A remarkable act of sustained generosity will fund one hundred nights of specialist end-of-life nursing care for families across Derbyshire. The vital support comes from a single, committed donor to Treetops Hospice, ensuring their crucial Hospice at Home service can reach more people in need.
The Power of a Pedal-Powered Mission
Paul Wilcox from Breaston, locally known as ‘Pushbike Paul’, has been a steadfast supporter of Treetops Hospice since 2014. Through his innovative recycled bicycle scheme, he has raised an incredible sum of over £80,000 for the charity over the years. His latest contribution moves beyond one-off fundraising; he has now established a regular monthly Direct Debit. This consistent funding stream is specifically earmarked to provide a further 100 nights of Hospice at Home care.
Explaining his motivation for setting up the recurring donation, Paul highlighted the feedback he consistently hears. "When we're collecting or receiving bikes, one of the most common things people mention is how wonderful the Hospice at Home nurses are," he said. "They talk about the profound difference these nurses made at the end of their loved one's life. That lasting gratitude for Treetops' service is exactly why I chose to start this regular payment."
A Lifeline for Families at Home
Treetops Hospice provides support for over 2,000 people annually throughout Derby and southern Derbyshire. Its Hospice at Home service is a cornerstone of this work, offering free, specialist overnight care and emotional support directly to patients and their families in the comfort of their own homes. This allows individuals to spend their final days in familiar surroundings with dignity.
The scale of this service is significant. In the last year alone, Treetops delivered 18,719 hours of care to 1,122 patients via its Hospice at Home team. Teresa Smith, the Hospice at Home Manager at Treetops, expressed deep gratitude for Paul's ongoing support. "Paul's continued generosity means so much to the patients and families we support," she stated. "A hundred nights of care is genuinely life-changing. It provides comfort, dignity, and the crucial reassurance of having a compassionate, expert nurse present. Supporters like Paul are fundamental; we simply couldn't provide this vital service without them."
The Financial Challenge of Providing Free Care
Sustaining these essential services requires substantial funding. It costs over £5.7 million every year to keep Treetops Hospice operational. A stark reality is that only a small fraction of this income, roughly 18 per cent, comes from government bodies. The hospice must therefore rely heavily on its community and supporters for the remaining majority of its funds.
This funding is generated through various channels, including:
- Voluntary donations and regular gifts like Paul's.
- A network of charity shops.
- Fundraising events organised by the community.
- Lottery memberships.
- Gifts left in wills.
Regular donations, such as the monthly Direct Debit established by Paul Wilcox, provide a predictable and reliable income stream. This financial stability is indispensable, allowing Treetops to plan confidently and continue delivering its critical care and support to local people facing the end of life.
The charity is committed to doing everything possible to support those in greatest need. It actively welcomes donations from the public to secure the future of its hospice and the full range of services it offers to the community.
