A local couple celebrating 40 years of marriage have donated over £3,000 to Treetops Hospice after asking for donations to the local charity in lieu of gifts.
Gail and John Walton, from Risley, celebrated their Ruby Wedding anniversary with family and friends in August. Rather than receiving gifts and cards, Gail, 64, a retired GP, asked for donations to Treetops.
The couple, who met whilst studying at Bristol University, understand the difference the donation will make to the hospice, as Gail explained:
“Through our personal experience and professional backgrounds, John and I know the importance of the care, education, and support that Treetops Hospice offers to our community.
“I completed my GP training in Derby and became a GP partner in Erewash. I used to refer patients to Treetops, and we have friends who volunteered for the hospice too.
“We did similar fundraising for our Silver Wedding anniversary and would definitely encourage others to do the same. There are only so many gifts and cards you can dust!”
Gail has been a volunteer Trustee at Treetops since 2020.
“There’s so much more to running a hospice than you see from the outside. Volunteers, whatever we do, whether working in the charity shops, marshalling at events, or being a Trustee, bring time that Treetops couldn’t afford to buy in.
“That’s what interests me; having and supporting an excellent sustainable charity in our local community.”
Adela Appleby, Head of Community Relationships at Treetops said:
“Gail and John were very generous to use their special day to support Treetops Hospice. The £3,000 donated by their friends and family could help us care for almost 28 patients, providing each with a night of hospice at Home nursing care at the end of life. What a fantastic way to mark an anniversary that celebrates love and togetherness.”
“If you have been inspired by Gail and John and would like to ask for donations to celebrate your wedding, a christening, anniversary, or birthday, please contact us at fundraising@treetops.org.uk
“Alternatively, you could celebrate a significant birthday with a skydive, wing walk, or another challenge in aid of Treetops!”
Treetops Hospice provides nursing care and emotional support for adults with life-limiting conditions, those who’ve been bereaved, and their families.
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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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