Hospice recognises more than 300 years of service

Treetops Hospice has recognised more than 300 years of service given by its dedicated team of volunteer and staff.

The end-of-life charity recently presented special long service awards to volunteers and staff representing 315 years of dedication and commitment to the Risley-based hospice.

Seventeen long service awards were presented at the charity’s AGM, including a 30-year long service award to Treetops volunteer Joyce Stokes.

Joyce, 82, from Borrowash, joined the charity in 1993 helping care for patients.

She also provided catering support in the hospice kitchen in Risley every week, as well as supporting fundraising initiatives.

Most recently, she helped a team of volunteers wrap over 600 handmade cakes to hand out to runners after the Derby 10k.

She said: “I can’t believe that 30 years have gone by so quickly. I have had wonderful times at the hospice made even more memorable by the many exceptional, welcoming, and friendly staff and volunteers here.

“During my time as a volunteer, I have done many different and satisfying roles.

“When I started at Treetops, day care for patients was held in a conservatory. We have certainly come a long way since then with so many changes. I have many happy memories which I will always treasure.”

Treetops chief executive Julie Heath, who herself received a 25-year long service award, said: “It’s been a privilege to have been associated with Treetops for 25 years and to have watched its services develop over the years.

“We now work with over 3,000 families a year – but I’m most proud of the kindness that prevails throughout the charity and the place that Treetops holds in the heart of the community.

“We have recently been lucky to benefit from the involvement of DIY SOS and BBC Children in Need.

“They galvanised over 900 people to build us a fantastic new children’s bereavement counselling and therapy centre, which confirms how much Treetops is valued.”