20 April 2008 - I’ve joined the Just Giving page for Treetops Hospice so that I can hopefully raise £1000 towards the £2.5 million that is needed for a new building. It would be great if you would donate something, however small, towards this. So that you understand why I am so passionate about helping, I ask that you read my story …

… It was 1991 when I started working at Treetops Hospice, when my family moved from Northumberland to Trowell. One weekend, back in the very early days, Steve (my husband), our sons and I, along with other Treetops staff and volunteers, spent hours planting spring bulbs in the pouring rain. During my ‘early years’ at Treetops, I wore several different ‘hats’ for Treetops, including the occasional day as a relief nurse (State Enrolled Nurse and proud of it!). During a 3-year Diploma in Counselling course, I was privileged to be able to do my placement at Treetops. I made earrings and gave the profits to Treetops. I’ve been a Driver & Escort, Home Sitter, Bereavement Support Worker and Kitchen worker. I was one of the people who instigated the Treetops Recipe book, doing most of the writing and producing. Oh, and Daycare Volunteer of course! As Treetops has evolved, so have my ‘hats’. Now I do a weekly Thursday 'stint' in Daycare, which includes helping guests with computer tasks such as writing letters, printing photos and searching the Internet. I’ve also helped to catalogue the photos on the Daycare computer.

In 1998, Steve and I moved from Trowell to a 180-year-old ex-farmhouse between Matlock & Ashover (Derbyshire), half a mile from our nearest neighbour. We converted the 2 semi-derelict barns into 2 luxury 5* holiday cottages. Just after we opened, some of the Thursday guests (patients), including some who still attend now, along with nurses and Cookie, brought a picnic, and spent the day with us. We’ve also had staff, volunteers and guests staying in our cottages with their families & friends. In 2007 we gained a Silver award for our cottages from the Green Tourism Business Scheme. One of the criteria is to support local charities, and we chose Derbyshire Wildlife trust as one, and Treetops Hospice as the other. We have a collection box in our cottages Games Room. Every year we donate a mid-week break for up to 4 people for the Annual Raffle. This year as a one-off, we have donated a full week for up to 4 people to be auctioned at the Late Summer Ball, which will take place in September. I always give back my expenses from my weekly 60 mile round trip to Treetops, which enables them to claim back the tax.

During my time as a Thursday Daycare volunteer, things have changed tremendously. The present building (an ex boys borstal) has evolved into one that is better planned for its guests; there are more nursing staff, and more and better equipment, and more administrative staff. On my day (Thursday) we have to disturb the guests in order to set up the tables for lunch in the lounge area. The dining room is too small for the large, comfy, wheelable chairs that many of our wheelchair bound Thursday guests use. Craft and art work takes place in the dining room on Thursdays and the lounge on other days, and the washing machine and tumble dryer are in the side-room between the kitchen and kitchen staff's toilet! The guests quiet room is also used for bereavement counselling, the treatment room for alternative therapies, and the hairdressing room is used to store guests wheelchairs when they are in comfy chairs! As the administrative departments grow, staff move in to share with other people, cupboards are converted into offices, other staff move into portacabins, another of which, incidentally, is where the nurses and Daycare manager’s offices are. Treetops Hospice is literally bursting at the seams!

A few years ago, our own family had to use the services that Treetops Hospice offers, when Steve’s dad was ill with a brain tumour. He didn’t have long to use these superb services, but it was thanks to the Treetops Hospice at Home nurses, that his mum was able to have some respite from the 24 hour care he required. And it was peace of mind for us, knowing that they had excellent support and help.

So why did I become involved with Treetops Hospice? Well, initially, I guess, because I was lonely. Now … well, I have so many friends amongst the staff and helpers both downstairs and upstairs. I feel honoured to be able to help guests whatever way I can, and humbled when they help me. Oh … and of course, it’s my day off from my 'other' job!  

Thank you for visiting my fundraising page. Please dig deep and sponsor me online.

Donating through this site is simple, fast and totally secure. It is also the most efficient way to sponsor me: Treetops Hospice Trust will receive your money faster and, if you are a UK taxpayer, an extra 28% in tax will be added to your gift at no cost to you.

So please sponsor me now!

Many thanks for your support.

Vicki

UPDATES ..

April 2008 - Thankyou to Carrie and Nikki!

May 2008 - Thankyou Richard & Judi and Gwenna.

13 May 2008 - I've just 'donated' my first profits from cards sold!  Not much, but it's taken me to over £100 - I'm delighted!  There will be lots more cards soon.  Thankyou to everyone who has bought cards, and those who have donated too.  To date, this includes family and friends, including some from Treetops and the Fishpond Choir and even some of our holiday cottage guests.  THANK YOU so much, everyone - it's really appreciated!

13 May 2008, 12.55pm (lunch time).  Delighted to be number 5 on the top fundraiser's list on www.justgiving.com/treetops page!!

10 June 2008 - just added some more money from cards sold - amazed to find that I'm now No.1 fundraiser.  Good luck to Simon Murden, who's just started his page - cycling from Lands End to John O Groats!  Rather him than me!