CEO Insights: Annual Review Reflections and Looking Ahead

Tree of Hope's Annual Review: Reflections and Looking Ahead

At Tree of Hope, every year is a chance to reflect on how we’ve supported families in need of healthcare and funding for their children. As we look back on the past year, there’s a lot to celebrate, as well as some challenges we’ve faced. Most importantly, we’ve made a real difference, thanks to the support of our community.

In this CEO Insights feature, we’re joined by Becky Andrew our CEO, to talk about the key moments from the past year and the plans we have for the future. At Tree of Hope, our mission is to help families navigate the ever-challenging world of provision and funding for their children’s healthcare needs. Becky will be sharing insights from our latest Annual Review and discussing our exciting three-year strategy, Bridging the Gap. Whether you’re already part of our wonderful community or just learning about our work, we’re thrilled to have you here.

Reflecting on the Past Year

Becky Andrew, CEO of Tree of Hope:

“There’s something really cathartic about an Annual Review. It allows us to reflect not only on our achievements but also on the challenges we’ve overcome. This past year has been one of transition and growth, and I’m incredibly proud of the resilience of our team, trustees, and most importantly, the families we support.

It's definitely been a year of learning and growth, and I'm really proud and also so grateful to the whole Tree of Hope community—the team, the trustees—for their belief in me and what we’re doing. Being given the opportunity to really shape something new and ambitious, and seeing everyone get on board with that, is really exciting and I’m really happy to share some of the highlights from the year and also as we look to the future.

The most vital part of our Annual Review is always the families’ stories. They bring to life the work we do and highlight the crucial role Tree of Hope plays in helping children access the healthcare they need.

Key Highlights from the Annual Review

• We supported nearly 400 families with fundraising and funding access, helping them secure life-changing treatments, therapies, and equipment.
• Our support extends beyond just active fundraising. Many families stay connected with us throughout their child’s journey, knowing that we are here whenever they need to take the next step.
• Our support extends beyond just active fundraising. Many families stay connected with us throughout their child’s journey, knowing that we are here whenever they need to take the next step.
• We launched a brand-new website, making it easier for families to understand the support available and navigate their journey with Tree of Hope.
• We introduced our first-ever three-year strategy, Bridging the Gap, laying a strong foundation for the future.

One of our biggest areas of focus has been strengthening the core foundations of Tree of Hope. From improving our in-house operations and digital tools to enhancing our family support services, we are working hard behind the scenes to ensure we’re offering the best possible help to families.”

Looking Ahead: Priorities for the Future

As we move forward with our Bridging the Gap strategy, our key focus is to help families access funding faster so that they can secure healthcare sooner. Some of the main priorities for the coming year include:

1. Strengthening Our Fundraising Model

One of the most exciting initiatives is our Partners in Hope program, which aims to reduce the financial burden on families by creating dedicated funds in collaboration with organisations that share our passion for improving children’s healthcare.

2. Expanding Our Reach

We are committed to ensuring that more families across the UK know about Tree of Hope and the support we offer. As a small charity, we rely on organic growth, word-of-mouth, and strategic partnerships to expand our impact.

3. Enhancing Family Support with a Digital Hub

We’re in the early stages of developing a Family Support Hub, a digital platform designed to offer additional resources, peer-to-peer support, and direct connections with volunteers who can assist with fundraising efforts. While this project is still in development, it represents a major step forward in how we support families beyond traditional fundraising.

Bridging the Gap: Why Our Work Matters More Than Ever

Becky Andrew:

“When I first joined Tree of Hope, I was truly shocked by the scale of the problem. Families are facing longer waiting times, rising costs, and fewer funding options. While our NHS and public services are incredible, they are under immense strain. Families are left to navigate a complex system with limited resources, and that’s where Tree of Hope steps in.

What makes us unique is that we are more than just a fundraising charity. We are an empowerment charity—helping families take control of their journey, offering practical support, and being the voice they need when the system feels overwhelming.

We act as a support network, a connector, and a champion for families. Whether it’s helping them find funding options, connecting them with communities, or sharing their stories, we ensure that no family feels alone in their journey.

Until the gap in children’s healthcare services closes, we will continue to be here, bridging that gap and ensuring that every child gets the care they deserve.”

Join Us on This Journey

We’re incredibly proud of everything we’ve accomplished over the past year, but we know there’s still so much more to do. With the support of our families, fundraisers, partners, and donors, we’re confident that we can continue making a real difference.

If you’d like to get involved, whether through fundraising, volunteering, or simply spreading the word, we’d love to hear from you. Together, we can ensure that no family has to navigate this journey alone.

Join Us on Our Mission

As we embark on this exciting new chapter with the Tree of Hope Blog, we invite you to be part of the journey. If you’re an organisation or business that shares our vision, we’d love to explore how we can work together to expand our impact.

Partner with us to help more children access the healthcare they need and be part of a community dedicated to making a real difference.

Best,

Becky