REPRESENTATIVES from a range of businesses gathered at Chestnut Tree House for the launch of the charity’s Business Awards 2019.

The awards, which take place biennially, will be hosted by patron Ambrose Harcourt and model and TV presenter Jodie Kidd.

First conceived in 2013, the Business Awards recognise businesses and individual employees who are outstanding in their communities, and to thank them for supporting Chestnut Tree House, the children’s hospice near Arundel.

Chestnut Tree House clinical director Cathy Stone welcomed guests to the launch event and outlined the specialist care provided by the children’s hospice.

She spoke about the way Chestnut Tree House cares about making every moment count, and gave an example of how staff had spent time positioning a snowman outside one little girl’s bedroom to make her dream of seeing snow come true.

Cathy introduced lifetime patron Ambrose Harcourt, who spoke about his memories of when the house first opened, and the importance of the community in raising the vital funds needed to continue helping life-limited children and their families.

Ambrose said: “I have seen a lot of changes since Chestnut Tree House first opened its doors 15 years ago.

“We are caring for more children than ever before and their needs are constantly changing but one thing is constant, and that is the generosity we see and support we receive from the local community.

“Year after year, we ask them to help us so that we can continue caring for the children and families who need us, and we are always humbled by their generosity.”

Sarah Colbourne, head of fundraising, said: “Local businesses are hugely important to us and offer their support in a number of ways.

“Hundreds of businesses have raised thousands of pounds to help us over the past 15 years, and our business awards are designed to thank them and give something back.

“We value all of our supporters and would like to take this opportunity to thank each and every one of them.

“It only takes a couple of minutes to nominate so please get involved.”

Previous award winner Olivia Coppin, from Nicholas Coppin Ltd, spoke about her experience of receiving the Outstanding Small Business Award in 2017 on behalf of her late father Nick Coppin.

Olivia gave a moving account of “Nick’s Nutters”, their fundraising adventures and how staff, suppliers and contractors come together, and have raised over £50,000 to date for Chestnut Tree House.

The categories are:

l Outstanding Individual Fundraiser

l Outstanding Long Term Supporter

l Most Innovative Fundraising Idea

l Outstanding SME Supporter

l Fundraising Team of the Year

l Outstanding Corporate Supporter

l Outstanding Voluntary Project

l Outstanding Small Business

The deadline for nominations is February 3.

Go to www.chestnut-tree-house.org.uk/businessawards or call the fundraising team on 01903 871849.