Chestnuts€¦ · Stay in touch Email [email protected] ChestnutTreeHouse...

Your newsletter from Chestnut Tree House Autumn 2020

Caring through COVID-19Thanks to you, children and their families have been supported through the pandemic

Chestnuts

ALSO INSIDE... Helping families in isolation | Exciting events to inspire you | Your incredible achievements

Stay in touch Email [email protected] ChestnutTreeHouse @ChestnutSussex

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Welcome to your autumn newsletter, and thank you for all your amazing support through the Covid-19 crisisThese have and continue to be very challenging times for all of us. But thanks to you, we’ve been able to continue our crucial services and stay in regular touch with families in self-isolation. As you can read below, your support of our emergency appeal has been outstanding, and you’ve even funded fun activity packs, and singing and storytelling video sessions. Things like this can mean the world to children in lockdown, including Toby and Jack who you can meet on page 4.

Adapting to the ‘new norm’ is daunting for many children, and some have been quite worried at seeing our staff wearing PPE. To help alleviate their fears, our wonderful Ambassador and much-loved children’s book author Julia Donaldson has stepped in, along with illustrator Axel Scheffler. Axel very kindly produced some bespoke illustrations just for us, showing much-loved characters Zog and the flying doctors in PPE. We’ve turned them into brilliant colouring sheets for the children, and they’re really making a difference.

As you’ll see inside your newsletter, we still have lots to celebrate. Our shops have reopened, we’re planning some really exciting events and on page 8 we celebrate the achievements you’ve been part of in 2019. You’re doing so much to help local children and their families, and I hope you’re proud of the amazing things you’re helping to accomplish.

Warmest wishes,

Rosemarie Finley, CEO

STANDING WITH USWe’ve been overwhelmed by your response to our Emergency SOS Crisis Appeal, to keep our services running We need around £400,000 a month to support our services. Yet when Covid-19 first struck, our monthly income plummeted by 70% due to cancelled fundraising events and activities, and the closure of our charity shops. Then you stepped in. In an incredible outpouring of love and support, you’ve donated an astounding £147,818 to ensure we can continue caring for children with life-shortening conditions and their families. We can’t thank you enough.

Making a difference

Write to Chestnut Tree House, Dover Lane, Poling, Arundel, West Sussex BN18 9PX Telephone 01903 871800

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Remembering FinlayWe’re very grateful to Gemma, Kevin and their daughters Fearne and Ivy, for supporting Chestnut Tree House in Finlay’s memoryFinlay was born on 26 January 2012 with a major heart condition. The doctors told Gemma and Kevin that he’d need at least three separate surgeries in the first five years of his life. But his condition quickly deteriorated, making immediate surgery necessary.

“The doctors wanted to wait for surgery,” explains Gemma. “But Finlay’s organs were shutting down so quickly they couldn’t wait any longer. The surgery was successful, but his recovery was uncertain. He fought for longer than everyone thought possible.”

Devastating lossSadly, Finlay passed away at just three weeks and three days old. Understandably, the family weren’t ready to say goodbye and the hospital put them in touch with Chestnut Tree House. Here at the hospice, they spent some special time with Finlay and said goodbye in their own way.

“They looked after us for two weeks,” remembers Gemma. “They supported us and they helped us plan Finlay’s funeral. But most importantly they made sure we had time with him. Being there at Chestnut Tree House with Finlay was the most precious time for us. We are so grateful and always will be.”

Comforting visitsSince then, the family have stayed connected to Chestnut Tree House. They return here each year on Finlay’s birthday, bringing presents for the children and their families. They also attend our summer and winter remembrance services. “It’s a real comfort to us,” says Gemma. “We feel close to Finlay at Chestnut Tree House, so of course we are going to go and visit, and we’ll carry on doing that forever.”

At the time of Finlay’s passing, the family lived in Brighton, and they dedicated a tree to Finlay at Clayton Woods in Hassocks. On Sunday 10 May, they visited the tree and walked three miles around the beautiful woodlands, raising a fantastic £3,100 to help support our services. We’re extremely thankful for their kindness.

Mysterious guestWe’re thrilled that Peter Andre is staying in touch with children at Chestnut Tree House via video call Peter is a wonderful Patron and often visits our children and their families. He met Izzy, Loui and Karen on a previous visit, and was due to see them again when Covid-19 struck. Undeterred, Peter arranged video calls instead and spent some quality time with the children.

“Children’s hospices are such special, vital places, but I think a lot of people don’t really understand what they are or the many different ways they support children and families,” Peter told us. “It was lovely to catch up with the children to see how they’re getting on, and hopefully I’ll be able to visit Chestnut Tree House again soon.”

“Chestnut Tree House needs support now more than ever, I don’t know where we would be without them or their bereavement support over the years. I will be forever grateful.”

Gemma

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Awe-inspiring familiesWith your help, the incredible children and families who use Chestnut Tree House have coped remarkably well during lockdown

Jack’s giant stepsHis family were told he’d never walk, but Jack proved them wrong, and he’s just completed 44 metres to support us!Jack was born with Lowes syndrome, a genetic disease that primarily affects his eyes, brain, and kidneys. This has resulted in severe complex medical needs that require him to have 24-hour care. “We were told that Jack would never talk, sit up, speak or walk,” explains Emma, his mum.

