Woman in Treetops t-shirt on tandem parachute jump

Meet our Treetops Hospice Challenge Champions - a wonderful team of people who are completing challenges, or have fundraised for us. Read about their chosen challenge and their personal stories for taking part.

 
Man in Treetops t-shirt running past Lond Eye on London landmarks half-marathon, giving thumbs up to the camera

Simon Machin - London Landmarks Half Marathon

"When I first signed up to a 10K with Treetops, I was looking for a challenge to help me lose some weight and do something positive for an amazing charity that supports so many local people.

Being a part of the #TeamTreetops community, along with the personal encouragement and support from the team, gave me the confidence to keep pushing myself. In 2024, I ran the London Landmarks Half Marathon, something I never thought I’d be able to do 2 years ago!"

Woman in Treetops t-shirt on tandem parachute jump

Kate Kells - Parachute Jump

"I've always fancied doing a tandem parachute jump. It’s the next perfect adventure!

"Treetops is a charity and I want to help ensure that we are able to continue offering our services for people in the future.”

 
 
Black and white photo of man in running shorts and vest

Andy Lucas - London Marathon 

"I ran the London Marathon in memory of my dad, Ray. who was an amazing runner himself.

"When he got Motor Neurone Disease, we had some amazing help from Treetops. It gave my mum a lot of time back because she was his main carer."

Group of five people wearing Treetops t-shirts at half-marathon

Mark Holden & Family - Robin Hood Half-Marathon

"We wouldn't have had the same amount of  quality time with dad without the Treetops nurses. Dad and mum wanted him to be at home and Treetops were able to make that happen."

 
Adela Appleby from Treetops smiling at camera

Adela Appleby, Wing Walk

"I'm doing a Wing Walk to celebrate my belated 50th birthday and show I am as fun loving now, as I was in my 20s. 

"On 23rd September I’ll be strapped to a plane flying 700ft high, at speeds of up to 130mph.  Am I scared – yes, but I am blooming excited too!"

Mother and daughter smiling in selfie photo

Heather and Dan  Gould - Derby 10k

“It’s been an amazing comfort and positive force to fundraise in mum’s memory. It’s been an excellent way to deal with our anger and frustration and all the emotions that come with the loss of such a dear family member.”

 
Man in Treetops running vest

Mark Richardson - Derby 10k

“As a family, we took turns to help care for mum at home during the day, but nights were a problem. It was really reassuring for us to have a  Hospice at Home nurse looking after her during her last days.

“It’s nice to give something back to the charity for the care that they provided when we needed it."

Man with glasses in Treetops running vest

Chris Macdonald - Derby 10k

"I'm running in the Derby 10k to keep my fitness up. And it's a great way to give something back to a good charity that supports lots of local people."

 
Man with beard in Treetops running top

Craig Stopper - Derby 10k

“Doing the run with my work colleagues adds camaraderie and also helps us raise more money as a team. There’s a bit of competitiveness there and running for a charity helps with our work ethics.

“This is also a way of gaining some fitness. I completed a Couch to 5k a couple of years ago but I’ve done nothing since. This gives me something to really aim for."