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On Sunday 6 April, Megan Radford will show her appreciation to Treetops for supporting three generations of her family as she joins hundreds of runners in the Derby 10k. Megan from Derby, is on track to raise over £300 for the hospice that cared for her late dad and grandad. Megan had bereavement counselling at the hospice following the death of her dad, Ian, from cancer. Counselling support Megan explained more: “When my dad died it was the most traumatising week of my life. I knew that I would need help to get over the overwhelming shock. "It was incredibly useful to have a counsellor at Treetops to talk to in-depth, as it is difficult to do so with grieving family or friends that you don't want to burden. “Unfortunately, the memories from that time turned into flashbacks that intruded on my day-to-day life. My counsellor helped me deal with these in an effective way, until they had gone. They say you have to grow around grief and my counselling sessions helped me do that so I could return to my life with a new, well-rounded perspective.” Treetops nurses helped care for dad at home Ian died of cancer just days before his 65th birthday. Treetops nurses helped care for him at home. “Dad didn't want to be in hospital. He wanted to come home and we wanted him home, so that's what we did. “In his last few days, we looked after him as a family, 24 hours a day, with regular daytime visits from NHS healthcare teams. In the night, there wasn't the same support and that's where the Treetops nurses came in.“Without the nurses, I don't know how we would've managed to look after dad properly. They had the perfect attitude: a friendly bedside manner coupled with a fierce eye for detail. They looked after my dad and were a sympathetic ear to us. When they arrived, it felt like we could breathe a sigh of relief. “When my dad died, we called the Treetops nurses one last time. At this point, it felt like having old friends come to the house in our hour of need. They helped prepare my dad and made the necessary arrangements, so we didn't have to. It didn't feel intrusive; they were very welcome.” Megan’s late grandad John also came to Treetops in Risley to meet with his oncologist and to take part in a wide range of activities on site. John was passionate about hospice care, as Megan explained: “My grandma passed away from cancer when my mum and her sisters were young. It was a difficult time for the family. They had to take two buses to see grandma in hospital. “Grandad could see how much better grandma's quality of life would've been if there had been a local hospice; what a difference it would've made to his wife and daughter's lives. “When the proposal came to set up a hospice in the local area, Treetops, Grandad was vocal in supporting it so others could benefit from what he would've loved for his own family.” Giving back to the charity that helped so much Megan signed up to the Derby 10k to “give back to the charity that helped me and my family so much”.“I think dad would be cheering me on at the finish line. He was always proud of his children and our achievements. I always think of him at the big moments in my life, or even the little successes. I can imagine him pulling me in for a hug, giving me a big kiss on "the bonce", and congratulating me.” Join the Derby 10k Treetops welcomes runners to sign up to the Derby 10k and raise money for the hospice. Register before Wednesday 19 March to take advantage of a special £5 discounted rate. Runners are asked to raise £108 which helps to provide a local patient with a night of Hospice at Home nursing care at home. The Derby 10k route starts and finishes at Pride Park, passing the Derbion and Derby Cathedral. The event is suitable for people of all abilities. Treetops runners receive a branded tech shirt, fundraising support and resources, and homemade cake at the finish line. [button url="https://www.treetopshospice.org.uk/event/derby-10k-2025/" template="block" class="btn-block--red"]Join the Derby 10k and support local people[/button]

Throughout March, donations to the hospice will be doubled, helping us to provide more end-of-life nursing care for local people, all thanks to a generous donor. The anonymous donor understands the difference that hospice care makes for local people with life-limiting conditions and those who’ve been bereaved. They are matching the value of donations during the month up to the value of £10,000 and said:We want to support Treetops because hospice care is so vitally important, and we are aware that funding is under stress. [button url="https://www.treetopshospice.org.uk/donate/" template="block" class="btn-block--red"]Make your donation go further in March[/button] Last year, Treetops nurses provided over 22,000 hours of nursing care for patients at the very end of life, in their own homes with their loved ones around them. Katy English, Treetops nurse, explained more about her role:We’re there to ensure someone’s last few days are as pain-free and dignified as possible. We also provide emotional support for families and loved ones. "It can be scary caring for someone at home. We offer a listening ear,  answer questions, listen to their concerns, and reassure them. Caring for someone 24 hours a day and through the night is incredibly challenging, physically and emotionally.Knowing that a dedicated and compassionate Treetops nurse will looking after your loved one while you get a rest, makes a huge difference. “It costs £5.3million every year to run the hospice. We have to raise 80% of this through donations from our fantastic supporters. We really hope people will dig deep, donate, and know they’re making double the difference this month.” [button url="https://www.treetopshospice.org.uk/donate/" template="block" class="btn-block--red"]Donate today and help us care for more local people[/button]

