Chestnut Tree House is the children’s hospice for Sussex and South East Hampshire, however what many people don't realise is that Chestnut Tree House offers bereavement services for families as well.

When William died we were not at all prepared for what we needed to do next. We were told the hospital used a particular funeral service and that between his post mortem and a funeral he would be at rest in their funeral home. We were then told about the Stars Suite at Chestnut Tree House, through a friend of my sister's that sadly had had to use Chestnut Tree Houses services for the same reason, and through Ian Hart funeral services who was then able to co ordinate William's journey from the hospital to Chestnut.

Being told about the Stars Suite and the bereavement services that are offered changed the few weeks we had (and the years since) in so many ways.

At the Stars Suite when a baby or child has passed the families are able to spend precious time together while their child is at rest, supported by staff and in the comfort of a private room. I can not express how kind the staff were to my family. They gave me advice on planning the funeral, they entertained and cooked for the boys, they gave me emotional support and offered to take handprints and footprints of William (as well as letting the boys paint their own feet!).

As odd as it might sound I look back on time that there in a fond way, as it was the only time I could be with all three boys for that short time. The bedroom that the children can lay at rest in is beautiful and peaceful. There is music you can play, and calm lighting and I was able to sit and read to William before saying goodbye somewhere I felt comfortable at instead of a funeral home.

Since that time we have gone back to Chestnut Tree house for counselling services, fun days for the children, and their special remembrance days. There is also their peaceful memory garden, where every child that has stayed at the house and has passed has a stone placed at the fountain in their memory.

Chestnut Tree House is a special place that gave our family a little bit of light at the worst time, and keeps being the place where we feel closest to William and that is why Isaac wanted to raise money for them during this years Baby Loss Awareness Week in memory of William.

It costs almost £6 million every year to provide hospice care for local children, with only 21% of this funded by the government. One day of support for a family, a day of fun for siblings and respite for parents costs the house £1050. Isaac hopes to raise that amount by cycling for 25 miles this week and hopefully being sponsored by friends and family. We hope that as well as raising the money this will also raise awareness of what Chestnut Tree House has to offer.

We thank you for every pound or penny donated. We can assure you it goes towards an amazing cause.