Latest News

Julie Heath has announced her plans to retire in August 2025. Julie became Chief Executive of Treetops in 2018, after serving on the board of trustees for 22 years. She said: “During my time at Treetops, I’ve seen the hospice grow from an organisation that provided 20 hours of nursing care to patients each week, to one that provides over 22,000 hours every year. “We’ve developed vital services to meet the needs of local people, including establishing our counselling and emotional support service for children and adults, a service that is a recognised centre of excellence for bereavement support.It’s been a real privilege to lead a team of such dedicated, skilled, and compassionate staff and volunteers. Every day, I’ve seen the impact they make on the lives of patients and families. “Treetops has an exciting future ahead, and I look forward to seeing it continue to grow and lead the way in the hospice sector. “ Recruitment for Julie’s replacement is underway. Treetops Senior Leadership Team is committed to ensuring a smooth transition later this year. [button url="https://www.treetopshospice.org.uk/job-vacancy/chief-executive/" template="block" class="btn-block--red"]Find out about the Chief Executive vacancy[/button]  

Treetops has awarded Long Eaton View Care Home with an End-of-Life Care Achievement Award, reflecting the best practice care and support staff are providing to their residents. The award for ‘Excellence in Care with Dignity’ reflects several months of care home staff training and mentorship provided by Treetops nurses, Faye Thrasivoulou and Laura Slack. [button url="https://www.treetopshospice.org.uk/care/for-professionals/education-and-development/" template="block" class="btn-block--red"]Our education and training for professionals[/button] Faye, explained more about the award: “We provide specialist end-of-life training to residential care homes like Long Eaton View, across the whole of Erewash. It helps staff recognise the early signs and symptoms when a resident’s health starts to decline, and how to best care for them.“This award recognises how the team at Long Eaton View came up with an innovative way of communicating the level of care required for each of their residents. This is done discreetly by having small symbols on the resident’s bedroom door, which only the care home staff understand. This helps everyone to work together to support that person whilst maintaining privacy and dignity.” Staff training to support residents at the end of life Debbie Rhodes, Registered Manager at Long Eaton View, received the achievement award on behalf of her staff team. “We’re thrilled to get this award. It really reflects all the hard work and commitment of our staff to want to give the best quality end-of-life care to our residents. “When a resident’s health is deteriorating, everyone can be made aware in a discreet way, and we work together to best care and support them as they reach the very end of life.“The support from Treetops Hospice has been an absolute Godsend with Laura and Faye almost becoming part of our team, as though they’ve always been here.’’ The training includes how to have sensitive conversations with residents to identify and record their final wishes in advance. Faye and Laura also offer ongoing peer support. Since the project began, Treetops nurses have trained 444 staff from 16 care homes within Erewash. The two-year project is funded by The Sir Jules Thorn Charitable Trust. Faye Thrasivoulou and Laura Slack

Over 30 members of a Secondary Breast Cancer Support Group have enjoyed a ‘Look Good Feel Better’ Masterclass hosted by Treetops. The University Hospitals of Derby and Burton NHS support group meet bi-monthly in our Wellbeing Space. The group brings together women and men with a breast cancer diagnosis to meet others in a similar situation. They can seek advice from nurse specialists and psychologists, and enjoy wellbeing opportunities. On Tuesday 1 April, volunteers from the cancer charity ‘Look Good Feel Better’ provided a practical skincare and make-up masterclass and demonstration. Volunteers then gave advice on how attendees can use their own personal products in the best way. Enhancing life and wellbeing “Today has been wonderful,” said Dr. Kirsty Williams, who leads the support group.“Processing a cancer diagnosis and managing the physical and emotional side effects of cancer treatment can be challenging. So, what’s important to our group is for them to come here and have a relaxed and enjoyable time. “We focus on the ways we can enhance your life and wellbeing. It’s lovely to see everyone enjoy themselves.” “I’ve really enjoyed today,” said Marie, from the group. “I’ve learned a lot, and it’s made me feel a lot better too. "Having secondary breast cancer can make you feel quite alone but coming here I get to meet other people, and I don’t feel so lonely.” Treetops is a safe and welcoming space Ali Jordan, Treetops Wellbeing Manager, explained that the hospice ‘provides a safe and welcoming space’.“There is a common misconception that hospices are sombre or depressing places but that’s just not true! Treetops is a place of warmth and comfort and provides hope for hundreds of local people every year. “You’re greeted with a smile and support from the moment you step through our doors. Our Wellbeing Space looks out on 12.5 acres of beautiful grounds and gardens. It’s not at all what people imagine. “Hosting groups like the Secondary Breast Cancer Support Group helps us break down some of those barriers and encourage more people to come to us for care and support when they need it.” The ‘Look Good Feel Better’ charity aims to help people face cancer with confidence, to regain their sense of normality, to make friends and most of all to look good and feel better. To find out more about the Secondary Breast Cancer Support Group, call 01332 788798. [button url="https://www.treetopshospice.org.uk/our-services/support-and-information/" template="block" class="btn-block--red"]Find out more about our care[/button]

