The newsletter from Chestnut Tree House

It’s the little things that are the big things for our new campaign in Brighton & Hove

A bath at bedtime. A swim on a Saturday afternoon. Maybe just a few hours’ uninterrupted sleep. All these things become even more precious when you have a child with a life-shortening condition.

The care that Chestnut Tree House offers children and their families in their own homes and in the hospice means that families get to enjoy more of these little things. That could mean spending an easy and 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.

One family who have experienced Chestnut Tree House’s care first hand are the Elliotts – mum and dad Laura and Peter Elliott, and their sons Sam (13) and Owen (9) who both have Duchenne muscular dystrophy.

Laura first became aware that something was wrong when Sam was at primary school. “The school nurse noticed that Sam had an awkward gait and suggested we go to the hospital to get it checked out. We were referred for blood tests and were expecting the results back within a couple of weeks. When we were called back after just a couple of days we knew something wasn’t right.”

1

Laura and Peter received the devastating news that Sam had Duchenne muscular dystrophy and there was a 50:50 chance that Owen had it too.

Laura says, “There was no history of the condition in either of our families but when we found out it was genetic, we immediately had Owen tested. When his positive diagnosis came back, our world just fell apart.”

As the Elliotts came to terms with the enormity of their situation, they discovered that there was a boy who attended Sam’s school who also had Duchenne muscular dystrophy. The two families struck up a close bond and it was through this friendship that the Elliotts first heard about Chestnut Tree House.

“Our friends mentioned that they used Chestnut Tree House and suggested that we visit the hospice on one of the annual open days,” says Laura. “We were reluctant to go at first, but Peter and I finally decided to go on our own and have a look round.”

Laura remembers that it was the warmth of the staff and the normality of hospice life that helped put them at ease. “We got talking to one of the nurses who gave us a ‘backstage tour’. We got to see all the incredible facilities such

Continued on p2

ChestnutsAutumn 2016

as the hydrotherapy pool and the multi-sensory room. We were also shown the family accommodation where we could all come and stay together. Our fears about hospice care were instantly dispelled.”

Now all the family visit Chestnut Tree House as often as they can to make use of the facilities and relax as a family. The boys especially enjoy splashing about in the hydrotherapy pool, which really helps their condition, while their big sister Heather gets the opportunity to meet other young people who understand the unique challenges of having siblings with life-shortening conditions. Heather is also able to spend one-to-one time with the Chestnut Tree House Care Team to talk about her own fears, concerns and needs.

Staff from the hospice’s Community Nurse Team also go to the Elliott’s home once a month so that the boys can have fun at home while their mum and dad go out and spend time together or with Heather.

Laura says, “The boys have been able to enjoy wonderful experiences thanks to Chestnut Tree House but for us it’s

Continued from p1 the little things, like being able to spend time reading, swimming in the pool and creating happy memories together as a family, that are the really big things. Those precious moments together mean the world to us.”

We know there are more children and families in the Brighton and Hove area who could benefit from our specialist care, but we need help to reach them. Linda Perry, Director of Children’s Services at the hospice, explains, “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 a big difference to these families.

“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.”

If you would like to pledge your support to Chestnut Tree House you can find out more by visiting www.chestnut-tree-house.org.uk, calling 01903 871820 or emailing us at 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.

Our Community Team is expandingthem know about the variety of services we can offer.

All families are allocated a keyworker from the Community Team who acts as a familiar point of contact at Chestnut Tree House with whom they can discuss any aspect of their child’s care.

The Community Team also provides short break care in families’ own homes to enable parents to take a much-needed break, as well as clinical nursing

care, end of life care, emotional support sessions, and pre and post bereavement support.

This service continues to expand to meet the need across Sussex and South East Hampshire, with home visits to children and families increasing by 19% last year. The opening of our Eastbourne office has helped us to reach out to many more families in East Sussex.

Our Community Team is the first point of contact for families who get in touch about using our

care services and provides a vital link between families and the hospice.

The team consists of specially trained nurses and care support workers who visit all our new families in their own homes to introduce them to Chestnut Tree House and let

2

Welcome to our new President

C hestnut Tree House is proud and delighted to announce the appointment of Henry Fitzalan-Howard, Earl of

Arundel, as the new President of the charity. Lord Henry succeeds the late Lady Sarah Clutton as honorary President of Chestnut Tree House.

Lord Henry’s appointment to the role comes at a key time as Chestnut Tree House begins a new chapter of reaching out to more children and families across Sussex.

Lord Henry, aged 28, is the eldest son and heir of the Duke of Norfolk, England’s premier Duke, and has many local Sussex connections through his family home, Arundel Castle. Dividing his time between work in London and family in Sussex, Lord Henry enjoys skiing, golf and tennis and also has a passion for motorsports, having been a well-known presence on the Formula Three racing circuit.

There are deep family links with the hospice movement through the late Lady Sarah Clutton and also Lord Henry’s paternal grandmother, the

late Anne, Duchess of Norfolk CBE. A leading figure in the early days of the British hospice movement, Anne, Duchess of Norfolk founded the charity Help the Hospices – now Hospice UK – in 1984 and became its first Chairman and later its President. In addition, Lord Henry’s maternal step-grandmother is Mrs Kathy Gore OBE DL, chair of Friends of Sussex Hospices and a Patron of Chestnut Tree House.

Hugh Lowson, Chief Executive, says, “We were delighted when Lord Henry expressed an interest in becoming our President and invited him to visit to see for himself what wonderful places they are and how much our care means to the adults, children and families we support. In this honorary role, Lord Henry will continue Lady Sarah’s wonderful legacy to provide the very best hospice care locally for everyone who needs it. He is a remarkable young man with a great insight into the hospice movement and wonderful compassion for those facing all the challenges that living with a life-shortening condition brings. I know that

his support will be invaluable to our charity.”

Lord Henry says, “I am very much looking forward to taking up the role of President. The hospice is amazing and the care they provide is second to none. I was very humbled when I visited to see how much their care means to the children who use Chestnut Tree House and what a difference this specialist care and expertise makes as they face the most difficult time in their lives. I am honoured to be the charity’s President and I take the responsibilities of the role very seriously and pledge to help this wonderful local charity to the best of my ability.”

Despite losing the sight in both his eyes, Tommy Mulholland, undertook a three day tandem cycle challenge from

Brighton to Paris to reach the Eiffel Tower in time to celebrate his 80th birthday on 6 May and to raise funds for Chestnut Tree House.

At the age of 47, Tommy was attacked by robbers while collecting his firm’s wages and was blinded in his right eye. Then a few years later a blood clot in his left eye caused him to become totally blind. More recently, Tommy was diagnosed with prostate cancer but was declared clear a year ago.

He first became aware of Chestnut Tree House through his friendship with Alan Minter and Terry Knight while working for the Brighton Ex-boxers

Club in Brighton. He wanted to mark his eightieth year with a worthy challenge and raise funds to support the hospice so set himself the arduous challenge of raising £10,000.

Tommy was accompanied by his ‘pilot’ Bob Harber who is 70 years old – between them, they have 150 years of cycling experience. Not only did Tommy achieve his birthday wish but he has smashed his target, raising an incredible £17,139!

Thank you so much Tommy from all of us at Chestnut Tree House!

If you have been inspired by

Blind octogenarian smashes birthday cycle challenge

Tommy’s story, you can still donate via his JustGiving page at www.justgiving.com/Tommy80thBirthdayChallenge

3

v

What’s been happening at Chestnut Tree Hou se?

About 160 parents, children, grandparents, family members

and friends joined us at our Summer Remembrance Event in June to remember children who had passed away. Our theme this year was ‘Butterflies’ and everyone was given a butterfly mask to decorate when they arrived. Children and adults alike enjoyed the craft activities, which included making a sand mandala – a collaborative picture inspired by ancient Tibetan

sacred traditions, where a mandala represents the universe. During the afternoon guests enjoyed a delicious buffet provided

by our kitchen staff. The time of reflection, held in the marquee, followed our butterfly theme with a story about a glass-winged

butterfly, illustrated with props held by the children. This was followed by a balloon release and tea and cupcakes. We are very grateful to the

volunteer choir and pianist who joined us to help with the music, and to the volunteers who helped with car parking and serving refreshments.

Our Fun and Friendship Youth Group recently enjoyed an entertaining visit from Adam Gillibrand and his wonderful drums. The group had a fabulous drumming session out in the marquee and everyone had a great time making a lot of noise! The young people and staff would like to say a big THANK YOU to Adam.

Summer is always a great time at Chestnut Tree House – here’s a round-up of just some of the many activities we have enjoyed!

Drumming workshopGatwick treasure hunt

A group of siblings from Chestnut Tree House enjoyed a fantastic day out at Gatwick Airport in June. The group of six children, aged between five and ten, along with one of their parents, took part in an exciting treasure hunt around the airport organised by Your Service Centre and generously supported by a number of other Gatwick-based businesses.

The children went on the Monorail, met Blue the sniffer dog, had lunch and watched the planes. The hunt finished with a visit to the Fire Station, where the children were able to climb inside one of the enormous fire engines, look around and have a go at using the siren. They finally found the treasure chest hidden in one of the fire engine compartments. It was full of gold coins and more treats.

It was a really wonderful day. HUGE thanks go to Your Service Centre, Aurigny Airlines, Bloc Hotels, Wondertree restaurant, Gatwick Fire and Rescue Service and the rest of the team at Gatwick.

Summer Remembrance Event

4

We have had one of our busiest summers yet at Chestnut Tree House, welcoming more children than ever to the hospice over the school holidays.

For the last few years we’ve asked supporters whether they would be able to give us a gift to help cover the care costs of the children who visit us during this very busy period.

This year one of ‘our’ mums, Sam, has kindly shared her story about the care her daughters Deanna and Leoni and their family receive from Chestnut Tree House.

Deanna, known to her family as DD (pronounced ‘Dee-Dee’), has hydrocephalus, which means she has limited movement and speech and needs 24-hour care. At Chestnut Tree House she can be her own person and enjoy all the activities we have to offer, while her sister Leoni can socialise and play with other siblings in the same situation as her. For mum Sam, the hospice visits mean she can relax knowing that DD and Leoni are being

cared for by our team.Sam says, “The thing I treasure most

about Chestnut Tree House is that the girls can be and play together here, as sisters should. If it’s not raining, the girls are outside, playing in the garden, going on the wheelchair swings or the roundabout. They’re off around the Woodland Walk, playing on the multi-sensory trail. Inside, they find something to play with in every room in the House; they’re lost in their own little world. And it’s a world that’s safe and secure, somewhere I know they’ll be happy and well looked after. It’s like a second home to them and it’s precious beyond words.”