Treetops has launched a new support group in Ilkeston, offering vital information and peer support for people who are grieving the loss of a loved one. In partnership with the Erewash Social Prescribing team, the Bereavement Hub takes place every Friday at Ilkeston Museum, from 11am to 1pm. The group is led by trained volunteers, providing attendees with a safe and welcoming environment to share their experiences and offer support to one another. [button url="https://www.treetopshospice.org.uk/our-services/wellbeing-space/treetops-bereavement-hub" template="block" class="btn-block--red"]More information about the Bereavement Hub[/button] Julie Waite, Treetops Community Inreach Lead said: “Through the bereavement work we do at Treetops Hospice, we recognise that there is a need for support out in the community and not everyone can attend the hospice in Risley.” While the hub doesn’t provide formal counselling, it provides an opportunity for up to 15 people to connect with others experiencing similar grief. If additional emotional support is required, the team of trained volunteers will signpost to relevant services, including the Treetops therapeutic services.“Living with loss can feel isolating, but with the Treetops Bereavement Hub, you're not alone." Treetops have been able to launch the Bereavement Hub as a result of a grant from Erewash Borough Council, which has paid for the venue for the year.  

Treetops is celebrating a grant of over £37,000 from SC Johnson Foundation, which will allow us to complete a renovation of our Wellbeing Cafe. SC Johnson has a long history of working to make the communities they are in better because they are there. With SC Johnson Professional’s European headquarters in Denby, the company is helping to support Treetops efforts to provide a high-quality experience for patients and their loved ones. Meeting the needs of people living with life-limiting illnesses Since 2019, Treetops has been offering a Model of Care, designed to meet the changing needs of people living with life-limiting illnesses.  At the heart of the care model is the Café, a large, open-plan space with a glass front that opens onto a veranda and overlooks our grounds. The charitable grant will help transform this space, including a café counter to serve food and beverages from and much-needed improvements to the veranda, such as the installation of heating, and new outdoor furniture. Adela Appleby, Treetops Head of Community Relationships said:“Treetops aims to reach hundreds of local people each year.  Creating the right environment is such an important part of making it easier for them to turn to us for support while they are living with a life-limiting illness or recovering from a bereavement. Improvements to the Cafe “Now, we can make vital improvements to ensure the space is more comfortable and functional for our patients and their families. “We’re also excited to enhance access to our beautiful grounds. With the addition of heating, we’ll be able to keep the veranda open for longer, enabling even more people to enjoy it.” Work on the Wellbeing Space is due to begin shortly with renovations to be complete later in 2025. If your business is able to support Treetops Hospice, financially, via a gift in kind or volunteering, please contact Adela