Head to the annual Easter egg hunt at Swarkestone Nursery and Garden Centre to spot a stork sculpture created by our volunteer gardeners. The handcrafted wire sculpture includes a wire ‘cloth bundle’ dangling from its beak with a decorated egg laid inside. The stork is one of several egg-laying animals created from recycled materials by local charities and schools. The family-run garden centre store will hide sculptures around the premises for its alternative egg hunt. Thank you to our volunteer gardeners Nat Goodrich, Treetops Relationship Manager - Community Engagement, said the hospice was ‘thrilled to be involved with the egg hunt this year’. “We absolutely love the stork that our volunteer gardeners Steve Mills and David Driver have created. It’s very eye-catching and we’re sure it will be a big hit with children and families.“Getting involved with local community events like the egg hunt is a great way for us to raise awareness of the hospice and our care for local patients and families.” Stork to return to Treetops after Egg Hunt After the Easter egg hunt has ended, the stork will be returning to our 12.5-acre hospice grounds and gardens for everyone to enjoy. The egg hunt runs at Swarkestone Nursery and Garden Centre from Saturday, 5 April to Saturday, 19 April. Children collect brass rubbings on their way around to gain a chocolate treat. Afterwards they can vote for their favourite sculpture. The winning sculpture team will receive a fantastic prize of a gardening bundle worth £250. [button url="https://www.treetopshospice.org.uk/get-involved/fundraising-with-treetops/fundraise/" template="block" class="btn-block--red"]Fundraise for your local hospice[/button]

Mother’s Day on Sunday 30 March can be an especially challenging time for those who have lost their mother or a child. Whether the death is recent or occurred many years ago, the days leading up to Mother’s Day - and the day itself - can be difficult when others are celebrating. Mother's Day can be challenging for those grieving Our Therapeutic Services Senior Counsellor, Julie Wright, explains that even the days leading up to Mother’s Day itself can be challenging: “Anniversaries and celebratory days can be hard for someone who’s experiencing grief. For example, there are cards and gifts in the shops and people are making plans to celebrate. “It is not always possible to avoid these things. But even just talking this through with a family member or friend can be helpful and can help alleviate those fears.  In fact, letting people know how you are feeling and what you might need can make a big difference to how you cope.” Acknowledge Mother’s Day and its impact on you If you know Mother’s Day is likely to be a difficult day, it’s important to do what feels right for you. You may want to be on your own, being quiet and reflective. Or you may prefer company and to share memories with family or friends. Others around you may also be grieving. It’s important to remember that everyone grieves differently and at their own pace. Talking to others might help you negotiate how you manage the day together, according to what you all need and how you all feel. For example, time to be together, and time for space apart, if you need it. Be kind to yourself Give yourself permission to put yourself first and be compassionate with your own feelings. It is okay to not be okay. Don’t expect too much of yourself. Feelings associated with your bereavement are a natural, normal part of the grieving process and individual to you. It’s okay to allow yourself to feel those emotions.   Remembering the person who has died Consider what you might like to do to either think about your mum, or celebrate your mum, on Mother’s Day. This might be connected to places that you’ve been or things you’ve done together. Find ways to connect with their memory that feel special to you There are many ways to remember your loved one. You could light a candle, plant something in the garden, play some music, write your feelings down in a card, or do something you used to enjoy doing together Online tributes can also be a helpful way of reflecting on how much your loved one meant to you. You could post a message or photo on social media, or share a video with family and friends “Everyone feels emotion and grief when they’ve experienced the loss of a loved one and that’s normal. However, Treetops is here if you are one of those people that feels like you need a bit of extra help. Please do contact us.” [button url="https://www.treetopshospice.org.uk/our-services/therapeutic-services/counselling-and-emotional-support-service/counselling-and-emotional-support-service-for-adults-dealing-with-bereavement/" template="block" class="btn-block--red"]More information about our counselling support for adults and children[/button]

