20/12/2025
H J Newington are saddened to hear that a children’s hospice has been left devastated after a one-of-a-kind sculpture was stolen in what has been described as a “cold-hearted” theft.
Staff at Chestnut Tree House, near Arundel, were shocked to discover that a statue of a little boy playing with a mouse had been taken from the hospice grounds on Tuesday, December 17, during daylight hours.
For those who may not know, Chestnut Tree House relies heavily on donations to continue the vital care it provides. The hospice supports children with life-limiting and life-threatening conditions, as well as their families, offering care, comfort, and support in times of sheer need and through bereavement.
The hospice is now appealing to the community to help make the stolen sculpture “too hot to handle” by keeping an eye out for it on online selling sites, social media marketplaces, or even at car boot sales.
Please share and help them reunite their statue! 💙🎩
We are extremely shocked and saddened to report that one of our beloved statues has been stolen from the grounds of Chestnut Tree House.
The statue is of a little boy sitting down playing with a mouse – he is part of a trio of sculptures showing children playing.
They were installed in 2004 and have since become an iconic and much-loved feature of the hospice grounds - A generous donor funded the statues costing over £5000.
We are calling on our community to make the statue ‘too hot to handle’ by keeping an eye out for it on online selling sites, social media marketplaces, or even at car boot sales.
Please report any sightings or information to Sussex Police who are investigating the incident.
It was taken during the day, so we’re adding extra security measures and closing the car park earlier during the darker months.
Read more on our website: www.chestnut-tree-house.org.uk/2025/12/18/chestnut-tree-house-appeals-for-help-after-beloved-statue-is-stolen/
