Little Dylan Mulley has cycled 50 miles – the equivalent distance of riding around one of his Nan’s favourite holiday destinations, Lake Orta in Italy – in memory of Jennifer Shirt; a former Friesland School teacher. All money raised will go to Treetops Hospice Care, in Risley, who provided essential care for Jennifer.
Mum’s wish was to remain at home for as long as possible following her diagnosis
Proud mum Joanne Shirt, who grew up in Long Eaton before moving to York, said:
“Mum was diagnosed with terminal cancer in June 2018.
“We received great care from Nottingham City Hospital’s radiotherapy team and the community nursing team at Golden Brook Practice following her diagnosis, enabling us many more months than we had expected to spend quality time with her. We were also made aware of Treetops Hospice Care through the Macmillan Nursing team.
“Mum’s wish was to remain at home for as long as was possible following her diagnosis. This would simply not have been possible without the right support network, especially during her final few weeks, which occurred during the Coronavirus outbreak.
Treetops Hospice at Home service was the only way in which we could fulfil Mum’s wish
“During this time, there was no support at home for Dad; nursing care from the Treetops Hospice at Home service was the only way in which we could fulfil Mum’s wish to remain at home. Their help, especially at night-time, was invaluable.
Jennifer sadly died in April 2020. She was 71.
Joanne, a mum of two who works in human resources for Nestle UK said:
“We couldn’t have a wake for Mum because of the Coronavirus outbreak but we wanted some way in which we could help Dylan understand what had happened. We also wanted Dylan to support the charity which had made such a difference to our family and this seemed perfect.
Mum would have loved the challenge which Dylan is doing
“Mum loved her family; she had a great sense of humour and enjoyed supporting others. She would often make cards for various charities in her spare time.
“Mum would have loved the challenge which Dylan is doing and would have enjoyed looking at the photographs which we have taken to document his fundraiser.”
With a little help from mum, dad and sister Eva, Dylan has cycled 50 miles around York, taking in York Racecourse, York University and the River Ouse. The challenge was completed over three weeks and Dylan has raised over £750.
“Dylan has been very motivated and a little overwhelmed with the amount of money we have raised,” said Joanne, “we’re so proud of him.”
I’m glad that we have raised a lot of money for Treetops
Dylan, who would like to take up karate after lockdown, said:
“I normally go to school and play football but this has kept me busy. It wasn’t too hard, though!
“I’m glad that we have raised a lot of money for Treetops.”
In addition to Dylan’s fundraising efforts, there is a separate fundraising page set up in memory of Jennifer Shirt which has raised more than £2,500. The final total will be split between Treetops, Marie Curie and Nottingham Hospitals Charity.
Treetops provides nursing care and emotional support for adults with life-limiting conditions such as cancer, neurological conditions, and heart and respiratory conditions. Last year, Hospice at Home nurses provided over 28,000 hours of care across Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire.
Treetops is doing all it can to continue to support those in most need. However the charity predicts a huge loss in income due to the temporary closure of all their charity shops, and postponement or cancellation of many fundraising events.