Something the girls have never done together is go to the beach. As we have our own beach hut, we were able to make this wish come true when the whole family spent a day at the beach together. Leoni has drawn a picture (below) of her and DD at the beach.

The support you give us is brilliant, and we hope you know how much we

A day at the beach for DD and Leoni

appreciate the kindness and generosity you show to Chestnut Tree House. We are able to welcome Sam, her girls, and other families like them, only because of you. Thank you.

To read Sam’s full story and to make a donation towards the care we provide, please visit www.chestnut-tree-house.org.uk/summerappeal.

5

Get festive!Have some cracking Christmas fun and support your local children’s hospice at the same time. You could hold a dress-down day in the office and encourage everyone to wear their favourite Christmas jumpers, or you might want to wear elf hats, reindeer antlers or Santa suits (available to purchase from us) while you go Christmas carolling. You could even run a Christmas raffle and hold a special Christmas party. These are just a few of the ways you can get involved in some festive fundraising fun.

Our suggested day for you to take part is Friday 9 December, but feel free to choose another day that suits you. For more information and to get your free fundraising pack, please call the Fundraising Team on 01903 871820 or sign up at www.chestnut-tree-house.org.uk/getfestive.

Looking forward to Christmas

Christmas cards

Help Chestnut Tree House by buying your Christmas cards from us. Every year we put together a range of cards featuring lovely designs to suit all tastes. This year’s range includes a delightful ‘Finger Print Robins’ design created by six-year-old Jude, who is cared for by Chestnut Tree House. You can buy the cards, which come in packs of ten, at any of our charity shops or by mail order using the order form enclosed with this newsletter. They are also available at www.chestnut-tree-house.org.uk/onlineshop.

Chestnut Tree House provides care all year round, both at the hospice and in families’ own homes. Christmas can be a difficult time for our families and we always try to make it special

for them. There are lots of ways you can get involved in this year’s festive fundraising.

Calling all schools, clubs and groups of all sorts! Could you hold a Reindeer Run this December to raise funds for Chestnut Tree House? Last year’s Reindeer Run campaign was a massive success, with 34 nurseries, schools, colleges and groups across Sussex donning their antlers and raising over £30,000, which went directly towards supporting children and families across Sussex and South East Hampshire.

Get involved this year by putting together your own challenge – whether it’s one mile, ten miles or somewhere in between – and gathering your sponsorship. We will provide everything you need for your event, including posters, sponsorship forms, helpful hints and suggested letters to parents. Everyone taking part will receive reindeer antlers and a red nose, plus one Santa suit for the teacher/group leader. All we ask is that you have lots of fun and raise as much sponsorship as you possibly can!

Contact the Fundraising Team on 01903 871820 or email fundraising@chestnut-tree-house.org.uk for your free fundraising pack.

Help us spread the word about our Reindeer Runs by following Chestnut Tree House on Twitter @ChestnutSussex and using the hashtag #ReindeerRun

Tweet us on the day of your event using our hashtag and we will re-tweet your tweets!

Reindeer Run fun

6

The fourth annual Great Sussex Bath Race in June saw 15 teams from Sussex businesses compete for the

coveted winner’s trophy. Organised by local businessman and Chestnut Tree House Ambassador Neil Laughton, the event took place at a private lake near Chichester.

Each six-person team built a raft on the day, using bath tubs and other materials provided, then raced one another in heats, paddling 250 yards in their tubs. The winners went forward to a Grand Final, competing for The Great Sussex Bath Race 2016 trophies – which, fittingly, are adorned with bath taps!

The companies that took part included Natwest Business Banking

(Brighton), Focus Group (Southwick), Caremark UK (Worthing), Fundraising Auctions (Newhaven), Caterpillar (Shoreham), ICTS (Gatwick), Professionals UK (Hove), Seven Cellars (Hove), BNI Business Networking Group (Hove), Virgin Atlantic (Crawley), Leaders (Worthing and Horsham) and Henry Adams (Chichester), who were awarded the Grand Final winner’s trophy.

The project was supported by local businesses including Laughton & Co, Vivid Marketing, The Gourmet Chef, Sussex Gold, Tomfoolery, Westbourne House School, Platinum Business Magazine, Third Revolution Media, Marlow Ropes and Seven Cellars, with CP Hart Bathrooms providing the bath tubs.

Great Sussex Bath Race

Has your business gone the extra mile to support Chestnut Tree House? Is one of your colleagues

a fundraising superstar? The third Chestnut Tree House Business Awards are coming up and we want to recognise and reward local businesses who have supported the hospice. We are looking for nominations for the following award categories: Outstanding Individual

Fundraiser, Fundraising Team of the Year, Most Innovative Fundraising Idea, Outstanding Voluntary Project, Outstanding Long-term Supporter, Outstanding SME Supporter, Outstanding Small Business and Outstanding Corporate Supporter. The judging panel for the event will include our Chief Executive, Hugh Lowson, as well as special guests Tim Breden, Director of Sussex Business Partnerships and a Chestnut Tree House Patron, Maarten Hoffman, Co-founder of Platinum Business Magazine and Amanda Menahem, Director of Coast to Capital LEP.

To find out more and to make your nominations online, visit www.chestnut-tree-house.org.uk. The deadline for nominations is 3 February 2017. A company or individual may be nominated for more than one category and each nomination must be accompanied by a supporting statement and company logo or relevant photograph.

