FAQs

The charity was founded in 2006 by David and Lynda Hill after their son Josh was diagnosed with leukaemia.

During his treatment the family felt isolated and unable to spend quality time together as a family and felt that after a short break at a holiday house in Blackpool they could offer a support service and respite centre for other families in similar circumstances.

The greatest benefit from this short break for Lynda and David was having other families to talk to who were going through similar experiences. This is why the charity was set up to build a holiday house and support centre for families affected by childhood cancer in Cheshire.

We wouldn’t advise walking down Daleford Road to reach our Cheshire support centre, as it’s not pedestrian-friendly. For those visiting our Sandiway or Colwyn Bay centres, please check local transport options in those areas.

If you need help planning your journey, feel free to give us a call, we’re happy to support you.

Absolutely. We understand that travelling isn’t always easy, so we offer a range of outreach services to meet you where you are. This includes local coffee catch-ups, school visits, virtual sessions, PT sessions near you and even hospital visits in our outreach vehicle.

We’re here to support your family in the way that works best for you.

No, all our services are completely free of charge to families affected by childhood cancers. Thanks to generous supporters and fundraisers, we are able to provide emotional, practical, and therapeutic support without any cost to you.

Yes, we can. We provide tailored support based on each child’s unique circumstances, including those with additional needs. Our team will work closely with you to understand your family’s situation and offer the right support.

Yes. Our support doesn’t end when treatment does. We’re here for families long after hospital visits are over, helping you adjust to life beyond cancer and deal with the emotional, practical, and psychological challenges that can continue for years.

Yes. We employ multilingual counsellors and always strive to find volunteers or interpretation services to bridge any language barriers. Our goal is to ensure every family receives the support they need, regardless of the language they speak.

We encourage parents and carers to stay, play, and enjoy quality family time together. Our family support workers are always on hand to engage with the children, join in their play, and support their individual interests.

Parents and carers must remain on-site to supervise their children during visits. However, we aim to ensure you feel looked after too — our centres are warm, welcoming spaces for the whole family, offering a chance to relax, connect, and access support while your children play safely.

The giraffe is a silent creature, just like a child facing a cancer diagnosis, unable to choose or speak up for what’s happening to them. At The Joshua Tree, we use the giraffe as a symbol of advocacy and quiet strength. We stand alongside children and families, helping to give them a voice throughout their journey.

While our founders are no longer involved in the day-to-day running of the charity, they remain very much at the heart of The Joshua Tree. You’ll often see them pop in for a catch-up or appear at events. Their legacy has shaped who we are and continues to inspire everything we do.

Hello, Josh here… I am currently coming to the end of studying for my Master’s in Physiotherapy. I’m looking forward to moving into a career in rehabilitation.

I got married last year to my beautiful wife, Ellen, and we’re both excited for the future ahead.

We’re always growing! As our mission expands, so does our team, all in aid of reaching more families affected by childhood cancers. Our dedicated staff work across family support, events, operations, counselling, and beyond.

Check out our team page to meet the people behind the charity.