Hospice calls for big push to hit its £2m target

PLANS IN PLACE: Appeal manager Kate Shaw with blueprints for the new Treetops Hospice in Risley.

Hospice calls for big push to hit its £2m target A HOSPICE is relaunching a £2m appeal to build a new centre. Treetops helps patients with life-limiting conditions by providing respite care at its day centre, giving their families and carers a break.   But having reached capa­city, it urgently needs to build a new care and education centre on its Derby Road site in Risley to take on more pa­tients.   Architects have drawn up the plans and planning per­mission has been granted. Now the Ripple Appeal has been relaunched to raise funds in the hope that build­ing work can start as soon as possible.   Appeal manager Kate Shaw said: "We first launched in March last year but there was a change in the member of staff leading the appeal and then the chief executive fell ill, which put the appeal back."   The Risley centre currently cares for 50 patients e!ich week by providing nursing ,art as well as therapeutic activities such as arts and crafts and reflexology. But it has run out of space and some creative activities have to take place in a cor­ridor area.   The new centre would double capacity to 100 pa­tients and provide space for more therapy and training sessions.   Centre manager Peter Jones said: "We give people living with life-limiting ill­nesses the opportunity to come together to share their experiences in a safe and se­cure environment. We give them nursing sup­port, monitor and assess them, but a big part for the guests is that they can come together with people who are going through the same things. They can relate to what other individuals are go­ing through." .The centre also helps the families of patients.   Miss Shaw said: "We pro­vide a respite for carers at home who often need the break from providing 24-hour support to the patients. It is important for them that they get a break so the need for the building is as great for them as it is for the guests. It is crucial that we raise this money because the centre will enable more guests to be­nefIt from our services." The hospice, a former youth remand centre, is run by 70 staff and 394 volun- ­teers. Miss Shaw said: "People might be surprised to hear this, but it is such a happy place to work. We are so keen to work with businesses who would be willing to donate money or even champion us as their charity of the year. In return, we really want to give them something back and will always raise their profIle when we hold events."   The appeal has already raised almost £500,000 and to kick-start the relaunch it has a team of runners in the Robin Hood half marathon in Not­tingham on September 16.   Treetops chief executive, Clare Janes said: "Every penny counts. We really hope that the publicity from the Derby Evening TeJegraph will help us on the way." To make a donation, indi­viduals and companies can visit www.justgiving.com/treetopshospice   Alternatively, contact Kate Shaw at Treetops Hospice, Derby Road, Risley, DE7 3SS, email kshaw@treetopshospice.org.uk or call her on 0115 9491264.