Chestnut Tree House' Children's Hospice
In September last year Michelle and I awaited a phone call to say that we had the all clear that day to visit Chestnut Tree House. The reason we had to await that phone call was so that we were not turning up on a day when a child may be very sick, and in order to be respectful to the family and the child, they deserved privacy in that situation.
However, the phone call was positive, and we could visit as planned.
We pulled in to the drive and instantly felt stunned into silence by the beauty and tranquility of the place. The setting is gorgeous, and the whole feel and look was of a New England style house in America, with fabulous countryside enveloping it.
I think it is fair to say that we were both very nervous about this visit, as being two mums, who both tend to cry at the opening of a crisp packet, we anticipated that the day would be full of emotion and sadness... how wrong we were!
The whole ambiance of Chestnut Tree House is warm and welcoming, and there was a real sense of life and fun. There are no barriers, all nationalities, colour, race and religion are welcome.
The rooms are really spacious and can be personalised whilst the child occupies it, to encourage a real home from home feel. Many children with life-limiting and life-threatening illnesses will use these facilities on a regular basis, and as such become great friends with the staff.
Sadly, many of these children will not reach adulthood, and whilst we were there, we were encouraged to go to the chapel, and to visit the bereavement suite. This was an experience that will stay with both of us for ever, not in a sad or negative way, but from a really overwhelming perspective, that if we have to lose a child, this was the most perfect and beautiful setting for it to occur in.
The surprising knowledge that we learned on that day, is that any one of us could use this facility, it is not a requirement to have a sick child. What I mean by that is that if a child loses their life suddenly or in an accident, families are allowed the use of the suite to allow them time to come to terms with their loss. The child has their own bed, which is chilled, and can remain at rest in these wonderful, private surroundings for up to two weeks. Again the room can be personalised which is a great help to siblings when dealing with their grief. The attached suite is big enough for the whole family to live in and is completely self contained, with gorgeous private gardens surrounding the whole area.
I really pray I will never need the use of these facilities, but would any of us had realised that if we did need them, that we could have the use of somewhere so tranquil and peaceful, where so much thought has gone into the provisions made.
Please help us to support Chestnut Tree House, by purchasing concert tickets for yourself and your family and spread the word, as we want this to be a big success, so that more families can have the use of these much needed facilities, if required.
Thank you for your support.
Hazel Harper & Michelle McShee - One Vision Events
