A Macclesfield furniture shop is to raise thousands of pounds for a local charity.

Arighi Bianchi will take on the Great Manchester Run once again for Macclesfield's East Cheshire Hospice.

It wants to raise £3000, and you can donate via this link.

Arighi Bianchi, who are in the midst of celebrating its 170th anniversary this year, will have to put the celebrations on pause for an afternoon as the team aim to beat last year's fundraising total.

Arighi Bianchi, pictured this week, on The Silk Road. (Image - Macclesfield Nub News)

In 2023, Arighi Bianchi £2,930 fundraised for East Cheshire Hospice through the Great Manchester Run.

And for 2024, they hope to raise even more, by doing it all over again.

Head of Communications Lucy Mather told Macclesfield Nub News about team Arighi Bianchi's preparations for the event.

"We have a team of 11 staff members at Arighi Bianchi running this year for East Cheshire Hospice", said Lucy.

East Cheshire Hospice, of Millbank Drive, Macclesfield. (Image - Macclesfield Nub News)

"The team is couple from last year and a few new runners to the team.

"The hospice is so important to us, as sadly most people at ABs have a connection to the hospice in some way. The hospice have have cared for staff and family members. 

"East Cheshire Hospice serve the communities of Macclesfield and the surrounding areas. They provide care, comfort and compassionate support to patients and their loved ones is their number one priority.

"The hospice does not charge any of their patients or their families for staying with them or using their outpatient and support services.

Arighi Bianchi did the same run this time last year for the Hospice. Personal best's and the total fundraising amount will be hoped to be beat this time around. (Image - Arighi Bianchi)

"You might be surprised to learn that they receive less than 17% of their running costs from the government, so they heavily rely on events like this to raise money to pay for over 80% of their costs every day.

"This means that every day, their patients rely on the kind support of fundraisers like ours to keep their doors open and to provide their specialist care.

"We are aiming to raise £3,000 this year. As we know money is tough for most people right now so we really do appreciate any donation at all as it all adds up and makes a difference for the hospice."

Caffè AB has even got in on the fundraising action, selling brownies which will also raise money for the much-loved end-of-life-care charity.

Separate to the JustGiving page, Caffè AB will also be raising funds for the Hospice, with their charity brownies. With the price starting for one at £2.95. (Image - Arighi Bianchi / Caffè AB)

"We are offering a traybake in our Caffè AB, where all profits from that cake go towards the hospice," added Lucy.

"So this way, people are getting something tasty in return for donating.

"If you are local please do pop in to our Caffè to try our tasty charity traybakes!"

£245 has been fundraised so far on JustGiving, and you can donate via this link. This figure does not count the amount generated by the sweet treats.

Click the red link below to donate.

Arighi Bianchi is grateful for the support of the Macclesfield community.

"Thank you so much we really appreciate every donation no matter how big or small," told Lucy.

"And thank you [to Macclesfield Nub News] for including us again to spread awareness for the Hospice."

Arighi Bianchi has supported East Cheshire Hospice for the better part of 40 years, which is the entirety of the charity's existence.

Luke Oldham, Corporate Fundraiser of East Cheshire Hospice, outside the main entrance. (Image - Macclesfield Nub News)

Luke Oldham, Corporate Fundraiser of East Cheshire Hospice said: "The Hospice could not remain open without the backing of its local communities and businesses, so it's wonderful to have the support of the team at Arighi Bianchi who are taking on this challenge with such enthusiasm. Thank you."

"Like so many in the area, many staff at Arighi's have a personal story connected to the Hospice, so it's incredibly powerful to see their individual motivations and reasons for running."

The AJ Bell Great Manchester Run takes place on 26 May 2024.

Beyond this month's run, Arighi Bianchi has their upcoming 170th birthday party on June 29, which they would also love to get Hospice involved in.

£245 has been fundraised on JustGiving, as of publication. (Image - JustGiving)

Macclesfield: Want to pledge some funds towards the charity crowdfunder?

Please click HERE to donate.

For more info about East Cheshire Hospice, please click the red link in this sentence.

Or you can scan the QR code.

See Also: Macclesfield duo to run fifth Great Manchester Run