Twin sisters Amy and Becky are preparing to walk through the night, alongside hundreds of supporters, to honour their late father and raise vital funds for Treetops Hospice. The Moonlight Walk will support the charity’s array of services for patients and families across central and southern Derbyshire.
A family’s tribute after hospice care
The sisters, who grew up in Allestree, want to give back to the hospice that cared for their dad, Steve, during his final days. Thanks to Treetops’ Hospice at Home nursing service, Steve was able to stay in a familiar environment, surrounded by his loved ones, rather than being admitted to hospital. The family was able to be by his side throughout, and the nurses provided crucial support when the family needed it most.
Amy and Becky remember their father as a funny, caring and young-at-heart family man who loved making people laugh. His diagnosis came as a shock, and the family lost him less than four weeks later. The speed of his decline left them reeling, and the support of Treetops became a lifeline.
‘A relief to have Treetops with us’
Becky described how the hospice team stepped in at a time of exhaustion. “Until the last week or so, we were coping and taking it in turns to stay with Dad, but towards the end we were quite exhausted,” she said. “When Treetops came, it was such a relief. Just having someone there who could support Dad and give us a bit of a break for a moment made such a difference.”
The Hospice at Home service allowed the family to continue caring for Steve without burning out, ensuring he remained comfortable and pain-free in his own bed. For Becky and Amy, the presence of skilled nurses meant they could step back and simply be daughters rather than full-time carers.
Bereavement counselling helped them through grief
Following Steve’s death, both sisters accessed bereavement counselling through Treetops. The sessions helped them process their grief in the weeks and months after their loss, providing a safe space to talk about their father and the intense emotions that followed his sudden illness.
Amy said: “We’ll be walking in memory of Dad, but it’s also about making sure another family can receive the support that we had. Treetops didn’t just support Dad, they supported all of us, and everyone should be able to access that support.”
Becky added: “What’s so nice about Treetops’ events is that most people there have their own personal connection and in some way can understand what you’ve been through.”
Generations unite for the Moonlight Walk
This year’s Moonlight Walk will see multiple generations of the sisters’ family come together. Some will be walking, others will be cheering from the sidelines, and several will volunteer their skills to make the evening run smoothly. The sense of community is a key part of the event, with hundreds of participants expected to take to the streets of Derby.
Treetops Hospice, based in Risley, Derbyshire, provides care and support for adults with life-limiting conditions, as well as their families and carers. The Moonlight Walk is one of the charity’s most popular fundraising events, bringing together people who have been touched by its services in a shared night of remembrance.
Event details: September 18 in Derby city centre
The Treetops Hospice Moonlight Walk takes place on September 18, starting in Derby city centre. Participants can choose between a 6K or an 11K route, making the walk accessible to families, casual walkers and those who want a longer challenge. The event runs through the night, creating a unique atmosphere as walkers carry the memory of loved ones with every step.
Registration is open to all ages, and supporters are encouraged to fundraise for the hospice so that more families can benefit from its services. To find out more, visit treetopshospice.org.uk and look for the Moonlight Walk event page.
