend a whole shift (usually 8/10 hours, usually at night) with one patient and their family.  They provide expert nursing care for the patient as well as emotional support for the patient and their family and have contact with the patient in the last few months, weeks or days of life. Marie Curie Nurses are funded 50/50 by Marie Curie and the NHS. In contrast, Macmillan nurses give direct advice and support to patients in the community, working with a caseload, in a similar way to District Nurses.  Having a "caseload" means spending time with their different patients in an advice and support role usually for around an hour at a time and usually between 9am and 5pm.  They have contact with the patient from the point of diagnosis, and do not provide physical care unless a specific need arises.
Last year, 29,000 hours of one-to-one patient care were given to 505 cancer patients in Cheshire and Greater Manchester by Marie Curie Nurses. It costs £20 an hour to put a Marie Curie Nurse in a patient's home and our priceless care costs millions to provide nationally. All our fundraising is vital to support this service and the sale of our Christmas cards at the Combined Charities Christmas Card Shops makes a substantial contribution. 
 For an information pack on the work of Marie Curie Cancer Care, events or volunteering opportunities, please call Jane Wilkinson (Cheshire & North Staffs) on 0161 255 2800 or Jemma Halman (Greater Manchester) on 0161 255 2809
Cards available at Wilmslow, Macclesfield, Altrincham, Hale, Hazel Grove, Heaton Moor and online
Visit the Marie Curie Cancer Care web site

MAST Medical and Surgical Trust

MAST is the hospital charity at Macclesfield District General Hospital. It has recently announced its latest target for fund raising: £300,000, to purchase three ultrasound scanners and associated equipment.
The first scanner to be purchased will be for the new ante-natal clinic. For young parents, possibly expecting their first baby, there is no more an exciting moment than to see the first image of their baby on a scanner screen.
The other two scanners will be in the Radiology Department .They are needed to update and broaden the service there.
Mast appeals office 01625 661988
Cards available at Wilmslow and Macclesfield

MENCAP
WILMSLOW, BRAMHALL,CHEADLE, SALE and ALTRINCHAM.

National MENCAP run two residential colleges, one in Rhyl and one in Northumberland. They also run a network of Gateway Clubs, providing support and social contact. “Viewpoint” is their publication, keeping people up to date with issues/legislation on the world of those with learning difficulties.
The Wilmslow, Bramhall and Cheadle Society raise money for a very popular Youth Club in Handforth Community Centre. They also make generous donations to the Rossendale Trust, a residential home where some of our member's children live very happily.
The Sale and Altrincham Mencap manage the full time care of over 30 people living in various homes in the community. They also manage a day care scheme for school children during the summer holidays, and a similar scheme for young adults during the long summer vacation - the Friendship Group. In addition to this they also run a flourishing Friday Club for over 16's. They also have a Welfare Officer who helps with individual problems.
Cards available at Wilmslow, Altrincham, Hale, Hazel Grove and Heaton Moor
Visit the MENCAP web site

The Mission To Seafarers

The Mission to Seafarers Northern region stretches from Cheshire across to Yorkshire and up to the Scottish borders.
The Mission, founded in 1856, will celebrate its 150th anniversary next year. The Mission to Seafarers is represented by its Chaplains and Flying Angel clubs in 230 ports worldwide. It cares for seafarers of all nationalities and faiths; and understands the difficulties, dangers and isolation they face, separated as they are from their homes and families. In over 100 ports it runs centres where crews can relax away from their ships, telephone or email home, and get help and advice.
Pressures on the seafarers are growing with faster cargo handling there is less time ashore; tighter security measures since 9/11 means that in some ports, shore leave is restricted, and in some cases, crews are barred from leaving their vessels.
The recent tsunami on Boxing Day 2004, left many sailors frantic for news of their families; two-thirds of seafarers come from the developing world. Chaplains and volunteers around the world, were busy trying to get information, make contacts and send messages via the internet on the sailors behalf. Sometimes crews find themselves without funds and stranded.. The Mission to Seafarers will be there giving practical support and help when crews have nowhere else to turn.
For more information, contact Adrian Mack at The Flying Angel, 9a Craven Court, High Street, Skipton BD23 1DG Tel: 01756 797412
Cards available at Altrincham, Hale and online
Visit the Mission To Seafarers web site

Motivation

Motivation is a registered charity which exists to improve the quality of life of people with mobility disabilities in developing countries. We work in partnership with local organisations to initiate sustainable projects to provide disabled people with high quality, appropriate wheelchairs, tricycles and artificial limbs, and training in mobility skills and healthcare.
We also run vocational training programmes to help disabled people to lead independent lives and lift themselves out of poverty. Since 1991 Motivation has implemented 25 programmes in 34 countries.
Cards available online only
Visit the Motivation web site

Mothers' Union

Fighting poverty, injustice and tackling family issues, the Mothers' Union works through 3.6 million members in 77 countries. The Mothers' Union (MU) is a Christian organisation with more than 3.6 million members worldwide. The backbone of the MU is its worldwide network of volunteers. Whatever their individual backgrounds, members are related by a commitment to marriage and family. They give their time to generously help others, whether by running local projects, supporting international campaigns, or fundraising.
Cards available online only
Visit the Mothers' Union web site

