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Local families affected by Motor Neurone Disease (MND) are finding vital support, connection and comfort at Mollies – a dedicated group based at Treetops Hospice in Risley.   The group welcomes anyone affected by MND, including patients, families and carers, and offers a blend of peer support, professional guidance and a safe space to chat. It is led by specialists, including a local MND Nurse, an Occupational Therapist and a Community Support Coordinator from the MND Association. Rachel Pitzettu, the Coordinator who runs the group, said: “With MND being such a rare condition, affecting around 2 in every 100,000 people each year, many people might never meet someone else living with it. “That’s why Mollies is so special. It brings people together who truly understand each other. There’s advice, support, validation, and just as importantly, there’s often laughter. Whatever someone needs that day, they can bring it to the group without fear or judgement.” Over time, the group has become a place where strong friendships have been formed that continue well beyond the monthly sessions. A consistent and dedicated team of volunteers also attend each month, offering continuity and helping build genuine, trusting relationships with the people they support. One of the group’s regular attendees is Nigel, whose wife Sally was diagnosed with MND in 2020. The couple attended Mollies together and quickly found comfort in meeting others with similar experiences. “Sally loved the group, the people, the staff, the volunteers,” Nigel said. “After she died, I wanted to give something back. If I can help even one person going through what we went through, that’s all that matters.” Nigel now continues to attend Mollies, drawing on his experience to support other patients, carers and families. “MND isn’t fully understood unless you or someone close to you goes through it,” he said. “People in the group appreciate honesty and sometimes hearing things from someone who’s lived it makes all the difference.” Nigel and Sally shared a remarkable life together – living in eight different countries during Nigel’s RAF career, travelling around the world, and first meeting at college while studying Latin American Studies. They were together for 50 years. Their story, and Nigel’s continued involvement, have become a source of support and guidance for many who attend Mollies. Another attendee, Kay, who is a mum of two from Long Eaton has been part of the group since she was diagnosed with MND in 2025. She said the sessions have been “welcoming and friendly.” She explained: “Attending these groups is definitely something that was way out of my comfort zone, but after the first time of going, I felt really at ease and I'm comfortable now.” Kay joined the group to connect with others affected by MND, including those living with the condition and the carers and family members who support them, while navigating it in her own family. “It has helped me understand that everybody's disease progresses differently and has given me a more positive outlook on my own life. “I've also been given loads of advice on equipment and travelling abroad that has been really useful. Treetops is a calming and cheerful place and I would urge anybody to give the support group a go. “We don't just sit around and talk about our illness, we're just regular people who have a chat over cake, and feeling normal like that is great.” Alongside the MND group, Treetops Hospice provides a variety of monthly and weekly cafés, sessions and groups, supporting people affected by life‑limiting illnesses, bereavement and other wellbeing needs. To find out more about the MND support group at Treetops, visit: https://www.treetopshospice.org.uk/our-services/wellbeing-space/mnda-support-group/ Nigel and his wife, Sally. Kay and her family.

