Noah's Ark
Noah’s Ark help children, and their families, who have life-limiting or life-threatening conditions make the most of every day they have together. And for those children who will sadly not make adulthood Noah’s Ark will make sure their final days are as comfortable as possible and they enjoy life as children rather than as patients and as families not just as carers.
About Noah’s Ark Children’s Hospice
Every child deserves a good quality of life, no matter how short that life may be. Noah’s Ark Children’s Hospice, our charity partner, make this a reality. They do all they can to help babies, children and young people who are seriously unwell, and their families, make the most of every day.
Since they began offering services in 2006, a lot has changed for Noah’s Ark. From supporting 100 children in the community, to opening the first children’s hospice building in north London, The Ark, the charity now cares for over 350 children each year. What hasn’t changed is their perpetual dedication to providing the very highest standard of care. This was recognised this year by the Care Quality Commission (CQC), who rated the care delivered by the children’s hospice as Outstanding. The regulator even urged other hospices to ‘learn from this outstanding example’ - we are so proud to partner with a charity that truly is leading the way.
Medical advances mean that babies, children, and young people with life-limiting or life-threatening conditions are living longer. The need to be there for those children who are most unwell, and their families, is growing. Noah’s Ark focuses on what these children can do, rather than on any perceived limitations - supporting them to enjoy life as children, rather than as patients.
As their services and numbers of children and families they support increase, so do the associated costs. Their annual operating costs this year are £4.7m and are set to increase further next year. They cannot be there for the children and families who need them the most without the generous support of the Noah’s Ark community.
A message from Dr Tagore Charles
It is a special pleasure to welcome you to this year’s The Winter Ball, an evening that has become such a treasured part of the Noah’s Ark calendar, bringing together friends and supporters for a night of celebration, generosity and purpose.
For me, this evening has added significance. Having previously served as Medical Director at Noah’s Ark, returning to the charity as Chief Operating Officer feels very much like coming home, and I feel incredibly fortunate to be part of Noah’s Ark once again.
This year, we launched our new three-year strategy, ‘Every Moment Matters’, setting out our ambition to reach more families, earlier, and ensure that every child and family we support receives the care, compassion and opportunities they need to make the most of every day. But none of this happens in isolation. It happens because of remarkable partnerships, and none are more special to Noah’s Ark than our partnership with Leslie Rose and The Winter Ball committee.
For six years, this extraordinary group has given their time, energy, creativity and passion to championing Noah’s Ark. Together, they have raised more than £3 million, transforming what we can offer children and families. Their support has enabled us to develop our services, invest in our people and create moments of joy, connection and precious memories for families facing some of the most difficult times in their lives. Most importantly, their fundraising helps keep our hospice open, where it costs around £20,000 every day to provide the specialist care, support and comfort that children and families need. Their commitment has made a lasting difference to so many families, and we are incredibly grateful.
What makes The Winter Ball so special is not simply the fundraising, but the community that has grown around it; people coming together year after year because they believe that every child deserves the very best care, and every family deserves to be supported.
I would also like to thank the Dorchester for the extraordinary kindness they have shown to Noah’s Ark. Not only are they hosting us this evening, but every Christmas they create something truly special for our children and families. They host their legendary Afternoon Tea at The Ark, bringing families together for a wonderful festive experience, and provide the most spectacular Christmas tree for our hospice. These moments mean so much, and we are truly grateful for their continued support and the special part they play in creating precious memories for our children and families.
To the committee, thank you. Thank you for your unwavering commitment and belief in Noah’s Ark. And to everyone here tonight, thank you for being part of this incredible community and helping us make ‘Every Moment Matters’ a reality.
I hope you have a truly magical evening and that tonight’s celebration reminds us all of the extraordinary difference we can make together.