Six brave Treetops Hospice supporters took to the skies this weekend, raising over £7,000 for the charity in an exciting tandem skydive challenge. Taking the leap for Treetops From those directly touched by the hospice’s care to thrill-seekers, each person had a unique story behind their jump at Langar Airfield, Nottinghamshire. Peter Woods, from Codnor, jumped to celebrate his 80th birthday. “It was really exhilarating coming down and I’ve really enjoyed it,” Peter said. “I turned 80 a few months ago and I knew I wanted to do a skydive so when I saw I could jump for Treetops, that was it. It’s a really important charity and I know it makes a big difference raising all this money.” Best experience I’ve ever had Martyn Ingram from Chellaston is receiving support from Treetops following a diagnosis of a Stage 4 brain tumour. Martyn shared his thoughts after the jump: “It was the best experience I’ve ever had in my whole life! I’d love to do it again. Treetops is a charity very close to my heart. When I first came to the hospice, I wasn’t entirely sure what to expect but it’s a fantastic place. I’m totally blown away by the passion, kindness, and friendliness of everyone. They can’t do enough for me and others who need their help.” James Birchmore, from Codnor, received the skydive as a surprise gift from his wife on Christmas Day. “Treetops supported my mother-in-law and has done a lot for my wife and family, so this all raises money for a good cause,” James explained. “I felt a mix of everything going up in the plane – nervous, excited - but it was brilliant. I’d do it again for sure.” Others who jumped for Treetops included Julie Cook, whose husband was cared for by the local charity, and Martyn’s friends Mandy Taylor-Warby and Fiona Keppel-Spoor. Raising vital funds for Treetops The thrilling event helped raise vital funds for the hospice which provides nursing care and emotional support for adults with life-limiting conditions, those who’ve been bereaved, and their families.  Every year, Treetops provides vital care and support to over 2,500 people across Derbyshire. The next Treetops Skydive Day takes place on Saturday 27 September. Supporters are asked to raise £432 in sponsorship which would help fund four nights of Hospice at Home nursing care. [button url="https://www.treetopshospice.org.uk/event/skydive-day/" template="block" class="btn-block--red"]Join the next Skydive for Treetops[/button]

