84-year-old Barbara Buxton from Alvaston has joined Treetops Hospice to thank those who donated to their Summer Appeal which raised over £19,500.
The success of the appeal means that even more local patients, like Barbara, and their families can continue to receive support from the end-of-life charity based in Risley.
Like hundreds of other patients, Barbara found herself isolated when the UK went into lockdown last year. She was advised to shield due to having the respiratory disease COPD and quickly lost contact with the outside world.
Barbara shared her moving story to raise awareness of the hospice appeal and was ‘overjoyed’ to hear of its success:
“I’m absolutely awestruck by the amount raised and it’s amazing that people could be so generous and open-hearted. I am quite humbled that they listened and responded in such a generous manner.
“Treetops was a lifeline for me during the pandemic. When we went into lockdown, I lost contact with everyone and ended up indoors by myself all day. I wouldn’t speak to a single person from one week to the next.
“The support and the kindness which the hospice gives me is second to none. With Treetops, I can call and speak to someone to reassure me and I know I am not alone. It’s a huge comfort and has made a huge difference to my life.”
Jenny Peake, Treetops Head of Supporter Relationships said: “We want to say a huge thank you to everyone for their kind donations and support. Even as we see a gradual return to normality, there are people like Barbara who still need to shield due to their conditions and your wonderful support means that we can continue to be there for them.
“During the pandemic, our Wellbeing team have worked tirelessly to adapt our services so that we can offer emotional and therapeutic support to people in the safety of their own homes. As we move out of lockdown, offering both home based and face to face sessions means that we can care for even more patients and families.
“Everyone who has supported our Appeal can feel proud that they have helped to continue caring for the people in our community who need it the most.”
Treetops Hospice continues to do all it can to support those in most need and welcomes donations to ensure the future of the hospice and its services: www.treetopshospice.org.uk/donate.
