Family story: Lewis

WHAT’S IN THIS ISSUE matters

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Spring 2010

When Lewis was born heappeared to be a perfectlyhealthy baby but at about 11months old, he was struck witha mystery illness which hasnever been diagnosed.

His mother Diane said he hadstarted to crawl, was sitting upand had begun to speak butsuddenly everything stopped.

“It all happened within thespace of a week. He couldn’tmove anymore, he stoppedtalking and eating and becameepileptic.”

Lewis has three siblings, Alison(16) Mitchell (13) and Rachel (5).They are a close family andenjoy doing things together butLewis’s illness has not made lifeeasy for them.

CHASE has provided them witha lot of support and theopportunity to spend somequality family time togetheralthough Lewis was seven yearsold before they overcame thefear of approaching CHASE.

“Christopher’s was totally different to what we thought it would be – itwas homely and comfortable and Lewis just loves it. The first time I lefthim there on his own I sobbed all the way home and was phoning all thetime but I didn’t need to worry, he adored it.”

You can help children like Lewis by taking part in the CHASE SpringRaffle 2010.

To support our Spring Raffle appeal go to

www.chasecare.org.uk/raffle

COVER story

• Family story: Lewis

NEWS from our team

• CHASE financial situation

• Teenagers exams success

• Legacies: Make each day

count with a gift in your Will

PEOPLE like you

• Beach party

• Looloo kept running!

• Chris Evans becomes

CHASE Patron

• More activities for children

and families

Fun at Christopher’s

• CHASING the sun and Santa

• Family Forum

CHASE calendar

• Events

Lewis and his family

Lewis having a giggle with care teammember Lyn

Lewis with Mr Fuzzyat Christopher’s

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CHASE news, legacies and friends

Teenagers exams success

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CHASE financial situation

CHASE is supporting moreteenagers than ever and it isvital for us to be able to meettheir growing needs.

Four of the young people withlife-limiting illnesses CHASEsupports have alreadypassed A Levels and they arenow studying at universitiesaround the country.

CHASE care team memberPauline Cheeseman sayssome of the teenagers shesupports are studying media,music and photography atthe moment and they will betaking exams next year.

Families rely on CHASE toprovide support and helpoutside of school andcollege to their children,particularly the teenagers.

We need to improve thefacilities we currently have

for young people atChristopher’s, so we cangive these young peoplespace to enjoy the thingsthey love to do – things that other teenagers take for granted.

This year CHASE has been maintaining its service tofamilies only by dipping into reserves and this cannotbe sustained over a long period.

Our deficit, while not growing at the moment is not reducingeither and we do not anticipate that next year our fundraisingwill rise significantly enough to cancel out the shortfall.

The Board of Trustees will be considering options which weanticipate will need to be implemented in the new financialyear and will almost certainly involve cuts in our service.

We have already made as many economies as possible in terms of spend and will now need to look at ways ofreducing our service with as little impact as possible on the families we support. We will keep you informed via ourwebsite, www.chasecare.org.uk

Jack playing table footballat Christopher’s

Legacies

Kimmy says thank you!

A gift toCHASE inyour Will……can make a big difference.However large or small, yourgift will help CHASE be there forfamilies in the future – to ensurethey receive the nursing careand emotional support theyneed to enjoy the time they haveleft together.

For details contact Ian Davies atCHASE on 01483 454213 or emailian.davies@chasecare.org.uk

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People Like You - Beach party

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Students at Strodes College inEgham have been supportingCHASE for two years withsome innovative and fun ideas!

They have successfullyorganised all kinds of salesand raffles and last year one oftheir major achievements was a‘beach party’ in a localrestaurant.

They have recently beenpartying again – this time apyjama party was the themeand like the beach

party, it inspired some unusualattire, ensured lots of fun for theteenagers and raised over £200.

There are lots of ways you can help CHASE either at school, in the workplace, at home – we have lots of ideas.

Why not give our fundraisingteam a call to find out moreon 01483 454213, emailfundraising @chasecare.org.ukor visit www.chasecare.org.uk

Strodes College – Beach Party

Loo loo Mizzi after the race

Do something simple with

food this March and help

support CHASE.

During March on any date you

choose, just invite friends to join you

for food and fun and help CHASE

make a difference to some very

special people.

