Athletics legend visits Derby hospice

23/02/2012

Great Britain athletics legend Steve Cram has met patients and their families plus members of the local business community at Treetops Hospice while visiting Derby this week.

The former World, European and Commonwealth gold medalist was invited to the hospice in Derby Road, Risley, by the team at Yorkshire Bank’s Financial Solutions Centre (FSC) in Derby.

Steve was taken on a tour of the hospice which provides palliative care for adults with life-limiting illnesses such as cancer, multiple sclerosis and motor neurone disease from the Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire area.

He spent time chatting to the hospice’s patients and staff before later giving a motivational talk to around 40 members of Derby’s business community.

Steve, who is an ambassador for Yorkshire Bank, said: “The facilities, and level of care provided by the staff at Treetops, are wonderful; it was a pleasure to meet everyone there.

“There was a really positive atmosphere around the hospice. The services it provides for the people of Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire are hugely valued by the local community which is a testament to all the staff, volunteers and fundraisers.”

Carl Dickinson, managing partner of Yorkshire Bank’s FSC in Derby, said: “Steve is a superb speaker as you would expect from an accomplished broadcaster. His presentation was based on motivation; a subject we can all relate to whatever our job.

“He discussed how motivation works, and its importance, not only for team leaders, but also team members in the world of business, as well as sport.”

George Cameron, chief executive of Treetops Hospice, said: “Steve Cram’s visit has been the perfect opportunity to showcase our facilities to a wide range of local businesses, who perhaps haven’t heard about the work of Treetops.

“I know our staff and guests really appreciated the time Steve spent chatting to them, and hopefully he left with a fresh outlook on what hospice care is.”