'Chestnut Tree House Children's Hospice Charity'

Christmas can be a stressful time for all of us but imagine for a moment how you might feel if you had a small son or a daughter with a terminal illness. It doesn't bear thinking about does it but sadly there are a number of parents each year who have to face up to dealing with a Christmas with a child for whom that Christmas is likely to be their last.

'Chestnut Tree House' is THE children's hospice for Sussex. I say 'the' because it is the ONLY such establishment in that area and as such is constantly in demand and in need of funds. Aside from a government grant of 250,000 a year, the hospice has to raise the rest of the money (currently around 3 million per annum) it needs to operate itself and that is a huge task in itself.

The hospice is situated at Arundel and looks after 300 or more children and their families at any one time. The work that they do in bringing comfort, support and making sure that the children involved and their parents get to make the most of whatever time they have left together is amazing and support continues for parents even after their loved one has died.

In 2001, I had a friend of mine, Simon Patrick Kerr Griffiths, commit suicide on me. Simon was a troubled soul and did not have a happy or productive life in the main. He grew up in Chichester and went 'off the rails' as a teenager engaging in many criminal activities some of which caused considerable disruption and upset to others. Simon suffered greatly with anxiety and depression - a condition that ran in his family - and so, while he cannot be completely forgiven for his actions, was not truly responsible for them either. Since his death, I have though about him and his life a lot and the conclusion I have come to is that in many ways he was a child born into this world that never really had a chance right from the off. I see those poor little souls who end up at Chestnut Tree House like that which is why each year I make a donation to the hospice. Life is NOT fair and not everybody does get a 'fair shake' at living a long and productive life. While I grieve for Simon he did at least get to spend 55 years on this planet. The kids at Chestnut Tree House don't have that luxury to look forward to...

I know things are tough at this time of year but if you can spare a few pounds this Christmas a donation to Chestnut Tree House is a gift for those who are most in need of a fabulous Christmas. If you can achieve so much with so little just by cutting down on a few beers or eating a few less mince pies this year isn't it worth the sacrifice?

You can find out more about the work that Chestnut Tree House does and learn how and where you can donate to the cause here: http://www.chestnut-tree-house.org.uk