Motor Neurone Disease Association

Motor Neurone Disease (MND) is a fatal condition that leaves people unable to walk, talk or feed themselves, but their intellect and their senses remain unaffected. The Association works to ensure that people with MND secure the care and support they need. It promotes and funds research into a cause and cure for the disease.
It provides Information, Advice and support through a National Helpline, Information leaflets, Regional Care Advisors, a local Branch network, equipment loan and financial support-In Greater Manchester the Regional Care Advisor provides information and support for:
• people with MND and their carers
• professionals including the MND Special Interest Group
• and works with the MND Care Centre at Hope Hospital
The Manchester & District Branch one of eighty in the country run by volunteers covers the whole of the Greater Manchester area-It holds monthly support meetings in Salford, Stockport and Oldham. It has ten trained Visitors who provide support for the whole family. Helps with the loan and purchase of special equipment. Raises funds for the Association. Has its own local web site at www.mndmanchester.co.uk. A number of the visitors also provide support at the MND clinic at Hope Hospital, the only Centre in the country to use volunteers in this way at the moment.
Cards available at Wilmslow and online
Visit the MND web site

Multiple Sclerosis Society

Stockport Multiple Sclerosis Society is a branch of the national MS society. It exists to support the welfare needs of members throughout its catchment area. It also offers medical advice, counselling for sufferers and carers and provides equipment and financial assistance when needed.
One of the MS Society's main objectives is to promote and fund MS research. We fund scientific and applied research in order to make the maximum impact on MS, and the quality of life of people affected by MS.
Fundraisers work hard to pump around £2M into research each year, and we encourage others to fund MS research, for example, other funding bodies and relevant industries.
There have been a number of encouraging breakthroughs in recent years, and new treatments and drugs are constantly being tested, current research being carried out in Israel is particularly encouraging, and there are optimistic signs of potential success. Support is given to professionals who specialise in MS, through training programmes and exchange of ideas and innovative developments.
The Stockport branch, which will directly benefit from Christmas card sales in the Combined Charity Card Shops, aims to be a supportive and caring friend to those who suffer from this debilitating and physically threatening disease. The support received through the card shops which the MS Society has participated in since they first started 34 years ago is very much valued and appreciated.
Cards available at Wilmslow

Multiple Sclerosis Trust

The MS Trust is a charity which works with and for the 85,000 people in the UK with MS. Our vision is to enable people with MS to live their lives to the full. We provide:

information that is tailored to what people want to know

education for health professionals about what people with MS need

research into better management of MS

support for anyone affected by MS

Cards available online only
Visit the Multiple Sclerosis Trust web site

Muscular Dystrophy Campaign

The Muscular Dystrophy Campaign is the only national UK charity focusing on all forms of muscle disease. We have pioneered the search for treatments and cures since 1959, and are dedicated to improving the lives of all people affected by muscle disease.
Muscle disease is the cruel, gradual and relentless wasting and weakening of muscles. It affects babies, children, and adults of any race and background. There is no cure.
What does the Muscular Dystrophy Campaign do?

We provide free practical and emotional support.

We fund world-class research to find effective treatments and cures.

We campaign to raise awareness for improvements to statutory services and further investment in research, while acting as the collective voice of people living with muscle disease.
Cards available at Wilmslow, Macclesfield and online
Visit the Muscular Dystrophy Campaign web site

National Animal Welfare Trust

The National Animal Welfare Trust was established in 1971 to rescue and re-home unwanted and abandoned animals. Each year we look after some 5000 animals at our various centres and, no matter how long it takes to find a new home, no healthy animal is ever put to sleep.
We have rescue centres in Hertfordshire, Berkshire, Somerset and Cornwall.
Cards available online only
Visit the National Animal Welfare Trust web site

National Association for the Relief of Paget's Disease

Paget's Disease of Bone is the second most common metabolic bone disease in the UK, affecting over 750,000 people. The symptoms can include pain, bone deformity, deafness and fractures.
The Association was founded in 1973 and is the only national organisation solely dedicated to the needs of Paget's Disease sufferers, their families and carers. The Association does not receive any government or statutory funding and is reliant on voluntary donations for its income.
The aims of the NARPD include providing information and support for sufferers, raising awareness about the condition and funding research into all aspects of the disease.
Cards available online only
Visit the National Association for Research in Pagets Disease web site

National Autistic Society

What is Autism?
It is a “modern” condition — not true.
The first detailed description of a person with Autism dates back to the late 18th century. Autism is only found in children — not true. It is a lifelong disability, which affects the way a person sees the world and relates to it. People with Autism have at least one exceptional talent — not true.
Forget “Rainman”; such skills exist in very rare cases. Autism is often an “invisible” disability, making it difficult to create awareness and understanding in the non-Autistic population.
Present estimates are that 535,000 people in the U.K. have an Autistic spectrum disorder. People across the whole range of intelligence and ability may be affected. It can be associated with learning disability, but is also found in highly intelligent, high-functioning individuals.
This is a complex developmental disability whose common traits are difficulties in social relationships, difficulties in verbal and non-verbal communications, and limitations in imaginative play. Repetitive behaviour and resistance to change are also very common. There is no cure for Autism but there are many ways through support and education, that people can be helped, whatever their age. For example, a successful social skills group for young people in years 6/7/8, plus a chess club at The King's School, Chester has been set up. This will soon extend to the 14+ age group, and plans are afoot to develop similar groups in East Cheshire.
Cards available at Macclesfield

National Deaf Children's Society

The East Cheshire Deaf Children's Society (ECDCS) is affiliated to the National Deaf Children's Society and represents the Society at local level by assisting children with any level of hearing loss along with their families.
Our Society gives financial support in purchasing various things such as personal hearing associated equipment consisting of FM systems or radio aids to help children at school who have hearing difficu1ties. Another item is a sound field system when a teacher wears a microphone and speakers are placed in the classroom so as to assist children who have a hearing loss. We have also bought digital cameras to help with development at school. By photographing movement and various actions and then showing the print on a lap top deaf children are helped to match words with the actions they see. Toys are also supplied to local audiology clinics (Macclesfield and Crewe), and social events and information days arranged to enable families of children with hearing disabilities to meet in a more informal environment.

