A children's hospice says the backing of the whole community is vital if it is to carry on providing and expanding its services.

Hundreds of supporters of the Chestnut Tree House hospice were at the American Express Community Stadium in Falmer to hear more about its work and the important care it provides.

Guests included business leaders, volunteers and fundraisers from around the county. Speakers included actress and hospice patron Julie Graham, trustee chairman Guy Clinch and director of children’s services Linda Perry.

It costs £2.5 million a year to run the hospice, which is based near Arundel, but only 9% of its funding comes from the government.

Ms Perry said: “There are 500 children in Sussex who are life limited and we are looking after 227 of them. We are also caring for more than 80 parents who have lost their child and need our continued support.

“It is becoming more and more difficult to raise money and this is why we are relying on the support of businesses and individuals throughout the county.”

Mr Clinch said: “The hospice is part of our community and it is up to us to support it and find a way of making sure it keeps going.”

Hospice chief executive Hugh Lowson told The Argus last month the service faced a tough year ahead after the “disappointing” injection of only £225,000 in government cash.

The hospice cares for and supports sick children and their families throughout Sussex.

As well as inpatient beds it offers respite care to give parents a break, support in families’ own homes, advice over the phone and bereavement care.

One of its biggest annual fundraisers is its annual Snowman Ball, which this year is at the Brighton Hilton Metropole on December 3.

For more details about the hospice’s work or how you can help, visit www.chestnut-tree-house.org.uk