A CHILDREN’S hospice has hosted its first networking breakfast of the year.

Chestnut Tree House was encouraging businesses to get together to network and learn more about the work of the charity.

More than 50 people attended the event at Hotel du Vin, Brighton, with representatives from a wide range of businesses.

They included Close Brothers, E3 Events, Gemini Print, Leaders and Metro Bank, and guest speaker, Rachel Regan, head of sales for Gaydio radio station.

Chestnut Tree House trustee Tony Clark welcomed guests and Rachel Regan spoke about the ways she has worked with the charity, both in her current role at Gaydio and previously with Brighton radio station Juice 107.2.

Tony Clark gave a moving account of the care provided by Chestnut Tree House, near Angmering, both at the hospice and in families’ own homes.

He explained how the charity relies heavily on community support so that it can continue to care for local children with life-shortening conditions.

Alison Taylor, corporate fundraising manager at Chestnut Tree House, said: “Spreading the word about the specialist care services Chestnut Tree House offers to local children and families is so important to us, both in terms of increasing awareness and fundraising, and it is always fantastic to see representatives from so many different businesses at our networking events.”

Chestnut Tree House hosts networking breakfasts throughout the year.

The next event is taking place at the Rathfinny Wine Estate in Alfriston on Tuesday, May 14.

Visit www.chestnut-tree-house.org.uk/networking for details.

Chestnut Tree House is also hosting a “meet the care team” event from 5.30pm on Thursday, June 6, at Sovereign Harbour Yacht Club in Eastbourne. All interested people are welcome.