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Treetops Hospice is highlighting the growing strain on end-of‑life services, as new reports show that some patients are spending their final days in busy acute hospitals – in some cases receiving care in corridors. The charity says this reflects wider pressures across the system and highlights the importance of strong community-based support, such as its Hospice at Home service. Philippa Shreeve, Director of Clinical Services at Treetops Hospice, explains: “The recent reporting on pressures within palliative care, including patients receiving care in A&E corridors, highlights a national issue that can’t be ignored. When hospitals become the default option for people at the end-of-life, it is a sign that the wider system is struggling. “At Treetops Hospice, we see every day how vital community-based palliative care is in preventing exactly these situations. “Last year, our Hospice at Home nurses delivered more than 34,000 hours of care, supporting over 2,000 patients across central and southern  Derbyshire. As a result, 685 people were able to die at home, where they wished to be, and more than 95% of patients received care in their preferred place. “This is not just about comfort. It is about dignity, choice and reducing avoidable pressure on the NHS. “When hospitals are overwhelmed, people at the end of their lives can find themselves in environments that were never designed for their needs. “Community-based hospice care is essential to ensure that people can spend their final days where they feel supported, and receive high quality compassionate care from diagnosis to end-of-life. “To prevent the distressing scenarios described in recent reports, investment must reach the services that keep people out of hospital in the first place. “At Treetops, we provide expert care, emotional support and stability, but as a charity receiving less than 18% statutory funding, we heavily rely on the generosity of our supporters to sustain this work. “End-of-life care is a whole‑system responsibility. Strengthening hospice and community services is not optional; it is the only way to ensure people can die with dignity and the NHS can function as intended. “We fully support the government’s commitment to palliative and end-of-life care being a top priority as it develops its Neighbourhood Health Strategy, recognising that hospices such as Treetops are fundamental to its delivery.”

Two former frontmen from rival Burton bands in the 1980s have reunited decades later to create a festive charity single in support of Treetops Hospice and the Stroke Association.   Mark, of indie band The JFKs, has teamed up with Steve from fellow Burton-based band, Flamehead, to write and produce Coming Home – an uplifting Christmas track aiming to raise vital funds for two charities “close to their hearts”.   The collaboration began after a chance encounter at a gig, where the pair discovered they were both still making music more than 30 years after they were part of the town’s vibrant music scene. Mark said the decision to work together again was a “no-brainer”.   The single also features guest vocals from Jo Doran, an old friend and member of Burton indie legends, The Telescopes. Jo joined the project after spotting news of the collaboration on social media and attending the newly reformed Flamehead’s first gig, where the three caught up and reminisced about the old days.   For Mark, supporting Treetops Hospice with this song is deeply personal. Both his mum and dad were cared for by Treetops nurses at the end of their lives.   He said: “Treetops didn’t just look after each of my parents – they looked after the whole family. When everything felt uncertain, the nurses were there to reassure us and guide us through what was happening next.   “Supporting Treetops with this song felt like the most natural thing in the world, and this track is my way of giving something back to a charity that helped my family when we needed it most.   “We’re hoping to raise as much money as possible for both charities through the downloads and streams of the song.”   Last year, the Treetops nursing team supported over 2,000 patients, with over 34,000 hours of end-of-life care delivered. The bereavement counselling team provided more than 5,000 hours of sessions – including over 1,500 for children and young people.   All proceeds from Coming Home will be donated to Treetops Hospice and the Stroke Association.   The song can be purchased and downloaded online for £1 or more: https://flameheadband.bandcamp.com/track/coming-home

