Cellular Solutions springs into action on Chestnut Tree Gardening Day

Getting stuck into the corporate volunteer day at the Chestnut Tree House a dedicated team of staff members tended to the gardens of Sussex’s only children’s hospice.

Representing multiple departments across the company the 14 strong team of volunteers where set to work in the grounds, clearing vegetation from flower beds getting them ready to be tilled and replanted with something much more visually appealing for the children, managing to fill an entire skip with weeds, unfit soil, and even some errant carrots! Not only that but they even managed to water the sapling apple trees, cleaned vital fire escapes as well as clearing and edging many other flower beds.

Chestnut Tree House is the only children’s hospice in East and West Sussex and cares for over 280 children and young adults from 0-25 years of age with progressive, life-limiting medical conditions from Sussex and South East Hampshire.

There are an estimated 1,000 families with life-limited children in Sussex. Chestnut Tree House offers support for the whole family including psychological and bereavement support, end of life and short break care and sibling support.

This crucial work was highlighted when the team was taken on a tour of the facilities. The hospice costs nearly £3 million per year to run but families are never charged for their care. Less than 8p in every pound is funded by the government, so it relies heavily on the generosity, help, and support of the people of Sussex.

Joe Pottington one of the organisers of the day said “I personally (and perhaps speak for many others) was taken aback by the excellent facilities that are on offer to the Children that really need it. From Sensory Rooms to a Hydrotherapy Pool it is humbling to see what some of our hard worked fundraisings goes towards. But the real heroes are the staff who keep the place running from day to day. ” he continued to say “It is great how everyone’s effort has helped to make a difference to these wonderfully brave children”.

To find out more about Chestnut Tree Hospice visit their website http://www.chestnut-tree-house.org.uk/