Linda Lusardi presents cheque to Chestnut Tree House

Actress and former Dancing on Ice star Linda Lusardi presented Chestnut Tree House children’s hospice, near Arundel, with a cheque for £24,832.

The TV star was there as an ambassador for the Thomas Cook Children’s Charity (TCCC), which awarded Chestnut Tree House the grant for essential refurbishment work on the children’s bedrooms.

Grateful

A spokeswoman for Chestnut Tree House said very little refurbishment had taken place in this area.

She said the grant would provide a “fantastic opportunity” to make the alterations and improvements “urgently needed” to accommodate the increasing number of children requiring the hospice’s care.

Linda Perry said: “We are so grateful to TCCC for supporting us in this way.

“It is, of course, essential that the hospice has the very highest standards in terms of safety and cleanliness for the children, but it is important that we provide a colourful, stimulating and homely environment for them when they come to stay with us.

“This generous grant will enable us to provide the very best in care and comfort for the children and families.”

Thrilled

The grant is part of the TCCC’s partnership with Together For Short Lives, for which the charity has pledged £1 million to UK children’s hospices over the next three years.

On the day, Linda Lusardi was joined by Pete Constanti, chairman of the TCCC, and representatives from local Thomas Cook stores and Neilsen Active Holidays in Brighton.

After presenting the cheque to Linda Perry, director of children’s services at Chestnut Tree House, the group were given a tour of the hospice to see the refurbishment work in progress.

Pete Constanti, chairman of the Thomas Cook Children’s Charity, said: “We’re thrilled to be able to fund this project for Chestnut Tree House.

“They provide invaluable care and support for the children and their families and we hope this enables them to continue to do this in the best possible environment.”