Winter fundraising brings in more than £70,000

Through a series of festive fundraising events, Treetops Hospice has raised over £70,000 thanks to the strong support of the local community, schools, volunteers and groups across Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire.

The hospice’s annual Reindeer Dash marked its fifth year and once again proved a major highlight of the season. Over 5,200 pupils from 28 local schools and organisations took part, with children and teachers organising sponsored playground runs, football matches, discos and festive dress-up days to boost donations.

Hundreds also attended the hospice’s Light up a Life service in Risley, with over 560 donating to light candles in memory of loved ones. The event raised over £24,000 and remains one of the hospice’s most significant gatherings of the year.

A brand new addition to the Treetops festive fundraising calendar was Santas on a Bike, which took place on Sunday 21 December. More than 30 cyclists dressed as Santa completed a 14‑mile route before celebrating with mince pies and coffee, raising further funds and awareness of the hospice’s specialist patient care.

In early January, the popular Treecycling scheme returned for its annual three‑day collections, supported by local recycling company Ward. Volunteers from a range of local businesses and organisations joined to help gather and recycle 1,470 real Christmas trees, offering vans, time and plenty of pairs of hands to support the effort. The collections raised £28,000 for the hospice.

Natalie Godrich, Relationship Manager, Community Engagement at Treetops Hospice, said: “Events like these are vital in helping us raise the funds we need to continue supporting people across the community with our specialist care.

“We’re incredibly grateful to everyone who took part, donated or volunteered to help Treetops in any way – not only during the festive period but throughout the year.”

Last year, Treetops provided more than 34,000 hours of end‑of‑life nursing care to over 2,000 patients in the local community. Receiving less than 18% statutory funding, it relies on the generosity of its supporters to sustain this work.