Treetops is urging the government to provide sustainable funding for end-of-life care for terminally-ill patients, as the charity begins a third financial year with a deficit budget. A recent article by respected BBC health correspondent Nick Triggle summarised the precarious financial situation facing all hospices across the UK: At least three-quarters of the 650,000 people who die every year in the UK require palliative (end-of-life) care. Hospital is the most common place of death, although the overwhelming majority of people say they would like to die at home Hospice services are in financial difficulties and the current approach to funding is not sustainable. Over the next decade, the number of deaths a year is expected to increase by 12%. Just shifting 20% of the money spent caring for dying people in hospital would be transformative for community services as it would double current spending Challenging financial year ahead Every year, Treetops cares for over 2,500 people and their families. Our nurses help care for patients at the very end of life who’ve chosen to die at home with their loved ones. Our experienced bereavement counsellors support adults and children who are struggling following the death of a loved one, often under traumatic circumstances. All the hospice services are provided free of charge, but we face the challenge of a significant funding shortfall this financial year. Philippa Shreeve, Director of Clinical Services, said: “It costs over £5.7million a year to provide our vital care in the local community and run the hospice. Like many other UK hospices, Treetops receives funding from the Integrated Care Board (ICB). This covers less than 18% of the costs for delivering several of our care services. So, the remaining £4.7million we must raise ourselves.“Our overheads have increased significantly, partly due to increased National Insurance and the minimum wage. We are using our existing reserves to maintain the care our community needs. The continuing support of local people is crucial. If additional funding cannot be made available, then our dependence on the goodwill of our community will become more acute. More sustainable funding needed “The cash reserves we rely on today have come from gifts left in people’s wills, our charity shops and other kind donations. Unfortunately, this isn’t sustainable or reliable funding. Much more needs to be done to provide hospices like Treetops with long-term funding and ensure we can continue to provide our care for many years to come.” Treetops was one of 170 hospices in England to receive a share of £25million from the government last month, with the charity receiving £65,000. But this funding comes with restrictions, Phil explained: “Whilst the government grant was very welcome, this money must be spent on upgrades and refurbishments to our hospice buildings and infrastructure. The funding can’t be spent on nursing people at home or providing bereavement counselling, which is where we need it the most.” Help us continue to provide local care We are doing all we can to continue to support those in most need. We are using our reserves sensibly and investing in raising more funding. We welcome donations to ensure the future of the hospice and our services. [button url="https://www.treetopshospice.org.uk/donate" template="block" class="btn-block--red"]Donate to Treetops and help care for local patients and families[/button]

On Sunday 6 April, Megan Radford showed her appreciation to Treetops for supporting three generations of her family as she joined hundreds of runners in the Derby 10k. Megan from Derby, raised over £300 for the hospice that cared for her late dad and grandad. Megan had bereavement counselling at the hospice following the death of her dad, Ian, from cancer. Counselling support Megan explained more: “When my dad died it was the most traumatising week of my life. I knew that I would need help to get over the overwhelming shock. "It was incredibly useful to have a counsellor at Treetops to talk to in-depth, as it is difficult to do so with grieving family or friends that you don't want to burden. “Unfortunately, the memories from that time turned into flashbacks that intruded on my day-to-day life. My counsellor helped me deal with these in an effective way, until they had gone. They say you have to grow around grief and my counselling sessions helped me do that so I could return to my life with a new, well-rounded perspective.” Treetops nurses helped care for dad at home Ian died of cancer just days before his 65th birthday. Treetops nurses helped care for him at home. “Dad didn't want to be in hospital. He wanted to come home and we wanted him home, so that's what we did. “In his last few days, we looked after him as a family, 24 hours a day, with regular daytime visits from NHS healthcare teams. In the night, there wasn't the same support and that's where the Treetops nurses came in.“Without the nurses, I don't know how we would've managed to look after dad properly. They had the perfect attitude: a friendly bedside manner coupled with a fierce eye for detail. They looked after my dad and were a sympathetic ear to us. When they arrived, it felt like we could breathe a sigh of relief. “When my dad died, we called the Treetops nurses one last time. At this point, it felt like having old friends come to the house in our hour of need. They helped prepare my dad and made the necessary arrangements, so we didn't have to. It didn't feel intrusive; they were very welcome.” Megan’s late grandad John also came to Treetops in Risley to meet with his oncologist and to take part in a wide range of activities on site. John was passionate about hospice care, as Megan explained: “My grandma passed away from cancer when my mum and her sisters were young. It was a difficult time for the family. They had to take two buses to see grandma in hospital. “Grandad could see how much better grandma's quality of life would've been if there had been a local hospice; what a difference it would've made to his wife and daughter's lives. “When the proposal came to set up a hospice in the local area, Treetops, Grandad was vocal in supporting it so others could benefit from what he would've loved for his own family.” Giving back to the charity that helped so much Megan signed up to the Derby 10k to “give back to the charity that helped me and my family so much”.“I think dad would be cheering me on at the finish line. He was always proud of his children and our achievements. I always think of him at the big moments in my life, or even the little successes. I can imagine him pulling me in for a hug, giving me a big kiss on "the bonce", and congratulating me.”

