Due to Coronavirus restrictions, the awards were presented virtually from the hospice’s Annual General Meeting on Monday 5 October, the start of national Hospice Care Week 2020 (5-11 October).
Treetops provides nursing care and emotional support for adults with life-limiting conditions and those who’ve been bereaved. Last year, the hospice supported over 1,800 patients and their families across Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire.
Seventeen people have volunteered or worked at the hospice for 15 years, two volunteers for 20 years, one volunteer for 25 years and one volunteer for 30 years. Their roles have included assisting in the Treetops charity shops, driving patients to and from the hospice, supporting patients in the Wellbeing Space, providing fundraising event support and Hospice at Home end of life nursing.
Julie Heath, Treetops Hospice Care Chief Executive
An absolute delight to present these awards and share such positive news
Julie Heath, Treetops chief executive, presented the awards via Zoom from the hospice, explaining the vital importance of volunteers:
“As we face some very tough and challenging months ahead for us all, it is an absolute delight for me to present these awards and share such positive news of how wonderful our volunteers and staff are.
“Each and every one of our volunteers is integral to Treetops – from its early beginnings to where we are now, proudly positioned as Derbyshire’s leading adult hospice.
Those who have gone above and beyond in their commitment to the charity
“Our awards tonight are extra special. They highlight those people who have gone above and beyond in their commitment to the charity, giving decades of their lives and time to Treetops in so many different ways.
“We are so grateful to everyone for their hard work, dedication and for helping make Treetops what it is today. Thank you all so very much.”
Those receiving awards include:
30 Year Award – Special Recognition Award
- John Griffiths, Volunteer
25 Year Award
- Ivan Pollard, Volunteer Driver
- Norma Tunaley, Volunteer, Ilkeston Charity Shop – In Memoriam
20 Year Awards
- Carol Barton, Volunteer, Melbourne Charity Shop
- Christine Elliott, Volunteer, Melbourne Charity Shop
15 Year Awards
- Valerie Smith, Volunteer, Bramcote Charity Shop
- Sandie Swift, Volunteer, Allestree Charity Shop
- Glennis Underwood, Volunteer, Long Eaton Charity Shop
- Sarah Butcher, Volunteer Gardening Team Leader
- Glenis Geary, Volunteer, Sandiacre Charity Shop
- Kim Kimberley, Volunteer Befriender, Driver and Events
- Marion Kniveton, Volunteer, Draycott Charity Shop
- Ann Maxwell, Volunteer, Stapleford Charity Shop
- Margaret Meagher, Volunteer, Wellbeing Space
- Val Perry, Volunteer, Events (Spondon Friends)
- Graham Porter, Volunteer Driver and Volunteer, Stapleford Charity Shop
- John Smith, Volunteer, Nottingham Magistrates Court Coffee Bar
- Gillian Stone, Volunteer, Allestree/Duffield Charity Shop
- Aileen Thompson, Volunteer, Wellbeing Space and Events Volunteer
- Yvonne Wragg, Volunteer, Allestree Charity Shop
- Sandra Burgin, Hospice at Home healthcare assistant
- Maggie Phiri, Hospice at Home registered nurse
The hospice is appealing for people to volunteer in their nearest Treetops charity shop. Those interested and with a few hours to spare each week should pop in and chat to the shop manager.
Treetops is one of more than 200 charitable hospices across the UK taking part in Hospice Care Week (5 – 11 October), led by the national hospice and end of life care charity, Hospice UK.
Throughout Hospice Care Week, Treetops is highlighting what it takes to provide end of life care to those who need it the most including their new Roaming Nurse Service, how Treetops is providing care services online for patients shielding at home, and highlighting Treetops supporters out in the community and from the business world.
Treetops is doing all it can to continue to support those in most need.
Hospice UK estimates that since the COVID crisis begin in March, collectively hospices have lost in the region of £70 million in fundraised income.