Treetops Hospice is preparing to welcome the community to its first Memory Meadow event, where families have dedicated over one hundred Forget-Me-Not flowers in honour of loved ones. Among the participants is Fran, a local funeral celebrant who will be remembering both her husband and mum through the event. Fran’s first husband, Dan, was diagnosed with a brain tumour in January 2011 and died six months later, aged just 34. During his illness and after he died, Fran received complementary therapy at Treetops in the form of Reiki, which helped her cope and created a lasting connection with the hospice. Fran’s mum Verna died in 2020. She especially loved flowers and gardening, so the Forget‑Me‑Not felt like a fitting tribute to her too. “Treetops is a beautiful place to visit, and I felt very supported at such a devastating time,” Fran said. “I saw the social media post and thought the flowers looked so beautiful. The Forget‑Me‑Not has always been my favourite flower, so I’m honouring my first husband and my mum.” Fran describes her loved ones as “intelligent and wise” but “humble,” both with “a wicked sense of humour” that people loved. She has chosen a special engraving for her Forget‑Me‑Not, and after the event, she plans to take it home and place it in her garden, which was lovingly landscaped by Dan’s parents when he was dying. From 10am to 2pm on Saturday 20 June 2026, the hospice gardens in Risley will be transformed into a tranquil space for reflection and remembrance. The Forget‑Me‑Not flowers will come together to create a beautiful collective tribute, forming a moving display for families, friends and the wider community. “I am looking forward to seeing their names on my special Forget‑Me‑Not.” As Fran prepares to join Treetops at its Memory Meadow, the hospice is inviting others to honour the memory of someone special in the same meaningful way. Robin Langrishe, Head of Community Relationships at Treetops Hospice said: “By dedicating a Forget- Me-Not flower, you’ll be contributing to expert hospice care in the community while creating a lasting keepsake that represents someone loved, someone missed and someone remembered. “We’re looking forward to welcoming everyone to the hospice for a moment of beauty and reflection this summer.” Each flower is mounted on a steel pole for easy placement, and can be collected from the hospice or posted. To dedicate a Forget Me Not flower in memory of someone special, order by Sunday 14 June 2026: https://www.treetopshospice.org.uk/get-involved/memory-meadow/ [button url="https://www.treetopshospice.org.uk/memory-meadow-order-form/" template="block" class="btn-block--red"]Order your memory flower here[/button] Fran and her mum, Verna.

This year’s Wilne 10k and Derby 10 Mile have chosen Treetops Hospice as their official charity partner, inspired by the care the hospice provided to Connell McNelis, a close friend of Race Director, Richard Kay. Richard said the decision was “natural” after witnessing the support Treetops provided Connell, his wife Nina and their daughter Carmella during Connell’s long illness and in the time following his death last year. “Connell was a very close friend of mine and seeing the care Treetops gave him, and the support they continue to give Nina and Carmella, brought home just how vital their work is.” “This partnership is our way of honouring Connell and helping other families in the community who may one day need the same support from Treetops.” Connell was described by those who knew him as “inspirational, positive and full of life” and first became ill in 2013 when his daughter Carmella was just a baby. For more than a decade, he defied expectations, staying active, embracing a healthy lifestyle and doing everything he could to make the most of the time he had. He wrote a book, Savour Life – The Will to Survive and Thrive, to help others facing cancer with tips for holistic and natural ways to benefit their health. Throughout those years, Treetops Hospice played a quiet but important role in the family’s life. Nina explained that they were first introduced to Treetops over a decade ago, when both she and Connell received complementary therapies such as Reiki and reflexology. “The complementary therapy from Treetops was lovely and gave us a chance to relax and reset after the stress of Connell’s diagnosis.” As Connell’s health declined last year, the family were supported by Treetops once again, this time for counselling for their daughter Carmella, and later for specialist nursing support at home for Connell and counselling for Nina. Nina said the care they received was “just amazing”. “The Treetops nurses didn’t just look after Connell, they looked after us as a family. They explained what was happening and supported us so much by talking through things, every step of the way.” When Connell died at home, the Treetops nurses who had cared for him returned in the early hours of the morning to be with the family and offer support. Since then, both Nina and Carmella have continued to receive bereavement counselling and complementary therapies from Treetops. Nina explained: “Our friends and family have been so amazing and supportive but also having a professional who understands what you’re going through makes such a difference.” More than 50 of Connell’s friends and relatives, including many travelling from Scotland, where he grew up, will take part in the Wilne 10k this year in his memory. Nina said: “It means so much to see how many people loved Connell and want to run for him. Supporting Treetops is our way of giving back for how they were there for us when we needed them most, and we want other families to have that same care.” Last year, Treetops Hospice delivered more than 34,000 hours of care, supporting over 2,000 patients across central and southern Derbyshire. Natalie Godrich, Relationships Manager at Treetops Hospice, said: “We are incredibly grateful to be chosen as the official charity partner for the wonderful Wilne 10k and Derby 10 Mile events. “Everyone running in Connell’s memory and fundraising for Treetops is so inspiring, and their support will help us continue caring for families during the most difficult times of their lives.” The Wilne 10k takes place in September, followed by the Derby 10 Mile in November. Runners can still sign up or donate via the event websites: https://www.wilne.co.uk/enter-2026/ Nina's daughter, Carmella and her cousins at a Treetops Hospice event.