For more information or to register

and receive your free fundraising

pack with lots of ideas, please call 01483 454213 visit

www.chasecare.org.uk/letslunch or email letslunch@chasecare.org.uk

Loo loo keptrunning!Looloo Mizzi was first inspired to take part in a running event for CHASE back in 2002 whenMatthew, the son of her goodfriend Tina Aston died atChristopher’s, aged 81/2.

She was so moved by the workdone by CHASE that she andanother friend joined Tina to runthe Flora Light in Hyde Park.

Looloo was nudged to get out herrunning shoes again in 2009 afterseeing a call for runners in theGreat South Run on Facebookfrom Tina, who works at CHASEas an events fundraiser. Looloolaunched into a new trainingprogramme and was ecstaticwhen she completed the race in1.43. 14 – a huge achievement.

Runners - weneed you!If you know anyone who hasbeen lucky enough to get aballot place in the Virgin LondonMarathon 2010, pleaseencourage them to run forCHASE. We only have eightGold Bond places in this year’srace so are relying on own placenumbers to boost our team.

Or if you know anybody whowould like to run in this year’sBritish 10k on July the 11th, wehave guaranteed places.

Go to www.chasecare.org.uk/2010events

PEOPLE like you

Let’s Lunch in March

Lucy cooks up some fairy cakes

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We are delighted to announce thatChris Evans and his wife NatashaShishmanian have agreed tobecome Patrons of CHASE hospicecare for children.

This recognises the support we havereceived from them over the yearssince the CHASE service began.

Chris said: “I am delighted thatCHASE has asked Natasha andI to become patrons.

“Providing a life-line to familieswhose child has a life-limitingcondition is vital.

“This is our chance to ask all of youto support the work of CHASEespecially in these difficult financialtimes.

“Our role very much will be tospread the word and try to raisepublic awareness of this essentialand charitably funded service.”

CHASE Deputy CEO Bridget Turnersaid: “We welcome Chris andNatasha on board as Patrons andlook forward to many years ofworking with them and of coursetheir new baby Noah.”

CHASE has recently welcomed:• Television presenter Gethin Jones and actress Rebecca

Brewer who were starring as Prince Charming andCinderella in panto in Guildford came to visit us before Christmas.

• Children’s Hospice’s UK Patron Simon Cowell spent an afternoon at Christopher’s when he took part in a question and answer session with over 100 family members and spent time chatting to families and signing autographs.

• Dame Jacqueline Wilson, DBE, brought Tracy Beaker to young fans at CHASE when she read some of herstories to children at Christopher’s.

Chris Evans becomes CHASE Patron

Photo of Chris and Natasha withnew born Noah – Taken frominternet, by Rex pictures.

Dame Jacqueline Wilsonwith Grace

Martha and her mum Helen at a LittleCHASERS toddlers group party.

Simon Cowell signsautographs for Alexand Matthew

RECENT VISITORS

The range of activities for children,teenagers and families at CHASEhas been greatly increased over thepast year thanks to the hard work byour Education Liaison and Activitiesco-ordinator Kylie Quincey.

Kylie is responsible for organising allthe outside events for the familiesand children like pantomimes, tripsto zoos, and concerts at majorvenues like the O2 Arena.

The range stretches to sensoryactivities at Christopher’s such ascooking and gardening andorganised workshops with our musictherapist Vicky Kammin as well asevents for our Little CHASERS group.

Sensory activities provide a greatway to find out more about thechildren, what they like to do andalso what appeals to them in sights,sounds and smells which can in turnhelp with their well being.

More activities for children and families

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We are planning to set up a familyfeedback forum in 2010 which will beheld at Christopher’s twice a year.

This will be an opportunity for families to hear about CHASE from the management team and also have their say about development at CHASE and the service in general.

CHASING thesun and Santa

Volunteer News

CHASE sailors hit the high seas

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NEWS from our team

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A group of ten siblings supportedby CHASE hit the high seas in asailing ship which took them fromSouthampton to Weymouth andback for the adventure of a lifetime.

Ocean Youth Trust South teams upwith CHASE every year to offer aspecial sailing holiday to brothersand sisters and for some it’s the onlyholiday they have.

Chris Lane, who is Chairman of theOcean Youth Trust South WestSussex Support Group said: “It was avery full and challenging trip for theyoung crew and group leaders butthey were brilliant, completing 157

miles and 8 night hours in four days.They all had a great time andexperienced some strenuous sailing.The OYT Sea Staff said once againhow much they have enjoyedspending time with the CHASE youngpeople – they’re special people in somany ways.”

