We’re delighted to launch the film for our Autumn Fundraising Campaign ‘From That Moment’.

Our new film features Elaine and her daughter Willow, who is now six and has been supported by Noah’s Ark since Willow was eighteen months old.

The film’s theme, ‘From That Moment’, documents one mother’s journey through the hopefulness of pregnancy to the fear and uncertainty that followed when they realised that their child had a serious condition.

The film features a moving poem by Charlie Brogan, a writer and poet based in London. She has an MA in Poetry and has been published in Stylist, Dear Damsels and ASH. You can find her on Instagram @charlieblergh. The beautiful work is voiced by Dr Kathryn Mannix, a retired palliative care doctor and a powerful advocate for better understanding of death and dying. She is also a successful author, having written ‘With the End in Mind: How to Live and Die Well’ and more recently, ‘Listen: How to Find the Words for Tender Conversations’, both published by HarperCollins.

We launched our autumn fundraising appeal ‘From That Moment’ at the start of September. Our goal is to raise £1 million to help cover some of the costs required to run our charity, which currently stand at over £6m per year. During the campaign individuals, schools, and businesses in our community have pulled together to raise essential funds to make a real difference to the lives of children who are seriously unwell in our catchment area across north and central London, and Hertsmere.

The campaign is now nearing the end of the first phase when on the 20th October at 10am everything raised so far will be doubled, thanks to the generosity of our backers. We then have a final 36 hours to get us to £1m with donations being automatically doubled! These much needed funds will ensure we can continue to provide vital services to children and families in the community who currently rely on them or who may one day need them.

 

Elaine , Willow’s mother said:

“We were delighted to be asked to be part of the film, it was an amazing experience and a memory that we will treasure. I wanted to take part as I want to give something back to Noah’s Ark Children’s Hospice for all the support and joy they’ve given us but also to raise awareness of Willow’s condition, Type 2 Spinal Muscular Atrophy.”

Our CEO, Sophie Andrews OBE said:

“I’m very proud of this new film that accompanies our annual From That Moment campaign. This year’s film highlights one mother’s journey and I’m so grateful to Elaine for agreeing to let us capture her story in this way. Thanks also to Dr Kathryn Mannix and Charlie Brogan for voicing and writing the powerful poem and for The 10 Group for making the film for us.”

Poet Charlie Brogan said:

“It was such an honour and a privilege to work on this Noah’s Ark Children’s Hospice fundraising film. I worked very closely with them to conceptualise a poem that would be truthful, heartfelt, and got right to the heart of the support they offer. It was an illuminating experience. The work they do is so vital, and I’m overjoyed to be a part of something that raises money and awareness to help them support children and families.”

We’d like to say a BIG thank you to Willow and Elaine for allowing us to share their story. Thanks also to Dr Kathryn Mannix and Charlie Brogan for their help in making the film a reality. And thanks to 10 Group for their pro bono work in producing the film.

To donate to the campaign and see your donation doubled head to: Noah’s Ark Children’s Hospice – Charity Extra

You can also view our From That Moment Film here: