Chestnut Tree House Business Awards

Chris Dell, who works at Gallagher Heath, was one of many recognised for their charitable actions at a sparkling ceremony in the South Lodge Hotel last Thursday evening.

She was inspired to support Chestnut Tree House after reading a heart-wrenching letter entitled ‘Jack’s Birthday Wish’ from the mother of a boy who had died aged just one-year-old.

A supporter for more than five years, Chris suggested that Gallagher Heath support Chestnut Tree House through its corporate social responsibility scheme and she has been the main event organiser for fundraising initiatives including charity days, dress down days, the London BUPA 10k Run, 10k Coastal Run, ‘Heath’s got Talent’ show, plus applications for two £1,000 grants from Lloyd’s of London and a local housing association.

She has also helped the Chestnut Tree House Events Team with the Snowman Spectacular Ball, Paul Jones’ Charity Golf Day and the Piazza Italia weekend in Horsham.

Chris is supported in her efforts by her grandsons and with her husband last year set up a Friends Group, running fundraising stalls resulting in £1,000 in their first year.

The fundraiser is always looking for new ways and ideas to raise not only money but also awareness of the charity, a very proactive individual volunteer and great recruiter of others to do likewise.

“Companies from across the county have raised hundreds of thousands of pounds over the years for Chestnut Tree House in a wonderful variety of ways,” said Hugh Lowson, the charity’s chief executive.

“They and their staff have shown huge resourcefulness and commitment to help us make life better for children with life-limiting illnesses and their families,”

“As part of our tenth anniversary celebrations, we want to say a huge thank you to our corporate supporters and we hope that many more businesses across East and West Sussex will join them to help and support us.”

He added: “We have to raise £6,850 every day to provide all our care services, both at the hospice and out in the community across Sussex.

“ Less than eight per cent of our funding comes from central government, so we are reliant on the generosity of local businesses and individuals to cover our care costs.”

Businesses across Sussex were awarded for various categories including Outstanding Corporate Supporter and Outstanding Long Term Supporter,