The Starlight Strut is Derby’s only night-time charity walk for women, following a 5k or 10k route through the city, raising money for the hospice. Treetops, based in Risley, provides nursing care and emotional support for adults, their families and carers across Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire.
Employees from Costain Galliford Try, this year’s Starlight Strut official sponsors, visited the hospice to help launch the event alongside hospice staff.
Proud to support Treetops
Richard Paddey, senior community relations manager at Costain Galliford Try said:
“We are very proud to support Treetops with such a wonderful event and to be able to help leave such a positive legacy in the community.”
A place that’s special to us
Amongst those who’ve already signed up to take part are long-standing friends Emma Tyler and Susan Smith, from Long Eaton.
Emma, 39, decided to take part in the walk to give something back to the hospice that supported both her parents as she explained:
“I’ve always been proud of supporting Treetops and it’s always been a place that’s special to us as my dad, Rob Wainwright, had MS and he went there for respite for quite a long time. He really enjoyed going to Day Care and it also gave my mum some time as well which was nice.
“My mum went to the Treetops carers’ meetings and she got a lot out of going. She could relate to other people there and after my dad died she started volunteering on reception at the hospice on a Monday.”
Treetops is our local hospice and there’s nothing else like it
Emma’s mum, Lyn, from Draycott, died from cancer earlier this year.
“My mum absolutely loved Treetops and spoke about it a lot. Her wishes at her funeral were for people to give to the charity instead of flowers, and that means a lot to me.
“We all have a few particular charities that feel really important to us and Treetops is one of mine. They rely so much on donations and you don’t realise it. Treetops is our local community hospice and there’s nothing else like it.
“Both my parents went there for different, and similar, reasons. It’s a lovely place and they offer such a range of support.
Something to say thank you for supporting our family and taking such good care of them
Emma will be remembering her parents as she sets off on this year’s Starlight Strut:
“After my mum died, I immediately felt I wanted to do something and because she gave something back to Treetops by volunteering, now I want to do something too.
“I’m going to put a photo on the back of my t-shirt, as it will help me to think about my mum and dad and how proud they would be.
“It’s nice to be able to do something to say thank you for supporting our family and taking such good care of them.”
It’s very exciting and we’re looking forward to it
Susan, 43, added:
“I’m taking part to support Emma and to give something back too. I’ve had family members who’ve had cancer and you just never know.
“We’ve done charity walks before but never at night, so it’s very exciting and we’re looking forward to it.”
Join us for an incredible evening
Treetops head of fundraising, Jennifer Sheehy, explained how important the event is for the hospice:
“The Starlight Strut is the biggest fundraising event we hold every year and helps raise thousands of pounds so we can continue to provide our services for free to local people.
“Whether you want to take part as a way to remember someone special or simply want to have a fun night with your family and friends – we’d love for you to join us for an incredible evening.”
Treetops Hospice Care services include Support and Information, a Day Care Unit, Hospice at Home nurses and Therapeutic Services including counselling, art therapy and complementary therapy.
Sign up now:
Register here for the Starlight Strut 2018Can’t attend? Make a donation here: