The Joshua Tree was founded in 2006 by Lynda and David Hill after their son Joshua was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia. The family soon discovered that away from the safety net of the hospital where Joshua was being treated, there was no provision in Cheshire, North West England or North Wales to support with the emotional health and wellbeing needs of families affected by childhood cancers. Through Lynda’s experience of caring for Joshua and the skills gained through her work as a psychologist, the charity was born. Joshua is now a 23-year-old personal trainer and doing really well following his childhood cancer journey.
The Joshua Tree offers something unique, by supporting the emotional, health and wellbeing of families affected by childhood cancers for however long they need it. This includes working with parent/carers, grandparents, siblings, friends and the child on treatment when they are well enough to attend activities.
Our support includes art & play therapy, peer support groups, family events, counselling, 1:1 support, summer holiday activities and family drop-ins.
Our activities are delivered from our facility centre community wide in schools, community centres, in the home and in hospitals. After 14 years of fundraising, we opened our brand-new purpose-built Joshua Tree Support Centre in Sandiway, Northwich in May 2021. This has invigorated our charity and enabled the development of a real community of families affected by childhood cancers, creating a sense of belonging and peer support that these families cannot find anywhere else. The centre was built and furnished entirely through local donations, grant funding and corporate support.
We are the only provider of ongoing pastoral support for families no matter where they are in their cancer journey. We have been delivering person centred, local support for over 16 years. To date, the charity has supported over 400 families from across Cheshire, North West England and North Wales. Demand for our work continues to grow and in the last two years, there has been a 450% increase in referrals.
