In May we teamed up with our charity partner The Joshua Tree, a local charity who provide much needed support to families living with the life-changing experience of childhood cancers.
The Joshua Tree was founded in 2006 by Lynda and David Hill after their son was diagnosed with leukaemia. They discovered a distinct lack of support services for all family members during the traumatic experience of childhood cancer. Lynda Hill, CEO of The Joshua Tree Charity has utilised her degree in Psychology and MSc in Practitioner Research to aid her role in setting up the family support aspect of the charity along with her personal experiences. In 2015, she was awarded Cheshire Woman of the Year for her service to the community.
The charity’s interest in clinical research continues with the development of links with surrounding universities to better understand the effects that childhood cancer has on a family emotionally, cognitively and physically. The focus remains at the heart of the charity to continue to offer support to the whole family, from diagnosis, through treatment and beyond. They specifically recognise that post-treatment can be a challenging time when families are having to adapt to their 'new normal.' The charity offers support to help bridge the gap that’s left when the safety net of treatment ends.
The Family Support Team are dedicated to working closely with families to the charity in recognising that every family’s cancer journey is unique. Tailoring the services to suit the family’s specific needs, by means of emotional, academic and practical support. Such as counselling, art and play therapy, health and wellbeing advice, support in and around the home and educational tutoring where required.
Josh is now a healthy young man who has reaped the benefits of the physical fitness and nutritional development offered by the support services. He is currently studying Health and Fitness to help more young people overcome the effects of childhood cancers.
As part of the charity partnership we set up a charity sale page on our website and in 2019 we raised a magnificent £1815.87 for The Joshua Tree.
Thank you so much for helping us support this fantastic charity!
Find out more about The Joshua Tree by visiting their website https://thejoshuatree.org.uk/.