Due to the new early screening of newborn babies there has been a rise in the early diagnosis of children with hearing impairments. The Society has funded a fortnightly parents and toddler group over the last 2 years enabling families to meet and exchange views and experiences with professionals who come regularly to give ta1ks on relevant issues. One group meets in Macclesfield and the other in Crewe with teachers of the deaf attending on a voluntary basis. Whilst being funded by Cheshire County Council, the ECDCS pays the professional visitors and also for the hire of the hall. This has proved a most valuable way of helping families in stressful times, and we are committed to maintaining the funding for these sessions.
The Society has to raise a1l its funding independent1y from the NDCS. For many years the main source of income has been through the sale of cards at the Combined Charities Christmas Shops, for which we are most grateful.
Cards available at Wilmslow, Hazel Grove and Heaton Moor

National Eczema Society

The National Eczema Society, now celebrating its 30th Anniversary Year, was formed in 1975 when a newspaper article, prompting a large public response, indicated a vital need for an information and support service for people with eczema and their carers. From small beginnings the Society has grown to provide a comprehensive information and advice service, an extensive network of local contacts, an expanding network of local support, funds for research and a campaigning voice on behalf of people with eczema.
The National Eczema Society:
• is the only organisation in the UK solely dedicated to the needs of people with eczema, dermatitis and sensitive skin.
• can help by providing the practical information and support needed to manage your skin problem effectively.
• knows and understands the related social, personal and psychological effects of eczema and can help you manage your lifestyle accordingly to complement and support effective medical treatment and care.
Our other priorities for people with eczema are:
• Campaigning for a better deal
• Increasing public awareness
• Funding research into the causes and eventual cure
• Representing the views of people with eczema
The helpline 0870 241 3604 or helpline@eczema.org can provide you with full access to the latest information including membership. The National Eczema Society's regional project in the North West has a team of five people to support the region as well as approximately 60 key volunteers, all of whom are affected by eczema - either as a patient, carer, health or educational professional.
For detail of our work, regular meetings, sales of Christmas cards and fundraising events in the North West contact Jane on 01925 766877.
Cards available at Wilmslow, Macclesfield, Altrincham, Hale, Knutsford and online
Visit the the National Eczema Society web site

The National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children

Each week one child will be killed by their parent or carer; 6% of children experience frequent and severe emotional maltreatment during childhood; over 25% of all rapes recorded by the police are committed against children under 16.
In Cheshire and South Manchester your support has and will help the NSPCC provide a loud voice to campaign against this damage to our children. It will provide therapeutic services for children and young people focusing upon domestic violence in the county from locality centres at Jigsaw House, Macclesfield Borough, Westminster House Warrington and Rainbow House Crewe.
The Child witness support programme, where abused children are giving evidence in the court, covers the whole county as does the NSPCC helpline on 0808 800 5000 and the www.there4me.com interactive website provides a one-to-one service on line in the young persons medium.
If you would like to voice a comment or offer help please contact on 01625 420328. Many thanks
Cards available at Wilmslow, Macclesfield, Altrincham, Hale, Knutsford, Hazel Grove, Heaton Moor and online
Visit the NSPCC web site

New Start

The New Start charity has raised over £6M to build a dedicated Transplant Centre at Wythenshawe Hospital - the first fully integrated heart/lung unit in Europe. Transplants since 1987 now total 600.
In May 2004 cardiologists at Wythenshawe Hospital asked if we could raise sufficient funds to purchase a dedicated Cardiac Magnetic Resonance Scanner - which costs £1M. The CMR Scanner can detect 85% of heart problems without the need for invasive methods. This would be of particular benefit to young people born with suspected heart defects and those with a family history of heart disease. There are only a few of these machines in the country, and none in the north-west. Since May 2004 we have already raised £0.5M. We desperately need to raise the other £0.5M as soon as possible, because the need is so great.

We have taken on a massive task but because it has so many benefits we are determined to raise the money as soon as possible. We are, as always, reliant on your continuing support to give new hope and a new start to so many people.
Cards available at Hale

Orchid - Fighting Male Cancer

Orchid exists to save men's lives from testicular, prostate and penile cancers through pioneering research and promoting awareness. Male-specific cancers are increasing in incidence and have a huge affect on men, their families and friends, yet still too little is known about them.

Testicular cancer is the highest risk cancer for men between the ages of 15 and 45; it can also affect younger and older males. There are around 2000 cases per year. Prostate cancer is the biggest cancer threat to men with over 30,000 new cases diagnosed each year; mostly affecting men over the age of 55, but can strike much earlier.

Our aim is to fund research into the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of these diseases and to promote awareness and improve education about them so that symptoms can be recognised and medical attention sought early enough to save lives and allow best treatment options.
HELP US HELP YOU AND THOSE YOU CARE ABOUT
Cards available online only
Visit the Orchid web site

Oxfam

Oxfam works with others worldwide to overcome poverty and suffering. It specializes in water and sanitation, food security, nutrition and health promotion, especially following natural disasters or conflicts.
Following the Asian tsunami on Boxing Day 2004, Oxfam was one of the first agencies on the scene, as workers were already in the affected areas. Of the £300M raised nationally for the Disasters Emergency Committee £20M is allocated to OXFAM to continue its work there this year, with more to follow in 2006/7.
Meanwhile, thirty other developing countries are being helped in various ways to improve their health, education and standard of living. Communities are helping themselves by producing goods for sale in the Fairtrade market. Some of these foods now available are cocoa, honey, fruit, nuts, oil as well as tea and coffee.
Also re-starting is OXFAM UNWRAPPED , where donations buy livestock or train farmers and the donor receives a gift card.
Thank you for your support.
Cards available at Macclesfield and Altrincham

Pancreatic Cancer Research Fund

The Pancreatic Cancer Research Fund is a national charity dedicated to promoting and supporting more research into pancreatic cancer, by raising funds itself, and by lobbying the major research funding organisations to give pancreatic cancer the attention it deserves.

