MP joins snow event at Chestnut Tree House

A special Christmas surprise was organised for children at the Chestnut Tree House on Friday (17 December).

Staff at the children's hospice near Arundel arranged for it to snow and invited local MP Nick Herbert along to share the experience.

The MP is a Patron of the St Barnabas House Hospice (Worthing) which manages the Chestnut Tree House Children's Hospice.

After the snow, Mr Herbert joined staff and volunteers for coffee and mince pies.

Chestnut Tree House is the only children's hospice in Sussex and is currently caring for 215 children and young adults affected by progressive life-limiting and life-threatening illnesses, either in the hospice or at home.

Completed in 2003, the hospice costs more than £2 million a year to run and relies heavily on the generosity, help and support of the local community.

Nick Herbert commented: "I always enjoy my visits to the Chestnut Tree House.  It was great to see the children having such a great time with the snow, although I couldn't help feeling that the grown-ups had seen quite enough of the real stuff lately!  But it was a good opportunity for the charity to thank some of the people who have been supporting this very worthwhile cause."

Mr Herbert was joined at the event by Lady Sarah Clutton who is President of the Chestnut Tree House and St Barnabas House hospices.

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Notes for Editors

1. For the website of the Chestnut Tree House Children's Hospice, visit http://www.chestnut-tree-house.org.uk/.