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Welcome to our Blog

Thoughts from staff, young people and family members. We’re covering a range of topics that we think you’ll find useful, plus inspiring stories and topics we’re really passionate about. You can find out more about what we do as a local charity children’s hospice – and current research and up to date advice.

Lynsey cradles baby Raif, with daughter Joni wearing face paint
Raif’s story
Chestnut mum Lynsey describes how Chestnut Tree House supported their family and helped them create special memories during their last days with their baby son, Raif.
Homemade Christmas decorations at Chestnut Tree House
10 ways to remember your child at Christmas
Chestnut Tree House's family bereavement liaison shares ideas for remembering your child and keeping them central to the festivities this Christmas.
A Chestnut staff member holds someone's hand
How to talk to older children and teenagers about illness, death and dying
Chestnut Tree House family counsellor Erika gives her advice on approaching conversations about grief with older children and teenagers.
Owen kissing baby Loui's cheek
A Chestnut dad’s guide to grief
Owen, whose baby son Loui died at just six weeks old, shares his experiences of grieving as a dad and how he dealt with grief differently to his wife.
Simon, a man with long hair, smiles as he stands on a hill leaning on a stick. It is a sunny day and there is a beautiful view of fields and gentle hills.
How walking helped me process my grief
Simon, whose daughter Lola died from a rare bone cancer at just 15, explains how walking has helped his mental health - and allowed him to raise £12,000 for charity.
A close up picture of a child playing with Lego
10 things you need to know when talking to children about illness, death and dying
Chestnut Tree House family counsellor Erika gives her advice on approaching conversations about grief with children aged five to 11.
Social worker Jonathan stands in the sensory garden at Chestnut Tree House, smiling.
Why I’m here for you – staff stories
Chestnut Tree House staff share their motivations for working in children's hospice care, and how their own experiences make them want to make families' lives easier.
Loui with tubes and bandages in Hospital and Zoe in family photo
Loui’s story
"Having Chestnut's support over Christmas and going into the New Year was so helpful, because it was very hard coming home to an empty house."
Ada plays with flowers in the Chestnut Tree House garden
Ada’s story
Four-year-old Ada has a genetic condition that makes life harder for her than other children her age. Her mum, Charlotte, explains how children's hospice Chestnut Tree House has become part of the family.
twinkling different colour stars
When words don’t feel enough – how to support a friend when their baby has died
Practical help for anyone providing support to a friend or loved one going through the loss of a child.
A woman holds a child and they smile at each other
It’s been a summer to remember
Activities are a big part of our work with children, young people and their families, creating a space for them to just be themselves and live life in the moment. Here’s a round-up of what we’ve seen so far in the summer of ‘25.
A pottery rabbit
Stronger together: how bereaved parents can support each other
Our Family Liaison, Sarah, hosts events and activities for both our bereaved and non-bereaved families and provides a listening ear for anyone who needs it.
A child with her dad playing in the accessible playground at Chestnut Tree House

Our family stories

Read our family stories to see how Chestnut Tree House has impacted the lives of so many. All have come directly from our wonderful families who have shared their experience of caring for a child with a life-limiting illness.

Family stories

Get to know more about us:

We provide hospice services to children and young people across East and West Sussex and South East Hampshire. Every year we support 300 children with life-limiting conditions to live their lives to the fullest. From day trips out and activities at the House, specialist care in their own homes and providing families with short breaks and support.

If you’d like to support us to help us continue to provide our services, care and support for children and families who know they don’t have long together then there’s a few ways you can get involved:

  • Fundraise! We’ve got lots of helpful hints and top tips for you to put on your own fundraising event.
  • Join an event. From marathon runs, overseas treks and daring abseils… take on a personal challenge while raising money.
  • Make a donation. It costs almost £9 million to run the hospice, with our NHS grant only funding around 7% of these costs. Without your incredible help we wouldn’t be able to continue to support children with life-threatening and life-limiting illnesses.

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our services and opportunities to get involved in supporting children and young people with life-limiting conditions.

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