Summer 2024 at The Joshua Tree: A Season of Lasting Memories

As summer comes to a close, we can’t help but look back on the incredible memories we’ve created together at The Joshua Tree. This season has been filled with laughter, adventure, and the kind of magic that only comes from spending time with our amazing community of families. From creative art workshops to thrilling outdoor activities, we’ve made the most of summer.

Party in the Park with Our Welsh Team

One of the highlights of the summer was our Party in the Park event with our Welsh team. What a wonderful day it was! The sun was shining brightly, providing the perfect backdrop for families to relax and soak up the warm weather. The kids had an absolute blast, enjoying all the fun and games organised by our incredible Wales Family Support team. From laughter-filled relay races to creative crafts, there was something for everyone to enjoy.

A heartfelt thank you goes out to everyone who joined us. Our community of families in Wales is truly welcoming and supportive, and we’re so grateful to have shared this special day with you all!

Art Project: Creativity in Full Bloom

Another fantastic experience was the continuation of our Art Project, which saw families getting creative with dry clay and wet felting. Under the guidance of talented artists Tara Dean and Jo McGregor, our families created beautiful pieces that will soon come together to build a magnificent tree. This project, delivered in partnership with @DLLCelfArts and funded by the UK Government Shared Prosperity Fund, has been a wonderful way for families to express themselves artistically and bond over shared experiences. We can’t wait to see the finished tree! Read more about the project here: http://thejoshuatree.org.uk/news/join-us-for-a-creative-journey-the-joshua-trees-art-project/

A Magical Harry Potter Day

Magic was in the air during our Harry Potter Day, which was a huge success! Children and parents alike were enchanted by an array of exotic animals and creepy crawlies, thanks to the incredible team from @WildActors. The event brought smiles to everyone’s faces and created memories that will be cherished for years to come. A big thank you to all the volunteers who made this day so special! Special thanks to Assura who hosted the event.

Family Wellbeing Event: A Day of Refreshment and Relaxation

Our Family Wellbeing event was another summer highlight. Families enjoyed a range of activities, from juicing fresh fruits to participating in an energising PT session, and finally relaxing with a soothing Sound Bath Therapy session led by our wonderful Kerry. These events are vital for maintaining positive mental health, and we’re proud to offer bespoke support programmes that help families navigate life’s challenges with resilience and strength.

Circus Day: A Whirlwind of Fun and Skill

This summer, we also hosted a spectacular Circus Day where families were treated to thrilling entertainment from talented acrobats and even got to try their hand at learning new circus skills together. It was a day filled with laughter, excitement, and a whole lot of fun as children and parents alike mastered juggling, balancing, and clowning around. The joy on everyone’s faces was simply priceless!

Bake Off Day: Cooking Up Delicious Treats

Baking enthusiasts in our community had a blast during our Bake Off Day, where Les Wessall from Pear Hospitality shared expert tips and baking skills with families. Together, they whipped up some delicious treats making it a sweet and educational experience for all.

Canoeing Adventure at Winsford Flash

Families from The Joshua Tree community came together for a peaceful and fun-filled canoeing day at Winsford Flash. Surrounded by beautiful scenery, everyone had the chance to paddle, laugh, and support one another, all while enjoying the great outdoors. Thank you to @PettyPool for hosting and to instructor Dan for ensuring everyone felt confident on the water.

Splashing Fun at the Aqua Park

Our day out @sblashaquapark was another splash-tastic success! The families we support had a fantastic time navigating the water obstacles and making unforgettable memories together. Events like this remind us of the joy we can bring into the lives of these brave young warriors and their families.

A Colourful Family Day

If we could sum up our Staff Run Family Fun Day in one word, it would be “colourful”! The sun was shining, and the joy and smiles from our families created a rainbow of vibrant memories at our Support Centre. Thank you to everyone who joined us—we hope you had a fantastic time and can’t wait to see you all again soon! Watch the events video, click here.

Football Fun with Cheshire Football Association

A big thank you goes out to Cheshire Football Association for their wonderful football coaches who took over our after-school club for three weeks in the summer! The children had an amazing time learning football skills and staying active, all while having loads of fun.

Outdoor Adventures with Petty Pool

This summer, our partnership with Petty Pool Outdoor Education Centre has been nothing short of incredible. It’s been amazing to see our families experience activities and learn skills they might never have had access to before. Watching the children gain the confidence to try new challenges—like archery, rock climbing, and fire-making—has been truly inspiring. Some of these kids, who once couldn’t participate in such adventures during their treatment, are now climbing, swinging, and exploring with newfound enthusiasm.

From Richard Driffield (CEO)

“Thank you to all our staff, volunteers, and families who have made it a summer to remember. It’s wonderful to see our support centre being utilised just as intended, and activities thriving across North Wales and in communities where our families live.”

Stay tuned for more events and activities and thank you for being a part of The Joshua Tree family!