A CHILDREN’S hospice has planted an apple orchard in memory of its former president.

Lady Sara Clutton was a strong supporter of Chestnut Tree House near Arundel and donated the land where the hospice was built.

Sarah’s Orchard was officially opened by her husband Nigel Clutton.

Among those at the ceremony were charity trustees, staff and children from the hospice, as well as chief executive Hugh Lowson and director of children’s services Linda Perry.

A sign was also specially created for the orchard by Simon Groves of Groves Sculpture.

Lady Sarah died in June 2015 at the age of 74 at her home on the Angmering Estate.

She became honorary president of St Barnabas House Hospice in Worthing in 1996 following the death of her mother Lavinia, Duchess of Norfolk.

When St Barnabas House announced plans to open a children’s hospice, Lady Sarah donated land from the estate.

At the time, she gave the hospice a 125 year lease with a rent of one dozen mixed lilies and a new £1 coin on her birthday each year.

Mr Lowson said: “It is truly an honour that Lady Sarah’s husband Nigel Clutton continues to support the work we do and we are always delighted to welcome him to the house.

“Since we opened in 2003, the number of children we care for has increased from 30 to more than 300.

“During this time the children we are caring for have become more complex.

“We are only able to reach more families and increase our services thanks to the support and generosity of the local community. I would like to thank Nigel for his ongoing support and for allowing us to have the apple orchard, and we look forward to enjoying many years of delicious apple harvests.”

Chestnut Tree House provides specialist support to children and young people up to the age of 19 with life-shortening conditions in East Sussex, West Sussex and south east Hampshire.

The services it offers include assessment, advice and information, specialist short breaks, emergency care, step down from hospital and end of life care.

The hospice’s community team cares for families in their own homes and support is provided following diagnosis and through the whole disease process.

Other services available include bereavement support for relatives, including therapy, counselling and spiritual care.