While survival rates for many types of cancer have been improving, this is not the case for pancreatic cancer. The five year survival rate is 3% - the lowest survival rate of all the cancers. This figure has barely changed in 40 years. Pancreatic cancer research is also underfunded compared with many other types of cancer.
Cards available online only

Visit the Pancreatic Cancer Research Fund web site

People's Dispensary for Sick Animals

PDSA is now 88 years old and the UK's largest veterinary charity. It continues to provide a free veterinary service for pet owners on Housing Benefit or Council Tax Benefit who cannot afford private veterinary fees. We treat over 4,500 pets every year. We receive no financial support from either the Government or the Lottery. Where does the money go? Well, Toffee, a ginger kitten, was rushed to the PDSA, after someone had tied a firework to his back and lit it. The kitten was badly burned and distressed but within a week in our care and weekly visits for a month, he was back up to mischief again.
Skye a Boarder Collie, choked on a small ball he was playing with, and it lodged in his throat. Within seconds he was struggling for breath. Quick thinking on his owners part and a mad dash to the PDSA saved him- fortunately the ball had a hole where a rope throw had been and was easily removed.
These are just a couple of examples of the kind of problems our Vets and Vet Nurses see , along with the routine problems of illnesses, cuts, ear infections and so on. There is no such thing as a quiet day with the PDSA We have centres in Manchester, Liverpool, Blackpool and Stoke-on Trent in the North West. If you would like to help in any way, please contact Lynda Marsden 0161 905 295
Cards available at Altrincham and Hale

Richard House Children's Hospice

Richard House Children's Hospice provides vital care to over one hundred children and families. The children who visit Richard House come from east, southeast, north and central London, whilst others travel from Essex. They suffer from life limiting and life threatening illnesses, which means that they are not expected to live until adulthood. Our aim is to improve the quality of life of every child, and their family, that visits the hospice. We accomplish this by providing a wide range of services including play and music therapy, day care, overnight visits, end-of-life care and bereavement support.
All services at the hospice are provided free of charge, but we receive just 4% of our funding from statutory bodies. This means that we rely on the generosity of the public to meet the remaining 96% of our £2.4million-per-year running costs. Ordering Christmas cards from this website is one of the ways in which you can help us to make a real difference to the lives of the children and families who visit Richard House.
Please contact Daniel Elser (020 7540 0226) if you would like to know more about Richard House or wish to receive our quarterly newsletter.
Cards available online only
Visit the Richard House site

Romanian Youth Support Trust

The Romanian Youth Support Trust was established in 1997, in direct response to the need of young people in Romania, who have to leave the state institutions, with no hope of obtaining the basic support they need. The charity fully supports the running costs of a hostel for girls in Western Transylvania. Whilst living at the hostel, the girls are helped with learning practical skills (such as how to cook, shop or socialise), and assistance in finding training, jobs and more permanent accommodation.
Every year this “half way home” is able to take in up to 9 girls at a time. Since it opened 73 girls coming from state institutions, the streets, and struggling families have been helped to live a more independent life.
Plans for the future include the setting up of a similar hostel for boys and training workshops associated with the hostels. The funding of the Trust's projects is totally reliant on voluntary support so we greatly value the contributions that help the vulnerable young people in Romania.
If you are interested, please phone/fax Mihaiela Grundy on 0161-439-7627
Cards available at Macclesfield and Altrincham

Rossendale Trust


Cards available at Macclesfield

Royal Hospital for Neuro-disability

The Royal Hospital is not funded by the NHS, and relies heavily on voluntary donations to continue its unique work. Support is vital to improve the quality of life, independence, dignity, and confidence of our patients.
The Royal Hospital specialises in treating individuals who have suffered damage to their brain or nervous system often caused by traffic accidents and illnesses. It is based in Putney in southwest London.
The Royal Hospital delivers its services under the two main umbrellas of long term care and rehabilitation. They are managed separately as the Hospital Section and the Parrington Home and Community Services.
Cards available online only
Visit the Royal Hospital for Neuro-disability web site

Royal National Institute of Blind People

RNIB is the UK's leading charity helping anyone with a sight problem. RNIB has worked with blind and partially sighted people for over a century with the specific aim of improving lives, increasing independence and eliminating preventable sight loss.
Today RNIB is more relevant than ever with the UK facing a sight-loss time bomb with the number of people with sight problems set to double over the next 20 years as our population continues to age.

