The streets of Derby city centre sparkled on Friday night as hundreds of people took part in the Treetops HospiceMoonlight Walk.
The sponsored charity night walk is estimated to have raised over £42,000 for the local charity which provides end-of-life nursing care and bereavement support.
Julie Wesson, 48, and her brother Alex, 52, walked in memory of their uncle, Brian Wesson and to ‘give back and raise awareness of Treetops’. Treetops nurses helped care for Brian at his home in Ilkeston at the end of his life.
“The Moonlight Walk was amazing. It was great to be with everyone and there was lots of energy and spirit. We feel a bit emotional and tired but also feel really proud.
“We lit a candle for our uncle Brian at Derby Cathedral. It was a chance to pause and remember why the walk was so important to us. We also remembered him as we passed Derby County Football Ground as he was a dedicated fan and season-ticket holder.
“It was important for us to do the Moonlight Walk tonight to say a huge heartfelt thank you to Treetops for their support. It’s a fantastic charity.”
Brian became ill in 2022 and spent a lot of time in hospital as an in-patient in 2023. It was a huge relief for him to get home and be cared for, with the help of the hospice team.
“The support from the Treetops nurses overnight and during the day meant my aunt Eileen could get some respite, some good nights’ sleep and rest, shower, and carry out daily chores knowing he was in safe hands”, Julie said.
“And it meant Brian could be at home with Eileen, his son Neil and grandson Jack, during the last few days of his life.”
Brian, 82, was born and bred in Ilkeston. He was one of three siblings including Julie’s late father, Roy, former editor of the Ilkeston Advertiser.
During his career, he was a plumber then a caretaker at Court, Ilkeston College, and Kirk Hallam Comprehensive School. He also volunteered at the United Reform Church in Ilkeston.
Julie and Alex Wesson complete the Moonlight Walk
The Moonlight Walk is Treetops Hospice biggest fundraising event of the year. Over 350 people sparkled along the 5k and 10k route on Friday 6 September, including Hits Radio East Midlands stars Jo and Sparky.
Walkers had a red carpet welcome on arrival at the starting point at Bustler Derby. They were entertained with LED stilt walkers and music along the way.
Vic Rocca, Treetops Relationships Manager for Key Events, thanked everyone who took part:
“The Moonlight Walk has been an amazing event. The atmosphere has been brilliant, and everyone’s had great fun.
“Our huge thanks to everyone who’s come along tonight and helped raise thousands of pounds for the hospice. The sponsorship raised means we can continue to provide all our services for free to people living with a life-limiting condition across Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire.
“We’ve also had great support from the local community and businesses. Midland Lead sponsored the Moonlight Walk. Other support has come from Bustler Derby, Derby Cathedral, Harrison Hub at Pride Park and Rammie the Ram, and East Midlands Railway.”
Treetops Hospice is doing all it can to continue to support those in most need. The charity 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, the leading end-of-life care charity 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.
In 2023, we were very proud to celebrate 40 years of caring for people and their families in our local community. We 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 nurses provided almost 18,000 hours of care to terminally-ill patients during the night to give much-needed support.
Our team of bereavement counsellors provided over 4,200 counselling sessions – more than 1,200 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 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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