Spring 2018 Chestnuts The newsletter from Chestnut Tree House Rebecca’s story

ebecca Torricelli is 18 years old and has spinal muscular atrophy (SMA), a condition of the muscles and nervous system that affects around one in 8,000 people. She has never walked or crawled and hasR always been in a wheelchair. Her condition affects her mobility, swallowing and respiratory system. Rebecca’s lungs are so susceptible to infection that a simple cold can lead to pneumonia and hospitalisation and her ability to swallow has deteriorated so much that she can now only eat puréed food. But despite all this, Rebecca, who is an extraordinary young lady, considers herself lucky: children with the most severe form of her condition rarely survive past infancy. She has kindly shared her story with us. “I can’t put into words what an amazing place it is and can only imagine what a haven it must have been for my parents.”

I have been going to Chestnut Tree House since I was five years old. I was one of the first children to ever attend the hospice just after it was set up. Beforehand there was nowhere for struggling families to turn, and I can’t put into words what an amazing place it is and can only imagine what a haven it must have been for my parents. I was diagnosed with SMA type 1 when I was 15 months old, and my parents were originally told that I would lose all movement and muscle strength, so that I couldn’t even move my arms or head; I would not live past two years old. Can you even begin to contemplate how heart-breaking that must have been for my parents? However, my type was misdiagnosed, But with my brother and I, and my Dad constantly away on and I was eventually re-diagnosed with SMA type 2, with the business, she hit breaking point. A severe bout of pneumonia prognosis that although there would be a tough road ahead, led to me being put on bipap (an overnight masked ventilator). I could live well into my adulthood with advanced medical This was the last straw that made the hospitals realise that assistance. intervention was needed. A care package was organised for Up to the age of five, I was in and out of hospital five me so that my mother would be able to simply be a mother to or more times a year with viruses that led to pneumonia. In our family, as opposed to my full-time caregiver. between all this I gained a little brother when I was three. My This was also when we were introduced to Chestnut Tree mum has always fought harder than anyone I have ever known House. I can’t remember going when I was younger, but I and she tried to make it work for us for as long as she could. know it so well now. Continues on p2

1 Rebecca was our guest speaker at Continued from p1 our 10th Snowman Spectacular Ball in December 2017. She received a standing ovation.

And I see young children there all the time with their families. You can physically see the relief on the parents’ faces to know that, even just for a weekend, they can let go. And when the child comes in with their siblings, you see the eyes of the brothers and sisters light up, because they have mummy and daddy’s full attention. “… it is rare to find somewhere of sanctuary… and that is what Chestnut Tree House is like for me and my family.”

As we grew up and my family evolved, we continued to look forward to our little breaks at Chestnut Tree House. When I was eight my little sister entered the world, and as she grew she would tell everyone that she was going on holiday, which is what she saw Chestnut as. I mean, what isn’t there for a four-year-old to love? The massive garden with swings and a roundabout, toys and trucks and bikes, where you can watch the horses galloping in their fields on the other side of the fence. The dressing-up stand where my sister would give fashion shows of Minnie Mouse and princess costumes. The sensory room with its tranquil lights and lava lamps. To this day my 14-year-old, testosterone-filled brother even still enjoys going, mainly because they have every electronic device and online gaming system you can imagine! In February 2011, at the age of 12, I had spinal surgery – a seven-hour procedure to fuse two metal rods onto my spine to make my back as straight as possible. The operation has dramatically improved everyday aspects of my life; I no longer have to wear a body brace, which I had to wear for at least 12 hours a day, my lung is no longer being crushed which has greatly improved my respiratory efforts, and I can now wear pretty tops without having to worry that they will expose my brace, Rebecca and family which is of course very important. This life-changing operation most likely couldn’t have gone ahead if we hadn’t been able to stay at Chestnut for the two weeks sanctuary. Where you can escape, or if not escape, forget, prior to my surgery to ensure I was well enough to have the most of your worries and breathe a sigh of relief that you operation. It provided me with a hygienic, calm, fun place to have somewhere to go in your hour of need. And that’s what rest, where I could prepare for surgery, but also be distracted Chestnut is like for me and my family. from the difficult times that I would soon encounter. The I will never be able to say my life is easy. There are so hospice also enhanced my recovery by offering monthly many things I wish I could change, as much for my family as hydrotherapy sessions in the pool and I still go every month to for me, but I am so lucky to have what I do; loving friends help maintain my muscle flexibility and strength. and family, amazing experiences and memories, and my mind, I am one of the most able of those that attend Chestnut which is more important to me than any physical strength I and when I’m there, I see so many children who have so many could possess. There is so much I want to achieve in my life, different complex needs. I’ll go along the corridors and see a go to university, become a journalist, travel, have my own star on one of the doors, knowing that they are living their last house, a family one day. And who knows how much of that few hours on this earth, and I’m not stupid, I know that the I will achieve? There are so many things that my condition tiny baby in her pushchair, with minute oxygen, feeding and has taken, and will take away from me – my mobility, my suction tubes, most likely won’t survive the week. innocence, and eventually my life. But I go through all of this, In a world that is full of obstacles and uncertainty, knowing I am loved, who I am, and what I am capable of. And it is rare but imperative to find somewhere of that is invaluable.