Throughout March, donations to the hospice will be doubled, helping us to provide more end-of-life nursing care for local people, all thanks to a generous donor. The anonymous donor understands the difference that hospice care makes for local people with life-limiting conditions and those who’ve been bereaved. They are matching the value of donations during the month up to the value of £10,000 and said:We want to support Treetops because hospice care is so vitally important, and we are aware that funding is under stress. [button url="https://www.treetopshospice.org.uk/donate/" template="block" class="btn-block--red"]Make your donation go further in March[/button] Last year, Treetops nurses provided over 22,000 hours of nursing care for patients at the very end of life, in their own homes with their loved ones around them. Katy English, Treetops nurse, explained more about her role:We’re there to ensure someone’s last few days are as pain-free and dignified as possible. We also provide emotional support for families and loved ones. "It can be scary caring for someone at home. We offer a listening ear,  answer questions, listen to their concerns, and reassure them. Caring for someone 24 hours a day and through the night is incredibly challenging, physically and emotionally.Knowing that a dedicated and compassionate Treetops nurse will looking after your loved one while you get a rest, makes a huge difference. “It costs £5.3million every year to run the hospice. We have to raise 80% of this through donations from our fantastic supporters. We really hope people will dig deep, donate, and know they’re making double the difference this month.” [button url="https://www.treetopshospice.org.uk/donate/" template="block" class="btn-block--red"]Donate today and help us care for more local people[/button]

Treetops has launched a new support group in Ilkeston, offering vital information and peer support for people who are grieving the loss of a loved one. In partnership with the Erewash Social Prescribing team, the Bereavement Hub takes place every Friday at Ilkeston Museum, from 11am to 1pm. The group is led by trained volunteers, providing attendees with a safe and welcoming environment to share their experiences and offer support to one another. [button url="https://www.treetopshospice.org.uk/our-services/wellbeing-space/treetops-bereavement-hub" template="block" class="btn-block--red"]More information about the Bereavement Hub[/button] Julie Waite, Treetops Community Inreach Lead said: “Through the bereavement work we do at Treetops Hospice, we recognise that there is a need for support out in the community and not everyone can attend the hospice in Risley.” While the hub doesn’t provide formal counselling, it provides an opportunity for up to 15 people to connect with others experiencing similar grief. If additional emotional support is required, the team of trained volunteers will signpost to relevant services, including the Treetops therapeutic services.“Living with loss can feel isolating, but with the Treetops Bereavement Hub, you're not alone." Treetops have been able to launch the Bereavement Hub as a result of a grant from Erewash Borough Council, which has paid for the venue for the year.  

Treetops is celebrating a grant of over £37,000 from SC Johnson Foundation, which will allow us to complete a renovation of our Wellbeing Cafe. SC Johnson has a long history of working to make the communities they are in better because they are there. With SC Johnson Professional’s European headquarters in Denby, the company is helping to support Treetops efforts to provide a high-quality experience for patients and their loved ones. Meeting the needs of people living with life-limiting illnesses Since 2019, Treetops has been offering a Model of Care, designed to meet the changing needs of people living with life-limiting illnesses.  At the heart of the care model is the Café, a large, open-plan space with a glass front that opens onto a veranda and overlooks our grounds. The charitable grant will help transform this space, including a café counter to serve food and beverages from and much-needed improvements to the veranda, such as the installation of heating, and new outdoor furniture. Adela Appleby, Treetops Head of Community Relationships said:“Treetops aims to reach hundreds of local people each year.  Creating the right environment is such an important part of making it easier for them to turn to us for support while they are living with a life-limiting illness or recovering from a bereavement. Improvements to the Cafe “Now, we can make vital improvements to ensure the space is more comfortable and functional for our patients and their families. “We’re also excited to enhance access to our beautiful grounds. With the addition of heating, we’ll be able to keep the veranda open for longer, enabling even more people to enjoy it.” Work on the Wellbeing Space is due to begin shortly with renovations to be complete later in 2025. If your business is able to support Treetops Hospice, financially, via a gift in kind or volunteering, please contact Adela

