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Happy child in a wheelchair

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.

Image of a joyful child at the hospice
Mikey’s story
Mikey was just nine-months old when he was fitted with a tracheostomy to help him breathe. His condition is so complex that he's the only one in the world with his condition - Mum, Chevonne gives us a glimpse into their life.
Happy child at the hospice
Archie’s story
"Chestnut consistently put the child first to make sure they can have a childhood that, although vastly different from their peers, offers them the chance to experience the same joys and little things in life that is all part of growing up."
Maisy Leigh and family
Maisy-Leigh’s story
Get to know Maisy-Leigh and her family. Mum Hayleigh gives us a glimpse into their lives together and how Maisy-Leigh's rare genetic condition shapes their lives.
Gracie and family at the House with a llama
Gracie’s story
Gracie has epilepsy and a rare disorder called Cardiofaciocutaneous Syndrome. Her mum, Aly, shares what it's like living with both.
A Chestnut Tree House baby wearing a nasal tube.
Rupert’s story
“Nursery rhymes, fairy lights, love and constant support. Chestnut Tree House hospice gave us the perfect place to say goodbye to our Rupert.”
Image of Zac in his wheelchair on a special swing
Zac’s story
"You hear the word hospice and you get frightened; you think of a sad and gloomy hospital setting. But when we visited at 24 weeks pregnant, it instantly felt like a home away from home, it was amazing."
Jack on an activity day out of the House
Jack’s story
“Jack is our beautiful miracle baby. At three weeks old, we thought we would have to say goodbye to him. They told us he would never walk, never sit up, never speak.”
Louiza’s story
"A friend then told me about Chestnut Tree House, and I was so pleased to know that there was help out there."
Victoria and Lewis Ramm with their children
Heidi and Eloise’s story
"The main thing Chestnut Tree House gave us was time as a family"
Tiger-Lily being a superstar
Tiger-Lily’s story
Vicky introduces us to her daughter Tiger-Lily. Since birth Tiger-Lily's needed round the clock care and ventilation due to a rare illness she was born with. Vicky tells us what her journey's been like and how the Chestnut Tree team have been there for support and care.
Andre on a day out with Chestnut Tree House
Andre’s story
Just like any 11-year-old, Andre loves music, going to school and spending time with his big sister, but unlike many boys his age he also has a life-shortening disorder called Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy.
Two images - one of baby Finlay sleeping and one of Gemma holding Finlay
Finlay’s story
“We weren’t ready to say goodbye and the team at the hospital knew that. They searched for a local children’s hospice where we could go, and they found Chestnut Tree House.”
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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