CorporateNEWSChestnut Tree House BUSINESS AWARDS 2017

We are delighted to announce that the headline sponsors for our ninth Snowman Spectacular Ball will be Bloc Hotels and Irwin Mitchell – both loyal and long-standing supporters of the charity. Putting on the Snowman Spectacular Ball every year is a huge feat of organisation and simply wouldn’t be possible without the generosity and support of all our sponsors, which include ECE Architecture, Green People, Oliver & Graimes, Global Financial, Hilton Brighton Metropole, WSP Ltd, Sussex Life, Juice 107.2, Platinum Business Magazine, Creative Pod, Roche Diagnostics, Gusto Wines and E3 Group.

The Ball contributes an enormous amount to our annual fundraising targets and last year’s event was no exception. On the night, we were thrilled to announce that our amazingly generous guests had raised a staggering £455,011. This brings the total amount raised by the Snowman Spectacular Ball since its launch in 2008 to £1,755,000, all of which has gone directly to providing care for desperately ill local children and their families, both at the House and in the community.

The 2016 Snowman Spectacular Ball is already sold out but there is a waiting list. Please visit www.thesnowmanspectacular.org.uk for more information or to register your interest. We are also seeking auction lots and raffle prizes for the Ball and will need plenty of volunteers, both on the night and in the run-up to the event. If you can help, please contact the Fundraising Team on 01903 871821.

TheSnowman

7

Teams from Crawley-based travel rewards company Avios gave our fundraising a boost when they took over our shops in Brighton, Bognor Regis and Uckfield for a day during Children’s Hospice Week.

As part of their ‘Live more, do more, be more’ employee volunteering programme, the Avios teams worked with the shop managers, running different fundraising activities to see which shop could increase sales the most on the day.

The teams ran raffles, tombolas and other activities and chatted to customers in the shops to raise awareness of Chestnut Tree House and Children’s Hospice Week. The hospice’s mascot, Chester Bear, even made an appearance at the Bognor Regis shop to the delight of our younger customers.

“Everyone involved had a great day, and the three shops that took part saw an overall increase in sales of 65%, compared to the same time last year. A fantastic result!” says Jan Harper, the hospice’s Head of Retail. “However, there has to be a winner, and I’m delighted to say that the Uckfield shop team, having increased the percentage sales the most, won the Avios and Chestnut Tree House Charity Shop Challenge. I’d like to thank Avios and their teams for taking part and all the staff and volunteers in the shops for working so hard and making the day such a success.”

Retail news Retail news Retail news Retail news Retail news Retail news Retail news Retail news

Avios cha rity shop cha llenge

In June, six teams from across the civil aviation industry set sail from Portsmouth to raise much-needed funds for us. The

sailing regatta was organised by Tim Davies of Avro Yachting Ltd, with the aim of providing networking opportunities to companies with a common interest in civil aviation, as well as a team-building opportunity with the added benefit of supporting a really worthwhile local cause.

It was a real challenge as many participants had never set foot on a boat before! After three well-fought races, the competitors from TransAir came out as winners. Tim Davies, Managing Director from Avro Yachting, says, “For a first event to raise over £5,000 for Chestnut Tree House was absolutely amazing. We have already set a date for next year and are looking forward to working in partnership with Chestnut Tree House again.”

Next year’s Henri Coanda Challenge will take place on 7 June 2017. To enter a team or for more information, contact Tim Davies at timdavies@avroyachting.com or call 07932 458562.

Henri Coanda sailing challenge

raises over £5,000

CorporateNEWS

Continued

8

Roche Diagnostics Local corporate supporters Roche Diagnostics have donated 122 bags full of donations following a very generous Bag It and Give event.

ILGLocal courier and freight company ILG have donated 1,000 pairs of glasses for us to sell in our shops. Thanks to this kind donation we will be able to raise more than £3,000 for Chestnut Tree House.

Retail news Retail news Retail news Retail news Retail news Retail news Retail news Retail news

We are currently looking for volunteers to work in our Chestnut Tree House charity shops. The retail volunteer role is fun and varied. No experience is necessary and full training

will be given. Duties involve sorting donated stock, serving customers and using the till, and there are various shifts available throughout the week.

Gwen, who volunteers at our Brighton shop, says, “Volunteering in the shop is great fun and it is a wonderful feeling to know that you have achieved something with your time.”

We are also looking for volunteers to help sort through donations at our Retail Distribution Centre in Broadwater, Worthing. Full training is given and there are shifts to suit everyone throughout the week.

For more information about becoming a retail volunteer, contact Mark Francis on 01903 706315 or email volunteers@stbh.org.uk.

We always need good quality furniture donations to sell in our shops across East and West Sussex. At present, we have availability for our vans to collect from the following areas - Worthing, Durrington, Goring, Salvington, Findon,

Lancing, Angmering, East Preston, Ferring, Henfield, Steyning, Upper Beeding, Partridge Green, Storrington, West Chiltington, Arundel, Billingshurst and Chichester.

Please call our Donations and Distribution Centre on 01903 275660 to arrange collection or visit our website www.chestnut-tree-house.org.uk/shops for more information on all our shops and their locations.

We would be grateful for all furniture donations, large and small. They really will help us raise vital funds and make a difference to the children and families cared for by Chestnut Tree House.