2 What’s been happening at Chestnut Tree House? e are very fortunate at Chestnut Tree House to have a large cinema-style screen. This year we decided to make use of this facility and introduce a Cinema Club for the families who Wuse the hospice. Many of our families find it difficult to go to the cinema because of the need for wheelchair spaces and their children’s medical needs. We offer a range of movies suitable Cinema for all ages with the option of an early and late performance, complete with popcorn and snacks, enabling our families to Club have a proper cinema experience and enjoy the simple pleasure of watching a movie together. Sussex Police’s year of support Sussex Police have raised over £33,000 throughout the year with many different events including cake sales, dress down days, 24-hour runs, five- a-side football tournaments, golf days, abseils and quiz nights to name just a e were delighted that few. They also organised activity days Sussex Police chose to for the children and siblings, including support Chestnut Tree a police and fire activity day at the House as their charity of hospice and a family day for under Wthe year in 2017. 12s held at the police headquarters Chief Constable Giles York says, “I’m in Lewes. Families were able to sit on chance to fly drones and race remote really pleased to be supporting such a police motorbikes and go for a ride in a controlled cars. Finally, there were worthy and deserving cause and was police Jeep! A fire engine was also there Christmas parties, where Giles York really moved by my visit to the hospice. for the children to sit in. even made a special appearance as Having seen first-hand the fantastic In October the team put on a drone Father Christmas! facilities provided by Chestnut Tree flying event where the children and We would like to say a massive thank House I was particularly keen to help young people saw a demonstration you to Sussex Police for all their hard raise awareness of this charity.” of the police drone and then had the work and support during the year. Time of reflection Partnership with e held two remembrance events in December for Children and the Arts parents, carers and families e formed another great relationship last year whose children have been thanks to Children and the Arts. This national Wcared for by Chestnut Tree House and charity is running a three-year programme to who have sadly died. We were pleased fund joint work between children’s hospices to welcome nine families to the event at Wand local art venues, and we were approached by Deans Place in Alfriston, East Sussex, and 28 families to the Jerwood Gallery in Hastings to be their partner. Wiston House event in West Sussex. After two pilot days in the spring we have As well as Christmas carols, poems and stories, there were started a three-year partnership with craft activities including making angels and decorating fridge the gallery. They have organised magnets and ceramic hearts. days for our families to visit the There was also time for families to pause, to reflect and to gallery when it is closed on a look at their own pages in our memorial books. Candles were Monday, providing lots of sensory dedicated for parents to take away and light at a special time and craft activities for the whole family over the Christmas period in memory of their children. to have a go at. The families left with their Thank you to everyone involved in these special and own artwork in big books or on canvas to hang poignant occasions including the two choirs – the singers from on the wall. The gallery team are planning more All Saints church in Hove at Dean's Place, and Concerts for family days and days for siblings Causes at Wiston. this year.

3 This year we will be celebrating Chestnut Tree House’s 15th birthday – 15 years of caring for children and young people with life-shortening conditions, and their families, in East and West Sussex and South East Hampshire.

ur story began in 1999 when it was realised that young babies, and there was little or no provision for children and we are caring for young people in Sussex who needed specialist children with much hospice care. The Chestnut Tree Trust was more complex formedO and an appeal was launched to build a children’s needs than ever hospice for Sussex. The local community got behind the before. We have project and raised the £5 million needed for us to realise our introduced our dream of a purpose-built hospice where children and young Youth Groups and people could receive the care they so desperately needed. expanded our In November 2003, HRH Princess Alexandra officially Community Team opened Chestnut Tree House. At that time we were caring to provide more for just 30 children. Now, 15 years later, the demand for our care for families in the comfort of their own services has increased dramatically. To meet that demand, we homes. In our 15th birthday year, we are now helping around have introduced new services such as our oncology service 300 children and families. for children with cancer and our neonatal service for very 15th Birthday Patrons e have got lots of exciting things planned Joining The Snowman™, we are delighted to have 12 for our 15th birthday and to kick off the other birthday Patrons for 2018, who will support and advise year of celebrations we have invited a group the charity, each contributing in their own way. of birthday Patrons to support our work Paralympic equestrian champion Natasha Baker MBE throughoutW the year, alongside our existing Patrons. Author Julia Donaldson and her husband Dr Malcolm Raymond Briggs CBE has been a Patron of Chestnut Tree Donaldson House for over a decade and now his much-loved Snowman Singer and songwriter Chesney Hawkes character (who turns 40 in 2018) will also help promote East Sussex Ambassadors Jacquie and Barry Hinves our work, helping people understand the vital care services Model, racing driver and TV presenter Jodie Kidd we provide and to see beyond the word ‘hospice’. The ArtistLester Magoogan themes and emotions of The International polo player and captain of the US polo team Snowman™ story – emphasising Nic Roldan happy times and creating Footballer and captain of Brighton & Hove Albion FC memories rather than the sad Bruno Saltor ending – make The Snowman Singer, pianist and songwriter Joe Stilgoe the ideal ambassador for a Businessman Matt Turner children’s hospice, where the “Our Patrons are great ambassadors for Chestnut Tree focus is on providing wonderful House, offering us a range of support and advice,” says Linda care, experiences and precious Perry, the hospice’s Director of Children’s Services. “We look memories of happy times forward to working with our honorary 15th birthday Patrons together. during 2018.”

4 15 challenges for our 15th birthday s we celebrate our 15th birthday, we would love opened Chestnut Tree House on 11 November 2003, people of all ages across Sussex and South East and we could not have helped 833 children and families Hampshire to take on a challenge to mark this over the last 15 years without the help and support of the special year. From events and activities, to small local community. Without people taking on challenges, actionsA that make a big difference, there is something for fundraising, making donations, volunteering or pledging everyone. Choose a challenge, live for the now, and help us gifts in wills, we simply wouldn’t be able to continue to continue caring for local life-limited children and families. providing the specialist care that is vital to so many children Make this a year for taking a leap. For crossing the finish line. and young people in Sussex and South East Hampshire. For doing something you never thought you could. “To everyone who has helped us Take a look at these amazing events and take on a over the last 15 years, I would challenge. For yourself. For your company. For local families. like to say a heartfelt thank you Take on a challenge For living. For the now. from all the children, families and Pick one, two or Director of Children’s Services Linda Perry says, “A staff at Chestnut Tree House.” even take on all 15! lot has changed since HRH Princess Alexandra officially 1 2 3 4 5

Let 15 people know about our Test your nerve on our Open Days, taking place on incredible 15th birthday abseil Share our social media pages Sign up 15 sponsors (or more) Friday 5 and Saturday 6 October at Arundel Castle in September Dig deep and donate £15 with 15 friends for your next big challenge 6 7 8 9 10

