Nursing care at home for local children with life-threatening or SPRING | 2015 Newsletter terminal illnesses and support for their families
Trekking the Te Araroa Trail for Snowdrop
As I write this I'm sitting in the kitchen Whenever I tell other hikers or people So why spend the best part of six of a campsite in Twizel, a small town here who are familiar with the Te Araroa months putting myself through this? near the centre of the South Island in that this is my first ever hike it always Well, despite the difficulties I've pretty New Zealand. Yesterday fellow hiker illicits the same response - which much loved almost every minute of it. Rob and myself walked 40 kilometres is to look at me like I'm crazy. It's However, my main motivation, since the an incredibly physical and mentally early stages of planning this adventure (25 miles) in the hot sun around Lake demanding trail has been to raise Pukaki with its glorious sky-blue water and is, without money for The reflecting the majestic snow covered doubt, the hardest Quinn was a lively little Sussex Snowdrop peak of Mount Cook, the highest challenge I've ever “ Trust. mountain in New Zealand. I've been undertaken. I've guy who loved to kick It is almost 5 years suffered many walking the Te Araroa now for almost a football around, he ago since my blisters, aching four and a half months and the stunning nephew, Quinn feet, back pain, enjoyed watching ‘Antz’, vistas and beautiful, varied Mills, passed knee pain, shoulder landscapes continue to away after being pain, wasp stings, pointing at birds in the diagnosed at the amaze me. mosquito and sky or saying “hello” to age of 11 months sandfly bites. with a rare type of I've had mice passing dogs and was (rhabdoid) kidney crawl over me cancer. Quinn in the middle of always smiling was a lively little the night and had ” guy who loved to kick a football around, a rat get into my backpack and eat my he enjoyed watching 'Antz', pointing porridge. I've waded through rivers and at birds in the sky or saying ‘hello’ to mud, had shocks from electric fences, passing dogs and was always smiling. climbed mountains in the pouring rain (leaving me with wet clothes the next day) Continues on page 2 In this Issue and fallen or slipped over countless times. Issey’s Journey - Page 2 • A Windfall for Snowdrop - Page 6 • Our first Patrons announced - Page 7 Issey's Journey Little Issey Riley has been undergoing They thought she had vertigo, but sadly treatment for an aggressive type of brain once she had had a MRI scan, the tumour for 18 months and she has just tumour was evident. An operation to been given the all clear. remove the tumour was performed at the Southampton Hospital and was followed Isseys parents had no idea that her by life-saving chemo and radiotherapy condition was so serious , she was just, treatments. as she said her poem – feeling dizzy.
Issey Gets Dizzy He bravely endured six months of treatment undergoing, surgery, There once was a girl called Issey chemotherapy and radiotherapy before Who often got very dizzy he died. I miss my little nephew and wish, more than anything, that he was still with us. They found she had a tumour on her brain Which often caused her lots of pain
But alongside the tumour Issey got lots of fame
Which made her happy and back in the game again By Issey
The Sussex Snowdrop Trust were an invaluable help to Quinn and our family Chi Students during the difficult last months of his life. Snowdrop nurses visited several times a day, administered drugs to Quinn and & Snow White also very sensitively provided practical and emotional support for our family. Thankfully there wasn't a poison apple We will always be grateful for the help of in sight as guests tucked into a delicious this amazing charity. meal at the Chichester College Restaurant With about a month left of this journey I cooked by chefs and trainees keen to still have many exciting mountain ranges hone their culinary skills. to climb, forests to explore and rivers to Massoma Ali and her fellow student cross, after which I'm very much looking Corrine, created an intimate and friendly forward to returning home to see my atmosphere - and all in aid of our family and friends and to share some of Snowdrop children. the stories of this fantastic experience. I also hope that the money raised will Central to the themed evening was help Snowdrop to continue their brilliant a magnificent painting of Snowdrop work in providing support and nursing White which was auctioned to raise care for children with life-threatening and extra funds. terminal illness. We are waiting to hear from Massoma Joss Smales the final count but we want to thank her and everyone involved for their efforts - every penny counts.