Thank you! Please note, we cannot accept some items for legal or safety reasons.

Retail volunteers needed

Thank youto our corporate

supporters

We need your furniture!

9

Chestnut’s Challenges

A heartfelt thank you to the 700 ladies, 150 volunteers and many local companies who all helped to make this

year’s Night to Remember midnight walk in Eastbourne such a success. Our walkers raised an amazing £76,520 on the night, enough to pay for 11 days of all the care services offered by Chestnut Tree House. What an incredible night! The ladies – many adorned with flashing lights, colourful wigs and tutus – set off to walk four or ten miles to help raise money for the hospice. The atmosphere was absolutely fantastic and there was a real feeling of the women walking together to make every step count for the children and families cared for by Chestnut Tree House. Now in its seventh year, the event is a highlight in the East Sussex calendar. Since it began over 4,500 ladies have taken to the streets and seafront of Eastbourne; together they have raised £530,000 for

Chestnut’s

TREKTake part in Chestnut’s Cambodia Trek 2017 and re-awaken the explorer in you! This adventure through Cambodia’s majestic countryside begins in Siem Reap, where our fantastic team of fundraisers will hike through rice fields, up the Kulan Mountain and through jungles, finally travelling in colourful tuk-tuks to reach the walled city of Angkor Thom and the spectacular Bayon, in the heart of the city. Boasting some of the world’s friendliest people, a rich history and ever-changing scenery, this once-in-a-lifetime challenge, although hot and dusty, will raise vital funds to support our care services for children and families.

To find out more and request a brochure drop us a line at events@chestnut-tree-house.org.uk.

Good luck and thank you to all our Chestnut Tree House cyclists taking part in our Chestnut to Paris bike ride, which starts on 6 October. Every single mile of the 200 they cycle and every penny raised

will support the care we provide at Chestnut Tree House. Our team of intrepid Chestnut cyclists have a great

challenge ahead, travelling through charming, traditional French villages, cycling up the Champs-Élysées and ending with the pièce de résistance of this cycle challenge – a spectacular view of the Eiffel Tower, which marks the triumphant finish line. Please join us in wishing them well!

Bonne chance to our Chestnut to Paris cyclists

700 ladies make it a Night to RememberChestnut Tree House, which has really made a difference to the lives of the children and families using our services.

If you have been inspired by this year’s event you can register now for next year’s walk, which will take place on Saturday 20 May. Register before 11 March 2017 for the early-bird fee (£15 instead of £20). Sign up today at www.nighttoremember.org.uk/cth.

Sally Gunnell OBE, Olympian and

Chestnut Tree House Patron, is taking part

in the Chestnut to Paris Cycle Challenge – pictured here on a training ride with her

fellow cyclists.

10

The Sussex 100 is back for its third year! On Sunday 25 September 2016 our cyclists will take to the roads of East Sussex to ride a scenic but challenging 32, 66 or 103 kilometres, raising vital funds for Chestnut Tree House. We’d like to say a huge ‘good luck’ from everyone here at Chestnut Tree House to all our cycling fundraisers who are taking part. If you know someone who is taking part, or would like to offer your support, please do come along and cheer the cyclists across the finish line at Plumpton Race Course.

Good luck to our Sussex 100 riders

Thank you to our Littlehampton 10k runners…Thank you, thank you, thank you! To each and every one of our incredible runners who ran for us in the Chestnut Tree House Littlehampton 10k, which took place on 11 September 2016. This year’s newly improved route was a roaring success and a great day was had by all the participants. We look forward to welcoming you back next year!

… and to our Brighton Marathon runnersOn behalf of everyone at Chestnut Tree House, thank you to everyone who chose to support us in a great weekend

of running at the Brighton Marathon this year. By running for us, you have helped to improve the lives of children with life-shortening illnesses in Sussex and South East Hampshire.

Beginners and experienced runners from all over Sussex and further afield put their best foot forward to run the BM10k and the full 26.2 mile Brighton Marathon, now the second biggest marathon in the UK, to raise thousands of pounds for Chestnut Tree House.

Our 300-strong team of amazing runners, who have trained for several months to complete this challenge, raised a staggering total of almost £90,000. This will provide care for the children and families we support for 13 days, both at the hospice and out in the community.

Feeling inspired? We have charity places available for both the BM10k and the full Brighton Marathon, which will take place on Sunday 9 April 2017. Or if you already have your own place, why not join our team? Visit www.chestnut-tree-house.org.uk/brightonmarathon to find out more.

Chestnut’s Challenges

C hestnut Tree House has joined up with other hospices across the south east to invite you to The

Big Get Together in October! This is a wonderful opportunity to get your friends, family or colleagues together and have fun, while raising money for local hospice care.

The best part is that you decide what sort of hospice-tality you offer – whether it’s cocktails and canapés, a poker night, having a dinner party or just a good old gossip! You can also choose the date for your Big Get Together. All we ask is that your guests donate to Chestnut Tree House to help us continue to provide our valuable service to children and young people across Sussex with life-shortening illnesses.

For more information and to sign up, visit www.TheBigGetTogether.org.uk/cth.

Bonne chance to our Chestnut to Paris cyclists

Love running? Why not take part in one of our brilliant Chestnut Tree House running challenges?

Every year, thousands of lovely, energetic supporters take part in everything from 10ks to mud runs and marathons. Why not

get a group together? You can run all year round at an event near you. For more information about all the running events you can take part in for us, please visit www.chestnut-tree-house.org.uk/run – don’t delay because there really is something for everyone!