Finding supportWhen Jack was four years old, his school nurse recommended the family seek support from Chestnut Tree House. “I remember walking in and thinking, this is amazing,” says Emma. “I’d expected it to be grey, dull and quiet, but instead it was loud, bright and lovely. Within an hour of being in the house Jack disappeared and was doing his own thing, he just loved it.”

Three years on, the family receives regular home visits from our Community Care Team, who’ve stayed in touch during the health crisis. “We’ve had texts, phone calls, everything,” says Emma. “We even received an activity pack, with bubbles and other sensory stuff, all centred around Jack.”

Toby’s culinary talentsTalented cook Toby has been enjoying quality time with his family and dishing up some tasty treats You may remember 14-year-old Toby from your previous newsletter. He looks like a healthy young man, yet he’s undergone seven open-heart surgeries, had two valves and a pacemaker fitted and received a heart transplant.

“We took on this challenge because we don’t know what we would do without Chestnut Tree House. They are there for our whole family, not just Jack.”

Emma

Reaching out to othersHearing we were losing 70% of our monthly income spurred Emma and Jack to support us. In April, Jack walked up and down his garden 11 times (44 metres), with Emma and his dad Kevin by his side, raising a brilliant £828.50 to help keep our services going. We’re so grateful and, for a child predicted never to walk, Jack’s achievement is incredible.

We’ve been caring for Toby for the past 12 years and his enthusiasm and determination are just amazing. While shielding with his family during lockdown he’s been doing his schoolwork, choosing his subject options and honing his culinary skills.

“Toby has chosen Food and Nutrition, History and Performing Arts”, his dad, Lee, tells us. “He’s spent a lot of time in the kitchen, cooking some lovely food with his mum.”

Throughout the health crisis we’ve been making weekly phone calls to Toby and his family, to help them feel less isolated.

“The phone calls have been brilliant,” says Lee. “The team genuinely wants to make sure we’re OK. If we have any concerns, we always know Chestnuts is on the other end of the phone, making things a little easier to cope with.”


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We’re thrilled that our charity shops have reopened and are delighted to welcome back our loyal customers and generous donorsOur shops are following Government and Charity Retail Association guidelines, and you’ll find a number of changes when you visit to help keep customers and staff safe.

What remains the same is the friendly welcome and range of stock inside. As well as the full range of good quality items you’ve come to expect, we have lots to help you prepare for the festive season. Choose from stocking fillers, festive party wear and gifts for your loved ones – even colourful pet toys to put under the tree for your furry friends! Our new range of Christmas cards for 2020 is available in our shops too, as well as at www.chestnut-tree-house.org.uk/onlineshop

For more information about retail, including our shops, furniture collection and house clearances, please visit www.chestnut-tree-house.org.uk/shops

Retail Volunteers neededWe urgently need more shop and warehouse volunteers to help us bounce back from the temporary closures. For more information, please email our Voluntary Services Team at [email protected] or call 01903 706315.

Open for business

Could you be a winner?

Our weekly Lottery costs just £1 to play and, like Jan, you could win the top prize of £1,000. Most importantly, you’ll help provide care to local children with life-shortening conditions, week after week

Knowing the pandemic has halted lots of our fundraising activities, big-hearted Jan plans to give half her winnings back to Chestnut Tree House. With the other £500 she’s buying a Henchman ladder! “I’ll be able to reach the farthest branches of my apple tree

and get to all my apples, which has been difficult for me,” says Jan. “These ladders are expensive. But now I have the money, so it’s ok!”

You could be a winner like Jan! Join our Lottery now, at www.chestnutlottery.org.uk Promoter: St Barnabas Hospices (Sussex) Ltd. Responsible Managers: Rebecca Jupp and Alan Maher. Licensed under the Gambling Act 2005. Registered Charity Number 0256789. www.gamblingcommission.gov.uk Players must be 16 years old or over and a UK resident.

Friends indeedBy making a regular donation to Chestnut Tree House, you’ll join our Circle of Friends and help us weather the storm With many of our fundraising activities cancelled or postponed, we urgently need support to make up the shortfall in our income. A regular gift from as little as £5 a month can allow us to plan now and cover difficult times ahead. Plus, you’ll automatically become one of our Circle of Friends – people who want to help Chestnut Tree House care for local children and their families.

You can make a regular gift online at www.chestnut-tree-house.org.uk/ regulargift or by calling 01903 706329. Thank you.

