Kent-based charity, Tree of Hope, has been transforming the lives of seriously ill and disabled children for over 25 years by enabling their families to fundraise for the medical treatment, therapy and equipment that the UK health service cannot provide. The number of children registered as disabled in the UK has risen by 33% in the last decade and with a £1.5bn funding gap for services needed by them, Tree of Hope’s support is more critical than ever. The charity aims to reach, and support, each family that could benefit from their help and give their child the best quality of life.

Supporting children nationwide, Tree of Hope enables children to access vital equipment and therapy, that without them, they wouldn’t receive. Including, seven-year-old Ella Burrows whose family turned to Tree of Hope just over two years ago to help them raise £12,000 for a pioneering piece of equipment. With Tree of Hope’s support, Ella’s family were able to raise an incredible £6,000 within their local community and reached their target much sooner than they hoped with Tree of Hope’s fundraising team securing a grant to fulfil the remaining £6,000. This piece of equipment enables Ella, who was diagnosed with brain damage shortly before her first birthday, to stand unassisted, strengthen her muscles and increase her body’s load-bearing capacity. Additionally the device improves her respiration and aids her gastrointestinal function.

“Tree of Hope has helped make my family’s dream become possible,” Sue Burt, Ella’s mother comments. The device now prevents Ella’s condition from getting worse and releases her from suffering any more pain. More importantly, it’s a lot of fun for Ella!  

In the last year, amongst many other fundraising initiatives, Tree of Hope’s fundraising has capitalised on the foodie frenzy that has taken over the nation. With supporters such as Will Devlin, LouLou Hamilton of Cocolicious and Fran & Richard Lee of the Greyhound at Charcott behind them, they launched Dine and Donate, created The Cook Book – Sevenoaks, Tonbridge & Tunbridge Wells, and this summer will be hosting The Ultimate Pop to raise vital funds to transform the lives of even more seriously ill and disabled children in the UK.

The Cook Book

You may have seen The Cook Book – Sevenoaks, Tonbridge & Tunbridge Wells floating around eateries across West Kent which has raised over £15,000 to date. The book is full of an eclectic range of recipes from start to finish, but also acts as a useful area guide when deciding where your next foodie adventure should take you. The Beacon, Sankey’s, The Poet at Matfield and Fuggles all feature their favourite recipes. Plus, Faversham-based Great British Bake Off finalist and Tree of Hope patron, Jane Beedle, shares a selection of her legendary bakes! If you haven’t already, you can pick up a copy from each of the eateries involved across West Kent or order online via www.treeofhope.org.uk/shop.

The Ultimate Pop Up

This June some of Kent’s most sought after chefs will prepare a bespoke five-course menu for lucky guests that purchase a ticket to The Ultimate Pop Up. The exclusive event, held in the stunning surroundings of the Hush Heath Winery & Vineyards, will include food from Kent Chef of the Year winner, Will Devlin of The Small Holding; former Great British Menu contestant and Verdigris head chef, Scott Goss; and Hush Heath’s very own Fabio Vinicguerra. The evening will kick off with a cocktail specially crafted by Tammy Jackson of For Cocktail Sake with gin donated by local distillery, Greensand Ridge. The event at Hush Heath Estate, Staplehurst will take place on the evening of Thursday 20th June. Tickets cost £85pp. Visit www.treeofhope.org.uk to get your tickets to The Ultimate Pop Up.

Dine and Donate

Dine and Donate is part of Tree of Hope’s annual fundraising that takes places each spring and encourages the nation to have foodie fun by hosting lunches, brunches, afternoon teas and dinner parties for friends, family, colleagues and neighbours in aid of Tree of Hope. Each year, supporters’ imaginations have run wild and Dine and Donate events have so far have included a Lion King-themed afternoon tea, an International Women’s Day cocktail party, pizza & board game night, a 1920’s murder mystery dinner and loads more. Get cooking and register your event to receive your host pack at www.dineandonate.uk.

Sporting Heroes Event

Also in the calendar for 2019 is the Sporting Heroes Dinner, taking place for the third year running. This year the event will see sporting heroes join you for a three-course meal at Tonbridge School on Friday 18th October. Previous years have seen Olympic Gold Medallist Jayne Torvill; Lions legend, Willie John McBride; and former Kent and England cricketer, Chris Cowdrey. This year’s heroes are to be announced soon – contact kate.bourne@treeofhope.org.uk for more information about tickets.

Tonbridge-based Tree of Hope need supporters like you to get stuck in, have fun and raise funds so they can continue to provide support to families in Kent and beyond and get their children the medical care that is vital in improving their quality of life.

If you know of a child who may benefit from Tree of Hope’s support, please contact Tree of Hope’s Family Support Officer, Georgie, via families@treeofhope.org.uk or on 01892 535525.

To enquire about fundraising for Tree of Hope, contact Kate via kate.bourne@treeofhope.org.uk

For more information about the work Tree of Hope does visit www.treeofhope.org.uk