Reporter joins trek for Chestnut Tree House

I have run a 10K and completed a marathon, 10-mile swim and 112-mile cycle ride over three days for them.
L36092H12-tom  - L36095-tom 310812  LP

Littlehampton Gazetter eporter, Tom Cotterill, who is competing in a charity run. ENGSUS00120120831171735L36092H12-tom  - L36095-tom 310812  LP

Littlehampton Gazetter eporter, Tom Cotterill, who is competing in a charity run. ENGSUS00120120831171735
L36092H12-tom - L36095-tom 310812 LP Littlehampton Gazetter eporter, Tom Cotterill, who is competing in a charity run. ENGSUS00120120831171735

But now, I will be one of the team jetting off to the other side of the globe next year to trek the Great Wall of China for Chestnut Tree House.

During my time as a reporter I have covered countless stories of the fundraisers who have completed extraordinary feats of endurance to raise vital cash for the Poling-based children’s hospice – the only such facility in the whole of Sussex.

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So it seemed only right that I put myself forward to do what I could to bolster Chestnut Tree House’s coffers. And it’s a challenge that certainly won’t be a walk in the park. Fundraisers who have pledged to join the adventure need to raise a minimum of £2,800.

But in spite of this seemingly daunting sum, I know that there is a dedicated team at Chestnut Tree House who will be helping with fundraising ideas and supporting all those who have joined every step of the way. I’m also going to be doing my bit to back my fellow adventurers.

As the county’s only media representative joining the trek, I will be helping to provide you with coverage of your cash-building activities to give you the best shot of hitting that £2,800 target – and surpassing it.

The goal, ultimately, is to raise as much money for the children’s hospice as physically possible.

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Presently, Chestnut Tree House cares for 300 children and young adults with progressive life-limiting conditions from Sussex and south-east Hampshire. And with potentially 1,000 families with life-limited children in Sussex alone the charity needs all the support it can get.

It currently costs well over £3 million each year to provide all the care services offered at the centre.

Families are never charged for their care and less than 8p in every pound is funded by the Government, so it relies heavily on the generosity and support of the people of county – readers of this paper.

So, I would appeal to you, even if you think that you might not be able to trek the Great Wall, to come forward and just look at the work the hospice does. I’m certain that after speaking to some of the inspirational staff members or hearing tales from those families who use the facility, you – like myself – will be joining the fundraising team without a second thought.

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The challenge will be taking place in October next year, so there will be plenty of time to raise the money if you sign-up early.

It really will be a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to not only see an incredible wonder of the world but help generate cash for a wonder of Sussex.

To find out more details about the Chestnut China Challenge, see www.chestnut-tree-house.org.uk or call the events team on 01903 706355.

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