One hundred nights of expert end-of-life care will be provided by Treetops Hospice, thanks to the generosity of a single supporter’s monthly donation.   Paul Wilcox from Breaston, affectionately known as ‘Pushbike Paul’, has supported the charity since 2014, raising over £80,000 through his recycled bike scheme. Now, his latest contribution – a regular monthly Direct Debit – will fund a further 100 nights of Hospice at Home care.   Speaking about why he’s set up the donation, Paul said: “One of the comments we hear most often when collecting or receiving bikes is how wonderful the Hospice at Home nurses are, and what a difference they made at the end of their loved one’s life. They are forever grateful for the service provided by Treetops and that’s why I have chosen to set up this payment.”   Treetops Hospice supports over 2,000 people each year across Derby and Southern Derbyshire. Its Hospice at Home nurses provide specialist overnight care and emotional support to patients and families in their own homes, free of charge.   In the last year alone, Treetops delivered 18,719 hours of care to 1,122 patients through the service.   Teresa Smith, Treetops’ Hospice at Home Manager, said: “Paul’s continued generosity means so much to the patients and families we support. A hundred nights of care is truly life-changing, it allows people to spend their final days with comfort, dignity and the reassurance of having a compassionate nurse by their side. We simply couldn’t provide this vital service without supporters like Paul.”   It costs over £5.7 million a year to keep Treetops' doors open, with only little funding from government bodies, roughly 18%. The rest of its funding comes from supporters, through voluntary donations, charity shops, fundraising events, lottery memberships and gifts in Wills. Regular donations from supporters, such as those set up by Paul, help Treetops continue to provide vital care and support to local people at end-of-life.   Treetops is doing all it can to continue to support those in most need and welcomes donations to ensure the future of the hospice and its services: www.treetopshospice.org.uk/donate

Treetops Hospice has once again opened bookings for its popular Treecycling scheme – helping residents across Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire recycle their real Christmas trees while supporting local hospice care.   Between Wednesday 7 and Friday 9 January, Treetops’ volunteers will collect and recycle trees from selected postcodes in exchange for a recommended donation of £15 or more.   Based in Risley, Treetops Hospice provides vital end-of-life nursing care and emotional support for adults with life-limiting conditions, people who have been bereaved, and their families.   Last year, the charity recycled more than 1,500 trees, raising over £24,000 – enough to fund 225 nights of specialist nursing care for patients in their own homes.   The Treecycling campaign is proudly supported by local waste management and recycling company Ward, which provides free skips to Treetops at various collection points across the region and facilitates all recycling, making the scheme possible.   Ward has championed Treetops’ efforts since 2018, ensuring the collection and recycling process runs smoothly each year.   Kevin Deller, National Construction Waste Manager from Ward, said: “As part of our ongoing commitment to sustainability and supporting our local communities, it’s a pleasure to be able to support Treetops again this year.   “By providing processing facilities and supporting with transportation, we can ensure real trees are recycled responsibly whilst raising funds for such an important local cause.”   Vic Rocca, Treetops Relationships Manager – Key Events, commented: “Our Treecycling scheme takes the hassle out of getting rid of your Christmas tree when the festive season is over. Our amazing volunteers collect it straight from your doorstep, saving you all the mess and effort.   “Every donation helps us continue providing essential nursing care and emotional support for local people and families when they need it most.”   The charity is also appealing for volunteers to help with collections.   “If you don’t have a real tree this year, you can still get involved in Treecycling by joining our team of volunteers,” added Vic. “It’s a great way to start the new year by giving back to your local community.”   To book your tree collection or find out more about volunteering, visit: https://www.treetopshospice.org.uk/get-involved/treecycling/

Treetops Hospice is inviting the local community to join its brand new festive fundraiser, Santa’s on a Bike, which will take place on Sunday, 21 December.   The event will see local cyclists dress as Santa, decorate their bikes and set off on a 14-mile route that begins and ends at Treetops Hospice in Risley. Participants will be welcomed back with coffee and mince pies to round off the ride.   Treetops has created the fundraiser with the aim of raising awareness of the vital care and support the charity provides to families across southern and central Derbyshire.   Several local cycling clubs have already pledged their support. Ilkeston Cycling Club, awarded Club of the Year by Cycling Weekly in 2020 and now boasting more than 400 members, along with Spondon and Ockbrook cycling clubs, are all encouraging their riders to take part and help spread the word.   Dave Nunn MBE, Committee Member of Ilkeston Cycling Club, said: “We’re delighted to support Treetops with this new festive ride. Our members love a challenge, and this one is all about community spirit and raising awareness for a wonderful local charity.”   Ilkeston and Spondon cycling clubs have also chosen Treetops as the beneficiary of their joint 2026 Midsummer Challenge, and both clubs are planning to support the hospice in future events.   Dave continued: “With Treetops sitting halfway between Ilkeston and Spondon and supporting many of our members, families and friends, it made it a very easy and popular choice as our charity to support.”   John Knight, Chief Executive at Treetops Hospice, commented: “We’re looking forward to welcoming the cycling community to Treetops for this fun ride.   “Santa’s on a Bike is a great way to celebrate the season, get active and show support for local families who rely on our care. We hope it becomes a festive Treetops tradition that grows year on year.”   The charity is inviting local residents, families (children over 13) and cycling enthusiasts to join in the fun, dress up and help make the first Santa’s on a Bike event a memorable success.   To register for Santa’s on a Bike, visit: https://www.treetopshospice.org.uk/event/santas-on-a-bike/