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Covid-19 can’t stop our fab supporters! There are loads of ways to raise funds for Chestnut Tree House, and thanks to everyone who already has

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Exciting events

Coming soon...… Transylvanian Snow Trek A spectacular five day snowshoe trek in February 2022, through snowy forests, lakes and frozen mountains. Register your interest now at www.chestnut-tree-house.org.uk/snowtrek

Hit the Downs MTBThere’s still time to enter this exhilarating off-road cycle ride, rescheduled for Sunday 11 OctoberStarting from Adur Recreation Ground, Shoreham, the undulating course will test your mettle with its tricky climbs and rapid downhill descents. Choose from two routes: The 30k route costs £35 to enter and the brand new 80k route costs £45, with no minimum sponsorship. Enter now at www.chestnut-tree-house.org.uk/hit-the-downs-mtb

Castle Night TrekTake on an amazing night-time challenge around the stunning grounds of Herstmonceux CastleOn Saturday 24 April 2021, enjoy the beautiful night sky of East Sussex and help raise money to provide families with vital community support. The trek is open to everyone aged 14 and over (participants aged 14-16 years must be accompanied by an adult). We’re offering an early bird entry fee of £20 per person until 30 October 2020, so don’t miss out! Sign up now at www.chestnut-tree-house.org.uk/castlenighttrek

A big thank you to…… everyone who took part in the Littlehampton 10k virtual edition on Sunday 6 September. You’ve raised an incredible £17,000 so far, and your sponsorship money is still coming in!

Well done to...… all who braved the Emirates Spinnaker Tower Abseil on 6 and 13 September and good luck to those doing their abseil on 4 October. If you’d like to test your nerve, see breathtaking views over Portsmouth harbour and the Solent before descending 320ft down this iconic tower, register now at www.chestnut-tree-house.org.uk/ spinnaker-tower-abseil-day

Looking aheadWe’re making plans for all our 2021 events and hope to bring you more details in the next few months. You can keep up-to-date at www.chestnut-tree-house.org.uk/challenge-events or by following our social media.


Santa Night iDrop A 530ft descent in open space. Down an iconic Brighton landmark. At night. Dressed as Santa! This is a socially distanced abseil like no other on Saturday 28 November 2020. It costs just £45 to register, with a minimum sponsorship of £285. But hurry, there are only 40 places available. It’s first come, first serve

and registration closes on Friday 20 November. You don’t need any experience, all training is provided on the day, and you’ll be supported by a qualified instructor... so you can enjoy the ride and the views. Sign up today at www.chestnut-tree-house.org.uk/santaidrop

Make it Snowman SpectacularJoin us as we celebrate Raymond Brigg’s iconic character and create new memories togetherRaymond Briggs CBE has supported Chestnut Tree House for many years and is a Patron of the charity. His classic book, The Snowman™, captures the wonder and innocence of childhood, such as making new friends, having adventures and exploring the world. But it also touches on the concept of loss.

Every winter, we find ways in which the The Snowman character can help local children and families create their own special memories. We’re planning lots of fun activities in November and December, including The Snowman Bus driving around Brighton, thanks to Brighton & Hove Buses. There’s also a brand new Snowman-themed writing competition and our annual Snowman drawing competition, so sharpen your pencils and get out your paints! Keep an eye out for more details on our website and social media.

Festive fundraisers

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Together we can make this Christmas really magical for local children and their families

Make a Will MonthThis October, solicitors in your local community will write Wills at a reduced cost, with all proceeds going to your local children’s hospice By leaving a gift in your Will, you’ll be helping children with life-shortening conditions and their families create special memories that last a lifetime.

To find out more about our Make a Will Month, visit www.chestnut-tree-house.org.uk/makeawillmonth or ring 01903 706351.

Choose our Christmas cardsOur gorgeous Christmas cards are designed to suit all tastes, and the money they raise each year is really important to usThe cards come in packs of 10 and you can pick them up at any of our charity shops. You can also buy them online at www.chestnut-tree-house.org.uk/onlineshop or place an order using the form enclosed with this newsletter.

Grab your antlers!From cracking Christmas dance-offs to a festive run or ramble, enjoy some exciting Reindeer Fun!There are loads of reindeer-themed frolics to choose from, and we’ll give every participant free antlers, a red Rudolph nose and a Santa suit (one suit per group). All we ask is that you have lots of fun and raise as much sponsorship money as you can for Chestnut Tree House. Find out more and sign up today at www.chestnut-tree-house.org.uk/reindeer-fun Our thanks to the Lodge of Union 38, Sussex Freemasons for sponsoring Reindeer Fun 2020.


You’re amazingThanks to you, 2019 was another incredible year of providing care and support for local children and their loved ones

1,428 overnight stays took place. Crucially, you’re enabling us to offer higher staffing ratios, to cope with the increased dependency

of some of our children and young adults.

200 community visits were carried out on average each

month. With your support, our community service continues to expand to meet growing

needs across Sussex and South East Hampshire.

We couldn’t do it without you, and we can’t thank you enough.

300 children and young adults received our

services across East and West Sussex and South

East Hampshire.

1,240 therapy, support and counselling services were provided. Each year many of the children we

care for and their families benefit from the care you

so kindly support.

Countless memories were made, thanks to the stay and play sessions you help fund.

Activities such as music, art and crafts, cooking, outings, games, social events and sensory play create many special moments

for local children and their families. You also support fun family events such as Christmas

parties, summer barbeques, cinema screenings and swimming clubs.

Chestnuts€¦ · Stay in touch Email [email protected] ChestnutTreeHouse...

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