Cheshire Constabulary supports cancer charity

The charity provides practical, emotional and therapeutic support to all family members affected by childhood cancer.

Its work with siblings and schools is particularly in demand in the North West as brothers and sisters struggle to come to terms with the upheaval cancer has on family life and children undergoing treatment look to return to the school environment after many months of being stuck at home or in hospital.

The charity holds fundraising events to engage with members of the community and reach out to families who may need its support.

Cheshire Constabulary’s Acting Chief Constable Janette McCormick and Assistant Chief Constable Nick Bailey recently visited The Joshua Tree’s base on Venables Road in Northwich to find out how the force can offer its support as a ‘good neighbour’ when the charity opens the doors of its new centre in Dalefords Lane, Sandiway, later this year.

ACC Bailey said: “The land where the new Joshua Tree Support Centre is being built was originally a police skid pan, so we are already connected with the charity in some way.

“It’s important for Cheshire Constabulary to be supportive of families and causes that affect the community in which we live and work.

“When you visit, you cannot fail to be impressed with the work that the charity does.

“We fully support The Joshua Tree and want to help the charity and spread the word about the service it provides for many members of the Cheshire community.”

As well as providing volunteer support for community and partner events, Cheshire Constabulary will be attending some of The Joshua Tree’s monthly Saturday Sessions to meet the families and children who access the charity’s free support services.

The force has also offered the charity’s families the chance to visit its headquarters in Winsford to let children affected by cancer see police officers carry out their work first-hand.

Jo Garner, Operations Manager at The Joshua Tree, welcomes Cheshire Constabulary’s support.

She said: “Despite our reach we are a very small charity, with fewer than 12 part-time staff.

“We rely heavily on volunteers to ensure the success of our many fundraising and community events.

“Now we have the support of Cheshire Constabulary, both in a fundraising and volunteering capacity, we can now reach many more supporters and families.

“The force is with us!”

For further information about The Joshua Tree visit www.thejoshuatree.org.uk.