With the support of our Hospice at Home nurses, Wendy Joyce from Codnor, was able to fulfil her wish to die at home after a long battle with breast cancer. Wendy’s daughter-in-law, Sarah Joyce, is sharing her family’s moving story to promote our Treetops Super Draw and help us raise vital funds to support other patients and families when they need it the most. “We will never forget the care and compassion of the Treetops nursing team during our darkest times,” explained Sarah from Swanwick.“The nurses made a world of difference. We wouldn’t have been able to give Wendy everything she needed at home without them." Wendy was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2020 during the Covid-19 pandemic. She was told the cancer was curable, and Wendy underwent a mastectomy, followed by chemotherapy, and radiotherapy. Wendy's battle with cancer “It was a long, painful road but Wendy bravely battled through it,” continued Sarah. “She never complained and just got on with it, as there was light at the end of the tunnel. She really showed superhuman strength and resilience which was in her nature.” Wendy, 72, was a much-loved Dinner Lady and later, a Teaching Assistant, at Codnor Primary School. After retiring, she spent many hours cheering for her grandchildren on the sidelines at athletics events. “You could see in her face the joy she got watching them. She’d be beaming. It didn’t matter if they won or not, she was so proud of them either way. “Wendy and I got on so well,” said Sarah. “She was like another mum to me and everything you’d want from a mother-in-law. I counted myself really lucky.” Despite being given the all-clear, less than a year later in December 2021, Wendy was diagnosed with secondary cancer in her spine and other areas. “This time they said the cancer was not curable but treatable. Our world was shattered." “After a few months of attempting to control the growth and spread of the cancer, we were told that it was having no effect. There was nothing more they could do. Care and support from Treetops “In May 2022, the oncologist gave us a prognosis of no more than six to 12 months. In a strange way, we were all relieved. We thought we would hopefully be able to enjoy a good few months of making precious memories together.” But Wendy’s health rapidly declined. By June, the family was told that Wendy was now coming towards the end of her life. Returning to her family home in Codnor, just a few yards from the house in which she was born, was very important to her.“I can honestly say that we wouldn’t have got through the next few days without the invaluable care and support that Treetops provided us with; both caring for Wendy and supporting us as a family. “As things had moved so fast, we weren’t able to access carers for the first couple of days. And Wendy’s medication wasn’t managing her pain properly.” Sarah was encouraged to call the Treetops Hospice at Home team. “We’d only been referred to Treetops a few hours before our first call to them. The nurses were there within the hour to give Wendy the pain relief she desperately needed. “They took the time to listen to us and encouraged us to call at any time with any concerns. The difference the nurses made “They also reassured us that we were doing great for Wendy which was such a relief to hear. In that situation, you almost put pressure on yourself to become a medical professional and know exactly what your loved one needs and when they need it. The nurses lifted that pressure from us, which we will always be grateful for. “I can’t begin to describe the difference they made. We felt able to get some much-needed rest whilst Wendy’s care was in their capable hands. They were there for us, supporting us, preparing us for what to expect. Until you live this experience and know what it’s like, you don’t know how hard it is.” In the care of the Treetops Hospice at Home team, Wendy died peacefully with husband, Richard and son, Stefan, by her side. Sarah’s family are very proud to be supporting the Treetops Super Draw to ‘give something back to the charity’.“As a family, we’re very proud to support Treetops and the Super Draw. “It's really important to us to share our story because we know firsthand how much Treetops helped Wendy and us. We hope lots of people enter the Super Draw to raise money for the hospice so they can help other families just like us.”