Chichester student’s poetry fundraiser for Chestnut Tree House after over 150 days of isolation

Kay Channon, who is studying for a PhD within the theatre department at the university, was born with cerebral palsy, a life-long neurological condition which affects her mobility, respiratory system and makes her extremely vulnerable to Covid-19.

She is also a published poet, so while shielding from the virus she decided to start raising money for Chestnut Tree House by asking for donations in return for a personalised poetry piece.

Kay, 31, said: “The idea came to me one night in the mist of the lockdown. I haven’t left my flat for over 150 days and I have only had one carer at any given time.

“Therefore, I wasn’t able to experience any other human face-to-face contact.”

“One of the most difficult things for me to deal with during this period, was knowing and watching so many people suffer at a distance and not being able to do anything to help them.

“I know first-hand what it is like to be in hospital with severe breathing problems and not be able to eat, drink or swallow anything.

“Like many, I was struggling with the current situation, but as far as I knew, I had the time to struggle, to understand and try to deal with it, but others did not.

“I really hope that my poetry can help to raise vital funds for Chestnut Tree House and raise a smile for the children who use their services. The respite facilities that the hospice provide are amazing, and the pure joy and engagement that families get from being at Chestnut Tree House is paramount and undeniable.”

Kay will be performing her poem on social media and documenting the different parts on her SoundCloud.

To support Kay’s fundraiser and find out more, visit her JustGiving page at www.justgiving.com/fundraising/kay-channon-chestnuttreehouse

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