Treetops Hospice has planted a sapling grown from the legendary Sycamore Gap tree – one of only four organisations in the East Midlands chosen to receive this gift.   The planting forms part of the National Trust’s nationwide Trees of Hope initiative, which has provided 49 saplings to communities and organisations across the UK.   The original Sycamore Gap tree, a beloved landmark beside Hadrian’s Wall in Northumberland for more than 120 years, was illegally felled in September 2023. These new saplings will carry forward its legacy, each grown from seeds rescued from the felled tree.   To mark the planting during National Tree Week, Treetops hosted a celebratory ‘Tree Party’ event on Friday 28 November, with staff, volunteers and press in attendance. The hospice’s new Chief Executive Officer, John Knight, and former CEO, Julie Heath, both spoke at the event.   John Knight said: “We are delighted to have been chosen to receive a Tree of Hope sapling.   “Our 12.5-acre hospice grounds in Risley are something we take great pride in, providing beautiful surroundings that mean a great deal to the people we support, as well as to our staff, volunteers and visitors. The sapling will be a welcome addition to the site for everyone to enjoy.”   Treetops Hospice’s former CEO, Julie Heath, commented: “The Tree of Hope symbolises hope after loss, perfectly reflecting what Treetops stands for – the power of hope, compassion and community.”   Andrew Poad, General Manager for the National Trust’s Hadrian Wall properties, said: “It’s incredible to think that the first ‘offspring’ of this very famous tree are now being planted – it feels like just yesterday that those tentative first shoots appeared.   “Over the next couple of years, the saplings will really start to take shape, and because sycamores are so hardy, we’re confident they’ll be able to withstand a range of conditions.   “To be able to keep the story of the Sycamore Gap alive in all four corners of the UK and in so many different settings is a fitting tribute, and we hope that, just like the original tree, these young saplings will touch many people’s lives.”

Treetops Hospice, a leading provider of hospice care and bereavement support in Derbyshire, welcomed tradespeople and their families back to its site in Risley – two years after they helped create its dedicated children’s counselling and therapy centre, The Saplings. The visiting trades were part of the BBC DIY SOS: The Big Build for Children in Need project, completed in just ten days in September 2023. Hundreds of volunteers – including joiners, plumbers, carpenters and designers – donated their time, skills and materials to bring the purpose-built centre to life. The reunion offered the trades volunteers a chance to see how The Saplings has flourished since its opening, and to learn about the life-changing impact it has had on more than 468 local bereaved children and their families over the past two years, providing 3,148 hours of counselling.“At Treetops, we support children as young as seven who are struggling after the death of a loved one,” said Jules Kirk, Therapeutic Services Manager at Treetops Hospice. “Many of our young clients have experienced sudden or traumatic bereavements, including accidents, suicide and murder. “Thanks to the generosity of all the tradespeople who gave their time and resources two years ago, The Saplings building continues to provide a safe, welcoming space for the children we support every day with our counselling and complementary therapy services.” Rachel Zair from Zair Home Maintenance, who spent five days volunteering at Treetops as part of the Big Build, said: “Taking part in this project has been amazing. It was not only an opportunity to give back, but it was genuinely life-changing for us too. We met so many fantastic tradespeople during the build, many of whom we’re still in touch with today. “It’s wonderful to see The Saplings now, as such a special space for the local children who rely on its support.” Local business owner and councillor Matthew Relf, who designed and created the iconic tree in The Saplings’ entrance, said: “I’m really chuffed to see the results of our hard work, and to see The Saplings has been so well looked after by Treetops over the last two years.”

