Lions’ support helps Chestnut Tree House celebrate 21st year

Above: Head of Clinical Services Sharon Wheeler giving a talk at the event.

When Chestnut Tree House began in 2003, its team was caring for about 30 families a year. In the decades that followed, advancements in medicine and technology have meant that children with life-limiting conditions are living longer. With only 17% of funding coming from government, the dedication of community groups like Lions is making sure Chestnut can keep supporting the now 300 families a year the team works with. 

And this support has enabled the development of specialist services, too, such as the Stars Bereavement Suite. The suite provides a place where families can say goodbye to their loved one in calm and peaceful surroundings. 

Parent, Kate, shares her experience of Chestnut Tree House 

Special guest speaker at the event parent Kate shared her experience after the unexpected loss of her son Rupert following heart surgery. Thanks to the ongoing support from groups like Lions, she said, many more families like hers would be supported at some of the most difficult times in their lives. 

“Chestnut gave us and our family a very special place to say goodbye. It was the most positive, beautiful experience that we needed to process our grief and remember the pure joy that Rupert had brought us in the short time we had together,” she said.  

“The hospice came to us at a time when we were at our lowest. They took us under their wing and nurtured us back to some kind of strength. So for your support, we share a huge thank you.” 

Looking to the future of children’s hospice care 

Head of Clinical Services Sharon Wheeler – a children’s nurse with more than 15 years of palliative care experience – gave thanks too and shared updates from across Chestnut’s services.  “In the past year, we have launched our new strategy which will help us work across so many new and innovative areas. Whether we are sharing our expertise to explore how children might transition to adult services, or creating Sussex’s first paediatric palliative care outreach team that is already supporting children with complex symptom management needs, we’re hoping to reach even more families in the coming years.” 

Above: Jayne and volunteer, Margaret, with amazing afternoon tea goodies from our catering team. 

A special tour of the House 

President of Chichester Lions Vince Foote was among the visitors and joined staff for a short tour of the hospice after the afternoon tea. The tour included a visit to the sensory garden which features a wheelchair swing and trampoline, the indoor swimming pool, memorial garden and Stars Bereavement Suite.   

“I have found the whole experience of the visit quite amazing. Every aspect of care has been thought about and is reflected in the beautiful grounds and facilities.”  

Vince joined the Lions in 1986 and has been president four times.  

“Listening to the staff and volunteers, it just makes you think how they are very special people. We can find such joy here. There is a lot of life going on, but there is also a deep respect for life too. I think that must bring a huge amount of comfort to families.”  

Chair of Chestnut’s Board of Trustees Mike Rymer, a former consultant, thanked the Lions for their dedication and support. He also paid tribute to the parents of children with life-limiting conditions. “The devotion and care which they provide 24 hours a day, seven days a week, is just incredible. If we just help a little with the load that they carry, then I consider that a huge privilege”, he said. 

“It costs about £5m a year to provide all the care and support that Chestnut provides, and for the majority of that, we are entirely reliant on the generosity of the community. So we want to say a huge thanks to Lions across Sussex. You were there at the beginning when we worked together to provide community nursing through Leo House and you have been by our side ever since.” 

If you’d like to support Chestnut Tree House, there are lots of ways to get involved: 

• Read more about fundraising ideas and activities or how we work with businesses, schools and groups 

• Invite a Chestnut Tree House speaker to your group. Email: hello@chestnut.org.uk