Here are some of the ways we make a difference:
40,000 People continue to enjoy reading through the largest unabridged Talking Book library in the world. RNIB's wide range of tools and products, such as talking alarm clocks and calculators help people to live more independently.
RNIB spends £12M every year helping children and young people with sight problems get the best start in life. Many older blind and partially sighted people benefit from individually tailored care at RNIB's residential homes.
The importance of regular eye tests is reinforced for millions of people through Eye Test Action Day. Free eye tests are available for all in Scotland through our influence.
Every day another 100 people start to lose their sight, and over 1000 people a week receive support and information through RNIB's Helpline. Your support helps us rebuild lives devastated by sight loss.
Cards available at Wilmslow, Macclesfield and online
Visit the RNIB web site

Royal National Lifeboat Institution

Since its foundation in 1824 by Sir William Hilary, the volunteer lifeboat crews have saved over 136,000 lives and have recently extended their rescue activities to providing both beach patrols and lifeguards.
The running costs of some £300,000 per day is raised through donations and legacies, the RNLI does not receive any Government or National Lottery financial assistance.
The active fleet of over three hundred lifeboats now includes hovercraft, one of which is based locally at New Brighton and another played a vital role saving people in the recent Morecambe Bay cockle fishing tragedy.
Today, less than 10% of crew members come from a maritime background thus placing great emphasis on training. To this end The Lifeboat College at Poole was opened by HM The Queen last year and at this College full training is given to both home and overseas crews.
We, the local members of the RNLI support the brave volunteer crews by raising money from events such as this Charity Christmas Card Shop and Lifeboat Day collections, if you can spare an hour or so, please contact the Area office at 0161 787 8779.
It is wonderful to consider that your generosity can turn small change into life savings.
Cards available at Wilmslow, Macclesfield, Altrincham, Hale, Hazel Grove, Heaton Moor and online
Visit the the Royal National Lifeboat Institution web site

Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals

RSPCA aims to promote kindness and to prevent or suppress cruelty to animals. As well as the work carried out in the field by the RSPCA Inspectors and Animal Collection Officers, who respond to reports of ill-treatment of animals, neglect, and carry out rescues; RSPCA branches work at a local level to provide direct animal welfare services in a specific geographical area.
There are 47 branches, all separately registered charities, Each year the RSPCA re-homes approximately 21,000 animals, and neuters almost 11,000 animals.
Assistance is also provided towards the cost of veterinary treatment for those owners with limited means, some 40,000 animals. This work would not be possible without the support and commitment of the branch volunteers.
Branches work closely with the Inspectorate, taking in unwanted, abandoned and mistreated animals and care for them until they can be found new homes. Some branches run their own Animal Centres, others use private boarding establishments and foster homes. In 2005 we are launching a joint initiative with the Dog's Trust throughout the North to try and neuter 5000 dogs by the end of the year, and so reduce the number of unwanted litters.
The Altrincham branch were fortunate to receive a legacy last year to be used on capital projects to help cats. A significant part of this went to rebuild the cattery at the RSPCA Warrington Animal Centre, and a further amount was donated to a branch in Rochdale to provide new pens in their new cattery.
Cards available at Hale

Royal Society for the Protection of Birds

The RSPB is the UK charity working to secure a healthy environment for birds and wildlife, thus helping to create a better world for all of us.
Recent conservation projects locally include “Operation Tree Sparrow”. Their numbers have declined alarmingly, by 95% since 1979. The Wildlife Explorers, the Junior Section of RSPB, were involved in making nest boxes and monitoring the scheme. Other projects include restoration and maintenance of hay meadows and farmland adjacent to the moorland fringe - both important habitats.
The nearest RSPB Reserves are:-
Marshside, near Southport. An important refuge in winter for pink-footed geese, wigeons, black-tailed godwits and golden plovers. In spring it attracts lapwings and redshanks, which are in decline elsewhere.
Gayton Sands, Parkgate Cheshire. Wonderful for large flocks of wading birds.
Coombes Valley, Leek Staffordshire. A beautiful steep-sided wooded valley provides a home for pied-flycatchers, redstarts, wood warblers, butterflies, flowers and other wildlife.
For more information about the Macclesfield branch, contact: Ray Evans 01625-432635 For the Manchester branch, contact: Peter Wolstenholme 0161-428-2175
Cards available at Wilmslow, Macclesfield, Altrincham, Hale, Knutsford, Hazel Grove and Heaton Moor
Visit the RSPB web site

Roy Castle Lung Cancer Foundation

The Roy Castle Lung Cancer Foundation is the only charity in the world wholly dedicated to defeating lung cancer - the biggest cancer killer in the UK. We have championed the cause now for nearly 15 years and have developed an approach that helps people with lung cancer, now and in the future.
The Roy Castle Lung Cancer Patient Network offers support, information, and advocacy service for people affected by lung cancer. Quit smoking services for adults and our KATS (Kids Against Tobacco Smoke) educational programme that encourages young people never to start.
The National Clean Air Award from the Roy Castle Lung Cancer Foundation, a UK wide scheme that rewards employers who implement effective no-smoking policies by giving them a prestigious, nationally recognised award. Fundraising events and our Charity Shops, both of which help to generate much needed voluntary donations (public and corporate) on which we rely.
Cards available at our shops in the Merseyside area, at Frodsham and Cheadle, and online
Visit the Roy Castle Lung Cancer Foundation web site

Samantha Dickson Brain Tumour Trust

Samantha Dickson Brain Tumour Trust was set up in 1996 and is now the largest dedicated brain tumour charity in the UK. Founding Trustees, Neil and Angela Dickson set up the Charity in memory of their daughter, Samantha, who died just before her 17th birthday having struggled for two and a half years against this dreadful disease.
Since its inception the Trust has raised over £4 million for brain tumour research and patient support. Forty-three high quality projects have been supported in that time. Projects funded by the Charity have resulted in a number of published papers, and guideline recommendations for the early diagnosis of children with a brain tumour.
Another aspect of the Charity's work is patient support. Over the years we have been able to offer help to over 3000 patients and their families. Many patients tell us how grateful they are for the support they have received. The Trust now runs a patient support group near its head office in Hampshire and there is also a group located in Worcester.
Cards available online only
Visit the Samantha Dickson Brain Tumour Trust web site