“Mum was really supportive of everything we did in life. She was always proud of our achievements, but also drove us in setting the standards of what life should be.” Mark’s mum, Susan, was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2019. After surgery and chemotherapy, she was given the all-clear. “When her hair grew back, we thought life would get better and she’d be with us for a long time.” But during the Covid pandemic, her health declined. Mark (51) recalls the first signs: a dull ache in her lower back, difficulty eating, and a burning sensation in her chest. She eventually received a terminal cancer diagnosis, alone. “I remember the day. It was 5 October, the day after my birthday.” With hospital visiting restrictions in place, Mark and his family brought his mum home to care for her. For four-and-a-half weeks, they supported her day and night. At first, she was stable and able to enjoy TV and conversation, but soon her condition worsened. Restless nights and increasing pain left the family overwhelmed. “We ended up calling the doctors, saying we needed support at night, but we didn't know where to go. That's when we were signposted to Treetops Hospice.” Treetops provides a Hospice at Home service, where trained nurses visit families overnight to manage medication, provide care, and offer guidance. For Mark’s family, this support was life-changing. “The nurses were brilliant. I describe them as angels. We’d get to 3am, and mum would be agitated and in pain. We’d call the Treetops nurses, and they’d be there within half an hour. Two nurses would sort her medication, settle her, and stay with her. They never rushed. That gave us a couple of hours to breathe, have a drink, and clear our heads.” Mark adds: “Without Treetops, I don’t know what we’d have done. We were lost. We thought we could cope, but it’s only when you receive that support that you realise what the hospice truly does for families at their most vulnerable moments. It was a crisis for us, and Treetops helped us survive it.” To say thank you, Mark will be lacing up his trainers on Sunday 15 March to take part in the Derby 10K for Treetops. He’s urging local runners to join him. “Running for Treetops isn’t just about raising money, it raises awareness in the local community, so families know where to turn if they need help. It also gives me a sense of purpose and closeness to my mum. Having more people out running and sharing their stories will help Treetops reach even more families.” Join Mark at the start line of the Derby 10K and support families like his.

Treetops Hospice, a leading provider of hospice care and bereavement support in central and southern Derbyshire, is delighted to announce the appointment of John Knight as its new Chief Executive Officer (CEO). John brings a wealth of leadership experience from across the health and charity sectors, having most recently served as Chief Executive Officer at Hospice Isle of Man since 2023. Prior to this, he was Chief Executive at LOROS Hospice, where he led major developments in the delivery of high-quality, compassionate care and support for terminally ill patients and their families across Leicester, Leicestershire, and Rutland. Commenting on his appointment, John Knight said: “Being from Matlock, it’s thrilling to be coming back home to Derbyshire with my family, and joining Treetops Hospice.” He added: “Leading charities that contribute so much to their communities is, in my opinion, an immense privilege and comes with the responsibility to ensure that the highest quality care is provided in the most cost-effective way by people who are totally committed to the cause. There can be few if any better ways to be employed.” Cheryl Webster, Chair of the Board of Trustees at Treetops Hospice, added: “We are thrilled to welcome John to Treetops Hospice. His passion for improving patient care, combined with his proven leadership and vision, will help guide the hospice into its next exciting chapter.”  

Schools, clubs and community groups are being invited to put on their antlers, get moving, and help raise vital funds for local children this Christmas by taking part in the Treetops Reindeer Dash. Last year over 3,800 children took part in the Reindeer Dash, raising over £28,000 for Treetops Hospice. The money was used to help the charity provide bereavement services for children and young people struggling with the death of a loved one. Natalie Godrich, Relationships Manager for Treetops Hospice, and the charity’s unofficial “reindeer” said: “Children from schools, nurseries and child minders; as well as Brownies, Cubs, and dance, drama and sports clubs have all joined the festive fun of our Reindeer Dash.” The Reindeer Dash is a flexible festive fundraiser that can be completed during a PE lesson, a sports game, or even a reindeer-themed school disco. Each child taking part receives a pair of antlers, a sponsorship form, and a certificate, making fundraising fun and memorable. Natalie added: “Every penny raised through Reindeer Dash fundraising really does make a difference to the local community; it enables us to provide bereavement support to local children and young people. “£5 could provide a bereaved child and guardian with our “Someone I love has died” booklet, which offers advice and support. £34.50 could fund a one hour bereavement session for a local child or young person.” To support fundraising efforts, Treetops provide posters and also attend assemblies to talk about the hospice, bereavement support and the difference the children are making through their fundraising. New for 2025, Treetops are also offering those who raise £2,500 or more, one free place to their Bereavement Training Workshops. These courses aim to prepare and equip teachers and group leaders with the necessary knowledge and awareness to support bereaved children. Those interested in the Treetops Reindeer Dash can find out more and request fundraising packs online or by calling the hospice on 0115 949 1264.

