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In a significant new research partnership with Nottingham Trent University (NTU), Treetops Hospice has announced it will examine how complementary therapies can benefit children and adolescents coping with bereavement.   Treetops, based in Risley, provides counselling and complementary therapy services for children and adults, and has seen encouraging anecdotal evidence of the positive impact these interventions can have.   All complementary therapy sessions for young people take place in The Saplings, the hospice’s bespoke children’s centre. The building was created as part of the BBC’s DIY SOS Big Build for Children in Need, which was filmed at the hospice just over two years ago.   The new study will gather insights directly from service users and explore how therapies such as aromatherapy, reflexology, Reiki and Indian head massage can help improve sleep quality and reduce anxiety in young people experiencing grief.   The research collaboration was initiated by Dr Mike Vernon, Senior Lecturer in Psychology at NTU, and Paulo Karat, psychotherapist and academic at the University, following Paulo’s therapy training placement at Treetops.   Paulo said: “Having completed a placement at Treetops, I came away with huge respect and admiration for what the charity does and what it stands for. As academics, Mike and I wanted to find a way for NTU and Treetops to work together. Fortunately, they had the same appetite to work on a collaborative study.”   As a qualitative part of the research, NTU will also explore the experiences of Treetops’ talking therapists, inviting counsellors to reflect on how complementary therapies shape the emotional engagement, wellbeing and progress of the bereaved children and teenagers they support.   Alex Silvester, Senior Complementary Therapist at Treetops Hospice, said: “We see every day how complementary therapies can make a real difference for children and young people – helping them relax, easing anxiety, improving sleep and giving them a safe space to process their emotions.   “This research gives us the chance to understand that impact in a more scientific way and gather meaningful evidence about the benefits we witness in our therapy rooms. Working with Nottingham Trent University will help us show the true value of complementary therapy and continue developing the support we offer to bereaved children and teenagers.”   With demand and awareness of complementary therapy continuing to grow, Treetops Hospice is seeking qualified complementary therapy volunteers to support its team and contribute to this important research project. Find out more about Treetops Hospice’s therapeutic services: https://www.treetopshospice.org.uk/our-services/therapeutic-services/complementary-therapy/

A teacher at Murray Park School, Alfie Holland, is gearing up to run the London Marathon in support of Treetops Hospice, with his training journey being shaped by both Olympic-level guidance and extraordinary community spirit.   What started as a personal goal has quickly grown into something much bigger, with the Mickleover and wider Derby community rallying behind him. “In the first six weeks, I completely caught the running bug,” Alfie said. “I knocked my 10k time down from 63 minutes to 51, and when I ran my first half marathon in 1 hour 43, I was absolutely over the moon.”   However, the rapid progress came with consequences after an injury forced him to take five weeks away from training, a setback he describes as “mentally really tough.”   “I’d gone from feeling unstoppable to suddenly not being able to run at all,” he said. “It was frustrating, and I worried I’d lost all the momentum I’d built.”   Support came from several unexpected places. One parent from his school, a physiotherapist, offered expert advice that helped him recover safely. A second turning point came when his friend Ben Connor, Olympic marathon runner for Team GB, supported Alfie with crucial advice.   Alfie explained: “Ben told me that around 90% of my training should be at an easy pace.”   “I’d been pushing way too hard, and hearing that from an Olympian completely changed my mindset. If an Olympic marathon runner tells you it’s okay to run slowly, you listen!”   Ben has since written Alfie a personalised training plan to continue to help him prepare for the challenge.   On how the school community has motivated him, Alfie said: “The response from my classes and the wider school has been absolutely fantastic.”   “Students stop me in the corridor to wish me luck and parents have sent so many kind messages – some have even completed the London Marathon themselves and shared brilliant race‑day tips. The best one so far is to make sure my name is visible so I can draw energy from the crowd.”   A recent non-uniform day raised over £800 for Treetops Hospice, with plenty more fundraising activities planned in the run-up to race day, including a “guess the finish time” competition, a “run the distance” challenge, bake sales and staff‑versus‑student events.   Alfie chose to run for Treetops Hospice because he was aware of the charity’s vital role in supporting local families. “Treetops is such an important part of our community and there are families at our school that I know will have directly been supported by their services,” he said. “If running a marathon can help them continue their amazing work, then every mile is worth it.”   Claire Mathias, Relationships Manager at Treetops Hospice, said: “Alfie’s dedication, both in his training and his fundraising, is truly inspiring. The support from his school community shows just how much of an impact one person can make.   “Every pound he raises helps us continue providing specialist care to those who need it most.”   With the London Marathon set to take place this April, Alfie is continuing to train through the cold mornings and dark evenings, driven by the encouragement of hundreds of his students and their families.  

