Friday 12th December is a date that is firmly in my diary because it’s Wear a Santa Suit to Work Day, all in aid of Chestnut Tree House.
Last week I donned my Santa suit on the steps of Westminster Hall – where President Obama spoke to MPs and Peers a few years ago – to help raise awareness of this great initiative. It would be fair to say there were a few bemused looks as I walked around!
The reason for all of this, of course, is to promote the fantastic and vital work of everyone at Chestnut Tree House.
As the only children’s hospice in Sussex, they hold a special place in the local community for the work that they do, providing specialist palliative care to children and young people with life-shortening illnesses across Crawley and the county.
The children looked after by the Hospice are unlikely to reach adulthood.
A number of those cared for suffer from disorders such as Muscular Dystrophy, Cystic Fibrosis, multiple disabilities, cancer and progressive genetic disorders.
Chestnut provide support for the whole family, offering psychological support, respite care and sibling support, end of life care, and support following bereavement.
In addition to the work at the Hospice, Chestnut also have a team of Community Nurses, who are out delivering support and care in families’ own homes.
This is a growing part of Chestnut Tree House’s work. In fact, they now provide more end-of-life care in families’ homes than at the hospice.
Chestnut Tree House currently cares for 300 children and young people, and more than 100 bereaved families. Its inspirational work costs over £3 million annually.
Over the years, I have tried to do my bit for Chestnut, which has included taking part in Santas on the Run on a number of occasions, including once with my nine year old daughter!
I am proud to see how our town has given its support to such a worthy cause over the last few years.
They are the charity partner of Crawley Town Football Club, and I know a number of local people took part and volunteered at their recent 10k Coastal Run in Littlehampton.
Any donation that can be made to Chestnut Tree House would be greatly appreciated by myself and the hospice.
Please donate at: www.justgiving.com/HenrySantaSuit