Collaboration boosts hospice’s festive appeal

An annual festive fundraising campaign by Treetops Hospice has been boosted thanks to a collaboration involving the University of Derby and Bloc Digital.

BA Film and TV students from the university, along with media specialists from Bloc, have come together for a film project supporting the Risley-based end of life charity’s Light Up a Life campaign.

The appeal invites people to share a memory of a loved one on the hospice’s virtual Christmas tree and make a donation to Treetops.

This year, the annual Light Up a Life event will take place at the hospice on Sunday 3 December – and will include a moment to reflect and remember loved ones.

Designed to promote the campaign, the film project, which focuses on the importance of sharing memories, saw a group of second and third-year students put their videography skills into practice.

They were led by Matt Gilooly, a learning technology media adviser at the University of Derby, and experienced media directors from Bloc Digital, who donated their skills and experience to design, direct, and edit the piece.

Among those featured in the film is Clair Attwood, who shares precious memories of her late dad and what taking part in Light up a Life each year since he died has meant to her.

Dr Daithí McMahon, senior lecturer in media at the University of Derby, said: “This has been a great opportunity for the students to work on a live project and a chance for us all to support the vital fundraising efforts of Treetops.

“Engaging with our local community and learning to captivate new audiences in what might be considered a difficult subject has been a valuable experience for the students and a fantastic opportunity for knowledge exchange between the School of Arts, Bloc Digital and Treetops.”

Over the years, marketing content and digital solutions business Bloc Digital has donated time and skills to support Treetops, helping to produce the charity’s virtual memorial service during the Covid-19 pandemic and even painting a colourful mural near the hospice’s reception.

Katy Stead, head of content production and development at Bloc Digital, said: “It’s been an honour to help concept and direct this latest campaign for Treetops – both bringing real, tangible benefits to an incredible local charity that we’re delighted to continue supporting, and strengthening Bloc’s Strategic Partnership Agreement with the University of Derby.”

Julie Heath, chief executive at Treetops Hospice, said: “Light Up a Life is a very special event for Treetops and its organisations like Bloc and the university, and of course our wonderful contributors, who help us to bring it all together.

“We’re very grateful to have both the enthusiasm of the students and the expertise of the directors to create this special insight into the importance of memories. We now look forward to hundreds of families enjoying the finished film.”

To find out more about Light Up a Life visit https://www.treetopshospice.org.uk/get-involved/christmas-at-treetops-2/light-up-a-life-2023/ .