£40,000 bequest to Treetops Hospice Care boosts nursing care at home service

Janet Hulse, volunteer at Treetops, is pictured right, with Julie Heath, Treetops chief executive.

The bequest was made to Treetops Hospice Care by Margaret Futer, of Long Eaton, who died last summer, aged 84.

Her close friend and neighbour, Janet Hulse, 72, has volunteered at the Risley-based hospice for five years where she welcomes visitors on the hospice reception, helps at car boot sales and provides the Treetops Lottery with admin support.

Janet said: “Margaret had early onset Alzheimer’s so her husband became her carer and occasionally he’d come and ask me to help with more personal care. He passed away, so I took over the reins for over three years.

Margaret Futer left £40,000 to Treetops Hospice Care.

“I arranged some more carers and helped too but when she became really, really poorly, I couldn’t cope.

“Margaret went into a nursing home for professional care and we spent many happy hours in her room talking about Treetops and what I do here as a volunteer.

“Her cousin encouraged her to make arrangements for the future such as her funeral, her will and Power of Attorney which she did.

““She left £40,000 to Treetops and other gifts to several other small, local groups and charities - she would be so pleased to know she has helped so many.”

Margaret’s legacy will go towards the Treetops Hospice at Home Service, providing nurses to care for patients at the end of life in their own homes. Hospice at Home nurses and health care assistants care for patients overnight so carers can get a good night’s sleep, and during the day to provide much needed respite.

The legacy has come as Treetops launch their first Make a Will Month, encouraging people to make or update their will during March in return for a donation to the hospice.

Julie Walker, trusts and in-memory fundraiser, said: ““We’re so grateful to Margaret for her generous legacy to the charity. It means we can continue to offer many more hours of nursing care for patients who wish to die at home, and invaluable support for their carers in their darkest times.

“Your will is one of the most important documents you will ever sign and it ensures that your estate and possessions can be distributed as you wish. It gives peace of

mind and security, not just for you, but for your loved ones.

“There is no obligation to leave a gift to Treetops in your will, but any legacy we receive – just like the one we’ve received from Margaret – helps to ensure we can care for more patients and their loved ones for years to come.”

Treetops services include support and information, wellbeing space, Hospice at Home nurses and therapeutic services including counselling, art therapy and complementary therapy.