There are few sadder sights than children suffering from terminal cancer or other incurable diseases.

At an age when they should have long lives before them, they are often only a short time from death.

The strain is often as great on the families who have to look after them as on the youngsters themselves.

That's why it's vital for these families to be given emotional and practical support at the same time as the children are given treatment.

Surprisingly, there is not a children's hospice in Sussex although there are several such facilities for adults.

This will soon be rectified by the building of Chestnut Tree House, near Angmering, while the Leo House Appeal in Brighton and Hove is progressing well.

Some sick children need almost constant care and this is beyond the scope of most families.

Although nursing help is available, the parents often need to have a complete break from care, even if it is only for a short time.

When Chestnut Tree opens next year, some children being looked after at home will be able to spend time there and get the best attention available.

Hundreds of families in Sussex will receive real help but the need is still for more.

Sadly, although most children are healthy and the mortality rate is nothing like it was a century ago, many youngsters still face a bleak future.