Midcheshire Independent Issue 186

5 DECEMBER 2025 Visit our website: www.independentnewspapers.co.uk A GROUP of Muslim colleagues at Maccles- field Hospital have donated £500 towards new garden furniture which will be used by patients who are elderly, frail or have dementia. The hospital’s Ward Nine has undergone a refurbishment to create a more demen- tia-friendly environment. The aim of the revamp is to enhance patient wellbeing, reduce dis- tress and anxiety poten- tially caused by a stay in hospital and to pro- mote independence. This is the second donation from Muslim colleagues at the hospi- tal following on from a collection of toys given to the Children’s Ward in March as part of Eid. Jabeen Razzaq-Sheikh, principal pharmacist sur- gery and theatres, said: “In the Islamic faith older people are often consid- ered a source of spiritual blessing and wisdom. “Love, care and respect for the elderly is seen as a source of spiritual reward, so for us as Mus- lims helping the sick and serving them is a true honour. “We hope the garden makeover will provide a tranquil place for patients and their families. “There are many bene- fits in patients being able to access peaceful, safe, calm outdoor spaces such as the garden on Ward 9, and we hope the garden will help boost wellbeing for patients on the ward.” Lisa Nixon, activities co-ordinator at the hospi- tal, said: “Thank you for the kind and generous donation of £500 from our Muslim colleagues. Currently the Ward Nine garden is in the design stage. “Once the project has been completed, we can provide patients, fami- lies and staff with a safe comfortable and sensory space in which to enjoy spending time. “It’s incredibly impor- tant that patients have a calm place to reflect and recharge away from a busy ward environment. “We are very excited to buy new garden fur- niture with the money raised by our NHS Mus- lim colleagues.” A TYTHERINGTON teenager is celebrat- ing after success- fully completing a solo swim across the English Chan- nel that has raised £10,000 for charity. In a formidable feat that tested the very limits of endurance, 16-year-old Rory Kaye conquered the 21-mile stretch of treacherous waters in an impres- sive 13 hours and 32 minutes. Setting off for the coast of France in the early hours under a shroud of darkness, he navigated the noto- riously demanding Channel with remark- able perseverance, even battling through stings from jellyfish during his final hour in the water. The Beech Hall School student’s accom- plishment was the cul- mination of months of intensive training and preparation. His rigorous sched- ule included ten two-hour relay qual- ifying swims, four six-hour solo swims, and two eight-hour solo swims, alongside Rory makes waves with his Channel swim Achievement: Rory on his epic swim (Photo credit: Beech Hall School) cold-water conditioning. After turning 16, Rory faced a 27-day wait for suitable weather con- ditions before finally setting off from the white cliffs of Samphire Hoe beach. The swim was com- pleted in aid of Mencap, a charity dedicated to supporting people with learning disabilities. Through his incred- ible effort, Rory has raised almost £10,000 and counting, with the goal of funding a full year’s swimming programme for SEND children under the age of five in the Manches- ter area. The programme will cover the costs of pool hire, a lifeguard, and a qualified disability swimming coach, help- ing to provide young children with access to vital opportunities in a safe and support- ive environment. Beech House head teacher James Allen, said: “Rory’s achieve- ment is nothing short of inspirational. This was a feat of superior phys- ical endurance, mental strength, determination and resilience. “Channel relay swim- ming is tough, but thir- teen and a half hours continuous swimming and a virtual straight line to the French coast is testament to the thousands of hours of training, the thousands of kilometres swum in pools, lakes and seas, and the commitment and dedication not just of Rory, but the coaching team around him. “ It is the sheer bloody-mindedness of a young man who decided he was going to swim solo, immediately after completing his first relay crossing, aged just 13. We are excep- tionally proud.” Garden furniture boost for hospital To advertise call 07767 840274