Our Story

The last two decades have been quite a journey. 

Whilst a lot has changed, what hasn’t is our unwavering dedication to being there for children and families, and putting their needs at the centre of all we do.

Our focus on the needs of children and families has fuelled the expansion of our services. We are able to offer one of the widest range of services in the children’s hospice sector.

Playground Swing

1999

Local businessman Michael McInerney establishes Noah’s Ark following the death of a child in his family.

2006

Noah’s Ark becomes the first ever children’s hospice to provide a Home Support Volunteer Service.

2015

The £10m ‘Building The Ark’ appeal is launched.

2019

The grand opening of The Ark, our purpose built, state-of-the-art children’s hospice.

2020

We continue to support children during the COVID-19 pandemic, allowing families with a child at the end of their life to stay together.

2023

Noah’s Ark receives its first ‘outstanding’ rating from the Care Quality Commission. We also open our first holiday lodge offer a week's free stay to families.

2024

We open our second holiday lodge and also open The Cabin, our private counselling space in the grounds of The Ark.

2025

The Lounge, a new dedicated space opens for young people at The Ark.

2026

We mark our 20th anniversary of providing support to babies, children and young people who are seriously unwell, and their families.

1999

Local businessman Michael McInerney establishes Noah’s Ark following the death of a child in his family.

2006

Noah’s Ark becomes the first ever children’s hospice to provide a Home Support Volunteer Service.

2015

The £10m ‘Building The Ark’ appeal is launched.

2019

The grand opening of The Ark, our purpose built, state-of-the-art children’s hospice.

2020

We continue to support children during the COVID-19 pandemic, allowing families with a child at the end of their life to stay together.

2023

Noah’s Ark receives its first ‘outstanding’ rating from the Care Quality Commission. We also open our first holiday lodge offer a week's free stay to families.

2024

We open our second holiday lodge and also open The Cabin, our private counselling space in the grounds of The Ark.

2025

The Lounge, a new dedicated space opens for young people at The Ark.

2026

We mark our 20th anniversary of providing support to babies, children and young people who are seriously unwell, and their families.

Story fullwidth one

Palliative care can be life-changing for the children and families we support. Through our dedicated team of staff and volunteers, offering a wide range of holistic support, we can make a real difference that will be felt for years to come.

Noah’s Ark widens Sophie’s world. They allow these children to be more than just their diagnosis, they allow them to be children first. There’s nowhere else that Sophie can play... Noah’s Ark are a handhold in the darkest of times and they’re the fun providers in the best of times.

Rose, Grandmother and sole guardian of Ben (who died in 2014) and Sophie who currently benefits from our care

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Our Impact
Leadership Team
Our Approach
The Ark
Our People