With the support of our Hospice at Home nurses, Wendy Joyce from Codnor, was able to fulfil her wish to die at home after a long battle with breast cancer. Wendy’s daughter-in-law, Sarah Joyce, is sharing her family’s moving story to promote our Treetops Super Draw and help us raise vital funds to support other patients and families when they need it the most. “We will never forget the care and compassion of the Treetops nursing team during our darkest times,” explained Sarah from Swanwick.“The nurses made a world of difference. We wouldn’t have been able to give Wendy everything she needed at home without them." [button url="https://treetopslottery.rallyup.com/superdraw2025/Campaign/Details" template="block" class="btn-block--red"]Play the Super Draw and help local patients and families[/button] Wendy was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2020 during the Covid-19 pandemic. She was told the cancer was curable, and Wendy underwent a mastectomy, followed by chemotherapy, and radiotherapy. Wendy's battle with cancer “It was a long, painful road but Wendy bravely battled through it,” continued Sarah. “She never complained and just got on with it, as there was light at the end of the tunnel. She really showed superhuman strength and resilience which was in her nature.” Wendy, 72, was a much-loved Dinner Lady and later, a Teaching Assistant, at Codnor Primary School. After retiring, she spent many hours cheering for her grandchildren on the sidelines at athletics events. “You could see in her face the joy she got watching them. She’d be beaming. It didn’t matter if they won or not, she was so proud of them either way. “Wendy and I got on so well,” said Sarah. “She was like another mum to me and everything you’d want from a mother-in-law. I counted myself really lucky.” Despite being given the all-clear, less than a year later in December 2021, Wendy was diagnosed with secondary cancer in her spine and other areas. “This time they said the cancer was not curable but treatable. Our world was shattered." “After a few months of attempting to control the growth and spread of the cancer, we were told that it was having no effect. There was nothing more they could do. Care and support from Treetops “In May 2022, the oncologist gave us a prognosis of no more than six to 12 months. In a strange way, we were all relieved. We thought we would hopefully be able to enjoy a good few months of making precious memories together.” But Wendy’s health rapidly declined. By June, the family was told that Wendy was now coming towards the end of her life. Returning to her family home in Codnor, just a few yards from the house in which she was born, was very important to her.“I can honestly say that we wouldn’t have got through the next few days without the invaluable care and support that Treetops provided us with; both caring for Wendy and supporting us as a family. [button url="https://treetopslottery.rallyup.com/superdraw2025/Campaign/Details" template="block" class="btn-block--red"]Enter the Super Draw today[/button] “As things had moved so fast, we weren’t able to access carers for the first couple of days. And Wendy’s medication wasn’t managing her pain properly.” Sarah was encouraged to call the Treetops Hospice at Home team. “We’d only been referred to Treetops a few hours before our first call to them. The nurses were there within the hour to give Wendy the pain relief she desperately needed. “They took the time to listen to us and encouraged us to call at any time with any concerns. The difference the nurses made “They also reassured us that we were doing great for Wendy which was such a relief to hear. In that situation, you almost put pressure on yourself to become a medical professional and know exactly what your loved one needs and when they need it. The nurses lifted that pressure from us, which we will always be grateful for. “I can’t begin to describe the difference they made. We felt able to get some much-needed rest whilst Wendy’s care was in their capable hands. They were there for us, supporting us, preparing us for what to expect. Until you live this experience and know what it’s like, you don’t know how hard it is.” In the care of the Treetops Hospice at Home team, Wendy died peacefully with husband, Richard and son, Stefan, by her side. Sarah’s family are very proud to be supporting the Treetops Super Draw to ‘give something back to the charity’.“As a family, we’re very proud to support Treetops and the Super Draw. “It's really important to us to share our story because we know firsthand how much Treetops helped Wendy and us. We hope lots of people enter the Super Draw to raise money for the hospice so they can help other families just like us.” [button url="https://treetopslottery.rallyup.com/superdraw2025/Campaign/Details" template="block" class="btn-block--red"]Play the Super Draw and help us care for more patients and families[/button]

