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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.
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.
Heidi’s story
"Getting the diagnosis was bittersweet. Hearing that our daughter has a life-limiting condition was horrific, but at the same time it’s opened a lot of doors, now we have an amazing medical team around us – which includes Chestnut Tree House."
Mum and son on a Chestnut Activity day
Thomas’s story
"I feel guilty admitting it, but the first time I left him here gave me such a rest. He had a beautiful room overlooking the garden, and I knew that he had the right medical team to care for him."
Nellie and Megan and nurse at Chestnut Tree House
Nellie’s story
"We are doing our utmost to live every one of Nellie’s days to the fullest, creating memories and finding the joy in everyday life. Families like ours are going through the worst thing imaginable, but the support of Chestnut Tree House really has helped."
Image of Beau and his brother
Beau’s story
"Unless you’ve visited, you don’t really understand what children’s hospices are about. People expect to see very poorly children and they’re surprised that it’s so full of life."
Summer with her family in the countryside
Summer’s story
"You're not taught to be a parent. So you're definitely not taught to be a parent of a dying child."
Nora and family out and about
Nora’s story
"Before Chestnut Tree House, there was no one else who could look after Nora when she’s not at school. It’s not fair to leave her with family members because she needs constant care."
Montage images of Tyler. In the hospice with a tube in his nose (left) and outdoors having fun with llamas (right)
Tyler’s story
"Our family needs support we can rely on. And like every family, we need fun too. Chestnut makes both possible."
Jacob and nurses at the hospice
Jacob’s story
Jacob has lots of complex medical needs - he loves spending time outdoors and splashing around in the swimming pool, His Mum tells us all about their life.
A selection of images of Lilly
Lilly’s story
"The team at Chestnut Tree House are brilliant and they need all of the help and support that they can get so they can continue doing what they do for families like us. I don’t know what we would do without them."
Image of Zac in his wheelchair on a special swing

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. We need almost £6 million every year to provide hospice care for local children and their families, with only a small amount of this coming from central government. 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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