02 Stay up-to-date with stories and fundraising /snowdroptrust @SnowdropTrust Snowdrop nurses helped Issey and her family throughout the following year, which saved many visits to hospital and today she is looking forward to her hair growing and growing and eventually she hopes it will reach her bottom! Issey received the Bravery Award at the Spirit FM Heroes ceremony last year and she loved every minute of it. Procession of Princesses
At 9 a.m. on a misty and cold Saturday morning outside Chichester Cathedral, 135 princesses turned up in an attempt to break the world record for a gathering of princesses. Although the world record wasn't broken everyone was very happy and the princesses paraded from the Cathedral green to the County Hall car park in West Street where they were greeted by an Elsa lookalike from the very popular film ‘Frozen’. Two to 40 year olds who love being dressed up, skipped and twirled in their pretty dresses. A few brave fathers looked very glamorous in their frocks too. The tiaras, wigs and boots added to the special look! Thank you to Chris Allwood for organising the event and also to Dawn at Salon du Chocolat for donating 170 large white chocolate snowflakes which she made especially for the Princesses.
th Date for your Diary • Snowdrop Arundel Charity Walk - Sunday 10 May 03 Thank you! The Charity Ball Many donations are received throughout the year from our Putting on loyal supporters. Here is just a selection of those who have helped Snowdrop in recent months. the Glitz INDIVIDUAL/ORGANISATION DONATIONS Snowdrop and the Hilton Community Foundation Liz Watson (Cream Teas) £212.00 Annual Charity Ball was once again a fantastic success, Waitrose (Green Tokens) Chichester £329.00 raising over £14,000 which was shared by the two charities. Witterings & District Bowls Club £116.80 Crablands Bowling Club Selsey £24.58 Men with black ties and ladies in sequins and jewels, Chris Withall (Knitted Chicks) £291.68 danced the night away to the best band we have Prince of Wales Pub – Bognor (Tin) £24.91 ever had and a great time was had by all. The raffle, Jewels Stables – Charity Day £106.56 auction and table games all helped to raise money for Littlehampton Freewheelers £217.80 the charities and we so grateful to the many generous Norfolk Gardens (Fred Strong) £70.28 supporters who gave auction and raffle prizes. Ladies Bowls League Presentation £350.00 Yorkshire Building Society £100.00 White Stuff Foundation £694.57 Walberton & Binsted School £94.64 Friends of Sussex Hospices £1800.35 Charity Week At Arundel Players (24hr Musical) £600.00 Midhurst Lions £500.00 Companions of Selsey Chapter £100.00 Bishop Luffa School Bognor Regis Lions Club £500.00 Martlets Bridge Club £200.00 Our great friends and supporters at School Reporters had to finish their West Wittering Horticultural Society £206.05 stories by a 14:00 GMT deadline - and Chantry House Oak £146.00 Bishop Luffa school in Chichester have Palmers Brewery £500.00 done us proud!! get them online by 16:00. Aspects Beauty (Fun Day) £525.00 We can't begin to say what their There was a buzz throughout the Chichester Cathedral £500.00 school as this deadline crept up! Tanbridge House School £885.05 support means to us here at Snowdrop. East Wittering Church £109.06 To have Bishop Luffa, one of the most You can find reports from Bishop Luffa Hennings Wines £256.31 respected, local schools supporting us School here in Chichester who were VRC Fellowship – East Wittering £40.00 again is fantastic. taking part in this year's BBC School St Phillip Howard School Fund £676.63 St Marys R/C Bognor Regis School Fund £200.00 March saw Charity week in schools and Report at www.bishopluffa.org.uk/bbc- St Richards R/C School Chichester £330.10 for the first time Bishop Luffa was one school-report/ St Philips Catholic Primary School Arundel £1085.00 of the 1,000 schools who took part in The Rotary Club of Littlehampton £1000.00 the ninth annual BBC School Report Pagham Parish Council £100.00 News Day. Arundel Gardens Association £50.00 Chichester Uni – Student Concert £147.90 After one of the many filmed interviews, The Inglenook, Pagham £126.08 during which students asked very Mr & Mrs Woodward £20.00 thoughtful questions about Snowdrop, 3rd Chichester Guide Account £76.00 the children we help and what funds West Sussex Travel Society Charity £1000.00 Walberton School – Nativity Play £173.40 raised during the week will be spent Chichester Camera Club £220.00 on, a student remarked that he hadn't Mundham House School Cake Sale £469.24 realised the depth of help the charity Stage Door Theatre Co. £160.00 gave. “It's a great charity” he said, West Meads Arts & Craft Group £500.00 “I am really glad we are supporting it”. Pagham & District Residents Assc. £100.00 Personnel Selection – Bognor Regis £200.00 Shani Lilley Ballet Troupe £249.00 Blackbush Shoot £270.00 St Richards School £20.25 Pilgrim Court Social Club £108.00 Walberton Concert Wisborough Green School £62.50 Rumboldswhyke CE School £153.30 The Full House Quintet played to a packed hall and they Pendean House Nursing