For more than two years, Angeline has been a dedicated volunteer at Treetops Hospice, offering a listening ear to people navigating some of the hardest moments of their lives. Her role sits within our Wellbeing team, in our network of Bereavement Hubs. These hubs run in various community venues across Derbyshire, offering a relaxed, drop-in space where anyone experiencing grief can meet others who understand. Whether you pop in once for a cuppa or attend regularly, every visit is free and our staff and volunteers are always ready to listen. The hubs are designed to help people feel less isolated and more connected to their community. As Angeline explains: “The benefit of the Bereavement Hubs being out in the community is they can help people to feel less isolated and find out about what’s going on in the local area that they can get involved in.” Our volunteers and staff provide a safe, open space to chat, often bringing resources to spark conversations and occasionally welcome guest speakers who highlight local support options. “We want people to leave our hub feeling better than when they came and ready to go on with their week,” Angeline says. Why Treetops Angeline first joined Treetops in February 2024, hoping to support an independent charity serving her local community. She began in our original Monday group, supporting people with life‑limiting illnesses and their families. When the Bereavement Hubs launched, she moved to the Ilkeston Hub, where her calm presence and people skills quickly became invaluable. She explains: “I like the personal touch at Treetops, everyone is encouraging, supportive and works collaboratively.” She also appreciates the balance that volunteering brings. “There is something freeing about being a volunteer. We have responsibility, but without the pressures of a full‑time job, which means each session brings something different, and I can really focus on supporting people as well as I possibly can when I am there.” Much of Angeline’s role is about creating a safe, comfortable environment where people feel able to share. She describes it as “being inclusive” and “gently managing emotions”, encouraging quieter voices and making sure everyone feels heard. “For me, volunteering in the Bereavement Hubs is less about a specific skill and more about being interested in what people have to say. We listen, we enable conversations, and give people the chance to make new connections.” She hopes her experience encourages others to consider volunteering. “People sometimes think you need to be a certain type of person or have particular skills to volunteer at Treetops, but that’s not the case. Anyone with time to give can make a real difference.” For roles like Angeline’s, we provide full bereavement support training, so volunteers can feel confident and prepared. The power of peer support What Angeline finds most inspiring is the natural peer support that grows within the hubs. “We’re just facilitators of conversations as staff and volunteers. It is the power of the group that offers the real peer support. “It’s about helping the group recognise that while each person’s experience is unique, there are others who can relate and offer insights we can all learn from.” For many people, walking through the door for the first time can feel understandably daunting but with our experienced volunteers and staff welcoming them, that first step becomes a little easier. Anyone can volunteer – and make a difference Angeline is passionate about encouraging others to get involved, whatever their background, age or experience. “I truly believe everyone has something to give when it comes to volunteering; it’s just about finding what works for you.” At Treetops, our volunteers can get involved in a wide range of roles – from our retail shops and Wellbeing services to the servery team, reception, counselling support and more. We do our best to match each person with something that suits their skills, interests and availability. For anyone considering volunteering, Angeline’s message is simple: “Anyone who has time to give could be a valuable volunteer at Treetops.” And for anyone experiencing grief, our Bereavement Hubs offer a warm, welcoming space to talk, listen or simply sit with others who understand.

