Chestnut Tree House

We know how challenging this year has been for everyone and we are so grateful for the amazing support you continue to offer to local charities like Chestnut Tree House.

We recently caught up with Chestnut Tree House children’s hospice to see what is going on and find out how you and your colleagues can support them this Christmas time.

What’s going on at your local children’s hospice?

When the pandemic struck, Chestnut Tree House had to respond really quickly. Their aim throughout the pandemic, as always, has been to keep any disruption to an absolute minimum and where possible, maintain all services and activity to ensure that they can support the children and families who need hospice care, whilst also continuing to raise the funds they need to sustain these services.

Unfortunately, in March, the hospice had to close their doors to all but urgent and end-of-life care in accordance with government guidelines. The team continued to support families in different ways, and by August, the hospice was able to open back up for short breaks, something that was helpful to families who have been shielding at home for months.

The hospice has also recently introduced family annexe days, giving families the chance to spend some precious time together in a dedicated area of Chestnut Tree House to play games, get messy with arts or crafts, or simply spend some time away from home. Times are still tough, but Chestnut Tree House are feeling really encouraged that they are working out new ways to support children and families.

It currently costs over £4.6 million each year to provide all the care services offered by Chestnut Tree House. Families are never charged for their care and less than 9p in every pound is funded by the government, so they rely heavily on the generosity, help and support of the people of Sussex.

Chestnut Tree House couldn’t do this without the support of people like you. Thank you. You make children’s hospice care possible.

A letter for you

We hear from a parent who will be part of a fundraising campaign to support Chestnut Tree House over the Christmas period.

Dear friend,

My daughter Esther and I spotted a robin in the garden yesterday, and it was a very special moment. For us, it means that Christmas must be just around the corner… and it also gave us a chance to talk about Owen, Esther’s big brother. He used to love watching the garden with her, hoping to see one of Santa’s robins.

Sadly, Owen isn’t with us this Christmas. He died of a brain tumour four years ago, when he was just seven years old. But by talking about him and sharing our memories, Owen will always be part of our family life.

Christmas is still a difficult time for us. I remember our last one with Owen – we always knew it was going to be our last. My husband and I were desperately trying to keep the ship afloat, but in reality we were sinking badly. Meeting Lucy, our Chestnut Tree House nurse, changed all of that.

In the new year, Owen went downhill quickly. So Chestnut Tree House became our home, and for almost six weeks we were given the most precious time to step back from medication and focus on us, our family.

As a local charity, Chestnut Tree House depends on the amazing generosity of people like you. Please will you send a gift of £10 today to help more families who could be facing their last Christmas together? This Christmas, after a year of uncertainty and disruption, there is a need for donations more than ever. To donate online, please visit www.chestnut-tree-house.org.uk/snowmanappeal

With love and best wishes for a very happy, peaceful Christmas to you and your family.

Gemma

Support Chestnut Tree House this Christmas

As well as donating to Chestnut Tree House’s Christmas appeal, there are so many more ways to support your local children’s hospice this year with your colleagues!

Reindeer Fun

Get together virtually for some Reindeer Fun! Maybe a reindeer cake break or a festive business brunch! Get your team together and spread some festive cheer, what Reindeer activity will you take on this year?

Charity Christmas Cards

Don’t forget to send your colleagues a Christmas card. You can browse the new 2020 range of Chestnut Tree House Christmas cards on our website!

Lottery

Play our Lottery and help change local children’s lives this Christmas. From just £1 a week you could win £1,000 every week, which would mean Christmas presents for everyone!

Visit www.chestnut-tree-house.org.uk/christmas to get involved now.

Registered charity number 256789