Chestnut Tree House blessed to have Belgian nurse

And now the children’s hospice hopes that Camille de Pierpont’s ‘fabulous experience’ of working there will inspire others to join the team caring for youngsters with a life-limiting illness.

The hospice, the only one of its kind in Sussex, is holding its next recruitment event on Tuesday, September 16, at Chestnut Tree House, in Dover Lane, Poling.

After qualifying as a paediatric nurse in Belgium, Camille, 24, visited a similar event last autumn, successfully applied for a job at the hospice and started work there in November.

She said: “The atmosphere at Chestnut Tree House is very special. Every family lives or has lived through very difficult, sad and devastating experiences. It is true that there are ups and downs, but these families remain strong, united and close in spite of the situation. It is really very enriching to see them; it makes me realise what is really important in life.

“Many people who hear about Chestnut Tree House think of a sad place. It is true that we sometimes live through sad and inexplicable moments, but the days can also be full of joy, laughs and happiness.

“The feeling you get when you see a sick child or a child affected by a rare disease smiling at you, is wonderful, it makes your day.”

The hospice hopes to recruit community and in-house staff nurses, in-house care support workers and housekeeping staff at the open day, Call 01903 706317 for details.