A local bride has helped raise funds for Treetops Hospice – first by choosing her wedding dress from the charity’s bridal boutique, and again by donating it back after her big day so another bride can enjoy it. Keziah first discovered the boutique based in Wollaton after being a bridesmaid for two friends who both tried on gowns there. She said: “I remembered how beautiful the dresses were and how happy both of my friends were when they bought them from the Treetops shop. “I also loved the idea that what I spent on my dress could help support quality end‑of‑life care in the community.” During her appointment, Treetops’ bridal fitting volunteer Alison guided her through the collection. “The boutique is small but beautifully laid out, and you can see every dress,” Keziah explained. “I initially went in wanting a big princess dress, but Alison encouraged me to try lots of styles. I ended up choosing something completely different – the dress I went for was slim, elegant and just perfect.” Alison helped her picture the final fit and referred her to a trusted alterations specialist, making the whole experience simple and enjoyable. After her wedding, Keziah knew she wanted the dress to return to the place it came from. “I knew I wouldn’t wear it again, and I didn’t want it gathering dust at home. I wanted someone else to enjoy it, and for the money to go back into the incredible care Treetops provides.” “Nathaniel and I wanted our wedding to be an opportunity to give back, so donating the dress felt like the perfect way to be generous and kind.” Keziah hopes her story encourages more brides to consider second-hand dress shopping – particularly as more couples look for sustainable and affordable wedding options. “You can find stunning dresses, with some even in brand‑new condition, at really affordable prices. By shopping at Treetops’ bridal boutique, you’re supporting a charity that makes a huge difference to local families. “Go with an open mind and you might just find your dream dress in something completely unexpected, like I did.” Her gown is now back on the Treetops bridal boutique rails, ready to help fund more expert care and create more memories for another bride. You can find out more about the Treetops Bridal Boutique here: Wollaton Charity Shop - Treetops Hospice

With more than 46,000 children in the UK estimated to be bereaved of a parent each year, and support services under growing pressure, understanding how children grieve has never been more important. Treetops Hospice offers free children’s counselling and emotional support for children suffering from bereavement or traumatic bereavement. The service is available for bereaved children and young people who are either users of Treetops' services or registered with a GP practice in Derby city, southern Derbyshire or Erewash. Last year, the bereavement counselling team at Treetops provided more than 5,000 hours of sessions – including over 1,500 for children and young people. Jules Kirk, Therapeutic Services Manager at Treetops, sees firsthand how children navigate loss on a daily basis, and she describes how this is often in ways that look very different from adults, so it’s important to know how to support them in ways that reflect their unique needs. Jules explains: “Children often experience grief differently from adults. Their emotions can be more fluid and changeable: one moment they may be inconsolable and shortly afterwards they may want to play, chat with friends or return to familiar activities. “These intense pockets of grief can feel all‑consuming while they last, drawing the child fully into their sadness. Yet just as quickly, they may reorient themselves to the world around them. “This oscillation is not a sign of avoidance or indifference. It is an important and healthy way for children to cope with loss, giving them space both to feel their grief and to continue engaging with everyday life. Over time, this process helps them adapt to the profound changes that follow a death. “A key part of this adaptation is the child’s ability to invest in a future without the person who has died, while still maintaining a meaningful connection with them. This is known as the continuing bonds model of grief. “The term continuing bonds reflects a more contemporary understanding of relationships and attachment. It recognises that death does not end a relationship; rather, the relationship changes form. The bond may continue in a transformed way, sustained through memories, emotions, and actions that keep the person present in the child’s ongoing life story.” Examples of continuing bonds include: Sharing stories and memories of the person who has died Keeping possessions that belonged to them Displaying photographs as a source of comfort and connection Doing activities the person would have enjoyed, especially on meaningful dates Creating acts of remembrance, such as altruistic gestures or personal memorials Including the deceased in special occasions, for example by mentioning them at a wedding or leaving an empty chair at a holiday meal Jules continues: “Bereaved children often need additional support to navigate these experiences. This can