International Women’s Day is a time to recognise and celebrate the outstanding contributions of women around the world. At Noah’s Ark Children’s Hospice, we witness the impact of extraordinary women every day – those who dedicate their lives to providing care, advocating for change, and driving progress to improve the hospice sector. This year, we highlight three remarkable women whose work embodies our core values: Excellence, Courage, and Kindness.
Excellence: Alison Goodman, Deputy CEO – Podcast Feature
Alison Goodman, Deputy CEO of Noah’s Ark, recently shared her inspiring journey on the Purposely Podcast, reflecting on her transition ‘from Celebrity Fundraiser to Deputy CEO’. She spoke about Noah’s Ark’s mission to help children who are seriously unwell make the most of every day, sharing the charity’s commitment to providing exceptional care and support.
From her fundraising beginnings at the Terrance Higgins Trust, Alison has made a monumental impact everywhere she has been. Since joining Noah’s Ark, Alison has been instrumental in securing vital funding, most notably for our hospice building, The Ark. Her dedication to excellence ensures the highest standard of care for the children and families we support.
As she beautifully puts it:
“At Noah’s Ark, behind every great woman, there’s another great woman.”
Listen to Alison’s story here: PODCAST | Purposely Podcast
Courage: Sophie Andrews OBE, CEO – TED Talk
Sophie Andrews OBE, CEO of Noah’s Ark, has demonstrated immense courage throughout her life and career, a journey that has taken her from adversity to advocacy, and from calling a helpline in desperation to leading life-changing charities. Her story is one of resilience, passion, and a commitment to helping others.
With over 30 years in the charity sector, Sophie’s impact has been profound. She served as the National Chair of Samaritans, the same helpline she reached out to for support at the age of 14, and founded The Silver Line Helpline. In recognition of her services to charity, in 2018 she was awarded an OBE.
Her powerful TED Talk, already viewed over 1.8 million times, continues to inspire audiences worldwide. Sophie also shared her journey in her autobiography, Scarred, which became a Sunday Times bestseller. Like her TED Talk, the book offers a deeply personal insight into her experiences and has resonated with readers internationally. She continues to receive messages from people around the world who have been moved by her story.
“The best way to help is often just to listen.”
Watch Sophie’s TED Talk here: Sophie Andrews: The best way to help is often just to listen | TED Talk
Kindness: Dame Cicely Saunders – The Founder of Hospice Care
At the heart of hospice care is kindness, and Dame Cicely Saunders is a shining example. Born in our hometown of Barnet, Dame Cicely revolutionised end-of-life care by founding the world’s first hospice, St Christopher’s, in 1967. Her pioneering work laid the foundation for children’s palliative care as we know it today.
Her words remain as poignant:
“You matter because you are you, and you matter to the end of your life. We will do all we can not only to help you die peacefully but also to live until you die.”
This International Women’s Day, we celebrate Alison, Sophie, and Dame Cicely, as well as the countless other remarkable women making a difference daily at Noah’s Ark Children’s Hospice, across the UK and worldwide.