Childrens' hospiceawarded grant aid

The money will help to fund a specialist paediatric community palliative care nurse employed by the Chestnut Tree House hospice for the youngsters who are not expected to reach adulthood.

The nurse, who will also cover the Littlehampton area, will offer expert care and support for sick children and their families.

Arun District Council provided the grant after the hospice successfully applied for grant aid for its work as the only children's hospice in Sussex.

Cllr Norman Dingemans, responsible for economic regeneration and tourism, said: 'We are delighted to assist such an important local charity and ensure that families in tragic circumstances can continue to rely on the invaluable help of community nurses.

'It is exactly projects such as these that grant aid is here to help.'

Trusts fundraiser for the hospice Andy Perry explained it was only able to provide such an invaluable service to local children thanks to grants such as the one from the council.

'Without the support from Arun and similar bodies, our ability to help those families most in need will be severely curtailed.

'As the only children's hospice in Sussex this could leave many families struggling to cope with the demands of caring for a life-limited child without professional help at a time when they need us most,' he stated.

Specialist paediatric community palliative care nurses play a crucial role in tackling the practical, physical and emotional issues that affect seriously ill children and their families.

They offer advice and respite care to children and families in their own homes. Their specialist advice on the child's condition and treatment, the nurses also help support the family emotionally and provide relief for the parents as well as the child.

Arun's chairman, Cllr Stephen Haymes, was present at the cheque handover. He strongly supported the hospice during his year of office which ended in Mayby raising several thousand pounds for its work.

'Many families and children who live with life-limiting illnesses rely on the expert specialist care of Chestnut Tree House staff to keep going. This grant will ensure that those families in Bognor and Littlehampton are given the vital care and support they need,' he explained.