CHESTNUT Tree House children’s hospice has launched its Get Festive campaign for 2017.

Businesses were invited to join the hospice to kick off the festive season.

The Get Festive campaign is all about getting into the spirit of Christmas whilst raising vital funds for the charity.

Corporate fundraiser Alison Taylor said: “We want to encourage local businesses, community groups and organisations to enjoy some festive fun whilst raising money for Chestnut Tree House.

“That could mean throwing on your favourite festive knits, twirling yourself in tinsel, dressing up as Santa or simply wearing Santa hats or reindeer antlers.

“You could organise a raffle, have a bake sale, sing carols to your colleagues or hold a fabulously festive party; how you celebrate is entirely up to you!”

Friday December 15 is Get Festive Day but you can hold your event any time from now through to Christmas.

Chestnut Tree House will send you a Get Festive fundraising pack with loads of ideas to help you hold a unique Christmas fundraiser.

There is even the opportunity to purchase Santa suits at £10 each.

Guests at the launch on Thursday heard from one of Chestnut Tree House’s community nurses about the care offered in families’ own homes across East and West Sussex and South East Hampshire.

They also heard from trustee Derwyn Jones about how they can Get Festive for Chestnut Tree House and help give a child a smile this Christmas.

The charity cares for around 300 children who are unlikely to live to adulthood across Sussex and South East Hampshire.

They offer respite and end of life care as well as ongoing care and support throughout a child’s life and beyond, both at their purpose built hospice building near Arundel and in families’ own homes.

Families are never charged for the care they receive and the charity receives less than seven per cent of its funding from central government, meaning it relies heavily of the generosity of the local community to keep its doors open.

Chestnut Tree House provides specialist palliative care services to 300 children and young people aged up to 19 with life-shortening conditions.

Services include assessment, advice and information for children and young adults with life-shortening conditions, specialist short breaks, emergency care, step down from hospital and end of life care.

Anybody interested in taking part can register for free by visiting www.chestnut-tree-house.org.uk/getfestive or you can call 01903 871838 or 01323 725095.