feel especially challenging when the adults around them are grieving too.” To help with this, Treetops Hospice created a free-of-charge resource booklet, ‘Supporting a child when someone they love has died’, also affectionately known as the Little Gem booklet. It is designed to guide adults in supporting the child in their care, while also offering dedicated resources that can be shared directly with the child. The children’s section of the book includes practical tools such as tips for coping with grief, guidance on creating a self‑care kit, and a communication checklist to help them express what they would find helpful or unhelpful during their personal grieving process. [button url="https://www.treetopshospice.org.uk/supporting-a-child-when-a-loved-one-has-died/" template="block" class="btn-block--red"]Find out more about our bereavement support and read the booklet in full[/button]

A senior NHS leader has described Treetops Hospice’s Advanced Communication Skills Training (ACST) as “transformative”, crediting the programme with improving both clinical conversations and high level strategic decision-making across one of the region’s largest hospital trusts. Duncan Cameron, Head of Strategic Planning at University Hospitals of Derby and Burton NHS Foundation Trust, first completed the CPD-approved course while serving as General Manager for Cancer Services. He enrolled to better understand the emotionally demanding conversations his teams were navigating daily, from supporting distressed patients to handling complaints, sensitive Human Resources issues and complex treatment discussions. He says the training has had a profound and lasting impact. “All of the valuable skills I learnt in the course are now used far beyond clinical scenarios. It’s genuinely transformative.” Treetops’ ACST programme is an experiential, two-day course designed for senior leaders, consultants, SAS doctors, GPs, allied health professionals, nurses, midwives and non clinical professionals. It builds confidence in navigating tender conversations with compassion and candour – whether breaking bad news, responding to anger or distress or having important conversations with colleagues. Duncan describes the course as “fascinating, tangible, impactful and unique”, praising the facilitators for creating a safe environment that encourages participants to stretch their skills while tailoring the experience to their professional needs. “It takes you out of your comfort zone in a way that feels completely safe and supportive, and the learnings genuinely stick with you.” A key component of the training focuses on recognising cues, micro skills and facilitative behaviours, giving participants a practical toolkit of principles they can apply immediately. For Duncan, these skills have proved invaluable not only in clinical settings but also in strategic planning, organisational change and team leadership across the Trust. “I’ve recommended it to so many of my colleagues because I've seen how valuable it is, in all aspects of my role and life in general.” With NHS staff facing increasing pressures, Treetops Hospice says demand for high quality communication training continues to grow. The ACST programme is designed to strengthen resilience, improve patient experience and support healthier workplace cultures – all key priorities for healthcare organisations. To find out more about Treetops’ education and training services, visit: https://www.treetopshospice.org.uk/care/for-professionals/education-and-development/

After moving to Derby in 2021, retired police officer Steve Morran decided he wanted to give something back to his new community. He set his sights on supporting his local hospice, Treetops, by taking on a challenge that would push him both physically and mentally. The idea came from his friend Julie at the Mickleover golf club, who was already planning to take part in the two-mile Great North Swim. The Coventry Building Society Great North Swim brings thousands of swimmers together each year for a weekend of open‑water swimming, community spirit and the stunning scenery of the Lake District at Brockhole on Windermere. When asked why he chose to support Treetops Hospice, Steve shared his personal motivation: “When I lost my dad in 2020, we all saw him die in hospital – and whilst they were great, when I saw my mum’s face and how difficult it all was, I thought, ‘there must be better than this’. “When I found out about what Treetops does, it was perfect. It fits everything I think death should be, and allows people to die peacefully in the comfort of their own homes.” With his charity chosen, Steve began training. “I genuinely hadn’t properly exercised in years or swum in years, for that matter. I thought, okay, I just need to swim two miles, that’s not a big drama. But when I started training and actually tried to swim it, I realised just how far it was going to be.” Two miles in a regular 25-metre pool equates to 129 lengths – a fact that came as a bit of a shock to Steve in those early sessions. “I went into my local pool in Mickleover, got to 30 lengths and thought, uh oh, this is a bit longer than I anticipated!” Despite the