Treetops was filled with a colourful display of mismatched socks this week, as the Huntington’s Disease peer support group held an "Odds and Socks" event. Patients, family members, carers, volunteers and hospice staff donned their quirkiest odd socks and enjoyed a sock-themed cake to help raise awareness of the disease which affects approximately 7,000 people in the UK. Huntington’s Disease is a condition that damages nerve cells in the brain, causing them to stop working properly. Over time, the disease affects movement, cognition, and mental health. [button url="https://www.treetopshospice.org.uk/our-services/wellbeing-space/huntingtons-support-group/" template="block" class="btn-block--red"]Find out about our Huntington's Disease Support Group[/button] The support has been life-changing Anne-Marie, 48, and her husband Richard, 50, from Stapleford, have been coming to the monthly group for just over a year. Anne-Marie was diagnosed two years ago with Huntington’s Disease. She said: “Coming to terms with having the disease and knowing that your mental capacity is deteriorating is a real challenge. This time last year, I wasn’t myself. I was sad and depressed. I’d lost my confidence and was coming to terms with showing symptoms. “Treetops and the support group have been phenomenal. There’s support for me, support for Richard as a carer, and support in place for our children. It’s been life-changing. “We’ve made friendships and meet up outside of the group. And the staff and volunteers support and treat you so well. They really see you as a unique individual.” Support to keep your quality of life for as long as possible Richard added: “Although I enjoy caring for Anne-Marie, coming here is a break and I can relax. It’s like a battery recharge. At home, I’d be thinking, ‘the washing’s on, I need to do the ironing, what shall we have for tea?’ Here, that’s all gone. “You can share stories and experiences with others in a similar situation, and it’s sociable. And you realise all the support that Treetops has to offer to keep your quality of life for as long as possible.” About the Huntington's Disease Support Group The Huntington’s Disease peer support group meet monthly at Treetops in Risley, to share experiences, information and advice. The Support Group is a joint venture between Treetops Hospice and the Huntington’s Disease Association. The theme of 'odd socks' is being used by the Huntington’s Disease Association to represent the 50:50 odds of inheriting the Huntington's gene from a parent with the disease. National Odds and Socks Day takes place across the UK on Thursday 27 February 2025. [button url="https://www.treetopshospice.org.uk/our-services/wellbeing-space/huntingtons-support-group/" template="block" class="btn-block--red"]Learn more about the Huntington's Disease Support Group[/button]

Jayne Smith, retired probate solicitor, talks about her career helping people write a Will and what can happen if you don’t have a Will when you die. Introducing Jayne "I was born and grew up in Nottingham.  I was the first person from my family to go to university.  I studied Law and French in Manchester, returning to Nottingham to do my Law Society final exams. I trained at a local firm called German and Soar. Two years after qualifying, I was asked to open an office in Wollaton where I practised for over 30 years.  I became a partner in the firm soon afterwards and after several mergers, the firm is now known as Rothera Bray. I was the Head of the Wills and Probate Department with responsibility for over 20 lawyers and paralegals.  I dealt with Wills, probate, trust and inheritance tax issues along with Powers of Attorney and Court of Protection cases.  I was really proud to get a Lifetime Achievement Award from Nottingham Law Society in 2022. I retired from practice in May 2023."Throughout my career, my driving force has been a passion to help people, especially in the most difficult times of their lives. I’ve met so many different people and have even supported several generations of the same family over the years. How many Wills have you helped write during your career? If I had to make a guess, after 40 years in practice, I would say it would be in the region of 7,500! Supporting Treetops Hospice Rothera Bray supported the Treetops Hospice Free Wills scheme for many years, and I was asked to do a talk at Treetops about the benefit of making a Will. I prepared my presentation ‘Confessions of a Probate Lawyer’ and have spoken several times to supporters. When I first visited Treetops, I was hugely impressed with the friendliness of the staff, the calm atmosphere, and the grounds.  Since retirement, I have had more time to devote to good causes and I jumped at the chance to become involved with Treetops. I am a Treetops Patron and also a member of the Treetops Development Board.I really enjoy delivering my talk and I get really good feedback. I like to see the reactions I get from my stories and anecdotes which are entertaining and thought-provoking. Lots of people have come up to me afterwards to say they learned something new, and it’s been a good prompt for them to do something. [button url="https://www.treetopshospice.org.uk/donate/gifts-in-wills/free-support-writing-updating-will" template="block" class="btn-block--red"]More information about our FREE support to make a Will[/button]   Why is having a Will so important? For me, there is no better way to make things easier for your loved ones when you die. If there is no Will, they are left with the uncertainty of not knowing your wishes and of your estate being distributed in accordance with the rules set out by the Government. What can happen when you don't have a Will? If you don't make a Will, then you have no say in who gets what when you're gone, and the Government decides for you. The rules also set out who can administer the estate. One of the common misconceptions I used to hear was when people would say to me: ‘I'm married so I don't need a Will. My spouse will get everything’. And if there are no eligible family members to inherit, things can get extremely complicated. I came across the case of a 50-year-old woman who was an only child. Both her parents had died. Although she had been in a relationship with her boyfriend for over 20 years, they did not live together, and they were financially independent. She died suddenly and there were no eligible family members to benefit. Her entire estate of over £1.2 million went to the Government. Her boyfriend said that they had talked for years about making Wills but never thought that this could happen, and they had just been too busy. A lot of people also used to say, ‘I’ve not got anything of value to leave in a Will, so I don’t need one’. If you listed all your personal belongings, you might be very surprised! Charities also don’t receive anything from an estate unless there’s a legacy in a Will, or a donation is made by the solicitor dealing with an estate. What's the most memorable Will you've come across e.g. an unusual bequest? We once had a client who left a sum of money to her executors to be used to provide flowers for her and her parents’ graves on specific dates - birthdays and anniversaries – for as long as the funds lasted. Free support with writing or updating your Will As your local hospice we know that making a Will is one of the best things you can do for your family. It means that, after your death, your wishes are clear. We can support you, whether you’re just starting to think about your wishes, or if you’re making or updating your Will because of changes in your life. Gifts in Wills help provide care for up to two in five of our Hospice at Home patients. Leaving a gift to Treetops will help continue our vital work. [button url="https://www.treetopshospice.org.uk/donate/gifts-in-wills/free-support-writing-updating-will/" template="block" class="btn-block--red"]Your FREE Wills support[/button]

