Death of terminally-ill girl inspires Southern and Gatwick Express staff to support children’s hospice

The death of a terminally-ill girl has inspired Southern and Gatwick Express employees of Govia Thameslink Railway to support Chestnut Tree House Hospice, the only children’s hospice in Sussex, as charity for the year, making an initial donation of over £1,800.

Keith Hills, On-Board Supervisor Manager at Barnham, nominated Chestnut Tree House after Worthing station sales clerk Nigel Thorne lost a granddaughter four years ago.

Nigel said: “Iona-May was born nine weeks prematurely and was quadriplegic, blind and had cerebral palsy. At 10 days old we were told that she had only 72 hours left and so brought her back from the Chelsea and Westminster Hospital in London to Worthing Hospital so that she was closer to the family.

“While at Worthing Hospital we were introduced to Chestnut Tree House and this charity very quickly became part of the family. Once we were back in Worthing, Iona-May carried on fighting, with Chestnut offering respite care for mum Vicki, as well as hydrotherapy support, days out for the family and walks through the woods – something she really enjoyed because of the noises the rustling leaves made.”

Despite the prognosis, Iona-May made it to her seventh birthday but tragically passed away in October 2013.

Nigel added: “She really was the light of our lives and I cannot thank Chestnut enough for all the support throughout her too-short life, as well as the on-going support we as a family still receive, from birthdays and anniversary celebrations held at the hospice, to counselling or just someone to talk to.”

Keith said: “My heart goes out to the children at the hospice, and their families. I have been blessed with healthy children but seen first-hand how difficult it is when your child becomes so ill. I hope that we as a business can ease their pain with support over the next year.”

Drivers, station staff, engineers and office staff at GTR voted to select Chestnut Tree House by taking part in the company’s annual employee survey. Anyone who completed the survey could cast a vote for their favourite charity and GTR promised to pay £1 in return. Chestnut Tree House won with a donation of £1,805; the Wildlife Aid Foundation received £666 and last year’s charity Embrace was given £467.

Chestnut Tree House’s Corporate Fundraising Manager Terrina Barnes, receiving the first sum raised at Arundel station, said: “We are delighted that Southern have chosen to support us and look forward to working with the team. We would like to thank everyone who voted to support us - the help really is appreciated and will make such a difference to local families. It will be a special year for us as we celebrate 15 years since the House opened.

“Chestnut Tree House looks after 300 children and young people with life-limiting conditions across Sussex and South East Hampshire and we need to raise £6,850 every day to pay for all our specialist care services, both at the hospice and in families’ own homes.

“We rely heavily on the support of the local community to raise awareness and funds, which makes relationships with organisations like Southern and Gatwick Express invaluable."

Drivers, station staff, engineers and office staff raised almost £15,000 for last year’s charity, Embrace in Eastbourne, prompting praise from the charity and a hope that this figure can be equalled for the hospice, near Arundel.

Su Rogers, Station Sales Clerk at Moulescoomb, nominated Embrace and said: “The money raised has made a huge difference to the kids that already have so much to deal with. This has meant that Embrace have been able to open their own centre, including a sensory room which helps calm children with disabilities and special needs. I feel proud to work with people who are willing to give so much.”

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Editor’s notes

Pictured (from left) at Arundel station: Keith Hills On-Board Supervisor Manager (Barnham depot), Laura Lee, Station Sales Clerk (Arundel), Terrina Barnes, Corporate Fundraising Manager from Chestnut Tree House Hospice, Nigel Thorne, Station Sales Clerk (Worthing), Michelle Clark, Head of Employee Engagement (whose team runs the employee survey)