Sussex Charity Inspired By Dame Vera Lynn Raising Funds Through Christmas Tree Collections

A Sussex children’s charity founded thanks to the efforts of Dame Vera Lynn is raising money by collecting real Christmas trees from homes across the county.

Dame Vera Lynn Children’s Charity, based in Chailey in East Sussex, is offering doorstep tree collections between Sunday and Tuesday in return for a suggested £15 donation, helping support children with cerebral palsy, chromosome abnormalities and rare genetic conditions.

A spokesperson for the charity said:

“Every tree collected helps us support more local children with cerebral palsy and their families in 2026.”

Collections are available across both East and West Sussex, as well as nearby areas of Surrey including Horley and Lingfield, and parts of Kent including Edenbridge and Markbeech.

The charity has strong Sussex roots. Back in 2000, national support services for parents of pre-school children with neurological conditions were under threat when funding was withdrawn.

Former Ditchling resident Dame Vera Lynn stepped in, leading a major fundraising effort – known as the Bluebird Appeal – to ensure vital early years therapy and support could continue locally.

The charity continues her legacy today, helping local children develop key motor skills, confidence and independence, while offering practical and emotional support for families across Sussex.