Tea for Treetops takes place from 3 to 9 July with the general public, schools and businesses being encouraged to host their own tea parties at which friends, neighbours and family can donate money towards the charity.
Treetops Hospice Care, based in Risley, Derbyshire provides nursing care and emotional support for adults and their families in Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire.
A wonderful charity
Time for Tea owner, Emma Smith, from Attenborough, explained that they have been supporters of the local hospice for several years:
“Treetops is a wonderful charity and we’re happy to help however we can to support their work. You never know when you or a loved one is going to need help.”
The most gentle, caring and professional person we could have hoped for
Amongst those who have already registered to host a tea party is Sally-Ann Watson, whose late father, Tony Blood, received care from the Treetops Hospice at Home nurses:
“My dad was a retired Rolls-Royce Engineer who also served in the RAF. He had a huge passion for golf and previously held the title of Derbyshire Senior Champion, of which we are all very proud.
“He was a devoted husband and the best father. He was also a very proud grandad too.
“Dad passed away in April 2012 and without a doubt mum and I couldn’t have coped during my dad’s last week without the help of Treetops and in particular a wonderful Treetops nurse called Corrine.
“Corrine was the most gentle, caring and professional person we could have hoped for. She would arrive a little before 10pm and stay until 7am. We cared for my Dad at home as he wanted but it became so difficult and we had to ask for help.
“Corrine was wonderful, making sure Dad was comfortable, checking his medication, taking notes throughout the night. She would make sure everything was done before she left. The most important thing she did was maintain his dignity the whole time.
A Treetops nurse will definitely make things a little easier
“Corrine knew exactly when Dad was leaving us. She had just arrived. She went to wash her hands and when she got back in the bedroom, she knew his breathing had changed. She told us to get everyone here. My husband was the last to arrive and as soon as he walked into the room and said “I’m here Tony”, Dad slipped away.
“Corrine then gave us some time alone with Dad while she made the necessary phone calls. Dad was taken to the chapel of rest and Corrine then sat with us as we all cried. We talked about Dad and she listened. What an amazing woman Corrine is.
“For anyone who is caring for someone with a terminal illness and is finding it difficult, I would say get in touch with Treetops, without a doubt. They are a wonderful organisation and are there to help. They are not intrusive and are totally respectful of the patient, their family and their home. A Treetops nurse will definitely make things a little easier.
It’s my turn to give back
Sally-Ann is hosting a Tea for Treetops tea party in her garden as her way to “give something back” to the charity:
“I am hosting a traditional tea party with bunting, china tea cups and saucers, cakes, biscuits, macrons, sandwiches, etc. Lots of lovely ladies are invited to join us for an afternoon tea with a raffle, a quiz and maybe a few little gift stalls. We have even arranged for a very talented young man to play the violin for us. A truly British garden par-tea!
“As Treetops helped our family at a time when we most needed them, it’s my turn to give it back. I have just taken part in the Starlight Strut and raised just over £700 and with the tea party, I am hoping to get that figure up to £1000.”
A chance to treat your friends, family, pupils, visitors and customers
Mary Rose, community fundraiser added:
“Tea for Treetops is a wonderful social, summer event – a chance to treat your friends, family, pupils, visitors and customers to a piece of cake, a cup of tea and raise money at the same time.
“We’re hoping to raise £10,000 towards the hospice and its services so that we can continue to support local people like Sally-Ann and her family in the future.”
To host a Tea for Treetops event, please register online or contact the fundraising team on 0115 949 1264.