The generosity of local communities across Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire has powered a remarkable festive fundraising effort for Treetops Hospice, generating more than £70,000 to support its specialist patient care.
Festive Highlights Raise Vital Funds
A series of heart-warming seasonal events brought people together in support of the Risley-based hospice. The annual Reindeer Dash celebrated its fifth year, proving a major success with over 5,200 pupils from 28 local schools and organisations taking part. Children and teachers organised sponsored playground runs, football matches, discos and festive dress-up days to boost the total.
Hundreds attended the hospice's poignant Light up a Life service, where more than 560 people made donations to light candles in memory of loved ones. This significant gathering alone raised over £24,000.
New Events and Annual Traditions
A brand new addition to the calendar, Santas on a Bike, saw more than 30 cyclists dressed as Father Christmas complete a 14-mile route on Sunday, December 21. The event raised further funds and awareness, finishing with celebratory mince pies and coffee.
In early January, the popular Treecycling scheme returned for its annual three-day collections. Supported by local recycling company Ward and an army of volunteers from local businesses, the effort gathered and recycled 1,470 real Christmas trees. This initiative contributed an impressive £28,000 to the overall total.
Community Support is Fundamental
Natalie Godrich, Relationship Manager for Community Engagement at Treetops Hospice, expressed profound gratitude. "Events like these are vital in helping us raise the funds we need to continue supporting people across the community with our specialist care," she said. "We're incredibly grateful to everyone who took part, donated or volunteered to help Treetops in any way – not only during the festive period but throughout the year."
The funds are critically important for the hospice's work. Last year, Treetops provided more than 34,000 hours of end-of-life nursing care to over 2,000 patients in the local community. The hospice receives less than 18 per cent statutory funding, making it heavily reliant on the generosity of its supporters to sustain this essential service.
