Pop rock band Lawson visit Chestnut Tree House

Drummer Adam Pitts, from Brighton, took part in the charity’s Littlehampton 10k last September and raised £2,500 for the Poling hospice.

He was then invited to see where the money goes and told he had raised was enough to pay for ten children to have the chance to visit Chestnut Tree House for the day, to enjoy a range of activities, while giving the parents a break from their daily care.

Accompanied by the rest of the band – Andy Brown, Ryan Fletcher and Joel Peat – he took a tour of the hospice.

They spoke to children and staff while taking in the music room, activity room, multi-sensory room, computer room and hydrotherapy pool, and finding out exactly how the facilities benefit all the children and families who use the hospice.

Adam said: “I have been looking for an opportunity to visit Chestnut Tree House since raising money for them last year and I was blown away by what a beautiful, and incredibly wonderful place it is.

“It has made me want to do more and if I can find time to train, I will sign up for another run for them.”

Lawson was also celebrating their official highest entry in the charts, having shot to No.3 in the iTunes charts with their new single Roads.

The band marked its release with a seven-stop tour to fans’ homes around the country, as well as squeezing in a surprise visit to Chestnut Tree House, much to the delight of all the children and staff.

Caroline McCullough, clinical nurse manager, said: “The lads were truly a delight to show around and were so interested and clearly moved by what we do here at Chestnut Tree House.

“They spent time talking to some of the children and young people and delighted one of our younger nurses by stopping for a few photos with her.

“Within minutes of leaving us, they were tweeting about their visit and enthusing about the amazing children, facilities and staff we have at Chestnut Tree House.”

This year’s Chestnut Tree House Littlehampton 10k is on Sunday, September 6, and registration is open at www.chestnut-tree-house.org.uk/get-involved/events/run-for-chestnut-tree-house or call 01903 706355.