Treetops Hospice is the leading end of life care charity for Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire. They provide nursing care and emotional support for adults with life-limiting conditions, those who have been bereaved, and their families. Their services are available free of charge, from diagnosis onwards, however it costs £4.3 million per year to run .

I thought that all the staff at Treetops Sandiacre Risley including the volunteers are worth more than an applause, so i feel the need to give something back.                                                          

The last 3+ years have been a rollercoaster of a journey; Jacqueline was taken from us too soon but during the covid pandemic Dr Maelie Swanwick continued to hold a clinic, following strict NHS procedures at Treetops, for people with life-limiting conditions. If we had not had the support of the NHS Derby community nurses, University Hospital Derby Royal Mcmillan Unit and Treetops, I would not have been able to care for her at home on my own, during the government enforced lockdown 2020.                        

Jacquelines final few days in July 2022, I reached out to Treetops roaming service. It was during the night in the early hours when i felt alone, Jacqueline was unable to move and could not speak, I would look for signs of distress and seek reassurance from people, who would come and move her to make her more comfortable, or adjust her medication. It was a privilege to be with her on my own at home and hold her in the final minutes as her life force ebbed away, and now every week I  look at  my  children and grandchildren and know i did all i could for their mum.  

Now my journey to Santiago Compostela and onwards to the coast at Finisterre, is not just a long walk i am expecting it to be a painfully physical and emotional life changing experience. I have been told by others to take one luxury item a pair of ear plugs for the hostel dormitories. There will not be any celebrity status so do not arrive too late to claim your bed! 

The inspiration came from watching a film with Jacqueline together called "The Way". The film lead actor Martin Sheen plays Tom an American doctor who comes to France to collect the remains of his adult son (played by real life son Emilio Estevez), killed in the Pyrenees while walking the Camino de Santiago or "The Way of St James". Tom decides using his sons back packing equipment to embark on the historical 800km pilgrimage, leaving his old life behind, and meets other people from around the world, all looking for greater meaning in their lives. 

So, if you watch the film, you will know why my journey ends at the coast of Finisterre!

I will try and record my journey for you to follow with regular updates which starts April 12th 2023 from Derby.

 Leigh Cave is sharing their location at the MapShare website:

https://share.garmin.com/EXSMX         Password-:   Treetops

GPS  live on 12th April  09:00 hrs 2023 .