Run for us

11

Chestnut Tree House currently cares for more than 300 children with life-shortening illnesses and the care costs of supporting these children and their families are around £3.5 million every year. Less than 7% of this funding comes from statutory sources. One special way in which many people choose to

support Chestnut Tree House is by leaving a gift in their Will. In fact, the care provided to one in four of the children we help is made possible thanks to gifts in Wills. Whatever the size, every gift makes a real difference to the lives of these children and their families, and we are so incredibly thankful to everyone who chooses to support us in this way.

Throughout October a number of local solicitors’ firms have kindly offered appointments to write or update a standard Will in return for a suggested donation to Chestnut Tree House. This offer does not oblige you to include a gift in your Will to Chestnut Tree House, but we hope that you may consider us once you have provided for your loved ones.

Details about our Will Writing Appeal and all participating solicitors are on our website at www.chestnut-tree-house.org.uk/willwritingappeal. Alternatively, call Judith Owen-Philips on 01903 706330 or email wills@chestnut-tree-house.org.uk for more information.

Volunteering at events is a fun way to support our vital work. Could you spare a few hours to help? Here are some of the opportunities coming up.

2016Beauty Treatments DayServing refreshmentsAwareness/fundraising stand

Saturday 1 October 201610am–2pm2pm–6pm

Grosvenor CasinoBrighton

ESK WarehouseBag Packing

Saturday 8 October 2016Saturday 10 Dec 20169:30 am - 1.30pm1:30pm - 5:30pm

ESKCourtlands RoadEastbourne

Bright10Cheering on the team

Sunday 16 October 20169am–midday

Brighton

Firework ShowAwareness standBucket collectionsSelling glow products

Saturday 22 October 20165pm–9pm

Jubilee FieldsBillingshurst

Great South RunCheering on the runners

Sunday 23 October 201611am–2pm

SouthseaHampshire

Beachy Head MarathonMarshallingWater stop

Saturday 29 October 2016Shifts available between 9am and 3pm

Beachy Head& surrounding areaEastbourne

Snowman Spectacular BallPreparing the venueHelping with fundraising games and activities

Saturday 3 December 2016Daytime roles: midday–5pmEvening roles: 6pm–2am

Metropole HotelBrighton

2017Brighton Half MarathonCheering on the runnersRoute marshalsBag-drop marshals

Sunday 26 February 2017Shifts available between9am and 3pm (TBC)

Along the routeBrighton

Brighton MarathonCheering on the runnersBucket collections

Sunday 9 April 2017Shifts available between9am and 3pm (TBC)

Along the routeBrighton

Night To Remember midnight walkRoute marshalsServing refreshmentsHanding out medals

Saturday 20 May 2017Shifts available between 9pm (20 May) and 5am (21 May)

Sovereign CentreEastbourne

Will Writing Appeal

October 2016

Will Writing Appeal to support

Chestnut Tree House children’s

hospice

Volunteers

If you are interested in volunteering for any of

these roles, we would love to hear from you. Please

contact Angie Bacon, Fundraising Volunteer

Officer on 01903 706326 or email

fundraising-volunteers@stbh.org.uk

12

Rally driver and navigator, Claudine Bloom, and her co-driver, Andy Twort, received a stadium-sized welcome

home at the Amex after taking part in the gruelling 36 day, 8,500 mile Peking to Paris Endurance Car Rally.

The intrepid duo set off on 12 June in ‘Amy Amazon’, their 1965 Volvo Amazon car, with the intention of not only completing the tough course through desert and mountainous terrain, but also raising funds for Chestnut Tree House.

Claudine, aged 65, was a guest at our Snowman Spectacular Ball last December in Brighton and was so moved by hearing about the hospice’s work caring for children with life-shortening illnesses right across Sussex, that she decided that she would do the rally to raise funds to continue this vital service for local families.

All the cars taking part in the Peking to Paris Rally had to be pre-1975 - Amy is a 1965 Volvo Amazon 122 model. She had her own Facebook page and was accompanied on the journey by hospice mascot, Chestnut Bear. Both car and bear sent reports, pictures and videos of their progress throughout the trip. As each team was only allowed to take what they could carry, they had to bring all their spares with them and be able to fix the car if it broke down. Apart from having a leak in the fuel tank, Amy Amazon remained in good shape throughout the rally, coming through to take 14th place overall, 3rd place in their class and won a coveted gold medal for achieving every single one of their time trials.

Claudine says, “Wherever we went we took Chestnut Bear with us and

Rally drivers go the distance for Chestnut Tree House

For just £1 a week you get the chance to win £1,000 and help desperately ill

children live their lives.Sign up today at

www.chestnutlottery.org.uk or call 01903 871841 or 871842

Players must be over 16. Manager responsible: S Smith. St Barnabas Hospices (Sussex) Ltd is licensed by the Gambling Commission

www.gamblingcommission.gov.uk

Keeping in touch

We love keeping you updated with all the news about Chestnut Tree House and how you can get involved. However, if

you wish to stop or adjust the frequency or type of communications you receive

from Chestnut Tree House, you can simply call us on 01903 706327 or email us at enquiries@chestnut-tree-house.org.uk

We promise that we will never pass on your details to any other

party at any time.

everyone from the children to the Mongolian monks wanted to know about him and the hospice. He had his photo taken numerous times and was featured twice on Russian TV – he helped open a lot of conversations so really did help spread the word about the wonderful work Chestnut Tree House does caring for children with life-shortening illnesses.

