G F Tomlinson team tackling Derby 10k  in aid of Treetops Hospice

Categories: Fundraising.

A team from G F Tomlinson are tackling the Derby 10k on 26 March to raise money for local end-of-life charity Treetops Hospice.

Team Tomlinson includes Craig Stopper, Framework Manager for Scape’s Regional Construction framework, Chris Macdonald, Bid Manager, and Mark Richardson, Consultant Quantity Surveyor. Together they are hoping to raise £756 for Treetops which would help provide seven nights of overnight nursing care for a local patient.

Mark explained how Treetops Hospice at Home nurses helped care for his mum at the very end of life when she was diagnosed with terminal cancer.

“My mum, Renee, was a very independent person. She was living on her own in a flat near Derby.

“Just before Christmas 2007, she started to have some stomach problems and she ended up not coming to the annual family get-together which really wasn’t like her. She went into hospital for tests, and they diagnosed her with pancreatic cancer. They didn’t give her very long to live.”

Renee wanted to stay at home, but Mark and his family quickly realised they needed support. The hospital suggested contacting Treetops Hospice.

“Mum went home and started getting a lot of pain. She started taking just paracetamol at first but very quickly she needed something stronger because her pain was very bad.

“As a family we took it in turns to help care for her during the day, but nights were a problem. We needed someone to come in and help us.

“It was really reassuring for us, and to my mother, to have a Treetops nurse there at night looking after her during her last days and somebody who appreciated what she was going through.

“I can remember one of the hospice nurses just holding her hand and giving her comfort.”

Renee died just ten days after her diagnosis.

Mark is encouraging others to take part in the 10k run for the Derbyshire hospice:

“It’s nice to give something back to the charity for the care that they provided when we needed it. Even if you’re not into running, it’s a good way to support a very worthwhile charity. If mum were here today, she’d say ‘do your best’ in the run.”

Craig Stopper added:

“Treetops Hospice is a brilliant cause. G F Tomlinson has worked with the charity for the last couple of years through our Local Communities Partnership Programme so the Derby 10k is a good way for us to continue our relationship.

“From a personal point of view, this is a way of getting myself off the sofa and gaining some fitness. I completed a Couch to 5k a couple of years ago but I’ve done nothing since, so this gives me something to really aim for.

“Doing the run with my work colleagues adds in some camaraderie and also helps us raise more money as a team. There’s a bit of competitiveness there and running for a charity helps with our work ethics.”

The Derby 10k takes place on Sunday, 26 March and is suitable for all running abilities. The course begins and ends at Pride Park Stadium taking in the sights of the city centre.

Treetops Hospice welcomes other runners to sign up and run for the charity. Runners are asked to pledge to raise £108 or more in sponsorship which helps pay for one night of Hospice at Home nursing care.

Treetops runners will each receive a branded running tech-shirt, fundraising support and resources.

For more information, head to www.treetops.org.uk/derby10k or email treetopsevents@treetops.org.uk

Last year, G F Tomlinson provided Treetops with over 325 hours of time and expertise through their Local Communities Partnership Programme. Alongside vital work on the Treetops charity shop in Sandiacre, the partnership provided designs and budget advice for improvements to the hospice grounds and working areas. The professional support equated to £54,000.

This year, Treetops Hospice is celebrating 40 years of caring for people and their families in the local community. During this time, the hospice has supported thousands of patients with end-of-life nursing care and bereavement counselling.

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Photo Caption: G F Tomlinson team tackling Derby 10k in aid of Treetops Hospice

 

About Treetops Hospice

Treetops Hospice, the leading end-of-life care charity in Derby, Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire, provides nursing care and emotional support for adults with life-limiting conditions, and their families.

The charity provides support from diagnosis onwards for patients with conditions such as cancer, motor neurone disease and heart and respiratory conditions.

This year, we are very proud to be celebrating 40 years of caring for people and their families in our local community. During this time, we have supported thousands of patients with end-of-life nursing care and bereavement counselling.

We have achieved this amazing milestone thanks to our dedicated volunteers who help across the whole hospice and in our charity shops, our hard-working staff team, and our supporters, past and present.

Last year, our team of Hospice at Home nurses provided over 20,000 hours of care to terminally-ill patients, working day and night to give much-needed support.

Our team of bereavement counsellors provided over 4,500 counselling sessions – more than 900 of them to children and young people. Wellbeing team members provide valuable information and support to those who need it.

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

A counselling session for a bereaved child costs £34.50. An overnight Hospice at Home nursing shift for a patient at the end of life costs £108.

Treetops Hospice, Derby Road, Risley, Derbyshire, DE72 3SS

0115 949 1264 | www.treetopshospice.org.uk

Registered Charity Number 519540

 

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