Two of Derbyshire’s most popular running events – the Wilne 10K and the Derby 10 Mile have selected Treetops Hospice as Charity of the Year. Taking place this September and November, both races sell out every year and have become firm favourites in the region’s running calendar.   Each event raises thousands of pounds for charity, but this year’s choice of Treetops Hospice, based in Risley, holds particular significance for Race Director, Richard Kay.   Richard explained: “As a team made up of people who were born and bred locally, or who now live in the area, we’ve been aware of Treetops and the incredible work they do for many years.   “However, it was a personal experience over the past year that truly brought home the scale and importance of the service Treetops provides.   “Sadly, I lost a close friend in 2025 after a 13-year battle with cancer. During the final months of his life, I heard about the outstanding care and support Treetops provided to him, as well as the ongoing support they continue to give to his wife and daughter.   “Supporting a charity has always been a core part of our events, and with another member of our team also having supported Treetops recently, it felt a natural and meaningful decision to make Treetops our Charity of the Year for both the Wilne 10K and the Derby 10 Mile in 2026.”   Last year, Treetops provided over 34,000 hours of end‑of‑life nursing care to more than 2,000 local patients. With under 18% statutory funding, it relies heavily on community support to keep its services running.   The Wilne 10K was launched in 2011, inspired by years of training around the flat Church Wilne area. The Derby 10 Mile followed in 2016, filling a gap in the local running scene by offering a distance that bridges the step between a 10K and a half-marathon.   Both events were created to welcome runners of all abilities – from those chasing personal bests to those taking part for fun, fitness or community spirit.   Richard added: “We hope that, together, we can raise a substantial amount to help Treetops maintain their tranquil and welcoming facility in Risley, and continue helping so many families during times of need.   “We encourage as many runners as possible to get involved, even if it’s through a small donation at entry. We also hope more people will come to understand the incredible work Treetops does and know where to turn should they ever need such support themselves.”   Claire Mathias, Relationships Manager for Challenge Events at Treetops Hospice, said: “We are absolutely delighted to have been chosen as Charity of the Year for the Wilne 10K and Derby 10 Mile events.   “These two local events bring so much to the community. They give participants and supporters something exciting to look forward to, while promoting health, wellbeing and awareness of charities and services like ours.”   Hundreds of runners are expected to take part in each event. Treetops team members will be present on the day to cheer participants on at drink stations and celebrate their achievements.   To register for either event, visit https://www.wilne.co.uk/ or https://derby10.co.uk/ where you can also find details for discounted multi-event packages for the Carsington 7+, Wilne 10k and Derby 10 Mile races.

Through a series of festive fundraising events, Treetops Hospice has raised over £70,000 thanks to the strong support of the local community, schools, volunteers and groups across Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire.   The hospice’s annual Reindeer Dash marked its fifth year and once again proved a major highlight of the season. Over 5,200 pupils from 28 local schools and organisations took part, with children and teachers organising sponsored playground runs, football matches, discos and festive dress-up days to boost donations.   Hundreds also attended the hospice’s Light up a Life service in Risley, with over 560 donating to light candles in memory of loved ones. The event raised over £24,000 and remains one of the hospice’s most significant gatherings of the year.   A brand new addition to the Treetops festive fundraising calendar was Santas on a Bike, which took place on Sunday 21 December. More than 30 cyclists dressed as Santa completed a 14‑mile route before celebrating with mince pies and coffee, raising further funds and awareness of the hospice’s specialist patient care.   In early January, the popular Treecycling scheme returned for its annual three‑day collections, supported by local recycling company Ward. Volunteers from a range of local businesses and organisations joined to help gather and recycle 1,470 real Christmas trees, offering vans, time and plenty of pairs of hands to support the effort. The collections raised £28,000 for the hospice.   Natalie Godrich, Relationship Manager, Community Engagement at Treetops Hospice, said: “Events like these are vital in helping us raise the funds we need to continue supporting people across the community with our specialist care.   “We’re incredibly grateful to everyone who took part, donated or volunteered to help Treetops in any way – not only during the festive period but throughout the year.”   Last year, Treetops provided more than 34,000 hours of end‑of‑life nursing care to over 2,000 patients in the local community. Receiving less than 18% statutory funding, it relies on the generosity of its supporters to sustain this work.

