The Dorchester hotel, one of London’s most distinguished and iconic hotels, held an afternoon tea for children and families supported by Noah’s Ark Children’s Hospice.
The event, held at the state-of-the-art hospice building, The Ark, in North London, was an enchanting experience that created memories that will last a lifetime.The event was more than just tea and cakes; it was about uniting a community that cares, supports, and inspires.
Twenty members of The Dorchester team from across the hotel volunteered their time to create a magical atmosphere at the hospice that brought joy and warmth to the families present.
Adding to the magic of the day was a special visit from Santa, who took time out of his busy December schedule to visit the children supported by Noah’s Ark Children’s Hospice.
Adam, aged six, and his parents, Imran and Ambreen, who have been supported by Noah’s Ark since 2021, attended the event with their family. Imran said:
“This has been a really special event. You can really feel the luxury and the magic that The Dorchester has brought.
Adam was completely enchanted by The Dorchester’s pianist, looking over whenever she paused waiting for her to start playing again! We’ve seen how much music means to Adam at The Ark, so today was no different.”
Adam has a rare genetic condition – so rare that it was only discovered two years after he was born. He is non-verbal and non-mobile, but as his Mum Ambreen says:
“He communicates in his own way – we are never not sure what he is trying to say. Noah’s Ark always focus on what he can do, rather than what he can’t and help him express through art, music and special technology. Adam’s confidence has grown so much since we’ve been coming here.
Noah’s Ark was a lifeline to us, at a time when I was at rock bottom. The Ark is a safe space for us to be completely ourselves as a family – full of a community of people who understand what we are going through.”
Ruby, aged five, and her parents Simon and Helen, who were first referred to Noah’s Ark this year, also enjoyed the afternoon tea together.
Simon said:“All of the staff from The Dorchester have been so incredibly kind and accommodating for all the families. The food has been delicious – the scones were out of this world! It’s just been such a lovely day together as a family.“
Ruby has Rett syndrome, a rare genetic condition that impacts the way her brain develops. Because of this she struggles with her motor skills and her ability to communicate. Ellie, Play Specialist at Noah’s Ark Children’s Hospice, has supported Ruby using eye-gaze technology so she can start to communicate her wants, needs and feelings independently –she’s really come on leaps and bounds in the last year.
Ruby even used the technology to make a list of her favourite people. Simon shared her final list:
“She picked Mummy, Daddy… and Ellie! From the first session with Ellie, they clicked so well, and Ruby felt like, wow, someone finally understands me – it’s wonderful.”The event concluded with an afternoon tea sitting for Noah’s Ark staff. Members of the team providing care for over 350 children and families a year sat down together to enjoy the five-star experience.
Clare Gell, Director of People, said:“We couldn’t do what we do without our incredible team, so I’m overwhelmed that The Dorchester staff volunteered their time to show our team how special they are. It was wonderful to be able to sit down together and take the time to reflect on all that’s happened this year – we are so grateful that The Dorchester were able to give us that time.”
As well as these magical experiences, the corporate partnership between The Dorchester hotel and Noah’s Ark Children’s Hospice will help raise vital funds to support the charity in being there for babies, children and young people who are seriously unwell, and their families – helping them to enjoy life as children, rather than as patients; as families, rather than as carers.
“We are incredibly proud of our partnership with Noah’s Ark Children’s Hospice,” said a spokesperson from The Dorchester hotel. “Their dedication to providing high-quality care and support to children who are seriously unwell, and their families, is truly inspirational. We are thrilled that our afternoon tea event brought moments of joy for families at the hospice.”
Sophie Andrews OBE, CEO of Noah’s Ark Children’s Hospice, echoed these sentiments: “We are immensely thankful for the support from The Dorchester hotel. Their commitment to bringing a touch of Dorchester magic to The Ark was truly heart-warming and helped create memories that will last a lifetime.”
About The Dorchester Hotel: Standing tall in Mayfair, The Dorchester is a magnificent London landmark and a destination in itself. Here – within London’s vibrant spirit – the worldly and the curious feel at home.
About Noah’s Ark Children’s Hospice: Noah’s Ark Children’s Hospice supports babies, children, and young people with life-limiting or life-threatening conditions, and their families, in North and Central London – helping them to make the most of every day.
Both organisations are leaders in their field, committed to providing positive and memorable experiences for everyone who walks through their doors. The Dorchester has received many awards and most recently was rated #1 in the CN Traveller Top London Hotels. Noah’s Ark Children’s Hospice has also been recognised by many industry awards, including Starlight’s Play Team of the Year and the Data and Marketing Association Gold award for charities. They were also rated Outstanding by their care regulator, the Care Quality Commission (CQC)