About Us
Our Aims
The Joshua Tree is a Cheshire based children's charity based in
Northwich town centre. Our vision and aim is to provide support to
families who are going through a traumatic time caring for a child
suffering from a condition that seriously affects their immune
system; commonly childhood cancers.
We aim to provide a purpose built Holiday House and Support
Centre that will enable families to spend some quality time
together away from the hospital routine.
Why
When Josh was diagnosed with Leukaemia
in September 2004, his parents and The Joshua Tree founders, David
and Lynda Hill, were bombarded with a barrage of information
explaining his condition and what this subsequently meant, not just
for Josh, but for the entire family. Lynda and David have vivid
memories of a whole list of 'you will not be able to..' and were
left wondering whether a return to relative normality would ever be
an option.
As Josh had a greatly reduced level of immunity due to his
Leukaemia, he (particularly during the first year of treatment) was
very limited to where he was able to go - no indoor play areas,
cafes, restaurants, cinema, theatre, play barns - anywhere where
there was a high number of people gathering in a confined space.
All families are advised not to go on holiday during the first year
of treatment and from this experience the initial ideas about The
Joshua Tree were born.
What
Lynda and David felt very strongly
that they wanted to create a haven for families to be able to spend
quality time together in a safe environment. So much of a family's
initial time after diagnosis revolves around the hospital and more
often than not, siblings have to spend time with other carers
whilst 'mum and dad' begin a process of adjustment at the child's
bedside. Lynda and David know that time away together as a whole
family is very precious in bonding the family back together, where
all members can laugh again and enjoy 'time out' together. Lynda's
background in Psychology and Counselling has led her to understand
the importance of a support network. The Support Centre aims to
achieve this.
To allow a sense of freedom and fun, The
Joshua Tree will include a taster of those things that children
with cancer and other immune suppressing illnesses cannot normally
enjoy due to risk of infection. such as the soft play area and
cinema room. 
We will be offering accommodation to families, allowing the
opportunity for sharing but also to ensure privacy when needed.
There will be a separate room for quiet reflection and
contemplation.
Silly Socks Video kindly produced by Malcolm Oldfield