As a hospice has grown, its team of volunteers has spent several years finding the money for an extension. ERIK PETERSEN learns how Treetops became the victim of its own success.

TREETOPS Hospice is a bit of a building site at the moment – and that's just the way the volunteers behind the centre like it.

Since it opened, the Risley hospice has provided, among other things, day centre services for people with life-limiting conditions.

As this work grew, helping more and more people, the building ended up overstretched and a new one was needed.

"Treetops is somewhat a victim of its success," volunteer Tom Keely said. "People recognise that we bring something. We help people maintain dignity. We help people maintain a reasonable lifestyle under difficult conditions."

It all increased demand – which meant the hospice had to turn people away.

"That was the drive that put this whole process together to expand our facilities," said Mr Keely, of Darley Abbey.

Now, after years of fundraising, a new building is taking shape. When the daycare centre now being built is complete, Treetops will double its capacity and provide 5,000 daycare places each year; work is expected to finish in June.

Getting to this point has not been easy. That's why Kate Shaw, manager of the hospice's Ripple Appeal, has nominated those who raised money for the hospice for a Reach Out award.

"Each volunteer has different special qualities that they bring to the table," Kate said in her nominating letter. "However, what they all share is passion, drive, enthusiasm and totally unselfish commitment to this cause."

The volunteer committee meets at least once a month and divvies up tasks that include public speaking, attending fund-raising and networking events and offering admin support. Basically, everybody just gets stuck into whatever is needed.

Through their work, Kate said, they have been able to raise thousands of pounds and spread the word about Treetops to many communities in Notts.

Two months ago, work started on the new building.

Kate cited Mr Keely, Maurice McIlfatrick, Geoff Saville, Barbra Saville, Jill Jones, Karen Windsor, Margaret Banton, Pamela Travers, Jo Greer, John Griffiths, Sue Basker and Janice Wilson as being a particularly committed bunch. "Some of these volunteers have been involved in the Hospice for many years," she said.

"For example, John Griffiths has been a key part in the organisation for over 25 years. He was instrumental in setting up the excellent volunteer training programme which has trained hundreds of volunteers at Treetops.

"One of my volunteers, Jill Jones, from Ockbrook, was very sadly diagnosed with terminal pancreatic cancer just before Christmas.

"Despite her tragic diagnosis she is still insisting on coming into the Ripple Appeal office to help when she is well enough.

"Even at a time when most people would curl up in a ball of self-pity, Jill is exceptional in her commitment, unselfish attitude and sense of humour."

It was incredible to see it all coming together, said Geoff Saville, who lives in Bramcote with wife Barbara and has volunteered for two decades.

"It's a bit unbelievable in a way, having been on it for such a long time, to see men and diggers on that site," he said. "It's emotional, really.

Mr Keely said the person doing the nominating also deserved accolades. He said. "I give a lot of the credit of that to Kate – she's a tireless worker."

And that tireless work will continue.

You can download an entry form at our dedicated Reach Out website www.thisisnottingham.co.uk/reachoutawards.html

erik.petersen@nottinghameveningpost.co.uk