The group was accompanied by twomembers of the CHASE care team, Val O’Donnell and Pam Parker andsponsored by OYT South and CHASEPatron Max Clifford.

The 2009 CHASE crew aboard the John Laing.

Christmas fun in the summer –CHASE Patron Andrew Castle with Millie-May

At CHASE we like to think weprovide some innovative and funtimes for the families we support andone of the main fun activities of theyear is our Summer Fun Day.

In the summer of 2009 we found agreat excuse to dress up inChristmas gear and get into theChristmas mood with our CHASINGthe sun and Santa theme.

There were scores of activities andfun things to do, even a GreatWheelchair Slalom Race.

This year’s Summer Fun Day isalready in the planning with thetheme – CHASE goes to the Movies.

We need to expand our base ofevents volunteers for big events suchas the London Bridges Walk, Loseley10K run, London Marathon, theBrighton Marathon etc. Thesevolunteers will be asked to help withmarshalling, car parking orcheerleading at specific events only.

We are recruiting people to help us at these events so if you wouldlike to help or know anyone else who would be willing to join us,please contact our VolunteerServices Manager Erica Quaile on 01483 230960 or emailerica.quaile@chasecare.org.uk

Family Forum

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CHASE calendar

CHASE matters is produced by the CHASE Marketing Department. Any comments or suggestions are welcome at: CHASE, Loseley Park, Guildford, Surrey GU3 1HS. Telephone 01483 454213, fax 01483 454214 or email press@chasecare.org.uk

Registered Charity No. 1042495

Would you like to receive CHASE Matters by email instead of by post? Or would you like to be kept up to datewith our e-newsletter instead? Sign up at www.chasecare.org.uk/enews or call us on 01483 454213.

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In 2010 Children’s Hospice Week is moving from September to May.

The charity week, from 15 – 22 May,will have the theme of ‘Heroes’ toraise awareness of children’shospices and the many heroes withinthem. There will be a nationalchildren’s art auction, called ‘This ismy Hero’ and a whole host of herorelated activities to get involved in.

Children’sHospice Week 2010

Night WalkCHASE will be organising a nightwalk to celebrate Children’s HospiceWeek at the end of May. We haveearmarked the date as May 22nd so

put it in your diary now – although this is still subject to confirmation.

Keep an eye on our website fordetails – www.chasecare.org.uk/nightwalk

CHASE Virtual Tour wins award

CHASE Virtual tour

CHASE has won an award for it’s stateof the art virtual tour on the internet. The tour is aimed at prospectivefamilies who may be apprehensive ofapproaching us – they can now see inside Christopher’s and whathappens in each of the rooms, from the comfort of their own homes.

Visit www.chasetour.org.uk to see the tour for yourself!

Employees from IntervalInternational, a corporatesupporter from London havereached their £4,000 fundraisingtarget for CHASE.

They have raised this money through a variety of activities from dressdown days on Fridays to cake sales,a Halloween quiz, raffles,participating in CHASE events andeven a sponsored beard shaving!

Frankie Martin, Marketing Executiveat Interval International said:

“Attending the open day atChristopher’s and seeing what ahappy place it is has really inspiredus to step up our fundraising”.

Kervin Boodhe, Frankie Martin,Shauneez Lovato, Nick Hallett fromInterval International

Support from companies fundraisingfor CHASE provides vital income so ifyou or someone you know works fora company that could fundraise forCHASE please contact Natalie orElena on corporate@chasecare.org.ukor call 01483 454213.

Corporate Supporters

For details of all these events,contact our fundraising office on01483 454213 or visit our websitewww.chasecare.org.uk/events

6th March – CHASE Spring Ball in The Conservatory at PainshillPark, Cobham. Godalming Friendsof CHASE. Tickets £75 from LouiseHealey 01483 898539 orlouise.healy605@btinternet.com

18th April – The inaugural BrightonMarathon. Run for CHASE orsupport on the day. Details fromTina Aston on 01483 454213.

25th April – Virgin LondonMarathon. Run for CHASE orsupport on the day. Details fromTina Aston on 01483 454213.

27th April – Richmond Friends ofCHASE ‘Art Reception’ – a new event for CHASE at Goldsmiths Hall,City of London. Tickets £80 each.Contact CHASE Fundraising office on 01483 454213

22nd May – Night Walk. Details from Diana de Moura Stewart on 01483 454213.

EVENTS

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