Samaritans

Samaritans is a national organisation that celebrated its 50th anniversary in 2004. Macclesfield branch celebrated 40 years at the same time. To commemorate this occasion a tree was planted in West Park Macclesfield by Nicholas Winterton the local MP .Two of the original volunteers are still working in the branch, which is possibly a record within the movement.
Samaritans offers 24-hour support to anyone suffering emotional distress that may lead them to end their own life, Callers can contact us by phone, visit or more recently by e-mail. This latter has enabled more young people, particularly young men, to use our service.
A team of volunteers visit Styal prison every week, who as well as listening to prisoners, have trained and are training, long term prisoners to become “listeners” or Samaritans in prison. They are governed by the strict code of confidentiality that all Samaritans must abide by. The listeners are able to phone the branch if they need support themselves.
Volunteers also give talks to young people in school as part of their GSE course and talk to many adult groups, as there are many vulnerable groups in any age group.
Cards available at Wilmslow, Macclesfield, Altrincham Hale and online
Visit the Samaritans web site

SANE

SANE is the national mental health charity which aims to promote research, combat stigma and provide care for all affected by mental health problems, (be they service users, carers, family or friends).
SANE operates the national mental health Helpline - SANELINE - with a base in Macclesfield. The aim of SANELINE is to provide up-to-date information and emotional support to anyone with a concern about mental health issues, via the nationally available number 0845 767 8000.
To ensure that the information provided is consistent, each trained volunteer works from SANE's own database, covering local information for every locality in the country. Unlike directories and leaflets, the database is updated on a daily basis and provides information on everything from support services to complementary therapy, from mental health law to medications.
For a long time mental illness has been a neglected area of medicine and social care. SANE wants it to be recognised and treated with the same compassion and understanding as cancer and heart disease - conditions which are about as common as mental health problems.
If you are interested in helping, please phone 01625 429050.
Cards available online only
Visit the SANE web site

Save The Children

Save the Children works in the UK and across the world, and a staggering 5M pounds was spent in the UK only. Emergency relief runs alongside long-term development and prevention work to help children and their families ,and communities to be self-sufficient. We learn from the reality of children's lives and campaign for solutions to the problems they face. We gain expertise through our projects around the world and use that knowledge to educate and advise others. All our work is underpinned by our commitment to making a reality of the rights of children, first spelled out by our founders and now enshrined in the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child. All children deserve the best start in life - children have the right to live in a world where the have hope and opportunity. Children need special care and assistance, without which they cannot fully develop their potential.

In the North West we have 9 Save the Children Shops, all run by volunteers. There are also around 30 volunteer groups or branches in this large area, stretching from the Cheshire boarder all the way up to Cumbria. Save the Children projects here in this region include :-
* Prevention of poverty
* Alternative education for pupils excluded from school
* Support to unaccompanied refugees

The North West region is proud to offer this support and much much more
For more information contact Astrid Hill on 0161 980 48497
Cards available at Wilmslow, Altrincham, Hale, Hazel Grove and Heaton Moor

Self Help Africa

Self Help Africa was formed in mid 2008 from a merger between UK charity Harvest Help and Irish charity Self Help Development International, both formed in the early 1980s. We are working with more than 400,000 people a year in 9 African countries: Burkina Faso, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Ghana, Kenya, Malawi, Togo, Uganda and Zambia. We fund long term projects that allow participants to improve their lives, building the skills of local people and organisations to continue to work into the future.
Self Help Africa's approach is not highly technical - it is a practical and realistic approach to dealing with poverty that has been developed from more than 20 years of experience
All profits from the sales of our cards will help families feed themselves, earn a living and become self reliant. Thank you.
Cards available online only
Visit the Self Help Africa web site

Shipwrecked Mariners' Society

The Shipwrecked Mariners' Society is a registered charity whose object is to relieve distress amongst the seafaring community by making grants to merchant seafarers and fishermen, their widows and dependants in cases of need.

The Society was founded in 1839 and originally assistance was given to those shipwrecked and to the widows and orphans of those lost at sea. Today however, while the Society still provides help in the event of shipwreck, its main function is to pay grants to retired seafarers and their widows suffering hardship and loss.

In the past year nearly £1.5M was distributed, which has made a real difference to the lives of over 3,000 seafarers and their families.
Cards available online only
Visit the Shipwrecked Mariners' Society web site

SOS Children

A child's fragile world is easily destroyed. We can offer you a way to rebuild it.

For over fifty years, SOS Children (SOS Children's Villages) have provided hope and security for children who have no one else to care for them. Thousands of orphaned and abandoned children in more than 100 countries find a secure home in an SOS Children's Village. Each child is special.

The SOS philosophy is a simple one, based on four principles: to give each child a mother, a family and a home in a village that is part of the wider community, with the education and training they need to achieve independence - leading to a better future.
Cards available online only
Visit SOS Children's web site

Spinal Research

Fighting paralysis and winning
Established in 1980, Spinal Research raises money for groundbreaking scientific and medical projects around the world. It is now working towards the launch of clinical trials with paralysed volunteers, testing new treatments that have already proved successful in the laboratory.
The typical victim of spinal cord injury is a young, active person. More than 40,000 people in the UK are paralysed through damage to the spinal cord, and hundreds more join them each year. Spinal cord injury does more than paralyse arms, legs and torso: it also affects sensation, the body's control systems and sexual function. The psychological impact is also, clearly, devastating - on the paralysed person and on everyone around him or her.
Spinal cord repair is a huge challenge for science and medicine, so the accuracy and safety of future clinical trials is of key importance. To help ensure their success, in 2004 Spinal Research launches the second phase of its Clinical Initiative. The regeneration of just four centimetres of spinal cord could significantly improve a spinally-injured person's sensation and mobility, making a huge difference to his or her life. Spinal Research is setting the measure for pioneering work that could change the lives of paralysed men, women and children.
Cards available online only
Visit the Spinal Research web site