When her father died in her early 20s, Eleanor Sibley felt bewildered and didn’t know how to cope with her grief. 30 years later, she is using that experience to volunteer at Treetops Hospice, showing others facing bereavement they’re not alone. “One of the amazing, and I think healing, things about Treetops is that death, dying and grief are the stuff of everyday; so even if it’s someone’s first experience of grief, there’s a huge amount of experience and support on offer here. It’s as if grief has a soft landing here. You’re not met with shock, horror or avoidance, as you might be in other areas of your life.” After a two-decade career in university management, Eleanor took voluntary redundancy during the pandemic. This paved the way for her long-standing passion, Complementary Therapy. Initially Eleanor started life at Treetops as a “Meet and Greet” volunteer, but after hearing a presentation from Jules Kirk, Therapeutic Services Manager at Treetops, which highlighted that Complementary Therapy is funded only by donations and that volunteers were needed, something clicked. “That’s me, I thought, despite having spent the past 24 years only giving Complementary Therapy to friends and family.” Through gentle mentoring from the Complementary Therapy and Counselling Teams, Eleanor’s confidence has returned and she’s now offering a range of complementary therapy including aromatherapy, massage and guided relaxation to patients and bereaved families. Terminal illness and bereavement can take its toll emotionally and physically. Stress, tension and sleep problems can be common, but complementary therapy treatments provided by Eleanor and the Complementary Therapy team give patients and families space to relax, reconnect, and find comfort. “Clients often tell me they’ve used the relaxation techniques at home, to get back to sleep in the night rather than lying awake and thinking. That feels incredible.” Many clients are referred from the Counselling Team, creating a holistic approach to care. “It’s incredible to see how talking therapy and touch therapy together can help someone feel an emotion they haven’t been able to feel, or express a thought they’ve been too unable to admit. It’s humbling and sometimes makes me well up.” While for those living with conditions like Motor Neurone Disease (MND) for example, touch therapy can bring real physical benefits and help slow the deterioration of muscle strength. For Eleanor, volunteering as a Complementary Therapist at Treetops has been a fulfilling experience: “The complementary therapy volunteering I do at Treetops is absolutely one of the most fulfilling things I’ve ever done. It feels like my real and authentic self.” Every session brings a reminder of the difference volunteers make, whether it’s a client sleeping better, or someone finally finding the words to express their grief. But the sense of appreciation goes both ways: “Every time I leave Treetops, at least one of the team thanks me for my time that day in a way that feels genuine. It might sound small, but being seen and acknowledged means so much. It makes me feel valued.” Inspired by Treetops’ counsellors and the positive impact of their work, Eleanor is even considering training to be a counsellor so she can contribute in another way to the hospice she loves. [button url="https://www.treetopshospice.org.uk/get-involved/volunteer/volunteer-vacancies/" template="block" class="btn-block--white"]See our latest volunteer vacancies[/button]

Treetops has launched Empower, a new personalised wellbeing programme designed to help people living with life-limiting conditions build confidence, resilience, and independence in their daily lives. Unlike traditional “one-size-fits-all” approaches, Empower begins with one simple but powerful question: “What matters most to you right now?” Through one-to-one sessions, participants work with trained clinicians to identify their personal priorities; whether that’s easing anxiety or fatigue, planning future care, or simply making everyday activities more manageable. Together, they set small, realistic goals and learn practical techniques to support wellbeing at a pace that suits them. The Empower programme can include: Anxiety management strategies to restore calm and control Fatigue and energy-conservation planning for daily life Advice on equipment, aids and home adaptations Gentle nature-based activities, such as forest bathing Nutrition support to strengthen the body Return-to-work planning for those seeking meaningful activity Support with planning for future care, ensuring every voice is heard and respected Charlotte Budd, Occupational Therapist at Treetops Hospice, explained: “Living with a life-limiting condition can feel overwhelming, but no one should face it without choice or support. Empower recognises the whole person, their goals, fears and hopes, and helps people focus on what’s possible, not just what’s difficult.” Referrals to Empower are welcomed from health and social care professionals. Each referral is followed by an assessment from a Treetops clinician to ensure the programme complements existing support and care.