Writing is on the wall for Rams-loving hospice nurse

A nurse at Treetops Hospice has been honoured for her work during the pandemic by having her name added to a community wall devised by Derby County Community Trust.

Lisa Rutter’s husband Danny wanted to honour his wife’s achievements, particularly during the pandemic.

Lisa is a big Derby County fan – and having heard about the trust’s plans to pay homage to supporters on a dedicated area outside Pride Park Stadium, her husband nominated her for a space on the ‘1884 Wall’.

And Lisa, who has worked as a Treetops Hospice at Home nurse for the last five years, was chosen as one of the deserving winners.

Derby County Community Trust, the charitable arm of Derby County, has raised more than £11,000 from the project, which will go towards funding the sensory room at Pride Park Stadium, which is used by Lisa’s 14-year-old son, Charlie, who has autism.

Lisa, who is also mum to Ellie, 12, and Harry, 10, said: “It was such a lovely surprise to see my name on the wall.

“Danny and I, plus the two boys, have season tickets to watch Derby – Ellie comes along occasionally – and the Derby County Community Trust has helped us out enormously as a family.

“As well as using the sensory room, Charlie also participates in the Tackle It group, which supports young men with their mental wellbeing.

“They go paintballing and talk about their feelings. It has been such a great help to Charlie, who’s made so many friends through the scheme.

“Going to watch Derby County is something which we love to do as a family.

“Charlie in particular lives and breathes Derby County and watching the Rams, seeing him waving his black and white flag around, makes me quite emotional; Pride Park Stadium is Charlie’s happy place.”

Lisa is one of over 40 Treetops nurses and health care assistants who help care for patients at the very end of life in their own home.

She said: “You wouldn’t always think about it with end-of-life care, but Treetops is such a positive and supportive place to work.

“When I go into patients’ homes, I feel like I’m making a difference to them and their families at one of the most difficult times of their lives.

“To be able to help them at this time, whether it’s managing symptoms, providing medication or just talking to them and holding their hand, it’s a true privilege.”