The Joshua Tree is thrilled to announce the opening of its new North Wales Support Centre in Colwyn Bay, marking a significant milestone for the children’s cancer charity.
The charity has supported over 150 families affected by childhood cancer across North Wales since 2018. This new facility at Penrhos Manor will allow The Joshua Tree to expand its reach and provide more families with access to vital services, such as counselling, art and play therapy, family events, outdoor activities, and parent wellbeing sessions.
Founded in 2006 by Lynda and David Hill after their son’s leukaemia diagnosis, The Joshua Tree has evolved from a small upstairs office in Northwich into a lifeline for families facing childhood cancers. Now actively supporting over 350 families, the charity operates its main centre in Northwich and recently opened a second dedicated support centre in Colwyn Bay. Chief Executive, Richard Driffield, shares, “We have worked in North Wales since 2018 and have seen a growing need for our services during this time, particularly as many families travel long distances to Alder Hey in Liverpool and Manchester Children’s Hospital for treatment and support. By opening this new centre in Colwyn Bay, we’re bringing that vital support closer to home and delivering an increased number of activities. Thank you to everyone who has helped make this possible”.”
Richard continues, “We have supported families affected by childhood cancers across North Wales since 2018, and it’s fantastic to now have our own space to further enhance delivery across the region. Thank you to everyone who has helped make this possible.”
One of these families is the Hardimans from Llanfairfechan, whose daughter Amelie was diagnosed with stage three melanoma aged 14. Her mother Catherine shared-
“When the hospital social worker mentioned The Joshua Tree, I wasn’t sure what they could do for us. We hadn’t really thought about the emotional impact of her diagnosis – in the early weeks and months we were focussed on her physical care. But Amelie’s Support Worker, Sara, came to be one of the most important people in her life and our lives”.
At the opening, founders Lynda and David Hill cut the ribbon, marking the charity’s incredible growth. “This is a momentous day for us,” said Lynda Hill. “Our mission has always been to reach more families, and this new centre is a testament to the dedication and hard work of everyone involved.”
The new centre is a result of community fundraising, donations and grants. Local fundraising includes the Ffestiniog 360 charity cycle ride organised by John Clayton and the TiM Castell Fundraising Group where 130 cyclists completed a 62-mile ride through the Welsh hills, raising £5,600 for The Joshua Tree. Individuals such as Nia and friends completed a 24-hour Three Peaks challenge, donating vouchers to furnish the new centre. While Paul Thomas, Headteacher of Ysgol Porth y Felin, tackled the Yr Wyddfa 3 Peak Challenge, covering 25 miles with 3,000m of ascent to raise over £1,500.
In January 2024, one of The Joshua Tree Trustees, Nerys Price-Jones, and long term supporter Caroline Platt- Managing Director of Platts Agriculture, completed a challenging 40-mile Arctic Trek to raise funds for the charity. Battling below freezing temperatures and extreme white-out conditions, in total the team the team raised over £62,000 for The Joshua Tree, an incredible achievement.
Keen supporters of The Joshua Tree, the Freemasons contributed generously to the new centre. Paul Maddocks from the Freemasons attended the opening and shared his thoughts: “It’s truly inspiring to see the impact of our support in action. The Joshua Tree is making a real difference to families facing incredibly tough times, and we’re honoured to be part of this journey. This centre will be a vital resource for many.”
Since its opening, it has been heart-warming to see long-standing plans come to fruition as families enjoy the new space. The centre has hosted a range of events, including apple pressing, adult wellbeing evenings, teen arts and crafts sessions, and stay-and-play activities. With a full timetable of events ahead, The Joshua Tree’s mission to support families facing childhood cancer continues to thrive.
