Treetops Hospice grew out of a campaign started by Cally Cheetham in 1983, following her own experiences of caring for relatives suffering from cancer.
In 1984, the Draycott Hospice Association was formed . Various fund raising activities took place and talks were held with the local Health Authority.
![Early days slides png Press cuttings of newspapers from the early years of Treetops Hospice](https://www.treetopshospice.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Early-days-slides-png.png)
The main hospice building was purchased from Nottinghamshire County Council in 1986. It was paid for out of a legacy from John Laver of Sandiacre. John was a benefactor who sadly died within months of becoming a member of the Association.
Shortly after, Draycott Hospice Development Trust was started to raise the extra funds necessary to convert and extend the original building.
The Duchess of Gloucester unveiled a dedication stone at the building in July 1990.
In 1991, a conservatory was added to the main building and a Nurse Manager was appointed.
Treetops first services began with a volunteer home-sitting service and a day care service once per week.
In 1993, the Draycott Hospice Association and Development Trust merged to form Treetops Hospice Trust, to reflect the original name of the building.
![The first Treetops shop The first Treetops Hospice charity shop based within the main building](https://www.treetopshospice.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/The-first-Treetops-shop-225x300.jpg)
In 1996, we launched our Treetops Lottery with just 300 members.