“All in all, it was a mind-blowingly amazing experience and I would do it all again in a heartbeat.”

You can read all about their amazing achievement on Amy Amazon’s Facebook page and it’s not too late to support Claudine, Andy, Amy and Chestnut Bear – they are keeping their JustGiving page open for a little longer - www.justgiving.com/Amy-Amazon.

13

ThanksThanks

ThanksThanks Thanks

ThanksThanks

Thanks

ThanksThanksThanks

Thanks Thanks Thanks

ThanksThanksThanks Thanks

Thanks

Sussex Police in Lewes for

raising £1,710 through their swimming event.

McColl’s in Ringmer for raising £607.68 through their

instore promotions.

Loch Employment Law for choosing us as their charity of the year and raising £535 so

far this year.

Heart and Hospice Hikers for

raising £1,197.50 from their

five-day, 100 mile walk from

Winchester to Eastbourne.

Herbert Scott in Lewes for choosing us as their charity of the year and raising £319 so

far this year.

Andrews estate agents, Eastbourne, who have raised

£904.89.

And all our corporate volunteers for volunteering at

the House and at our Retail Distribution Centre.

Avios for taking on the Store Wars challenge in our Bognor, Uckfield and Brighton shops.

Roche for donating over 120 charity bags for us to stock our charity shops.

Willmott Dixon for taking on

their Cobham Challenge in the Lake District in June.

Paul and Annette Jones for organising their annual golf day and raising over £10,000.

Eurotherm for choosing us as one of their charity partners

for the next two years.

Pyroban for choosing to support us as their charity

of the year partner, and the team who took part in a

cycling challenge in Belguim raising over £1,000.

Technetix for paying for two

‘Pay for a Days’ this year as well as the team raising

over £7,700 through various

activities to pay for another

day, making three days in total this year.

Sadly we don’t have enough space here to thank everybody but here are just a few we would like to mention. Our heartfelt thanks go to everyone who supports Chestnut Tree House.

14

Events DiaryThanksThanks

Thanks

ThanksThanks

Thanks ThanksThanks

We have got an action-packed diary of events.

Saturday 1 October 2016Beauty Treatments Day Grosvenor Casino, Brighton, 10am–1pmAn opportunity to be pampered by beautician students and raise money for local charities, including Chestnut Tree House.For more details, contact Maria Lloyd at BC Beauty, maria@bcbeautytraining.co.uk.

Friday 14 October 2016Sporting LunchGoodwood Hotel, near Chichester, middayFormer international football goalkeeper Ray Clemence will be the guest speaker at the Paul Jones Sporting Lunch. £45 per person or a table of ten at £400.To book your place, please call Paul Jones on 07739 250195 or email sportsmanslunch@hotmail.co.uk.

Sunday 16 October 2016Sponsored Swim in aid of Chestnut Tree House Roedean School, Brighton, 9amOrganised by Rottingdean and Saltdean Lions Club. For a sponsorship form contact Mr I Christie, ian_christie@yahoo.co.uk.

Saturday 22 October 2016 Quiz Night St Mary’s Centre, Felpham, Bognor Regis, 6.15pm for 6.45pmOrganised by Bognor Regis Friends of Chestnut Tree House. For tickets (£10 including ploughman’s supper) contact Paula Puleston on 01243 584843.

Saturday 22 October 2016Billingshurst FireworksJubilee Fields, Billingshurst, 6pm–9pmTickets - pre event £5 and £4; on the gate: £6 and £5. Please contact Tony Priestly on 07889 357336.

Saturday 5 November 2016Christ’s Hospital Winter ConcertSt Marys Church, Horsham, 7.30pmA performance by Christ’s Hospital Choral Society. Chestnut Tree House will be serving refreshments. For more information contact the Fundraising Team on 01903 871820.

Saturday 10 December 2016Christmas Flower DemonstrationPagham Village Hall, Pagham Road, Bognor Regis, 2pmOrganised by Bognor Regis Friends of Chestnut Tree House. Tickets (£12 including afternoon tea) can be purchased from Paula Puleston, 01243 584843. Friday 6 January and Saturday 7 January 2017Sleeping Beauty Clymping Village Hall, 7.30pm–10.30pm The Nineveh House Players’ annual panto is always a sell-out. Their shows are huge fun, with lots of laughs and always have a twist. Suitable for the whole family.For tickets and more information contact panto Producer and Director Trevor Wyatt on 01903 889816, or call into Nineveh House Antique Centre, Tarrant Street, Arundel.

Saturday 25 February 2017Picture Perfect Moment Winter BallGrand Hotel, Brighton, from 6.30pmPicture Perfect Moment invites you to join British singer-songwriter Beverley Craven and ‘Still Drifting’, featuring Ray Lewis (former lead singer of The Drifters), at their Winter Ball. Includes a champagne reception, three-course meal, evening entertainment, raffle, silent auction and disco finale. Tickets from £75 per person. For tickets and more details please contact 0800 0935501 or tickets@pictureperfectmoment.co.uk.

Air Partner for raising £3,692.82 through staff

fundraising and the company’s match funding

scheme.

Boots at The Crumbles, Eastbourne for raising £55.52.

