AS ITS nurses are drafted in to help on the front line against coronavirus, a children’s hospice is appealing for support.

Chestnut Tree House, which cares for terminally ill children in Sussex, said several of its workers will be joining the NHS’s efforts to combat the coronavirus outbreak.

The hospice, which is near Angmering, has had to close its charity shops and wind down fundraising activities and is more reliant than ever on donations. But in these trying times, the charity’s celebrity patrons have stepped in to help.

Singer Peter Andre posted a video online, saying he was sending his “love and support” to care workers at the hospice “doing so much at a really difficult time”.

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Peter has been vocal in his support for frontline health workers. His wife, Emily MacDonagh, is a doctor in the NHS.

Meanwhile songwriter Joe Stilgoe is singing in support of the hospice’s new campaign, #TogetherApart, which seeks to celebrate people pulling together even as they remain apart during the pandemic.

When Joe’s shows were cancelled due to coronavirus he was reluctant to let down his fans and decided to perform online concerts from his garden shed in Hove.

Last Friday he dedicated his live show to the charity, and took song requests from Chestnut Tree House supporters.

He performed a selection of feelgood tunes, including The Beatles’ Here Comes The Sun, Always Look On The Bright Side of Life, Nat King Cole‘s Smile and a medley of tunes from The Jungle Book.

He also spoke about the charity and the work it does for local families, and inspired his online audience to make donations.

Cathy Stone, clinical director at Chestnut Tree House, said it was “heart-warming to see people pulling together” at a time of difficulty.

“From delivering food to neighbours to having virtual catch-ups online, small acts of kindness are showing the real strength of our community,” she said.

“This is a difficult time for everyone, but we couldn’t do this without our wonderful supporters. If you are able to consider supporting us with a donation at this time it would be greatly appreciated. Your help enables us to continue providing vital care.”

• Local newspapers across Newsquest are joining forces to raise money for workers at the frontline of the healthcare crisis.

Please donate whatever you can, and let us give a collective, united message to our NHS workers of our huge appreciation for their efforts. You can get involved and support our campaign by sharing our appeal and telling us why you are thankful for the NHS #ThankYouNHS on social media using the link: https://www.gofundme.com/f/support-our-nhs-guardian-angels.