Albion players kick off festivities at Chestnut Tree House

Published on: 16/12/2024

Young football fanatics were out in force at Chestnut Tree House near Arundel on Thursday 12 December as Brighton and Hove Albion stars lit up the children’s hospice with some festive cheer. Dejana Stefanovic from the women’s team, men’s team captain Lewis Dunk, and goalkeeper Jason Steele visited the hospice, accompanied by the team’s mascot, Gully. The children being cared for by the hospice were accompanied by family members including football-loving siblings. Many of the children were kitted out in Albion shirts, blankets and scarves.  

 

Brighton and Hove Albion visit
Brighton and Hove Albion visit

The arrival of the players was met with roars and shrieks of excitement which would give the AMEX stadium a run for its money on any match day. Jacob and his family are being supported by Chestnut Tree House and his mum Loz was thrilled to see him having so much fun and commented: “Jacob has recently spent 18 weeks in hospital, and he started writing a bucket list of things he wanted to do. Going to a football match or playing football was top of his list. He has ticked that off now and he’s had so much fun! This is better than we could have imagined.” 

Brighton and Hove Albion visit

The hospice was fully equipped to ensure every child could take part in a game. Whether it was playing on a pitch projected on to the floor, a game of FIFA, a board game, or flipping through football magazines, everyone could join in and feel the festive footie spirit. 

Jacob, who uses a mobility chair, played football with Jason Steele, using a giant football on the projected pitch. He won 1-0 and shouted his delight: “I won 1-0, I won 1-0!!”  When asked about the day, he said simply: “It was perfect.” And the players even told him that they want him in a game. 

The three players spent over three hours talking to children, families and siblings. They signed everything from Jacob’s giant football to Albion-branded wallets. They played FIFA with the children and then went on a tour of the hospice with staff and carers. 

Following the tour, Lewis Dunk reflected on his visit and noted how good the facilities are: “It’s amazing, the staff are amazing. Every room’s got a purpose, a hoist in every room, accessible for everyone. It’s even got a swimming pool. It’s got everything here! It’s great for the families to have access to this.” 

Brighton and Hove Albion visit

This was Jason Steele’s second visit to the House and he was thrilled to be back and commented on how special the visits are to him: “It’s amazing, it’s absolutely fantastic to come down and meet all the children…It’s an amazing place in general, this is my 2nd year coming here and I really enjoy coming, the staff are amazing, the kids are full of energy. To come here and put some smiles on people’s faces means more than anything.” 

Moments like this are what make life-long memories for families, especially for those that are caring for children with life-limiting conditions. Chestnut Tree House not only provides specialist care and support for families, the team goes the extra mile to try and create unique experiences. Activities Team Leader Jack Northeast is passionate about making moments count and said: “For lots of children and young people living with life-shortening conditions, it’s not easy to do everyday things like go to a football match. But creating special events like this – bringing the football to them – is just incredible. We’re so pleased that the Albion chose to join us today. I’ve seen so many smiles and heard so much noise – that’s the sign of a great afternoon.  Whether people donate their time or give us a monetary donation – it all means so much to us.”