FOUR hundred people took part in an exclusive abseil to raise vital funds for a hospice.

The event at Arundel Castle is on track to raise £120,000 for Chestnut Tree House children’s hospice

Those taking part ranged from supporters, corporate teams and charity patrons, to families who have been cared for by the hospice.

It was part of Chestnut Tree House’s 15th anniversary celebrations made possible by the support of the charity’s president, Henry Earl of Arundel.

Each participant was asked to raise £285, the amount needed every hour to provide all Chestnut Tree House’s care services.

But some went above and beyond, raising enough to pay for two or even three hours of care.

The highest fundraiser was Sam Brown, 31, a member of the Chestnut Tree House care team, who died two weeks before the abseil took place.

With the family’s support, a friend took on the challenge in his memory and more than £5,000 has been donated.

Abseilers included Chestnut Tree House’s chairman of trustees Derwyn Jones, and 15th anniversary patrons Matt Turner and Jason Burrill.

Chief Constable of Sussex Police Giles York, the High Sheriff of West Sussex Caroline Nicholls and the Mayor of Peacehaven Brian Gosling also took part.

They were joined by hundreds ofother brave people as well as a host of the charity’s corporate supporters, including teams from Willmott Dixon, Yomdel and Oceanair, and community groups such as Arundel Rotary.

Jo Goddard, events fundraising manager, said: “The event would not have been possible without the generous support of Arundel Castle.

“We would like to say a special thank you to our resident, Henry Earl of Arundel, for allowing us to host the abseil at such a unique venue, and all the staff for being so helpful.

“In addition to all our wonderful abseilers, we’d also like to thank everyone who turned up to support them, as well as our dedicated volunteers and Epione Medic, 4th Dimension and Porter Scaffolding Ltd.

“The money raised across the two days will make such a difference and help us to continue caring for local life-limited children and their families”

Chestnut Tree House opened its doors on November 11, 2003, and provides care and support to some 300 children and their families, both at the hospice and in families’ own homes.

The cost of providing this vital service is more than £3.9 million per year, yet the hospice receives less than six per cent central Government funding.