Friends groups

Jo James of Haywards Heath Friends of Chestnut Tree House

Katy Markey, Joe Mott & Louis Craig of Reaction present Hugh Lowson CEO with the cheque raised at the Stars concert.

COULD YOU BE A FRIEND TO CHESTNUT TREE HOUSE?

Eighteen months ago I had never heard of Chestnut Tree House and it was pure chance that whilst attending a Fashion Evening, a Trustee gave a talk about the hospice and the amazing work that takes place there.

Everyone was shocked by two facts in particular: firstly, how many children in Sussex are suffering from life-limiting illnesses and, secondly, how little government funding the hospice actually receives. I knew I had to do something to help!

I had a 'milestone' birthday coming up so I asked my family and friends to give donations to help the children rather than a present to me.

In February 2006, I took a cheque for £1,000 to Chestnut Tree House. I was very apprehensive about this visit, not knowing quite what to expect. I needn't have worried. Chestnut Tree is just like a big family home full of caring and love. No wonder one mother refers to the hospice as 'a little piece of heaven on earth.'

I learnt that again, due to lack of funding, the hospice is unable to employ sufficient fundraisers to cover the whole of Sussex and was in desperate need of more volunteers and Friends Groups to raise awareness of Chestnut Tree House. I could not just walk away and do nothing and so Hayward's Heath Friends Group was born!

The last year has been an amazing experience. I have met lots of wonderful people who, like me, were unaware of the existence of Chestnut Tree House. Together we have raised almost £3,000 which is amazing, but much, much more valuable is the fact that awareness of the hospice and its work is growing rapidly.

I would encourage everyone to help this very special charity. By working together we can create a chain of Friends Groups across the whole of Sussex and thus ensure that the marvellous and vital work of Chestnut Tree House continues.
Jo James, Haywards Heath Friends Group


We have Friends Groups right across Sussex from Chichester in the west and Brighton in the east and north as far as Haywards Heath, plus many places in between.

The groups vary in size from individuals to a whole school, all of whom help us in any way they can. They raise funds by organising school fetes, silent auctions, flower shows, street collections, barbecues, dance shows and concerts - the list is endless. They are also invaluable in our constant quest to raise the profile of Chestnut Tree House throughout Sussex by publicising our work in their town or village.

You too can get involved and help spread the word by joining a Friends Group or forming one in your area. There are no lengthy meetings or boring paperwork and you are covered by our insurance and supported by our Fundraising Team. All our Friends Groups have to do is just that - be a friend to Chestnut Tree House.

We would like to say a huge thank you to our Haywards Heath Friends who held a Stars Concert on March 9th at Clair Hall in Haywards Heath. The concert was organised by Jo and Russ James and supported by local talent groups of singers and dancers. The concert raised a phenomenal £6,500 for Chestnut Tree House.


To find out more about who we are, what we do and how you can support the hospice, please click below to download our Chestnut Tree House information booklet.