Treetops Hospice was filled with celebration this weekend as staff and volunteers gathered to recognise over 420 years of dedicated service honoured through the charity’s Long Service Awards.
50 staff and volunteers were presented with five and 10-year awards, and one extra-special 25-year award was presented to volunteer gardener, Anne Hopkinson.
Chief Executive Julie Heath with volunteer Anne Hopkinson
Anne, 67, from Risley, said:
“It feels unbelievable to get this award really. I don’t know where the 25 years has gone.
“I’ve had lots of different roles and seen a lot of change here over the years. I’ve met some wonderful patients and staff here over the years and have many fond memories. I can’t walk anywhere locally without meeting someone I know through Treetops!
“I feel part of a family here at Treetops. Even when the weather’s bad, I still want to come and help. I’d encourage anyone to give volunteering a go!”
Chief Executive Julie Heath with HCA Wendy Williams
Wendy Williams, a 62-year-old Healthcare Assistant from Mickleover, also received her 10-year award. Wendy is part of the Treetops Wellbeing at Home team, providing care to local patients who prefer to remain at home during their final days.
“I really enjoy going out to support patients in their own home, where they are choosing to die, rather than in hospital.
“Just sitting and listening to someone is really important. Patients can find it hard to open up to their families about coming to the end of their life, so they have the chance to express their feelings to us.
“It doesn’t feel like I’ve been here ten years. It’s gone really quickly, but I suppose when you really enjoy your job, you’re not counting the days or weeks or years.”
Interested in volunteering for Treetops? Email Volunteer Services at volunteer@treetops.org.uk, or head to the hospice website: http://www.treetops.org.uk/volunteering
Treetops Hospice is one of the leading end-of-life care charities in Derby, Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire. Every year, the hospice provides vital care and support to over 2,000 people across Derbyshire.
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
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About Treetops Hospice
Treetops Hospice, one of the leading end-of-life care charities in Derby, Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire, provides nursing care and emotional support for adults with life-limiting conditions, those who’ve been bereaved, 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.
Last year, our team of nurses provided over 22,000 hours of nursing care for patients at the very end of life, in their own homes.
Our team of bereavement counsellors provided over 4,600 counselling sessions – more than 1,200 of them to children and young people. Our 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 donation of £34.50 helps provide a counselling session for a bereaved child. A donation of £108 helps provide nursing care through the night for a patient at the end of life.
Treetops Hospice Trust, Derby Road, Risley, Derbyshire, DE72 3SS
0115 949 1264 | www.treetopshospice.org.uk
Registered Charity Number 519540
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