Home £95.00 were everything you could wish for - amusing, brilliant Sunday School of St James £45.00 and with tiny Alison Woodward on the bassoon, it was the The Gym Academy £182.56 The Kings Arms, Arundel £450.43 perfect combination. Alison's sister-in-law Laura Napier Waitrose Community Fund £321.00 Burrows sang her own take on well-known songs and she The Get Together Club £324.53 ended the evening with a beautiful version of Silent Night. Singleton & East Dean W.I. £30.00 QE2 Public House – Bognor £115.67 The evening raised a vital and much needed £796.50 for Law South Group Limited £108.08 Snowdrop, thanks to so many helpers, the musicians and Wayfarers Lodge No. 7995 £200.00 of course the audience. Quilters Guild – Region 2 £14.97 Jewsons – Bognor Regis £80.52 The Octagon Garden Club £112.54 To help us reduce our postage costs and send our Newsletters to you via 04 @ email please contact us at [email protected] Thank you. Our Second Literary Lunch
The international and local author Kate Mosse Chair's gave a fascinating and entertaining talk at our 2nd Literary Lunch at the Hilton Avisford Park Hotel. Report Kate has sold over 4 million books and in her lively and unassuming way, she enchanted the Over the years audience with stories of her life and since we founded writing career and also introduced us Snowdrop the needs of families to her latest novel, The Taxidermist’s have become more demanding as Daughter. Queues formed to buy her children leave hospital so much earlier book and she happily signed them all. nowadays after operations, and they We can’t thank her enough for giving are also able to be at home throughout up her time to come to one of our very some treatments such as going daily successful lunches. to Southampton hospital for up to 7 weeks of radiotherapy. Children with a tracheostomy are cared for at home by their parents instead of having to stay in hospital. Thank goodness. The Snowdrop nurses have been busier Wine and and busier and the Trustees and I approved the appointment of another Children’s Community Nurse to join our Chilgrove Gin exceptional Care at Home Team. Hennings the wine shop in North Street, Jane Evans was our first Snowdrop Chichester offered their customers the chance CCN and she has led the team since she to taste the new Chilgrove Dry Gin, which only joined Snowdrop in 2001. As the team became available in the summer of 2014 and is has grown so have her responsibilities already in demand in outlets, restaurants and so CCN Michelle Walker and Snowdrop bars in London and here in the South. Counsellor Phil Portway now share some of these. Created under eighth generation Master Distiller Charles Maxwell, it is made of 11 Financially we have been blessed by botanicals from a base of neutral spirit distilled many generous donations but we are from grapes, rather than cereal, which gives it mindful that with new staff comes the a unique smooth taste. need to raise even more funds. However, the support our Team provides is crucial Charging only £4 a glass for this highly acclaimed gin, the founders of Chilgrove for Snowdrop families. A Snowdrop Gin, Christopher and Celia Beaumont-Hutchings raised over £260 for Snowdrop mother told me that when she was in with the support of Matthew Hennings and Manager Stephanie Aburrow. Southampton Hospital with her son who Between them they organised a fabulous evening. is undergoing intensive treatment for Thanks to them all, the shop was heaving with customers more than happy cancer, another parent asked her where to become acquainted with their new favourite tipple! she lived. “The only silver lining about all of this” she said, “is that there is a Go to www.chilgrovegin.com to discover more about Chilgrove Dry Gin. charity called Snowdrop in your area and their team of Community nurses are wonderful. I wish I lived where you do.” The Snowdrop mother had known about Snowdrop Children's Party Snowdrop for years but not really what we do. It might sound like old news when we Every child chose a present from toys So what does community care involve? mention the Children's Christmas Party that were given to them by generous What exactly is Snowdrop ??? but it is the highlight of our year when over Spirit FM listeners and also the Rocking 200 partigoers - 'Snowdrop children', their Horse Appeal. Our team visit children in their homes and enable parents to care for their child brothers, sisters and parents attend the Froggles kept the children entertained and they support them in any way that Snowdrop party at Butlins. and every family was given a special will help them cope. Unless you need photograph taken by Stephen Walby Snowdrop you don’t know what you Snowdrop volunteers always work and printed by Liz, so that they could need or what is available. incredibly hard to transform one of the be taken home. These photos provide meeting rooms into a magical Christmas a lovely memory for families and are Most adults who are seriously ill want to Grotto where each child meets Father really treasured. be cared for at home– so do children. Christmas and also receives a personal Please help us to continue raising our gift from the man himself! This year Thank you to all the staff at Butlins that profile which in turn will encourage Butlins' chef and his team provided helped us with the party and we are people to support us. a delicious lunch and even a birthday already looking forward to the next one cake for one of the children who was planned for November. We are having a Di Levantine celebrating his birthday on the day. Cinderella panto and theme this year for Chairman and Co-Founder the party, so children can dress up if they CEO (Unsalaried) want to! 05 Chocolate! The incredibly generous Dawn Shrives at Le Salon du Chocolat has given Snowdrop many delicious raffle prizes. This has included hundreds of handmade chocolates for our children’s party, special chocolate snowflakes for the Princesses Procession and a chocolate experience at her studios in Spitalfield Road, Chichester for 3 Snowdrop Families. To find out more about these fantastic chocolate extravaganza experiences visit the website to see what is on offer. The chocolate literally pours from the taps – and is ready for all of your chocolatey creations! www.lesalonduchocolat.co.uk The Cherries Windfall
When the Cherries (the NHS children’s respite home in Chichester) finally shut its’ doors for the last time, the Association had to close its accounts and donate the money raised to another charity. They agreed unanimously to give Snowdrop these funds. Friends and families of children who had been cared for at The Cherries had been raising money to enhance the gardens and buy other pieces of equipment for the children and they were all devastated when the respite care home was closed. Over the years, Snowdrop and The Cherries have been close friends and the staff are well known to each other. It was at a special reunion of staff and members of The Cherries Association (Maggie Collins, Jean Goodson, Lynn Smith and Rose Watt and some of The Snowdrop Care at Home Team: Michele Walker, Phil Portway, Gill Cunningham and Diana Levantine) that Snowdrop received an astonishing cheque for £47,455.62. Many years ago, a generous benefactor wanted a project in memory of his wife Lucy Platt, so with money given by him and raised by Snowdrop and CCC (Chichester Children’s Charity), a suite of rooms were built where very frail children could be nursed and also a parent could stay. These rooms gave many, many children the chance to be nursed with dignity and special care over the past 12 years.
Yacht Club Motor Section fuels support for Snowdrop
Chichester Yacht Club held its second about the work of Snowdrop, they were When people heard Charity Ball, in aid of Snowdrop. so moved that they demanded a bucket “Diana speak about the Members of the Club and their guests to be produced for donations. raised over £3,000 for us. The Rear This meant that we were able to add work of Snowdrop, they Commodore of the Motor Section of the quite a lot more money to that raised by were so moved that they Yacht Club, Heather Baker and Claire the auction and by the table quiz. Armstrong, the Social Secretary said: Snowdrop is so grateful for this amazing demanded a bucket “We were delighted to raise so much gift. The outcome was definitely helped to be produced for money for this very worthwhile local along by the auctioneers who did a cause. When people heard Diana speak sterling job. donations” 06 Our first Snowdrop Who we are...
Diana Levantine Patrons are announced! Chairman, Co-Founder & (unsalaried) Charity Director Valerie Seddon Hugh Dennis Vice Chairman & Trustee Comedian, Actor, Author and TV Presenter Trustees Hugh lives near Chichester with his wife and Sally Austin two children. He has great sympathy for the Helen Court Snowdrop families and was very happy to accept Oli Hicklin the role of Patron and if work permits he will try to Deirdre Hoggarth join us at our events. Richard Jordan Patrons Clive Behagg Mary & David Bowerman CBE Mary and David Bowerman CBE Hugh Dennis Supporters of Snowdrop over many years who Dr. Martin Warner have allowed us to use their Concert Hall (Music Registered Charity Address Room) at Champs Hill for 4 magical concerts and Unit 3 The William Booker Yard, The Street, they have always encouraged our work. Walberton, West Sussex BN18 0PF David said that they agreed to be Patrons T: 01243 572433 because they know that the ethos of Snowdrop is E: [email protected] absolutely right. Children should be at home and W: www.thesussexsnowdroptrust.com the care the nurses and team give is wonderful. Registered Charity No. 1096622 Limited Company No. 4557686 (Limited by Guarantee) Professor Clive Behagg Vice-Chancellor of Chichester University The Snowdrop Care at Home team The Westhampnett Centre Clive heads the very successful and 28-29 Westhampnett Road internationally acclaimed University, which is Chichester, West Sussex situated in Chichester and Bognor. PO19 7HH Staff and students have raised awareness and T: 01243 793619 funds for Snowdrop with concerts and events. Clive said he was honoured to be asked to join Snowdrop.
