Certificates and long-service pins were presented on Monday 15 October at Treetops, based in Risley. Treetops provides nursing care and emotional support for adults with life limiting conditions living in Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire.
Of those receiving awards, nine people have volunteered or worked at the hospice for 15 years, five people for 20 years, three people for 25 years and one volunteer for 30 years. Their roles have included assisting in the Treetops charity shops, helping in the hospice kitchen, providing admin support, nursing through the Hospice at Home service and providing counselling and emotional support.
A wonderful facility
The Mayor of Erewash, Counsellor Chris Corbett presented the awards and said:
“We’ve always supported the charity and to have over 650 volunteers here just goes to show that people of the area have taken Treetops to heart and how much we value the hospice. It’s a wonderful facility and we’re so proud and honoured to have it in Erewash – long may it continue.”
I want to support the hospice in any way I can
Amongst those receiving an award was Sylvia Gething from Ilkeston who has volunteered for the hospice for 15 years. Sylvia volunteers at the Treetops charity shop based on South Street in Ilkeston:
“I like to look after people and I enjoy volunteering. It’s a way of meeting people and it’s for a very good cause – I want to support the hospice in any way I can.
“I’d encourage anybody to volunteer – just go and enjoy it. It gets you out of the house. I’m at the shop three times a week and I meet some wonderful people. A lot of them come back day after day, week after week, so we must be doing something right!”
Treetops has grown out of the love of volunteers
Imogen Hopkins, volunteer services coordinator, explained that the hospice wouldn’t be the same without the volunteers:
“Treetops really has grown out of the love of volunteers. It’s such an amazing opportunity to be able to recognise these fantastic lengths of service tonight and to really thank these individuals for everything they have done for the organisation over the years.
“Volunteering for Treetops is something that anyone can do, however much or little time you have to give. We would be delighted to hear from anyone who would like to join the charity in a voluntary capacity at this extremely exciting time.”
The complete list of those receiving awards include:
- Martin Fox – 30 years – trustee
- Helen Godridge – 25 years – trustee
- Joyce Stokes – 25 years – volunteer, kitchen
- Mary Burrows – 25 years – volunteer, Draycott charity shop
- Julie Heath – 20 years – trustee
- Zella Ferguson – 20 years – volunteer, counselling and emotional support
- Richard Brown – 20 years – volunteer, counselling and emotional support
- Geoff Saville – 20 years – volunteer, Bramcote Lane charity shop
- Julie Cocker – 20 years – Hospice at Home health care assistant
- Janet Leigh – 15 years – volunteer, administration
- Sylvia Gething – 15 years – volunteer, Ilkeston charity shop
- Pat Phelps – 15 Years – volunteer, reception
- Margaret Stanford – 15 years – volunteer, counselling and emotional support
- Doreen Whelbourn – 15 years – volunteer, Long Eaton charity shop
- Mary Shore – 15 years – staff member, Operations Manager, Catering & Retail
- Debra Moore – 15 years – Hospice at Home health care assistant
- Carol Stevenson – 15 years – staff member, Senior Bereavement Counsellor
 Carol Stevenson – 15 years – staff member, Senior Bereavement Counsellor |
 Mary Shore – 15 years – staff member, Operations Manager, Catering & Retail |
 Margaret Stanford – 15 years – volunteer, counselling and emotional support |
 Pat Phelps – 15 Years – volunteer, reception |
 Sylvia Gething – 15 years – volunteer, Ilkeston charity shop |
 Geoff Saville – 20 years – volunteer, Bramcote Lane charity shop |
 Zella Ferguson – 20 years – volunteer, counselling and emotional support |
 Julie Heath – 20 years – trustee |
 Helen Godridge – 25 years – trustee |
Treetops services include Support and Information, a Day Care Unit, Hospice at Home nurses and Therapeutic Services including counselling, art therapy and complementary therapy.