St Ann's Hospice

St. Ann's Hospice provides care each year for more than 3000 people with life threatening illnesses. All care is provided free of charge.
To continue to offer its wide range of services, which now includes extensive day care facilities, alternative therapies and also support for carers, St. Ann's Hospice needs to raise £5.7m per year through voluntary contributions — that is almost £15,500 per day.
St Ann's patients are drawn from Greater Manchester and North Cheshire and its ethos was recognised earlier this year when it was named the 2nd Best Employer to work for in the whole of the UK. Your support to help others is very much appreciated.
If you would like to help in any way please phone 0161-498-3631
Cards available at Wilmslow, Altrincham, Hale, Hazel Grove, Heaton Moor and online
Visit the St.Anns Hospice web site

St Michael's Church Macclesfield
The Church in the Market Place-Open Door Project.

Our church has recently been re-ordered and refurbished in order to keep an historic church open and useful in the 21st century, providing:
*modern surroundings for church members to meet in and use on a day to day basis
*an open and welcoming building located in the centre of the town and serving the people of the town
* facilities to support this whether for a friendly cup of coffee, a self contained meeting in a beautiful and up to date building or a choir and orchestral concert for five hundred people.
The project has been supported by the work and prayers of church members and friends. The finance (£1.4M) has been given by church members by direct giving or by funding raised by hard work. We are grateful for the opportunity we have had for selling Christmas cards on the charity card sales in Macclesfield.
The second phase of our building project is to improve the facilities for young people with a dedicated youth area, the designing of which will begin in the near future.
If you have not yet visited the church be assured there will be a warm welcome for you.
Cards available at Macclesfield

St Oswald's Hospice

Since opening in 1986, St Oswald's has directly cared for over 10,000 adults with life threatening illnesses, such as Cancer, Motor Neurone Disease and AIDS. We offer inpatient care, an outpatient clinic, a day treatment unit, a day hospice and a 24-hour helpline service. With a multi-disciplinary team, we provide holistic care - to meet the physiological, psychological and spiritual needs of our patients.

In the Spring of 2003, St Oswald’s will be extending its services to children. Situated adjacent to our adult hospice in Gosforth, our specially-designed new unit will provide specialist short breaks to North East children with life limiting conditions. Our eight-bedded facility includes a large farmhouse kitchen, a toddler play area, a multi-sensory room, an adolescent lounge, a splash pool and Jacuzzi and spacious parents accommodation.

We will provide specialist care for children, support and advice for parents and a place where the whole family can relax and enjoy spending time. However, with the addition of our children's unit, we now have to raise over £3 million every year, through voluntary donations - to ensure our vital services can continue. We make no charge for any of our services - ensuring hospice care is available, free of charge, to everyone who needs us. Thank you once again for your support - we simply couldn't continue to care without you.
Cards available online only
Visit the St Oswald's web site

Survival International

Survival International helps tribal peoples defend their lives, protect their lands and determine their own futures.
Wherever they are in the world, tribal peoples are deprived of their livelihood and way of life; driven from their land by mining, logging or settlers, or forcibly relocated to make way for cattle ranches and game parks. Survival is working towards a world in which tribal peoples are understood and accepted, oppression of them is not tolerated, and they are free to live on their own land in peace, freedom and security.
Survival is funded solely by our supporters, without whom we would not exist. We have put together this range in order to raise vital funds to support our urgent work. To view our full collection of unique gifts and to benefit from our special offer on Christmas cards, visit www.survival-international.org/shopping
Cards available online only
Visit the Survival International web site

Talking Newspaper Association of the United Kingdom

National Talking Newspapers and Magazines exist to deliver newspapers and magazines in spoken or digital form at a modest subscription. Delivered free to the visually impaired, the Talking newspaper service is available to anyone who has difficulty reading normal print. More than 200 national newspapers and magazines are available on audiocassette, audio CD or in digital format. Publications are distributed weekly or monthly and subscribers can even change their choices during the course of their subscription.

Publications can be delivered on audiocassette that is playable on any standard cassette player, on audio CD playable on ordinary CD machines and in Daisy format playable on Victor Talking Book machines.

For computer users a weekly CD-ROM contains an average of 15 daily, thirteen weeklies and eighteen magazines. Also included are monthly and quarterly magazines and a selection of books. Daily papers can be despatched by email on the day of publication.

Request a catalogue or discuss your needs with our friendly receptionists on 01435 866102
Cards available online only
Visit the Talking Newspapers web site

TB Alert

The World health Organisation (WHO) declared Tuberculosis (TB) a Global Emergency in 1993. TB is one of the world’s top 3 killer diseases, along with Malaria and HIV. One third of the world’s population is infected with TB, and every year 8 million people get ill with the disease and 2 million die. They die not through lack of a cure (which has been available for 50 years) but usually because of poverty, and lack of access to effective treatment. Left untreated a person with active TB can infect between 10 and 15 others every year.

TB Alert’s aims are to: increase awareness of the growing threat of TB in this country to ensure that cases are diagnosed without the delays that lead to unnecessary deaths; and to support projects in the countries most affected to help some of the most disadvantaged people get access to TB treatment and cure. Health services are so desperately lacking resources in poor countries that treatment is just not available everywhere and at a price everyone can afford. Even if TB drugs are free many patients cannot physically get to (or cannot afford to get to) a clinic. TB Alert works through local partner organisations, which themselves operate in close collaboration with government health services. It is extremely important with an infectious, public health threat such as TB to ensure that support complements efforts to achieve good treatment for a whole country.