And all our corporate volunteers for volunteering at

the House and at our Retail Distribution Centre.

Rob and Anna Dowling for organising the Oliver’s Wish

Rugby Festival and Family Fun Day and all the event sponsors and supporters.

The event raised an amazing £7,000.

GSK for choosing us as their 2016 charity of the year

partner.

Why not make it a date?Come along

15

Thank you to Wisden’s Packaging Ltd in Peacehaven for generously producing these lovely money boxes for us. Pick one up from our Chestnut Tree House shops or call the Fundraising Team on 01903 871820, pop your spare change in and just bring your box back to us when it’s full.

Email: fundraising@chestnut-tree-house.org.ukwww.chestnut-tree-house.org.uk Registered charity no. 256789

Please send me details on supporting the hospice with a gift in my Will

I would like to give regularly to Chestnut Tree HousePlease pay Chestnut Tree House the sum of: £5 £12 £25 £50 other £ Monthly Direct Debits are deducted on the 6th of each month or nearest working day thereafter.Now please complete the Direct Debit mandate at the bottom of the page

Please send me information on the Chestnut Tree House Circle of Friends

For every donation we receive, we send a letter acknowledging receipt and thanking the giver. We are delighted to do this, but if you would prefer us not to send an acknowledgement, please tick this box

I would like to give a gift of: £ I/We enclose a cheque payable to Chestnut Tree House OR Please debit my/our credit/debit card

Card type:

Card number:

Valid from: / Expiry date: / Issue number (Maestro only):

3 digit security code: Signature(s): Date: / /

Funds raised will be used in accordance with the aims of the charity as set out in its governing document, namely to promote the relief of sickness and suffering.

Your details are held on our database and we will contact you from time to time. We promise that we will never pass on your details to any other party at any time. If you wish to stop or adjust the frequency or type of communications you receive from Chestnut Tree House, you can simply call us on 01903 706327 or email us at info@stbh.org.uk. Or, if you prefer to never hear from Chestnut Tree House again, tick here.

Your details

Title First Name Surname

Address

Postcode

Email

Telephone

For every pound that you donate to Chestnut Tree House we can collect 25p from the taxman.

I confirm that I am a UK Income or Capital Gains taxpayer. I have read this statement and want St Barnabas Hospices (Sussex) Ltd to reclaim 25p of tax on every £1 that I have given on this date, in the past four years and in the future. I understand that if I pay less Income Tax and/or Capital Gains Tax than the amount of Gift Aid claimed on all my donations in that tax year, it is my responsibility to pay any difference.

Signature(s): ____________________Date: ____ / ____ / _______

I am not a UK taxpayer

Instruction to your Bank or Building Society to pay by Direct Debit

Date

Signature(s)

Name(s) of Account Holder(s)

St Barnabas Hospices (Sussex) Ltd, Chestnut Tree House, Titnore Lane, Worthing, West Sussex, BN12 6NZ

Please fill in the whole form including official use box using a ball point pen and send it to:

Branch Sort Code

Bank/Building Society account numberInstruction to your Bank or Building SocietyPlease pay St Barnabas Hospices (Sussex) Ltd. Direct Debits from the account detailed in this Instruction subject to the safeguards assured by the Direct Debit Guarantee. I understand that this Instruction may remain with St Barnabas Hospices (Sussex) Ltd and, if so, details will be passed electronically to my Bank/Building Society.

Name and full postal address of your Bank or Building SocietyTo: The Manager Bank/Building Society

Address

Postcode

Banks and Building Societies may not accept Direct Debit Instructions for some types of account.

6 9 3 2 7 3

Originator’s Identification Number

Reference Number (For office use only)

Make a gift

NW

SAU

T

• This Guarantee is offered by all banks and building societies that accept instructions to pay Direct Debits• If there are any changes to the amount, date or frequency of your Direct Debit St Barnabas Hospices (Sussex) Ltd

will notify you 10 working days in advance of your account being debited or as otherwise agreed. If you request St Barnabas Hospices (Sussex) Ltd to collect a payment, confirmation of the amount and date will be given to you at the time of the request.

• If an error is made in the payment of your Direct Debit, by St Barnabas Hospices (Sussex) Ltd or your bank or building society, you are entitled to a full and immediate refund of the amount paid from your bank or building society – If you receive a refund you are not entitled to, you must pay it back when St Barnabas Hospices (Sussex) Ltd asks you to.

• You can cancel a Direct Debit at any time by simply contacting your bank or building society. Written confirmation may be required. Please also notify us.

This guarantee should be detached and retained by the payerThe Direct Debit Guarantee

I wish to make this donation in memory of

If you would like to find out more about the care we provide, how to fundraise or becoming a volunteer, we would love to hear from you.

Please contact us

Registered charity no. 256789

Like our Chestnut Tree House Facebook page

Follow us on Twitter @ChestnutSussex

Chestnut Tree House, Dover Lane, Poling, Arundel, West Sussex, BN18 9PX. Tel: 01903 871800Chestnut Tree House East Sussex Office, Unit 4 Pacific House, Sovereign Harbour Innovation Park1 Easter Island Place, Eastbourne, East Sussex, BN23 6FA. Tel: 01323 725095

16Please return the complete form to: Freepost RSLL-CHXE-CGZR, Chestnut Tree House, 2 Titnore Lane, Goring-by-Sea, WORTHING, BN12 6NZ