New Tree of Life unveiled at Ashgate Hospice to support local care
A new Tree of Life sculpture has been unveiled at Ashgate Hospice, offering a meaningful way for people to remember loved ones while supporting care across North Derbyshire.
The sculpture was officially revealed at a special event in the hospice gardens on Sunday, 12th April, attended by the Duke of Devonshire, President of Ashgate Hospice, alongside the Duchess of Devonshire and local civic guests.
Sponsored by Chesterfield Champion Graysons Solicitors and funded with support via Hospice UK, the sculpture has been designed by artist Mark Reed as a lasting tribute space within the hospice gardens.
Each engraved leaf can be dedicated in memory of a loved one through a monthly donation, helping to fund vital hospice services for the local community.
Among the first supporters is Jean Terry, who dedicated a leaf to her husband Alan following his death in July 2025 after being cared for at home with support from Ashgate Hospice.
“We were told we were looking at six to twelve months. I struggled to find a fitting memorial to him – something that would help the family and me.
Ashgate’s Tree of Life fitted the bill perfectly. What could be a more fitting memorial than an engraved leaf on the Tree of Life? I just hope that when my time comes, my name can join his.”
Paul Hawkins, Individual Giving Manager at Ashgate Hospice, said:
“The Tree of Life offers a tranquil place in the gardens where people can pause, sit among nature, and remember someone special to them. We are so grateful to everyone who has supported Ashgate and made this possible.
Regular events will also be held throughout the year so that supporters can come together and see the leaves on display.”
People can find out more or dedicate a leaf by visiting: ashgatehospice.org.uk/tree-of-life
Ashgate Hospice clinicians join national Day of Action in Westminster
Clinicians from Ashgate Hospice travelled to Westminster on Wednesday, 15th April to take part in Hospice UK’s national Day of Action, joining hospices from across the country to call for fairer funding for palliative and end of life care.
Medical Director Jamie Mayers and Amanda Hall, Head of Community Services, attended the event in Parliament, where hospice teams met MPs to highlight the growing pressures facing the sector and the need for sustainable funding.
On the day, hospice leaders discussed the widening gap between the cost of delivering specialist care and the funding available.
Toby Perkins, MP for Chesterfield, also attended the event. He explained:
“Ashgate Hospice provides outstanding care for people in North Derbyshire at some of the most difficult times in their lives, and it is hugely valued by our community.
“But like many hospices across the country, it is facing significant financial pressures because the funding it receives does not fully cover the cost of the care it provides.
“That’s why it was so important to bring hospices, MPs and sector leaders together in Westminster to highlight these challenges and push for a fairer, more sustainable funding model. I will continue working with Ashgate and colleagues across Derbyshire to make sure our community can rely on these vital services for years to come.”
Jamie Mayers, Medical Director at Ashgate Hospice, said:
“Every day on our wards and in the community, we see the difference specialist hospice care makes to people living with life-limiting illnesses. These are services that people in North Derbyshire rely on at some of the most difficult times in their lives.
“Being in Westminster gave us the chance to speak directly to MPs about what that means for our community and why sustainable funding matters so much.
“We are determined to stand up for our patients, our teams and our community, and to keep making the case for fair funding so everyone who needs specialist end of life care can access it.”
Less Than Zero Barbers steps up to support community.
In response to the ongoing cost of living pressures affecting households across Chesterfield, a local barbershop is taking direct action to support its community.
Less Than Zero Barbers has announced a new weekly initiative offering free haircuts, shaves, and beard trims every Tuesday, aimed at helping those who may be struggling to prioritise personal care during financially challenging times.
The initiative ensures that individuals can still access essential grooming services without cost becoming a barrier. Maintaining personal appearance is closely linked to confidence, wellbeing, and employability, making this support both practical and meaningful.
Cosmin Sustar, Manager, said:
“We recognise that many people are making difficult choices at the moment. For some, something as simple as a haircut becomes a luxury. We wanted to remove that barrier, even if just for one day a week, and give something meaningful back to the community that supports us.”
The free service will be available every Tuesday on a first-come, first-served basis, with places strictly limited. The team encourages those who may benefit from the initiative to arrive early to avoid disappointment.
This initiative reflects a growing role for local businesses in supporting their communities through challenging economic conditions, offering not just services, but tangible support where it is needed most.
Less Than Zero Barbers hopes the programme will provide immediate relief while reinforcing a sense of community solidarity.
For more information, visit Less Than Zero Barbers website: www.lessthanzerobarbers.com
Ashgate Hospice and Graysons Solicitors of over 200 Chesterfield organisations that are proud to support the local economy, working closely with Destination Chesterfield to showcase Chesterfield and North Derbyshire as a destination to live, work, visit and invest.
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