Heather, 70, a former manager for Dorothy Perkins in Nottingham, explained more:
“I initially started doing the Starlight Strut in memory of my sister, Catherine, who died in 2008 from oesophageal cancer. Towards the end of her life, she went to Treetops to enjoy the Day Care Service.
Heather Young with husband John
“I was diagnosed with having metastatic colon cancer and had two major surgeries taking away half of my liver and surgery on my bowel leaving me with a stoma. I was given the all clear last year, but in January I was unfortunately diagnosed with lung cancer.
I’m full of joy and thankful for my life
“But I’m still here – I’m still alive and I’m having treatment again which will hopefully give me many more years to spend with my amazing family. I’ve got a lovely big family with three children, seven grandchildren and three great-grandchildren!
“I’m full of joy and thankful for my life and for me, I may need Treetops care one day – you never know.”
Treetops Hospice Care, a registered charity, provides nursing care and emotional support for adults with life limiting conditions living in Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire.
The annual Starlight Strut is the largest charity night walk held in Derby city centre. Participants can walk either a 5km or 10km sponsored walk and this year’s tenth anniversary walk will have a carnival-theme.
It’s absolutely fabulous on the night
Heather will be walking along with her daughter Jo-anna Joynes, also from Long Eaton. She explained her experiences of what to expect the night:
“It’s absolutely fabulous on the night – especially at the start when everybody’s all together and dressed up. This year we’ll be walking the 5km route which will be good for me, though it takes me out of my comfort zone this time.”
Treetops services include Support and Information, Wellbeing Space, Hospice at Home nurses and Therapeutic Services including counselling, art therapy and complementary therapy.