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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/

A long‑standing supporter of the Treetops Hospice Lottery, and former member of the hospice’s own Wellbeing team, has scooped an impressive £6,000 rollover prize.   Leah from Alfreton, Derbyshire, spent nine years working at the hospice in Risley as an Occupational Therapist and has supported the charity’s weekly lottery ever since joining Treetops – even continuing her entry after moving to a new role elsewhere.   She said: “I signed up for the Treetops Lottery because I knew how the money supported vital services in our community. It felt like a simple, meaningful way to give something back each week.   “I always assumed I’d never win anything, so this came as a huge surprise. It really does show that you have to be in it to win it.“   During her time at the hospice, Leah supported people across Derbyshire with life-limiting illnesses, as well as those who were bereaved.   She says that experience made the win feel even more special: “Working so closely with patients and families, I saw firsthand how every donation, big or small, made a real difference. It all helped us reach more people when they needed us most.”   In the past year alone, Treetops Hospice teams delivered more than 34,000 hours of care, supporting over 2,000 patients across central and southern Derbyshire.   When asked how she plans to spend it, Leah said: “We’ve put some of the winnings towards what I call ‘sensible money’, like paying off debts, but we’re also planning some lovely family holidays with my husband and little girl.”   Eldon McKenzie, Relationships Manager in the Treetops Lottery team, said: “For less than the cost of a coffee out each month, our lottery players can help us provide expert care and support to local families, all while having the chance to win fantastic prizes.   “Since 1996, the Treetops Lottery has raised millions for the hospice, directly strengthening the care we’re able to offer across the community.”   To find out more: https://www.treetopshospice.org.uk/get-involved/lottery/

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 Nottingham Law School, part of NTU, 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.”