Chestnut Tree House at Amex Stadium 2016

Sussex children’s hospice kicks off Little Things campaign with Brighton & Hove community supporters

Chestnut Tree House, the children’s hospice for East and West Sussex and South East Hampshire, was delighted to welcome around 50 community supporters and volunteers to Brighton’s AMEX Stadium on Wednesday 28 September to thank them for their support and to spread the word about the hospice’s campaign for Brighton & Hove – ‘the little things are the big things’.

The hospice provides care and support for children with life-shortening conditions both at the House and across the community in families’ own homes giving families with very sick children the opportunity to enjoy more of the little things. This could mean spending a relaxing afternoon together as a family. Or it could mean parents and carers being able to enjoy a well-earned break from the round the clock responsibilities of caring for a sick child.

Chestnut Tree House knows that there are more children and families in the Brighton & Hove area who could be benefitting from their specialist care, but they need help to reach them. Linda Perry, Director of Children’s Services at the hospice commented, “A recent study has shown that there may be over 160 families in the local area who need our help but may be put off by the thought of coming to Chestnut Tree House or even just the word ‘hospice’. We are here to support families who have a child with a life-shortening condition. Little things like a few hours’ break from the responsibilities of caring for a sick child, a helping hand or a shoulder to cry on can make help make a big difference to these families.”

Hugh Lowson, Chestnut Tree House’s Chief Executive, thanked Amex and Sodexo for hosting the event and also gave thanks to Brighton & Hove Albion for their ongoing support. Councillor Pete West, Mayor of Brighton & Hove, attended and was invited to pick the winning card for the prize draw for use of a BMW or a Mini for a weekend kindly donated by BMW Chandlers Brighton.

Guests included representatives from Noah’s Ark Playgroup, Bevendean Primary School, several Rotary and Masonic groups and John Lake, the composer and conductor of Brighton Big Band. The Sussex Police Rugby Club presented Hugh Lowson with a cheque for £1,500 raised from their Annual Dinner and now in their sixth year of support for the charity.

Linda Perry continues, “As well as reaching out to local families, we are asking people what little things they could do to help. You might want to get your company involved in fundraising, spend a couple of hours volunteering, donate to our shops in Brighton and Hove or play our lottery. Whatever little thing you could do will mean a great deal to the children and families who need our care.”

Anybody who would like to pledge their support to Chestnut Tree House can find out more at www.chestnut-tree-house.org.uk/littlethings, telephone 01903 871820 or email fundraising@chestnut-tree-house.org.uk. Any family who thinks they may be eligible to receive support from Chestnut Tree House and would like to find out more can also visit the website or call the Care Team on 01903 871800.

 

 

 

 

Graham Franks Photography

 

01903 733626

07904 840899

f8focus@msn.com

www.grahamfrankspics.co.uk