TB is a curable disease. TB Alert believes that it is wrong that barely a quarter of those with TB in the world today get effective treatment and that someone dies from TB every 15 seconds, and that they die because they are poor. It only costs us £25 in developing countries to cure someone of TB - not only saving their life, but preventing them from spreading the disease to friends and family. TB Alert operates almost entirely on the time and energy of volunteers, with only 2 UK employees, which means costs are kept low and more money goes to our vital work.
Cards available online only
Visit the TB Alert web site

Tibet Relief Fund

Thousands of Tibetans risk their lives ever year escaping their country across the Himalayas; 40 per cent are children. They are fleeing political and religious persecution, imprisonment and torture. They are fleeing a country in which they have become a minority as China relentlessly pursues a programme of population transfer and cultural genocide. This has been the harsh reality for Tibet for over half a century-since China’s People’s Liberation Army, the PLA, invaded in 1950.

The Tibet Relief Fund was founded in 1960 following the Tibetan uprising in 1959 when Chinese troops killed thousands of Tibetans, causing the Dalai Lama and many of his followers to flee to India. There are now over 13,000 Tibetans living in India and Nepal and the number increases every year. Because the United Nations does not recognise Tibet as an Independent country, these people are not considered refugees and receive no long-term help from the United Nations High Commission for refugees. They are dependent on help from people like you.

Tibet Relief Fund supports grass root initiatives, with focus on healthcare, education, income generation and youth employment in India and Nepal. We also support healthcare and education projects befitting Tibetans inside Tibet.
Cards available online only
Visit the Tibet Relief Fund web site

Together Trust

The Together Trust is a registered charity founded in 1870 to care for needy and abandoned children. Since then the Charity has evolved and expanded to provide a comprehensive range of services for young people in need.

We have helped many thousands in need through their childhood and into young adulthood. The Together Trust works for those who have:

Learning Disabilities

Emotional, Behavioural and Social Difficulties

Physical Disabilities

Autistic Spectrum Disorders

The Together Trust has over 40 social care, special education, community support and consultancy services. We are one of the largest providers of residential services from short-term emergency care to long-term placements. Our well respected fostering service provides family placements. Since 2003 we have also operated as an approved Adoption Agency.
Cards available at Altrincham, Hale, Knutsford and online
Visit the Together Trust web site

UNICEF

UNICEF - The United Nations Children's Fund is the world's leading organisation working especially for children. Working in 158 countries, it is committed to giving children the best possible start in life by ensuring they have access to health care, clean water and sanitation, food and early education.

UNICEF is committed to ensuring special protection for the most disadvantaged children - victims of war, disasters, extreme poverty, all forms of violence and exploitation and those with disabilities. UNICEF responds in emergencies to protect the rights of children. More than 2 million children die every year from diseases that immunisation would prevent. Every year UNICEF supplies 40 per cent of the vaccines in the developing world, protecting millions of children, costing on average less than 40 pence per child.

UNICEF aims, through its country programmes, to promote the equal rights of women and girls and to support their full participation in the political, social and economic development of their communities.

All of UNICEF's programmes are entirely dependent on voluntary contributions. UNICEF UK raises funds for these programmes through donations, partnerships with companies and sales of greeting cards and gifts.
UNICEF is funded entirely from voluntary contributions from governments, the public, and the sale of greetings cards.
Cards available at Wilmslow, Altrincham and online
Visit the UNICEF web site

Windows for Peace (UK)

Windows for Peace (UK) supports and works with a joint association of Jews and Palestinians living in Israel and the Occupied Territories. It works with the young people of both communities to promote mutual respect, with a sincere attempt to give them the opportunity to learn and understand each other's history and their present realities. With joint activities of art, journalism and video, the young people learn to work with each other and get to realise that there is indeed someone to talk to on the other side.

For so long there has been an inability of politicians and communities on both sides of the conflict to make any realistic progress towards a lasting peace. Windows has offered the chance to leapfrog the impasse and given the young people an opportunity to demonstrate in a most practical way that the two communities can work together. In this, they not only give a fine example to their elders, but also give the hope that the next generation of adults could learn that there is truly an alternative to violence.

Windows for Peace (UK) is a registered charity (charity number 1108358). It is non-political and exists entirely to support the work of Windows in Israel and the occupied territories and to promote understanding between the Arab, Muslim and Jewish communities in the UK. The greetings cards depict some of the children's paintings from a Windows art project called “Dreaming Peace”.
Cards available at Macclesfield

Windyway Trust

Animal rescue centre; late entry to shops, and no information provided
Cards available at Macclesfield

Winston's Wish

Winston’s Wish, the child bereavement charity, helps young people re-adjust to life after the death of a parent or sibling. By providing professional assistance before, during and after bereavement they help them to better understand the nature of loss and offer the practical support and guidance that many need in order to cope throughout the grieving process.
Every 30 minutes a child in the UK is bereaved of a parent; this equates to 20,000 new children each year learning to live with a powerful range of confusing and conflicting emotions. Bottled up, these emotions can have damaging consequences in later life for the individual, their family and society as a whole.
Winston’s Wish is now recognised as the leading organisation in this field and its pioneering model of family support has been has been adapted and used by many other organisations throughout the UK and abroad. Now in its 15th year, Winston’s Wish has a range of services that include a national Helpline (08452 03 04 05) for anyone caring for or concerned about a bereaved child. Every year 16,000 children and their families use the Helpline as the first point of call to access services that the charity offers.
More information can be found at the link below, or by calling 01242 515157. The Helpline number for families and professionals in 08452 03 04 05.
Cards available online only
Visit the Winston's Wish web site