Treetops was filled with celebration this weekend as staff and volunteers gathered to recognise over 420 years of dedicated service honoured through the charity’s Long Service Awards. 50 staff and volunteers were presented with five and 10-year awards, and one extra-special 25-year award was presented to volunteer gardener, Anne Hopkinson. I feel part of a family here at Treetops Anne said: “It feels unbelievable to get this award really. I don’t know where the 25 years has gone. “I’ve had lots of different roles and seen a lot of change here over the years. I’ve met some wonderful patients and staff here over the years and have many fond memories. I can’t walk anywhere locally without meeting someone I know through Treetops!“I feel part of a family here at Treetops. Even when the weather’s bad, I still want to come and help. I’d encourage anyone to give volunteering a go!” I really enjoy going out to support patients in their own home Wendy Williams, Treetops Healthcare Assistant, also received her 10-year award. Wendy is part of the Treetops Wellbeing at Home team, providing care to local patients who prefer to remain at home during their final days. “I really enjoy going out to support patients in their own home, where they are choosing to die, rather than in hospital.“Just sitting and listening to someone is really important. Patients can find it hard to open up to their families about coming to the end of their life, so they have the chance to express their feelings to us. “It doesn’t feel like I’ve been here ten years. It’s gone really quickly, but I suppose when you really enjoy your job, you’re not counting the days or weeks or years.” [button url="https://www.treetopshospice.org.uk/about-us/job-vacancies/" template="block" class="btn-block--red"]See our current vacancies[/button] [button url="https://www.treetopshospice.org.uk/get-involved/volunteer/" template="block" class="btn-block--red"]Join us as a volunteer[/button]

Our Treetops Treecycling scheme has raised over £24,000! Over three days, a team of volunteers braved the icy conditions to collect almost 1,300 trees from households across Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire. Tree collections were made in return for a donation towards the hospice. Vic Rocca, our Relationships Manager - Key Events, said:We’re hugely grateful to everyone who registered their tree for collection and supported the scheme. The money raised could help us provide 213 nights of vital nursing care to patients at the very end of life, in their own homes. A record number of 50 local volunteers from across 15 businesses helped collect trees. “I want to say a huge thank you to everyone who’s been involved in Treecycling this year. Despite the snow and bitterly cold weather, our wonderful volunteers have made sure all the trees have been collected.” Vic continued. “Ward Recycling kindly provided us with skips and is recycling the trees responsibly for us. We really couldn’t do this without everyone’s help. It’s a huge joined-up effort.”