Chase Santa around the school Invite 15 friends over for a Big Give 15 hours through playground on a 15-lap Reindeer Get your heart pumping with 15 Get Together barbeque, cocktail Shout ‘Geronimo!’ on a 15,000 volunteering Run runs in our 15th year or movie night ft skydive 11 12 13 14 15

Collect 15 things to donate to Spread the word by telling 15 your local Chestnut Tree House Challenge your workmates to fill friends about Chestnut Tree Feel lucky with our Lottery – Enter a team in our 15th shop up 15 charity bags between you House sign up and tell 15 friends birthday mud run in July Chestnut Tree House Open Days – you’re invited! n Friday 5 and Saturday can see our wonderful care facilities available on both 6 October we will be and explore our beautiful gardens, days. Just come celebrating our 15th including our wheelchair-accessible along between birthday by throwing Woodland Walk. There will be a 10am and 4pm openO our doors and inviting people chance to meet the Care Team who and find out for from across the region to come and do such a wonderful job looking after yourself what see what a special place the hospice the children and families. a difference is! Everybody is welcome. There will There’s no need to book and Chestnut Tree House makes to local be tours of the House, where you parking and refreshments are children and families!

5 A Snowma n-tastic Christmas for Chestnut Tree House!

o celebrate a decade of friendship with The Snowman™, and with his creator and our Patron and friend Raymond Briggs CBE, we spent the weeks before Christmas out and about with The Snowman™, Tculminating in our 10th Snowman™ Spectacular Ball in Brighton. He took a flight on the British Airways i360, before travelling on a special edition Snowman™ bus (courtesy of the lovely people at Brighton & Hove Buses) to Brighton’s Royal Pavilion, where he stepped out on the ice. He also made The entries were judged by appearances at the Brighton Christmas a panel at Chestnut Tree lights switch-on, Crawley County Mall House with Raymond Briggs Shopping Centre, Crawley Town Football Club choosing the final two winners – six-year-old and Churchill Square in Brighton, and greeted our Luca Wawrzyniak and ten-year-old Caleb Edser, both from guests at the Snowman Spectacular Ball. Brighton. Each winner received a Sony digital camera, £100 to The Snowman™ then visited Chestnut Tree House to spend on Penguin Random House books, and a copy of The meet our Christmas card competition winners. Hundreds Snowman™ book signed by Raymond Briggs. Their designs will of children from Sussex and South East Hampshire entered also feature in Chestnut Tree House’s 2018 Christmas card our first ever snowman-themed Christmas card competition. range. Snowman Spectacular Ball n its tenth year, our Snowman Spectacular Ball on The £566,025 raised Saturday 2 December at the Hilton Brighton Metropole on the night will pay raised a staggering £566,025, more than ever before, for nearly 12 weeks thanks to the generosity of our 564 guests. of care both at the IThe Snowman™ himself was there to meet and greet hospice and in guests and to deliver a special message from Raymond families’ own homes. Briggs, which was read out by our host Danny Pike from BBC We would like to Sussex: thank our headline “I am delighted that my Snowman has helped Chestnut Tree sponsors, Green House raise so much money over the last ten years to provide People and Leaders, care for so many local children and families. I am sure the tenth as well as Classic Snowman Spectacular Ball will be amazing and I hope the guests Consulting, Creative Pod, will give generously to enable Chestnut Tree House to continue ECE Architecture, E3, Gemini its vital work in our local community.” Raymond Briggs Print, Gusto Wines, Hilton Brighton The highlight of the evening was undoubtedly the Metropole, Juice 107.2, Oliver & Graimes, heartfelt speech by 18-year-old Rebecca Torricelli, who Platinum Business Magazine, Shoreham Vehicle Auctions, spoke about what Chestnut Tree House means to her and Signature Flight and Sussex Life. Thank you too to all our her family. fantastic volunteers and everyone involved in the ball. Snowman Spectacular Christmas Appeal ver 2,700 generous people responded to our families’ own homes across Sussex and Snowman Spectacular Christmas Appeal and South East Hampshire. You also sent the story of the care we provided for Heidi and in hundreds of the little decorations Eloise, the two tiny daughters of Victoria and enclosed with the appeal, which we put Lewis,O who sadly died at Chestnut Tree House. Together up at the House over Christmas for all you have donated £120,762 to date, smashing our target of the children and families to read and £116,450 to pay for all our care over the Christmas period. enjoy. Thank you so much to everyone This is the equivalent of more than 17 days of all Chestnut who took part and helped make it a truly Tree House’s care services, both at the hospice and in spectacular Christmas.

6 The Snowman™ © Snowman Enterprises Ltd 2018 CORPORATE The ‘one and only’ NEWS Chesney Hawkes pays a visit

he cast of Snow White recently Technetix paid a visit Tto Chestnut Tree donate House to meet the children and staff. Dressed as overlbourne-based £13,000 technology solutions company their characters in Technetix have supported our work since 2010, and the production, have donated funds to ‘Pay for a Day’ of care at Chesney Hawkes Chestnut Tree House (£6,850). But since 2016 they (Prince Benedict), haveA increased this to two days, donating a massive £13,700 Cassie Compton (Snow White) and the CBeebies duo to the charity annually. Richard David-Caine (‘Orrible Herman) and Joseph Elliott Company founder and Chief Executive Officer Paul (Muddles) arrived at the House. They were given a tour, Broadhurst is a long-term supporter and feels a real affinity led at first by staff members, until one of the children towards working with a local charity. Paul says, “The care that decided to take over and gave them the grand tour of the Chestnut Tree House provides to life-limited children is so entire House! We are delighted that Chesney Hawkes important. But it doesn’t just stop there. They provide support has kindly agreed to be one of our 15th birthday Patrons and care for the whole family, helping them through the most during 2018. difficult of times. For me personally, and for us as a company, it is wonderful to be able to donate funds to a charity that really makes a difference to our local community.” Sarah Colbourne, Head of Fundraising at Chestnut Tree House, says, “The support of people like Paul and companies like Technetix is invaluable to us. Paying for two days of care is extremely generous, and members of the team also give up their time to volunteer at the house, helping out in the garden. We are so grateful for their ongoing support.”

Get Festive Business

e saw some fantastic Breakfasts festive fundraising this Christmas thanks to ur breakfast events our Get Festive campaign and our Reindeer are a chance to Runs. We asked you to Get Festive by hear inspirational Wwearing Christmas jumpers, dressing up as Santa or simply speakers, meet great doing some festive fundraising for Chestnut Tree House. newO contacts and find out how Over 55 businesses, large and small, took part, together your business can benefit from with schools, groups and individuals, and together you partnering with us. As well as raised a fantastic £5,864.94, with money still coming in. enjoying a full English breakfast, tea, coffee and pastries, An amazing 59 schools, nurseries, colleges and groups you will hear about the latest developments at the children’s across Sussex and South East Hampshire took part in our hospice from our team of medical professionals. We would Reindeer Runs. Children hopped, skipped and jumped love you to bring a guest, perhaps someone new to Chestnut their way through the challenge, taking part in obstacle Tree House, so please invite a colleague and make sure you courses, laps around their school, Reindeer Rambles both bring plenty of business cards! To book your place at the and themed PE lessons. They have raised an incredible next networking breakfast at The Powder Mills Hotel, Battle, £65,000 so far, with money still coming in. Thank you so on Wednesday 18 April, please call the Corporate Team on much to everyone who took part. 01323 725095.

7 ake on a challenge to mark our 15th birthday. Every event makes a big difference. Choose your challenge, get a team together and help Events us make every now count. TAdventure-seeker or adrenaline junkie? Running mad or more of a weekend walker? Make this your WALK moment to jump, run, climb, cycle – or get really muddy… ABSEIL

Friday 1 – Sunday 10 CHALLENGE 2019 November 2019

ake on one of the world’s you’ll be creating your own special most iconic trekking trails moments and memories – going out with Chestnut Tree House. of your comfort zone, traversing peaks This classic Inca Trail in Peru and valleys and experiencing that life- encompassesT three mountain passes changing moment as you stand with n our 15th birthday year we are – the highest at 4,200m – as well as the lost city in your sights. really excited to announce that hiking through sub-tropical vegetation Join us on this mystical Inca trek in we have been given two special and cloud forest and summiting snow- 2019 and take on the challenge. For days at Arundel Castle and will capped peaks. The trekking will be yourself. For local children and families. Ibe offering an exclusive opportunity tough, but worth it when you reach the For living. For the now! to our supporters to abseil 180 feet unforgettable Machu Picchu. Places are very limited and down the iconic building on Friday 28 By trekking 52km on these participants must register in 2018 for and Saturday 29 September. Places are exhilarating trails, together you’ll be the trip which takes place in November limited. Join the waiting list before the raising enough money to pay for all 2019. Find out more from our Events end of February to be one of the first our care services at the hospice and Team or request a trip brochure by to be notified when registration opens: in families’ own homes for the entire emailing events@chestnut-tree-house. www.chestnut-tree-house.org.uk/ duration of the trip. Along the way, org.uk or calling 01323 725095. arundelabseil

CYCLE fter the huge success of the inaugural Hit the Downs MTB, this epic off-road cycling challenge returns again on Sunday 6 May. Starting at Windlesham House School, take on the rolling South Downs Way with Ride itsA amazing views, and test your endurance on the undulating course, which includes a multitude of tricky climbs and rapid LONDON downhill descents. Choose the cool 30 km route or challenge SUNDAY 29 JULY 2018 yourself to the impressive new 60 km route – either way you are Join us this summer and sign up for the RideLondon 100 guaranteed a thrilling day in the saddle. mile cycle challenge. The ride starts in the Queen Elizabeth Whether you are a seasoned cyclist or relatively new to Olympic Park, then follows closed roads through the capital two wheels, we will provide professional support on the day to and onto Surrey’s stunning country roads and hills before a help see you through to the finish line! fantastic finish along The Mall, with Buckingham Palace in Visit www.hitthedowns.org.uk to register before Sunday your sights. We’d love to have you on our team! 22 April for the event on 6 May.

8 RUN

BRIGHTON MARATHON 15TH BIRTHDAY Good luck to our fabulous runners taking part in the Brighton Marathon Weekend on Sunday 15 April! Whether LITTLEHAMPTON 10K you’re running the BM10k or taking part in the full Our annual Chestnut Tree House 10k is back for the 15th marathon, it will be a huge achievement and we can’t thank year running and will take place on Sunday 9 September. you enough for your support. It’s not too late to join us! If Whatever your running experience, this is perfect for you already have your own place in either run, you can still those who want to beat their personal best or just enjoy join the Chestnut Tree House team. You’ll the beautiful surroundings and buzzing receive a running vest, fundraising atmosphere. Come and support your pack, and lots of support on race local children’s hospice and help day. Find out more at www. us continue to deliver the chestnut-tree-house.org. care that our families uk/brightonmarathon need. or call the Events Team on 01903 706355. Make your run count!

RACE TO RAGNAR THE KING RELAY SATURDAY 23 JUNE – SATURDAY 22 AND SUNDAY 24 JUNE 2018 SUNDAY 23 SEPTEMBER 2018 A DOUBLE marathon – do you have Ten friends, 170-ish miles – an what it takes? Starting in Arundel and finishing overnight, unforgettable running relay! at Winchester Cathedral, Race to the King takes you along Run relay-style with a team of ten along the spectacular the stunning South Downs. You can walk, jog or run, and you south east coast this September. Starting in Maidstone, can either do it all in one go or camp over the weekend to you will run through quaint seaside towns and rolling fields, really make the most of where you are! From training guides enjoying ocean breezes and of course the beautiful White to transporting your bag to the finish line, we will be there to Cliffs. One runner hits the road at any one time and each support and cheer you on! team member will run three times, with each ‘leg’ ranging between 3 to 11 miles and varying in difficulty. You set your own team goals – make it competitive or make it as fun as possible. With a small amount of training, anyone can become a Ragnarian! To enter visit www.chestnut-tree- house.org.uk/ragnar

9 Shop news Shop news Shop news Shop news Shop news Shop news Shop news Shop news Having a spring clear-out? Our charity shops would love your donations!

We need the following good-quality You can drop your donations into items to sell in our shops: your local shop or bring them to our Clothing, shoes and accessories Donations and Distribution Warehouse Bric-a-brac during its opening hours, Monday to Electrical items Friday, 8.30am to 4.30pm. For more Books information and details about your local Toys and games shop visit www.chestnut-tree-house. CDs and DVDs org.uk/shops Some of our shops also take furniture, and larger items can be collected. Please T h a n k y o u! call 01903 275660, option 2, for more information.

Glitz and glamour comes to our Uckfield shop

hristmas may be over but we’re still in a party mood at our Uckfield shop. From Wednesday 14 February to Saturday 3 March, the shop will be filled with party, prom and dance dresses, plus shoes and accessories to make your perfect Coutfit. So come and party with us at 23 High Street, Uckfield, TN22 1AG, or call 01825 769912 for more information.

WIN £2,018 and support Chestnut Tree House! any Chestnut Tree House Our Community Team will make 1,500 supporters will have visits to these special families in their 12714 3155 143 received a book of 2018 own homes, enabling children to stay 12714 3155 143 Superdraw raffle tickets, in familiar surroundings where they feel Meither with this newsletter or through safe and comfortable. 12714 3155 143 the post in January. Are you in with a If you haven’t received your tickets chance to win? yet or would like some more, please Perf £1 Last year’s Superdraw raffle helped contact our Lottery Team on 01903 Perf per ticket£1 Sussex per ticket us to pay for nearly four full days of 871842 or email [email protected] Perf Superdraw2018 £1 per ticket Perf Sussex Superdraw2018 all the care services we provide at and you could be in with the chance of Sussex PerfFirst Prize Superdraw2018 Sussex 2018 Chestnut Tree House, both at the winning the top prize of £2,018! There’s Please print in full so that the winner can be easily contacted. Superdraw Perf £2,018First Prize Forename Sussex (Mr/Mrs/Ms/Miss) Affix personal address2018 Second Prize Surname Superdrawlabel here to speed Enter today to hospice and in the community. also a second prize of £500, a third prize Address your entry £500 support your Please print in full so that the winner can be easily contacted. £2,018 First Prize Enter today to Second Prize local hospice PostcodeForename Third Prize Every pound raised from the of £250 and five additional £50 prizes. (Mr/Mrs/Ms/Miss) SussexAffix personal address support your Surname label here to speed2018 Enter today to Tel no your entry local hospice (incl. area code) Superdraw £250£500 Address £2,018 support your Email 5 x runner-upThird Prize prizes Superdraw raffle is vital and we The draw takes place on Thursday 22 Keep this ticket portionlocal hospice Please print in full so that the winner can be easily contacted. Second Prize Please makePostcode cheques payable to St Barnabas Hospices Please return withForename payment before 15 MarchAffix 2018 personalto: address £50 (Mr/Mrs/Ms/Miss) £250 FREEPOSTTel noRRHE-JAAL-LRZB, St Barnabaslabel Hospices here to speed £500 Keep this ticket portion Sussex Superdraw(incl. areaSurname code) 2018, Barrow-In-Furness, LA14your 2PEentry Closing5 x date:runner-up 15 March prizes 2018. Draw date: 22 March 2018. know this support will be even more March so please join in and help us to RegisteredEmail Charity Address No. 256789 Third Prize Keep this ticket portion Please Returnmake cheques this payable ticket to St stub Barnabas Hospices £50 Please returnPostcode with payment before 15 March 2018 to: £250 important in 2018. This year, we’ll reach more local children and families FREEPOST RRHE-JAAL-LRZB, St Barnabas Hospices Sussex SuperdrawTel no 2018, Barrow-In-Furness, LA14 2PE Closing5 x date: runner-up 15 March prizes 2018. Draw date: 22 March 2018. (incl. area code) Registered Charity No. 256789 EmailReturn this ticket stub £50 provide care for over 300 children and who will call on us for care in the coming Please make cheques payable to St Barnabas Hospices Please return with payment before 15 March 2018 to: Closing date: 15 March 2018. Draw date: 22 March 2018. FREEPOST RRHE-JAAL-LRZB, St Barnabas Hospices Sussex Superdraw 2018, Barrow-In-Furness, LA14 2PE Registered Charity No. 256789 their families at Chestnut Tree House. year. Return this ticket stub

10 Shop news Shop news Shop news Shop news Shop newsVolunteers Shop news are Shop at newsthe heart Shop news of everything we do Volunteers really are at the heart of all our services and importantly, having fun! Volunteers help at the hospice we simply could not operate without the generous gift itself, in our shops and out in the community and we are of their time. As well as being able to make a difference always looking for more volunteers to join us in a variety to the work of the hospice, volunteers benefit from of different roles, so please help us to spread the word meeting new people, learning new skills and, most to your friends and family.

Sunday 4 March 2018 Saturday 11 and Sunday 12 August 2018 EASTBOURNE HALF MARATHON MEDIAEVAL JOUST Around the route in Eastbourne The Loxwood Meadow, Loxwood Shifts available between 9am and 2pm Shifts available 10am to 1.30pm or 1.30pm to 6pm Could you help us by being a route, registration or water stop marshal? Help us in the stocks or by assisting with the Pelt the Peasant activity. Dress code: mediaeval. Sunday 18 March 2018 HASTINGS HALF MARATHON Sunday 9 September 2018 Hastings seafront, Hastings CHESTNUT TREE HOUSE LITTLEHAMPTON 10K RUN Shifts available between 9am and 2pm Seafront and surrounding areas of Littlehampton Could you represent us and be in the start/finish area, become a route, Shifts available between 7am and midday registration or water stop marshal or perhaps join our Cheering Squad to Could you help us with route marshalling, serving refreshments or giving encourage our runners along? out medals?

Sunday 15 April 2018 Friday 5 and Saturday 6 October 2018 BRIGHTON MARATHON CHESTNUT TREE HOUSE OPEN DAYS Around the route in Brighton Chestnut Tree House, Dover Lane, near Arundel Shifts available between 9am and 4pm We need tour and room guides, car park marshals and help with serving Be part of our Cheering Squad or help on our awareness stand. refreshments.

Sunday 6 May 2018 Saturday 6 October 2018 HIT THE DOWNS MTB CYCLE RIDE VW CAMPER VAN LONDON-BRIGHTON RUN Starts at Windlesham House, route runs along the South Downs in West Madeira Drive, Brighton Sussex Bucket collections. Shifts available between 6am and 6pm Volunteer as a car parking, route or registration marshal, be part of our SQUIRREL MASCOT AND A MASCOT MINDER Cheering Squad or hand out medals. An ad hoc role – wherever required, daytime or evening appearances throughout the year. Sunday 3 June 2018 We are looking for adult volunteers to become our Squirrel Mascot, WORTHING 10K RUN someone who would love to wear a squirrel costume to promote the Worthing seafront hospice at events, interact with participants and spectators and pose for Shifts available between 7.30am and midday photos! We also need a ‘minder’ for the Squirrel Mascot, to look after We need your help with route marshalling, running the bag drop, being them, supervise audience interaction and ensure the mascot has the part of the Cheering Squad assisting with bucket collections or handing necessary breaks. out medals.

Saturday 9 and Sunday 10 June 2018 THE GREAT SUSSEX BATH RACE A private lake near Chichester Saturday 9 June 2018, 2pm to 7pm Helping to set up (this can be messy and lifting is required). Sunday 10 June 2018, shifts from 8am to midday, midday to 4pm, 4pm to 7pm Various roles during the event and taking everything down afterwards. For more details on any of these opportunities, please contact Angie Bacon on 01903 706326 or email [email protected]

11 Night to Remember takes a break ur annual ladies only midnight walk in Eastbourne will not take place this year, while we look for ways to make this successful and popular event even better. OThe Night to Remember event has taken place every year since 2010, raising over £550,000 for Chestnut Tree House. The proposed redevelopment of the Sovereign Registration is also now open for our Centre in Eastbourne means that the venue cannot be Inca Trek Challenge for 2019. guaranteed for 2018 and so we have taken the opportunity We would like to reassure our amazing walkers and to review the event. supporters in East Sussex that there will an event in East Last year’s event raised £62,000 for Chestnut Tree Sussex in future years. It’s been a tough decision to take a House, enough to cover the costs of 26 days of all our care break from Night to Remember for 2018, we know there in the community, caring for children with life-shortening will be disappointment among our loyal band of walkers conditions and their families in their own homes across as well as the hundreds of volunteers who donate their East and West Sussex and South East Hampshire. We still precious time each year. But we feel it is the right decision need to raise this money and we are looking for supporters and we will be offering a big event in East Sussex in 2019. to take on their own challenges to raise funds in 2018. In the meantime we hope that people in the county will For those who love to walk, the Friends of Sussex continue to support us in the fantastic way they have over Hospices’ Sussex Hospice Trail offers a variety of walking the past 15 years and help us to continue caring for local routes across the county. Supporters can walk as much children and families. or as little of it as they want, whenever they want, and If you would like to take on a challenge in 2018 to get sponsored. For a bigger challenge the South Coast replace your Night to Remember walk, then get in touch Challenge is a 25, 50 or 100km run, walk or jog across with the team by calling 01323 725095 or emailing the South Downs over the August bank holiday weekend. [email protected]

For just £1 a week you get the chance to win £1,000 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 [email protected]

We promise that we will never pass on your details to any other party to use for their own purposes.

12 Thanks Thanks Thanks Thanks Thanks ThanksThanks Thanks Thanks Thanks Thanks Thanks Thanks Thanks Thanks Thanks Thanks Thanks We wish we had enough space here to thank everybody who supports Chestnut Tree House, but here are just a few we would like to mention. Our heartfelt thanks go to the thousands of local people who help us in so many different ways. Thank you to: • 59 schools, groups and clubs across Sussex held their very • Nick Goldsmith spent a day collecting, own Reindeer Runs in December, and raised over £65,000 dressed as the Teletubby Laa-Laa, and for Chestnut Tree House! Thank you so much to everyone raised £34.56. who took part and we hope you all had lots of fun! • Barbara Hibbart took on our £50 • Natasha and Robert Sharpe’s Challenge and raised £200 by selling Halloween Display raised jewellery after taking part in a course. £153.54. • Jamie Alderton ran backwards for 24 • Little Arts auctioned a fully hours and raised £18,000. decorated Christmas Tree and raised £70. • Club Carrera Porsche track day at Goodwood Motor Circuit raised • South Coast Athletico walked £11,597.06. from Eastbourne to Hastings Pier and raised £330. • MCTA Radar and EW Team at Portsmouth donated £522.50 from • Kilndown Community Choir their fundraising. raised £545 by choosing Chestnut Tree House as one • Puddle Ducks swim school raised of the beneficiaries of their £3,068.61 from their sponsored Christmas and summer concerts. pyjama swims!

• Le Tennis raised £1,277.86 at • Langham Brewery donated various tournaments over the £784.24 from their Bonkers for year. Conkers event.

• Cabin • Slinfold Golf Club Seniors Section, Captain David Quilters Trowbridge, chose us as their charity of the year and made and raised £5,004. donated a beautiful quilt which is being used by our Community Care • Clive Hancocks and Dave Jenkins Team. completed the Wainwright Coast to Coast walk – 192 miles from St Bees • Knockhatch Adventure Park to Robin Hood’s Bay – in 16 days and supported us for the last year, raised raised £1,341. £3,058.88 and welcomed our Care Team to the park around 30 times. • Worshipful Master Keith Sullivan and the members of Manor Royal Lodge No • The Cliffe 8296, Crawley, donated £4,000 towards new equipment Collective for the hospice. raised £754.43 during the • Ifield Chestnut Housein Crawley Lewes Artwave once more ran the Pillars to Festival selling Plough sponsored walk and refreshments. raised over £10,000.

• The Rotary Club of Battle kindly • Brilliant Brighton’s Christmas donated £500 following a talk by lights switch-on raised Community Fundraiser Abi Harley. £527.10.

• Lewes Football Club made • Saltdean Lodge donated us their charity partner £600. for September; the Rooks helped us raise £361.99. • The ladies’ team at West Hove Golf Club and • The Old Loom Mill raised Chris Sherrington’s £700 from their Christmas charity bike ride raised Fayre and raffle. £1,195.94.

• Michelle Gurr donated 134 shoe boxes • James Ross’ Golf Day raised £1,625. of gifts for the children we look after from her friends and family.

13 Thanks Thanks Thanks Thanks Thanks Thanks Thanks Thanks Thanks Thanks Thanks Thanks Thanks • Hollingbury Park Golf Day raised • Pulborough Bowls Club Captain John and members raised £573.00. £520 over the summer months.

• The Beauty Rooms Brighton’s • Mill Road Leisure’s annual Pitch and Putt Competition Halloween event raised £655.95. during the Arundel Festival raised £270.

• Las Iguanas & The Entertainer • Landlords Carole and Pete, and their team at the Warwick donated £600 in Entertainer vouchers Arms, Worthing, held a football for Christmas. shirt auction and a sponsored wax, raising a hair-raising £587. • Wild Strawberry Events put • Community group SCOTCH on a craft fair raised £880 at their annual at Brighton conker competition held at Racecourse and the Spotted Cow Angmering. raised money in their Santa’s • Jamie Westley has arranged storytime grotto so many successful events for totalling £406.63. us including celebrity football matches, evenings with sporting celebrity • The Snowman™ and InChoir raised guest speakers and a gala dinner. Since 2014 more than £840 in Churchill Square Jamie has helped raise over £52,000 for the before Christmas. charity.

• Pupils and staff atDurrington High School did a • The team at Pyroban undertook the Way sponsored walk and raised £4,300. of the Roses Challenge in September and raised £1,166.16. • Worthing Community Spirit Choir held an evening of song, • Search in Brighton took part in the music and entertainment raising an £50 Challenge, running a Curryoke incredible £555. Night for their staff and raising £430.46. • Residents of Ferring Norland ran their popular biennial Open • HSBC Invoice Finance in Gardens event raising a remarkable Worthing took part in the £50 £6,200. They have already booked Challenge and raised £1,200 the date for their next event in 2019 in November by running a tuck shop. • Steyning Friends Group held their Safari Supper during the Steyning Food and Drink Festival and, together with other • Temco in Brighton donated £6,850 to Pay for a Day of care fundraising initiatives supported by Steyning’s eateries, a on 28 November. total of £1,265 was raised. • We received a lovely donation of £1,214 in November from • West Sussex Mini Owners Club held their annual event at Powell Craft. the Steyne Gardens Worthing and raised a grand total of £2,042. • Paul Roberts organised the Willingdon charity golf day in East Sussex which raised an amazing £4,608.50. • Long-term supporters Worthing High School did their biennial sponsored 12 • Axiom Architects arranged a golf day at Seaford Golf Club, mile walk to Cissbury Ring achieving their raising £440. phenomenal target of £15,000. • Southern Rail staff chose Chestnut Tree House as their • Members of Brook Barn Lodge No 6680 held charity partner for 2018 following several fundraising events a staff vote. To start their in 2017 and raised £2,000, fundraising they donated £1,805 which will pay for some special following a staff survey as well as equipment to be used by our donating Christmas presents for team of nurses in the community. the children

• Residents of Drumconner • Showtime Productions who Nursing Home held an afternoon raised £2,088.60 at their tea with a charity raffle raising Christmas Panto in Hove. £350. • Robert and Corrine Blass of Showtime Productions who donated £1,000 in lieu of gifts for their wedding anniversary.

14 Events Diary We have lots of exciting events coming up. Whether you participate or spectate, come along and support your local children’s hospice. Why not make it a date? Come along

Monday 5 March 2018 Friday 8 June 2018 Research, The Starr Trust and Chailey GRAVETYE MANOR CHARITY FLOWER OLD THORNS CHARITY GOLF DAY Heritage Foundation. Table of ten £950, DEMONSTRATION Old Thorns, Longmoor Road, Griggs early bird tickets £850 if booked before Kingscote Vineyard, Vowels Lane, Green, Liphook, 9am 31 March, individual tickets available at East Grinstead, 10am to 1pm Registration with bacon rolls, 18 holes, £95. Contact Vicky Norman, corporate@ Join Chelsea award winning Head Florist, a three-course evening meal, auction chestnut-tree-house.org.uk or 01903 Sue Flight, as she hosts a special flower and live entertainment. £450 for a team 871847. demonstration in aid of Chestnut Tree of four, additional evening guests £50 House. £45 per person, including the per person. Or enjoy the spa – one Sunday 8 July 2018 demonstration (no workshop), tea/ treatment and afternoon tea £85. To OPERATION:MUD coffee and pastries on arrival, a soup and book your place contact Alison Taylor, Dorking sandwich lunch and a Kingscote wine [email protected] The ultimate team- tasting. or 01903 871838. building event with To book please contact Gravetye Manor over 60 challenging on 01342 810567. Sunday 10 June 2018 obstacles and GREAT SUSSEX BATH RACE claimed as one of the muddiest runs Friday 20 April 2018 Eighteen corporate six-person teams in the UK, this 5k military course is SHIPLEY ARTS FESTIVAL LAUNCH compete in a fun raft-racing tournament. not for the faint-hearted! Register at South Lodge Hotel, Lower Beeding, Enjoy the adrenaline-pumping, muscle- www.chestnut-tree-house.org.uk/ Horsham, West Sussex, 6.30pm straining and brain-teasing paddling operationmud An evening of Sussex-themed competition with three rounds of hard- music in the elegant grounds of fought duels on a beautiful private lake Saturday 25 August 2018 South Lodge Hotel. Please join us in Chichester. Spectators also welcome. SOUTH COAST CHALLENGE to mark the official launch of the Team entry £250, with a team Eastbourne Shipley Arts Festival 2018 and fundraising target of £1,000. For more This ultra to celebrate Chestnut Tree details contact Alison Taylor, alison. challenge takes in House’s 15th birthday. After [email protected] or some of England’s a sparkling canapé reception 01903 871838. finest scenery. An listen to violinist Andrew Eastbourne start, Bernadi and his internationally Friday 15 June 2018 up the infamous renowned String Academy as WILLINGDON GOLF DAY Beachy Head, on you enjoy a stunning four- Willingdon Golf Club, Southdown through the Seven course dinner. Tickets £120 Road, Eastbourne, two-tee start from Sisters Country Park and along the South per person. 9.30am Downs Way. Walk, jog or run 25, 50 or Willingdon Golf Club’s Seniors are the full 100k – we’ve got the challenge Tuesday 29 and Wednesday 30 May hosting a fundraising golf day at this to suit you. Registration and sponsorship 2018 picturesque course, which has the South costs vary based on route choice. For CHESTNUT TREE HOUSE Downs as its backdrop. Teams of four, details visit www.chestnut-tree-house. SAILING REGATTA £45 per head including meal (main, org.uk/events/south-coast-challenge or Port Hamble dessert and coffee). Contact Tony Uden, call Bella on 01903 706352. Evening barbecue, fundraising auction [email protected] or 01323 and games on 29 May from 5pm. 483524/07711 333779. Overnight stay on the yacht, followed by a day of sailing and races, with teams of Saturday 23 June 2018 up to eight people including a skipper. HILTON BRIGHTON METROPOLE To keep up to date with all our Prize giving at 4.30pm. £2,500 plus MIDSUMMER BALL – A NIGHT OF events, please visit our website VAT, includes foul-weather gear and life NASHVILLE www.chestnut-tree-house.org.uk jackets and overnight accommodation on Hilton Brighton Metropole, 6.30pm till late or follow us on social media board your yacht. Contact Alison Taylor The much-anticipated charity ball ChestnutTreeHouse at [email protected] or 01903 promises a night of great entertainment, @ChestnutSussex 871838. fantastic food and raising vital funds for Chestnut Tree House, Action Medical ChestnutTreeHouse

15 Please contact us Chestnut Tree House, Dover Lane, Poling, Arundel, West Sussex, BN18 9PX. Tel: 01903 871800 If you would like to find Chestnut Tree House East Sussex Office, Unit 4 Pacific House, Sovereign Harbour Innovation Park out more about the 1 Easter Island Place, Eastbourne, East Sussex, BN23 6FA. Tel: 01323 725095 care we provide, how to fundraise or becoming a Email: [email protected] Like our Chestnut Tree House Facebook page volunteer, we would love www.chestnut-tree-house.org.uk to hear from you. Registered charity no. 256789 Follow us on Twitter @ChestnutSussex Make a gift

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): For every pound that you donate to Chestnut Tree 3 digit security code: Signature(s): Date: / / House we can collect 25p from the taxman. Your details I confirm that I am a UK Income Title First Name Surname or Capital Gains taxpayer. I have Address read this statement and want St Barnabas Hospices (Sussex) Postcode Ltd to reclaim 25p of tax on Email every £1 that I have given on this date, in the past four years Telephone and in the future. I understand that if I pay less Income Tax and/ I wish to make this donation in memory of or Capital Gains Tax than the For every donation we receive, we send a letter acknowledging receipt and thanking the giver. We are amount of Gift Aid claimed on delighted to do this, but if you would prefer us not to send an acknowledgement, please tick this box all my donations in that tax year, 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. it is my responsibility to pay any difference. We will never share your details with any other organisation to use for their own purposes. We will contact you Signature(s): ______occasionally by post or email about the work of our children’s hospice (including newsletters, Christmas appeals etc). If you wish to stop or adjust the frequency or type of communications you receive from Chestnut Tree Date: ____ / ____ / ______House, you can simply call us on 01903 706 327 or email us at [email protected]. I am not a UK taxpayer Or if you prefer to never hear from Chestnut Tree House again, tick here:

I would like to give regularly to Chestnut Tree House Please 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 NWSSPR NWSSPR

Please send me details on supporting the hospice with a gift in my Will Instruction to your Bank or Building Society to pay by Direct Debit

Please fill in the whole form including official use box using a ball point pen and send it to: Originator’s Identification Number St Barnabas Hospices (Sussex) Ltd, Chestnut Tree House, Titnore Lane, Worthing, West Sussex, BN12 6NZ 6 9 3 1 8 6

Name(s) of Account Holder(s) Reference Number (For office use only)

Instruction to your Bank or Building Society Bank/Building Society account number Please 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. Branch Sort Code Signature(s)

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

Address

Date

Postcode

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

The Direct Debit Guarantee This guarantee should be detached and retained by the payer • This Guarantee is offered by all banks and building societies that accept instructions to pay Direct Debits • 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 • If there are any changes to the amount, date or frequency of your Direct Debit St Barnabas Hospices (Sussex) Ltd society – If you receive a refund you are not entitled to, you must pay it back when St Barnabas Hospices (Sussex) will notify you 10 working days in advance of your account being debited or as otherwise agreed. If you request St Ltd asks you to. Barnabas Hospices (Sussex) Ltd to collect a payment, confirmation of the amount and date will be given to you at • You can cancel a Direct Debit at any time by simply contacting your bank or building society. Written confirmation the time of the request. may be required. Please also notify us.

Please return the complete form to: Freepost RSLL-CHXE-CGZR, Chestnut Tree House, 2 Titnore Lane, Goring-by-Sea, WORTHING, BN12 6NZ Registered charity no. 256789 16