The neighbourly celebrations are being organised by Jan Goold, elected borough councillor and town councillor, and began with a special VE Day party in May.
Treetops Hospice Care, based in Risley, provides nursing care and emotional support for adults with life-limiting conditions and their families.
The charity has continued to offer its services during the Coronavirus pandemic, however it predicts a huge loss in income in the coming months, due to the temporary closure of their charity shops during lockdown and cancellation of many fundraising events.
Our local charities must not be forgotten
Jan Goold
Retired optical practice manager, Jan, recognised that the pandemic would have a “catastrophic impact on everything in the community”:
“It hit home when I saw the closure of all the shops on our high street and in particular the Treetops charity shop. It was then I decided I had to come up with something to help raise funding.
“I guessed most of the focus would be on the NHS, a very fine and worthy cause, but our local charities must not be forgotten either.”
Jan teamed up with neighbour and friend, Ann Popow:
“Obviously we had to arrange for social distancing to be taken into account. We supplied a buffet and drinks, held a raffle to raise funds, a sing song and a quiz to raise spirits. It was a success and a good time was had by all.”
The street parties have become a regular treat, as well as an opportunity to bring residents together.
Amazing helping our neighbours through lockdown
“In terms of social cohesion, it has been amazing helping our neighbours through lockdown and giving them an opportunity to socialise, albeit at a distance.
“It is astonishing to experience the warmth and generosity these get-togethers have generated and we have had a lot of fun.
“Each event is a celebration – either a birthday, an anniversary or another special occasion. I am more than hopeful that these gatherings will continue as on each occasion more folk have joined. All the money we raise is given to Treetops.
“Our next gathering is on Saturday 15 August to celebrate VJ Day and a birthday and it would be wonderful if we managed to reach £1000 raised in total. We’d welcome any donations from local shops towards our raffle as this is always popular and raises a lot of money.”
There are still ways to support us – just ask Jan!
Cheryl Morris, deputy community relationships manager thanked Jan and her neighbours on behalf of Treetops:
“I want to say a huge thank you to Jan and her neighbours who have come together despite the unpredictable weather and raised some much-needed funds for Treetops. We really could not continue to provide the vital services for those who need us most, without amazing people like you!
“We are really looking forward to working together more and this is just the beginning of our relationship. I am hoping more people will follow suit and recognise that even though these are uncertain times, there are still ways to support us – just ask Jan! Thank you again and I look forward to hearing all about the next one.”
Treetops provides nursing care and emotional support for adults with life-limiting conditions such as cancer, motor neurone disease and heart and respiratory conditions. All services are available free of charge.
Treetops is doing all it can to continue to support those in most need. However, the charity predicts a huge loss in income in the coming months, due to the temporary closure of all their charity shops, and postponement or cancellation of many fundraising events. The hospice launched an Emergency Appeal earlier this year.
