5 December 2025
At Noah’s Ark Children’s Hospice, volunteers are an essential part of the team, bringing their time, talents, and compassion to a wide range of roles.
One of the most inspiring things about our volunteer community is how those roles can evolve and grow over time - just like Lisa’s.
Lisa began volunteering at Noah’s Ark almost three years ago, shortly after making a big life change.
“I had just left a corporate job and retrained as a gardener,” she shares. “I was looking for a local place where I could use my new skills - when I came for a tour of The Ark, I was completely blown away. I knew straight away that I wanted to be involved.”
Lisa started out as a Gardening Volunteer, helping to care for the peaceful green spaces that surround The Ark. But her role didn’t stay rooted there for long.
“One day, I was at an event, and someone suggested I might enjoy helping in the charity office too,” Lisa recalls. “I decided to give it a go, and now I mainly volunteer with the Fundraising Team, supporting them with admin tasks. I still help in the gardens too, especially on corporate volunteering days. It’s lovely to combine both my skills.”
...when I came for a tour of The Ark, I was completely blown away. I knew straight away that I wanted to be involved.
Lisa now plays a key role in co-ordinating visiting corporate groups who volunteer in the gardens. “I really enjoy meeting people from so many different companies. A lot of them don’t know much about gardening, so I guide them through the day.”
What she values most, though, is the chance to contribute in varied and meaningful ways. “It keeps my brain active and gives me the chance to do all sorts of things I wouldn’t normally get to do. It’s such a lovely environment and I really look forward to my time here.
Lisa says that her proudest moments are often the simplest: “Just being able to support the team with tasks that would otherwise take up a lot of their time; it gives me a real sense of achievement.”
Her connection with Noah’s Ark extends beyond her volunteering shifts. “I live nearby, and my neighbours often see me coming and going from The Ark. They always ask about what I do there, and it gives me a great chance to spread the word about all the amazing work happening here.”
A Growing Journey
Lisa’s journey is a beautiful example of how volunteering isn’t always a fixed path, sometimes it branches out in unexpected directions. As our Volunteering Development Manager, Dan explains: “It’s wonderful to see how volunteers like Lisa grow into their roles and discover new ways to contribute. We always try to support volunteers in finding what brings them joy and purpose.
“Whether it’s using a long-standing skill or trying something brand new, our volunteers are constantly evolving, and that’s something we truly celebrate at Noah’s Ark.”
Interested in Volunteering?
Whether you’re green-thumbed like Lisa, great with admin, or simply looking to give back, we’re always looking for volunteers and would love to hear from you. However much time you can give, you can make a huge difference to Noah’s Ark.
Visit noahsarkhospice.org.uk/volunteering to find out more.
