CHESTNUT Tree House children’s hospice will be 15 years old in 2018 and a group of birthday Patrons has been created to support its work.

The role of the honorary birthday Patrons is to support and advise the charity.

Natasha Baker MBE is the first.

A Paralympic equestrian champion, she has been involved with Chestnut Tree House by hosting the Dressage summer party at Hickstead, which will be repeated in 2018.

She works tirelessly to change the perception of disability, to show the world that despite people’s challenges, incredible things can be achieved.

Next comes Julia and Malcolm Donaldson.

Local author Julia Donaldson is best-known for her range of children’s books, including The Gruffalo.

Her husband Malcolm is a doctor and Honorary Senior Research Fellow at the University of Glasgow but also loves playing the guitar and often accompanies Julia when she performs her stories and songs.

Julia and Malcolm have visited Chestnut Tree House on two occasions to entertain the children and families with book readings and promenade theatre performances.

Singer songwriter, Chesney Hawkes is the third.

He is best-known for his chart-topping 1991 single The One and Only.

Now living in Los Angeles, Chesney visited Chestnut Tree House last month while he was the lead role in the Snow White pantomime at Worthing Theatres.

Jacquie and Barry Hinves also become patrons. They were introduced to the charity by Chestnut Tree House’s first Patron, Ambrose Harcourt.

They played a large role in the Cooden Beach Hotel luncheon in October 2017 and will be supporting the 15th Birthday Gala event at Cooden Beach next October.

Jodie Kidd is another patron. She lives in West Sussex with her son and has recently bought The Half Moon Inn in Kirdford.

Her career includes modelling, motor racing and television presenting but she has also done a lot of work for charity, including fundraisers for Help for Heroes and the Special Boat Service Association.

Lester Magoogan, an established international artist based in Hastings, has also been signed up.

So too have Nic Roldan, captain of the US polo team who lives in Florida. Spanish professional footballer Bruno Saltor, captain of Brighton and Hove, Joe Stilgoe, an internationally acclaimed jazz singer, pianist and songwriter who lives in Hove, The Snowman, and Matt Turner, founder and CEO of Crawley-based marketing agency Creative Pod.