Have some Reindeer Fun this December!

Throughout these challenging times, you have been an amazing support to your local children’s hospice, Chestnut Tree House. We know how difficult it has been for everyone, particularly for businesses. So, let us look forward and celebrate Christmas together!

This December, why don’t you grab your antlers and have some Reindeer Fun? Whether you want to Run, Cycle, Row, Ramble, or come up with your own challenge, Chestnut Tree House will provide everything you need for your Reindeer Fun event, including free reindeer antlers and red noses for everyone taking part, online materials and helpful hints and tips.

Taking part in Reindeer Fun is a fantastic way to boost staff morale, attract positive PR, fulfil your corporate and social responsibility and much more! Whilst spreading the festive cheer at your workplace, your fantastic fundraising will be making the world of difference to local children with life-shortening conditions, like Jack, and their families. Helping them live life to the full and, when the time comes, say goodbye in the way they want.

Jack’s story

Meet Jack. “Jack is just the happiest little dude, he wakes up and goes to bed with a smile on his face”, says Mum, Emma. Jack lives in Portsmouth with his Mum, Emma, and Dad, Kevin. Like many eight-year olds, he loves spending time outdoors, jumping on his trampoline and playing in the garden.

“Jack is our beautiful miracle baby. At three weeks old, we thought we would have to say goodbye to him. They told us he would never talk, never sit up and never speak.” Jack was born with Lowes Syndrome, a genetic disease that primarily affects his eyes, brain, and kidneys, resulting in Jack having severe complex medical needs and requiring 24-hour care.

When Jack was four years old, his school nurse recommended that the family seek support from Chestnut Tree House. “I remember the first time we visited the hospice building near Arundel. Jack got treated like absolute royalty; anything he wanted, he got. He loved it. I expected it to be grey and dull and quiet, but it was not. It was loud, bright, and lovely. Within an hour of being in the house Jack disappeared and was doing his own thing, he just loved it.”

Three years on, the family have regular visits from the community care team who visit them in their own home in Portsmouth and take Jack out to explore the local community.

“We don’t know what we would do without Chestnut, we wouldn’t even want to think about it – it would be a nightmare. I’d have no hair for starters! But seriously, they are there for everything. They are always on the other end of the phone, they are so friendly, knowledgeable, and all-round amazing. They let Jack live his best life.”

Are you ready to get your colleagues together and spread some festive cheer? What Reindeer activity will you take on this year? To sign up, visit
www.chestnut-tree-house.org.uk/reindeer-fun