Little does he know, but on Christmas morning, Mr B from Belper will be unwrapping a surprise gift of a charity skydive in aid of Treetops Hospice. The unusual present, from his wife of twelve years, will see Mr B free-falling at over 120mph from 14,000 feet above the local countryside in March 2025 on the Treetops Skydive Day. Mrs B is sure this will be a present ‘he will always remember’, as she explained: I think Mr B may be slightly shocked as it isn't something you expect to get for Christmas, but he’s always said skydiving is something he would love to do but never got round to. “My mum currently has cancer and raising money for a charity that helps support people and their families through such a terrible time seemed a great thing to do. "Every time I have spoken to someone at Treetops, they have been so kind and helpful. I’d like to give something back to the charity, and as I’m not able to skydive myself, my husband doing it is the next best thing! The sponsored Treetops Skydive Day takes place on Saturday 15 March 2025 at Langar Airfield, Nottinghamshire. Claire Mathias, Treetops Relationships Manager – Challenge Events, said: “I really can't wait to hear about Mr B’s reaction, and of course, see him in action on the day. “It’s not too late to grab your own unique present for that one person who’s so hard to buy for at Christmas!” [button url="https://www.treetopshospice.org.uk/get-involved/challenges/skydive-for-treetops/" template="block" class="btn-block--red"]Find out about the Treetops Skydive Day[/button]

The National Trust has announced Treetops Hospice as one of the recipients of the ‘Trees of Hope’ Sycamore Gap saplings being gifted to individuals, groups, and organisations across the UK. The 49 ‘Trees of Hope’ have been grown from seed from the Sycamore Gap tree which formerly stood in the gap above Hadrian’s Wall in Northumberland National Park, until it was illegally felled last September. Treetops will plant the sapling on its 12.5-acre grounds in Risley, Derbyshire. Julie Heath, Treetops Chief Executive, explained how delighted the hospice is to become part of the Sycamore Gap tree’s legacy. Treetops is the only hospice in the East Midlands to be chosen to receive a sapling: "It’s a real honour for us to have been chosen to receive one of the ‘Trees of Hope’ to plant here at Treetops. Our grounds and gardens are incredibly important to us and play a vital role in the wellbeing of hundreds of our patients and counselling clients every year. “Our grounds are also open to the general public and we hope they will visit the sapling when it is planted here next year.” Nearly 500 applications were received for the 49 saplings – one to represent each foot in height that the tree was at the time of felling. The saplings are currently being cared for at the charity’s Plant Conservation Centre. They should be strong enough ready to plant out in winter 2025/26. Andrew Poad, General Manager for the National Trust’s Hadrian Wall properties said: “Each and every application for a ‘Tree of Hope’ told heartfelt stories of people’s emotional connections to the Sycamore Gap tree and the importance of nature. They spoke of loss, hope and regeneration from all four corners of the country, from towns, schools, colleges, community groups, hospitals and hospices, it’s been a privilege to read them all. “The tree meant so much to so many and through the ‘Trees of Hope’ initiative we are helping reach people across the nation, for generations to come. “Each sapling will carry a message of hope with it as they start a new chapter not just for the tree but for all the 49 people and communities that will receive a sapling.” Further information, and the locations of all of the 49 ‘Trees of Hope’ saplings, can be found on the National Trust website here.

East Midlands Airport is lighting up its air traffic control tower until Sunday 8 December, in support of the Treetops Hospice Light up a Life appeal. The annual Light up a Life appeal encourages people to share a memory of a loved one on the hospice’s virtual Christmas tree and make a donation to the local charity. From now until Sunday 8 December, passengers travelling to and from the Castle Donington airport will see the Light up a Life logo projected onto the iconic 51-meter-high tower. Ioan Reed-Aspley, East Midlands Airport’s Head of Corporate Affairs, said: “We’re only too pleased for Treetops Hospice to use our air traffic control tower again to raise awareness for their Light up a Life Appeal. “It’s a wonderful cause and lighting up our tower which can be seen for miles around seems an appropriate way to bring it to everyone’s attention.” Treetops Chief Executive, Julie Heath, added: “We’re very grateful to East Midlands Airport for their continued support. It’s the fourth year that the control tower has been lit up in support of Treetops. “Light up a Life is very special to Treetops, when hundreds of people join us in remembering their loved ones on our virtual Light up a Life Tree. It’s very moving to see all the photos and read the memories being shared. “Proceeds from Light up a Life go towards helping us continue to care for local patients with life-limiting conditions, those who’ve been bereaved, and their families.” Along with a virtual Christmas tree, supporters are also invited to attend the in person Light Up a Life event, at the hospice in Risley on Sunday 8 December. For more information and to share a precious memory of a loved one, head to www.treetops.org.uk/lights or call the hospice on 0115 949 1264.