The Bishop of Chichester Dr Martin Warner Bishop Martin also accepted our invitation to become a Patron and although he has many demands on his time, he will support us in anyway he can. He has also given us permission to use the Bishops Palace or Garden for an event.
A Fond Farewell Welcome to
Margaret Eva OBE resigned as a Trustee last year after seeing us through 4 years of Our New Trustee change within the Trust. She brought to the Busy local radio Managing Director Sally board her vast experience in so many areas Austin has already attended several Trustee and we always appreciated her contribution, meetings in her role as one of our very enthusiasm and encouragement. She joined dedicated Board. Sally has been at Spirit Snowdrop when she was Headteacher of the FM for over 13 years and has always been Bourne Community College and although she a huge supporter of Snowdrop. She lives was extremely busy, she always had time for in Lavant with her daughter and slightly Snowdrop. crossed eyed labrador called Fudge!
07 Sunday 17th May Bognor 10K Run (approx 50 runners for Snowdrop) Why not become our Facebook friend Snowdrop too, and share your stories, ideas and Friday 22nd – Monday 25 May fundraising experiences with us? Pagham Church Flower Festival Events 2015 Sunday 14th June - 1 – 5pm Snowdrop is an incredible charity, but it’s Walberton Open Gardens (to raise funds so much more than that. They have been for St Marys Church and Snowdrop) there for the last 4 years since our son Friday 24th April - 12 noon became ill, thank you xx Literary Lunch at The Hilton with Saturday 11th July Peter James Concert Chichester Baptist Church Alison Woodward and Chris Cootes Sunday 26th April We will always be grateful for the help and London Marathon Saturday 28th November support given to Toby and our family. The Glitter Ball at the Hilton All involved gave 110%, especially the For the first time we have been Snowdrop nurses who were amazing and allocated 5 places! Friday 4th December - 7.30pm made such a huge difference to Toby’s Champs Hill Concert quality of life, we will never forget you. Sunday 10th May - 1 – 3pm Thank you from his NanNan and family Snowdrop Arundel Walk For details of each event please visit www.thesussexsnowdroptrust.com Your donation really does make a difference The charity depends on the generous support of the community – schools, clubs, church groups, trusts, organisations and individuals. Every penny is appreciated and enables Snowdrop to be able to continue to provide vital help to children and families across Sussex. Donate Monthly Donate via Text Donate Online Please fill out theStanding Order Form Make a donation by text message from Visit our website and return it to us. your mobile phone. www.thesussexsnowdroptrust.com Just text snow22 followed by a space and click ‘Make a Donation’. Donate by Cheque then the amount that you would like to Please fill out theDonation Form donate to 70070 and return it to us. For example, to donate £10 send snow22 £10 to 70070 Thank You Standing Order Form YOUR BANK DETAILS
To Bank
Bank’s Address Postcode
Please pay The Sussex Snowdrop Trust £ monthly / annually commencing on
To: Lloyds TSB Bank Ltd, East Street, Chichester, West Sussex PO19 1HJ Sort Code: 30 - 91 - 97 Account No: 02271507
Account Holder(s) Name
Account No. Sort Code
Signature Date
Please send to: The Sussex Snowdrop Trust, Unit 3 The William Booker Yard, The Street, Walberton, West Sussex BN18 0PF.
Donation Form
I/We would like to make a donation and enclose £ Please treat this donation as Gift Aid. I confirm I have paid or will pay an amount of Income Tax and/or Capital Title First Name Gains Tax for each tax year (6 April to 5 April) that is at least equal to the amount of tax that all the charities or Community Amateur Sports Clubs (CASCs) that I donate Surname to will reclaim on my Gifts for that tax year. I understand that other taxes such as VAT and Council Tax do not Address qualify. I understand the charity will reclaim 25p of tax on every £1 that I give on or after 6 April 2008. Postcode
Please make your cheque payable to: The Sussex Snowdrop Trust and send your donations to: The Sussex Snowdrop Trust, Unit 3 The William Booker Yard, The Street, Walberton, West Sussex BN18 0PF. 08