In April 2026, The Joshua Tree will commemorate a significant milestone: twenty years of delivering essential emotional health and wellbeing support to families navigating the challenges of childhood cancer. Founded in 2006 by parents Dai and Lynda Hill, the charity has evolved from a modest community initiative into a nationally recognised organisation, offering trusted assistance to families throughout Cheshire, North Wales, and the wider United Kingdom.
A Personal Journey Inspires National Support
The charity's origins are deeply personal, stemming from the founders' own experience when their son, Joshua, was diagnosed with leukaemia. Determined that no family should face childhood cancer in isolation, Dai and Lynda Hill established The Joshua Tree to provide a compassionate support network. Today, the charity has supported over 750 families, expanding its reach to operate on a national level.
Comprehensive Support Services
The Joshua Tree delivers a broad spectrum of Family Support activities from its purpose-built centre in Sandiway, near Northwich. This facility was recently extended through a DIY SOS for Children in Need project, enhancing its capacity to serve families. Additionally, the charity operates a centre in Colwyn Bay, North Wales, complemented by mobile outreach services and a robust online platform. This multi-faceted approach ensures that families can access vital support wherever they are located, at any time they need it.
Rich Driffield, CEO of The Joshua Tree, reflected on the charity's impact, stating: "The Joshua Tree is a special charity, built on our founders' values and shaped by the families we support, together with our staff, trustees, volunteers and generous supporters who make our work possible. As we celebrate 20 years, our commitment to providing vital support to families affected by childhood cancer remains stronger than ever."
20th Anniversary Celebrations and Future Vision
To mark its twentieth anniversary, The Joshua Tree will host a series of fundraising and community events throughout the year. Highlights include a 20th Anniversary Ball on April 30, 2026, alongside various walks, runs, lunches, and challenges. These activities aim to raise both awareness and essential funds to sustain the charity's ongoing services for families affected by childhood cancer.
The charity extends an invitation to supporters, partners, and the broader community to join in celebrating two decades of meaningful impact and to contribute to shaping its future direction. For further details on events, involvement opportunities, or to offer support during this milestone year, interested parties are encouraged to reach out directly.