challenge, Steve stayed motivated, knowing that every pound raised would make a meaningful difference to Treetops and the families it supports across southern and central Derbyshire. When the big day arrived on Friday 13 June 2025, the conditions were far from ideal. The night before had brought torrential rain, flooded roads, lightning and powerful winds. Steve and Julie began to worry that the event might not go ahead. As they made their way to the water on the day, they met a swimmer returning from her attempt. She had signed up for the 10K distance and told them: “I was supposed to be doing the 10K, but it’s so rough out there, I could only manage a mile.” Steve recalled: “I was suddenly thinking – this person has trained for six miles, and I have two ahead of me. I don’t know if I can physically do this.” Amazingly, despite the extremely choppy conditions, Steve completed his full two‑mile swim and was thrilled to raise over £700 for Treetops. This impressive amount could fund more than six nights of our Hospice at Home care for a family, or provide vital bereavement support and Wellbeing services. To find out more and get involved in an event for Treetops, visit our events page: Events and Challenges - Treetops Hospice

Treetops Hospice has revealed its brand new mascot, a friendly robin which will represent the charity at events and activities throughout Derbyshire, and is now asking the public to help name it. Supporters, families and local residents are being encouraged to submit their ideas, where a shortlist of names will then be selected and announced on Friday 27 March. The mascot will make its first official appearance at the hospice’s upcoming Easter Egg Hunt this April (Saturday 4 April), where visitors will be able to meet the character and take photos. Treetops selected a robin for its strong symbolism. Many people view robins as signs of hope or reminders of loved ones who have died, and in Celtic tradition, the bird’s iconic red breast is linked to warmth and protection. The hospice says these themes reflect its work providing compassionate end-of-life nursing care, bereavement support, counselling and complementary therapies for adults and children. Natalie Godrich, Relationship Manager at Treetops Hospice, said: “We wanted a mascot that reflects the spirit of Treetops – something warm, uplifting and meaningful for the families we support. “We can’t wait to hear some of the names that people put forward.” Treetops is accepting submissions via comments on its Facebook post, with entries closing on Monday 23 March: https://www.facebook.com/treetopshospice

Three local women are preparing to take a 14,000ft skydive in support of Treetops Hospice, each motivated by powerful, personal experiences of the charity’s care. Collectively, their experiences illustrate the scope of support provided by Treetops, which offers counselling, emotional and wellbeing services, and Hospice at Home care for people approaching the end of life. Last year alone, the Treetops team supported over 2,000 patients, delivering more than 34,000 hours of care. The skydive will take place at Skydive Langar in Nottingham, one of the UK’s leading parachute centres, where the participants will freefall at up to 120mph before their parachutes deploy for a controlled descent. All three women have already surpassed their fundraising targets, showing the strength of community support behind them. Melanie turned to Treetops after the sudden death of her husband from lung cancer. Although she had known of the hospice for years, she never expected to need its counselling services. “I didn’t want to burden my family and friends with the depth of my grief,” she said. “Inside, I was going through an incredibly painful and overwhelming time.” Her counsellor, Shirley, became “a real anchor”, who “walked beside her through some of the hardest moments”. She said: “Treetops became a lifeline for me.” Despite a lifelong fear of heights, Mel signed up. She said: “It felt like the right challenge at the right time,” adding that she knows her husband “will be looking down, cheering me on.” For Kerri, Digital Lead at Treetops Hospice, the skydive falls on a deeply significant date – her mum’s birthday and her wedding anniversary. She said: “Last year the most devastating thing happened, I lost my beautiful mum, who was my best friend. “It was traumatic… but Treetops helped me through it.” With support from colleagues and Treetops’ bereavement counsellors, she slowly began to rebuild. When Kerri saw the skydive date, she “just knew” she had to take part and explained: “Mum always pushed me to live my life to the max, so that’s what I’m doing.” Her fundraising target of £432 will help Treetops provide expert care in the community, as well as provide the bereavement counselling that supported both Kerri and Mel when they needed it most. Farrah, 23, is also jumping in memory of her mum, who died unexpectedly in August 2025. As an only child of a single-parent family, she was left with no immediate family. “I was absolutely shell shocked,” she said. “My mum was the light of every room she walked into.” Farrah’s mum had always hoped to do a skydive