Xbox and virtual reality equipment donated to Sussex charity

Chestnut Tree House hospice, based in Arundel, was given an Xbox with an adaptive controller and virtual reality headset.

Parents and siblings will be given the chance to join in and play as a family.

The donation is worth more than £50,000

The console was part of a donation from Lifelites, a charity that provides assistive technology for poorly and disabled children.

Simone Enefer-Doy, chief executive of Lifelites said: “We’re delighted to be able to donate a brand new package of assistive technology for the children at Chestnut Tree House.

“The huge range of bespoke equipment that Lifelites has donated is specially adapted so that it can be used by any child, regardless of their ability.

Chestnut Tree House in Sussex said the donation will make a huge difference to the children in its care.

“Every second counts for these children and their families. This magical technology will give them the opportunities to make the most of every minute.

The technology, along with training and technical support services which Lifelites provides for free, costs around £50,000 over four years.

The gear will enable the children admitted to the hospice to play, be creative and communicate, for as long as possible.

The equipment will support children in the hospice in Sussex.

Among the equipment donated includes a Pod, a mobile and sensory pop-up tent that projects images and sounds to give the children the impression that they are swimming under the sea, surrounded by sea animals.

Cathy Stone, CEO of Chestnut Tree House, said that Covid-19 has made it difficult for the children escape the confines of their conditions, but the technology will give them the opportunity to connect with their loved ones and communicate their wishes and fears.

She said: “We couldn’t have provided this package if it wasn’t for the generosity of our supporters, so for this we are incredibly grateful.

“On behalf of everyone at Chestnut Tree House, I’d like to say a huge thank you to Lifelites for their generous donation.

“We feel extremely lucky to have had the support of Lifelites for many years now. The entertainment, educational and assistive technology packages that they donate to Chestnut Tree House make such a big difference to children with life-shortening conditions and their families.

“Often, the short-break care that we offer at the House is the only time that parents can be parents, instead of carers.

“It currently costs over £4.6 million each year to provide all the care services offered by Chestnut Tree House.

“Families are never charged for their care and only a small percentage is funded by the government. So, donations like this make a big difference to hospice care.”