Royal opening for hospice

The Princess will take a tour of the house, near Angmering, and be shown the state-of-the-art facilities, before meeting some of the children and young adults who will be using Chestnut Tree House as a true home-from-home.

Hugh Lowson, chief executive of St Barnabas Hospice and Chestnut Tree House Children's Hospice said: "We are honoured that Her Royal Highness Princess Alexandra will be able to officially open Chestnut Tree House.

"It was with great delight that we saw the achievement of our dream to provide a children's hospice for the whole of Sussex when Chestnut Tree House opened for summer activities in July.

"This year the hospice becomes fully operational, providing 24-hour specialised care seven days per week for children with life-limiting or life-threatening illnesses, whilst providing support to their parents, siblings and extended family."

Chestnut Tree House will be a place where the whole family, touched by the tensions of a life-limiting illness or condition, can find total support. Incorporated in Chestnut Tree House are areas for both the children and their families '“ a multi-sensory room, wet and dry play areas, a hydrotherapy centre, a music room and a sensory garden '“ where the children will be able to relax or play and where they can take part in activity related therapies.

The Community Care Team has identified more than 400 children and teenagers in Sussex, with life-limiting and life-threatening conditions, who can benefit from the provision for specialist care at Chestnut Tree House.

At present these children, and their families, have to travel long distances '“ to Winchester, Guildford or Sittingbourne '“ to receive hospice care, and many of these children are unable to tolerate such a journey.

Chestnut Tree House will be open to all children and teenagers in Sussex suffering from life-limiting and life-threatening conditions, irrespective of their race, creed, colour or sex.

There are also plans to link with other children's hospices in the UK for exchange visits, providing opportunities for the sharing of learning and valued resources.