This year childrens hospice Chestnut Tree House celebratesits 15th birthday. Simone Hellyer takes a tour round the house and meets some of its longest-serving staff
When I told people that I would be visiting Chestnut Tree House, the general reaction was a sad expression and an assurance that I would definitely cry. But they couldn’t have been more wrong, the children’s hospice is situated among lush woodland and green paddocks just outside Angmering and is a thoroughly uplifting place to be. And this year it is a place of celebration too, as it marks its 15th anniversary.
Chestnut Tree House was officially opened in November 2003 by Princess Alexandra. The purpose-built main house was built on a large patch of land that was donated by Lady Sarah Clutton on the agreement that she receives a £1 per year lease payment and a bunch of lilies. An agreement that still continues to this day, although the lilies are now sent to her husband since her death in 2015.
The hospice cares for 300 children and young adults from 0-19 years of age with progressive life-shortening conditions in Sussex and south east Hampshire. As well as care provided at the house, there is a community nursing team who visit families at home, taking children out to explore their local community or simply giving tired families and carers the chance to take a well-earned break. Chestnut Tree House also offers support for the whole family including psychological and bereavement support, end of life and short break care and support for siblings.
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