herself, but her asthma meant she was never able to take part. “So here I am… gearing up to jump out of a plane at 14,000ft in her honour.” Her mum supported Treetops for many years, and Farrah is determined to continue that legacy. “Mum always reminded me to ‘live life to the fullest’, so I’m taking her spirit with me.” Though their individual experiences differ, Melanie, Kerri and Farrah share a determination to give back to the charity that supported them and to help ensure others can receive the same care. The skydive at Langar in May will give them the chance to honour their loved ones and raise funds to help Treetops continue delivering essential care across the community. To find out more about taking part in a challenge for Treetops: https://www.treetopshospice.org.uk/get-involved/fundraising-with-treetops/events-and-challenges/

Treetops Hospice has been announced as a finalist in the nationwide 2026 Smiley Charity Film Awards. The hospice’s six-minute film, Busting Myths: Hospice Care, features staff and volunteers from across the organisation as they challenge some of the most common misconceptions about hospice care. In the film, contributors explain that Treetops is far from the “depressing and dark” place some might imagine. Instead, visitors often comment on how “welcoming, supportive and uplifting” the hospice feels. The film also addresses the taboo surrounding conversations about death and dying. Treetops’ counselling experts highlight that openly discussing these topics can help people feel more prepared and less fearful of this natural part of life. Philippa Shreeve, Director of Clinical Services, uses the film to clarify how the hospice is funded. She explains that while many assume hospices are fully funded by the NHS, Treetops receives less than 18% statutory funding. The charity therefore relies heavily on the generosity of its local community to continue providing vital care and support. Michael Younger, Head of Marketing at Treetops Hospice, said: “We are delighted to have been chosen as a finalist for the Smiley Charity Film Awards. Being recognised alongside so many fantastic charities is an achievement in itself, and we feel incredibly honoured. “We chose to focus our submission on busting myths because these misconceptions are something we encounter so often at Treetops. “Ultimately, we want people to feel confident asking questions and to better understand the compassionate, positive work that happens in hospices every day. “We’d love our local community to get behind us. If you believe in the work we do and the importance of challenging hospice myths, your vote would mean the world and help us continue reaching even more people. “We wish all nominees the very best of luck and look forward to the results in April.” The final stage of public voting is now open and closes on Thursday 23 April. Winners of the Smiley Charity Film Awards will be announced on Wednesday 29 April, with each category winner receiving a unique Smiley Charity Film Awards trophy and a £3,000 prize. To view the nominees and vote for Treetops Hospice, visit: https://smileycharityfilmawards.com/films/busting-myths-hospice-care

Treetops Hospice is relaunching its annual Easter Egg Hunt this April, inviting local families to take part in a day of Easter‑themed activities. The event is set to take place on Saturday 4 April 2026 at the hospice’s 12.5‑acre grounds in Risley – featuring a scavenger hunt, games, crafts, inflatables, stalls to browse, and a meet‑and‑greet with the hospice’s brand-new mascot. The Easter Egg Hunt has been a popular event in the local community, attracting hundreds of families each year before it was paused in 2019. Its return aims to provide a family‑friendly day out while supporting the hospice’s important services. Funds raised will contribute to the future of Treetops Hospice and the specialist end‑of‑life care and bereavement support it provides to patients and families across the southern and central Derbyshire region. As part of its commitment to supporting local families, Treetops will also be donating a number of free tickets to the poverty and deprivation charity, Derby Food 4 Thought Alliance. The charity will distribute these to families they support, helping ensure the day is accessible to those who might otherwise miss out. The event will run from 10 AM to 2 PM, with scavenger hunts taking place in waves. Booking is now open for dedicated time slots. Victoria Rocca, Relationships Manager at Treetops Hospice, said: “We are so pleased to be bringing back the Easter Egg Hunt. “Community events like this are vital in helping us raise funds for our specialist care and shining a light on the services we provide. “By joining us on 4th April at Treetops, you’ll enjoy plenty of Easter fun with the family, while helping to support your local hospice.” Local businesses are also getting involved by donating chocolate eggs, raffle and tombola prizes and Treetops is encouraging those who can get involved. Tickets are priced at £5 per child (under 18), with adults free. To find out more about the event and to book tickets: https://www.treetopshospice.org.uk/event/easter-egg-hunt/