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.”

Yasmin Tassi, age 23, from Chaddesden, has completed the extraordinary challenge of reaching Everest Base Camp, raising over £800 in support of her local charity, Treetops Hospice.   From facing huntsman spiders in her accommodation to navigating treacherous glaciers, Yasmin’s journey was anything but predictable.   The adventure began in Lukla, home to one of the world’s most dangerous airports, with its steep 12 per cent incline runway. Severe weather caused numerous delays before the trek had even begun, with cancelled flights leaving Yasmin and her team stranded.   At Namche Bazaar, the group acclimatised to the altitude and caught their first glimpse of Everest – a breathtaking sight but a grounding reminder of the immense journey still ahead.   The climb to Tengboche proved especially gruelling, with relentless uphill trails and harsh conditions. Extreme weather slowed the team’s progress significantly, making the ascent even more demanding.   Reflecting on the toughest moments, Yasmin said: “At one point, when the weather got really bad, it was touch‑and‑go. If you put one foot wrong, you could literally fall miles down a glacier.”   Yasmin’s decision to take on the challenge was driven by a family connection. Her mum’s work at Treetops Hospice’s Chaddesden charity shop gave her first-hand insight into the charity’s impact, motivating her to dedicate the climb to supporting the hospice.   “I chose Treetops because they’re local, and I already knew about the amazing work they do thanks to my mum working in one of their shops. Climbing Everest was a once in a lifetime opportunity, and I knew straight away that I wanted to use it to support Treetops.”   Claire Mathias, Relationships Manager at Treetops Hospice, said: “Yasmin’s fundraising efforts will make a lasting difference to our patients and their families. Thanks to her dedication, we can continue delivering specialist nursing care to communities across central and southern Derbyshire.”   After a 12-day trek filled with challenges and triumphs, Yasmin proudly reached Everest Base Camp, helping fund eight nights of care for Treetops’ patients facing end‑of‑life or life limiting illnesses.

After the death of his nanna, Josh Derbyshire’s grandad and mum found comfort and connection at Treetops Hospice’s Wellbeing Café.   By attending the weekly sessions, they were able to talk to others experiencing bereavement and build new friendships during a difficult time.   Josh fondly remembers his nanna as a “quiet lady” and treasures the times she cared for him: “I remember being at her house watching The Lion King 2 when I was off sick from school. Every time I see it now, it still reminds me of her.”   Inspired by the support his family received, Josh decided to give back by taking on the Great North Run for Treetops. He said: “My grandad had a really tough time after my nanna passed away.   “While we were always there for him as a family, it was such a relief knowing he had somewhere to go, where he could be around people who truly understood and could help him cope with the loss.”   Despite having just over a year of running experience, Josh proudly completed the world’s largest half-marathon in September 2025. He crossed the finish line in two hours and 37 minutes, raising nearly £400.   His fundraising will help Treetops provide specialist nursing care for patients in their own homes, as well as support the continuation of the Wellbeing Café and other bereavement services for families like Josh’s.   He added: “The main reason I ran the Great North Run for Treetops is because of how much they helped my grandad. It gave him a way to get out and socialise after losing my nanna.   “It also gave me real purpose – people had donated for a brilliant cause, and I was determined not to let them down. From the very first moment, the support I received from Treetops was constant and made the whole journey worthwhile.   “I wanted to raise as much as possible so Treetops can continue helping others, while also giving myself a challenge.”   Thanks to supporters like Josh, who take on challenges in aid of the hospice, the Treetops nursing team were able to support 2,119 patients, with over 34,000 hours of end-of-life care delivered last year. The bereavement counselling team provided more than 5,000 hours of sessions – including over 1,500 for children and young people.   To find out how you can support Treetops Hospice as one of our Challenge Champions, visit: https://www.treetopshospice.org.uk/get-involved/fundraising-with-treetops/events-and-challenges/  

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

The popular Treecycling scheme by Treetops Hospice has once again opened bookings – 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.”