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Hospice an inspiring place to be
"ALIVE" is not a word many people would associate with a hospice, but that is just how one of the patients at Treetops Hospice described it – fun and alive. In fact, Marrianne Cartledge was so impressed by her experience at the Risley hospice that she decided to give something back.
Reporters Laura Hammond and Amy Hirst found out more.
LAST year, Marrianne Cartledge was struggling to cope with a diagnosis of terminal cancer and looking for support.
She had tried going to one hospice, but had found it too much of a depressing place to spend her day. "All the people there are too much in the advanced stages and you can't really talk to anyone," she said.
Then she discovered Treetops and "a new chapter" was opened in her life.
She said: "Treetops is totally different. Everybody is laughing and joking. It takes all your cares away. We just have a laugh, it's good fun there. It takes you out of yourself for a few hours and let's you forget your problems.
"If I have a bad night I wake up thinking 'Oh,. it's ok, I'm going to Treetops today'. I look forward to it."
Marrianne, of Park Crescent, Heage, was diagnosed with cancer of the oesophagus five years ago. It later spread to her lungs.
The 55-year-old visits the hospice once or twice a week. Treetops organises transport to take her to Risley and she spends her day chatting and taking part in activities with other people going through the same thing.
One of her favourite things about the centre is the extensive garden, but when she went out to it she discovered a problem and decided to do something about it.
She said: "It's very pretty, but it's big, and it was too far for us to walk from one part of it to another. I decided we needed a bench, and said I would raise money for it, but now they've got tables and other things.
"I don't know if I will still be here when it's all finished, but it will be lovely for people to use. I would like to say thank-you to
everyone who contributed in any way."
Grandmother Marrianne and her family raised around 480 for the equipment, a lot of which was donated by Gemstone Ornamentals, at Little Eaton.
Marrianne is one of thousands of cancer patients who have been guests at the charity-run hospice since it opened.
The centre offers day care for patients, and also has a bank of 40 nurses who go out to people in their own homes, treat them in the hospice, and man the phones, taking calls from patients, their families and carers.
Unlike many hospices, Treetops does not have any beds. All guests are treated in their own homes.
Kate Shaw, fundraising manager at the centre, said: "Dying at home is something most people want to do, it gives them dignity and privacy and is often easier for their family too, and we just want to give people what's best for them, that's why I do the job."
Kate is responsible for making sure the hospice raises the 1million a year needed to keep the range of services run at Treetops, ranging from medical care and bereavement counselling to arts and craft and complimentary therapies.
She said: "It's such a happy place. It's hard sometimes, but the people that come here treasure every moment and it's inspiring to see. It makes my job worthwhile."
Around 450 volunteers work alongside staff at the centre, as drivers, gardeners, in charity shops and much more.
Marrianne said: "I am so thankful to Treetops for opening up a new chapter in my future.
"I hope people will give and support them as much as they can, because
the work they do is incredible."
For more information on volunteering at the hospice or fundraising go to www.treetopshospice.org.uk or call Kate Shaw on 0115 9394551.
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Thursday 09 February 2012
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