3 September 2026
Finding Purpose After Retirement
When Stuart retired, he knew he wanted to spend his time doing something meaningful. An invitation to visit Noah's Ark Children's Hospice introduced him to a world he knew very little about, and one that would change his life.
"I'd recently retired and was looking for something meaningful to do," he says. "Through Freemasonry, I was invited to visit Noah's Ark. I honestly didn't know much about children's hospices before then. When I walked through the doors, I was completely blown away. It wasn't anything like I expected. I knew straight away that I wanted to be involved." His daughter Lisa didn't need much convincing. "I'd always wanted to work with children, but my career took me into advertising instead," she says. "When Dad told me he was applying to volunteer here, I immediately said, 'I'm coming too.' It felt like an opportunity to do something that genuinely gives back."
More than four years later, the father and daughter have become familiar faces at Noah's Ark Children's Hospice, volunteering together at family days, sibling activities, and special events. Through these experiences, they’ve seen first-hand the moments that matter most for children with life-threatening or life-shortening conditions and their families; the very moments at the heart of Noah’s Ark’s ‘From That Moment’ annual fundraising campaign. Stuart and Lisa say volunteering has given them far more than they ever expected.
Challenging Misconceptions About Children's Hospices
For many people, the word "hospice" suggests sadness. But both Stuart and Lisa say that perception couldn't be further from the reality. "The biggest surprise is the joy," says Lisa. "People hear the word 'hospice' and imagine somewhere incredibly sad. They often say, 'I don't think I could do that.' But that's not what Noah's Ark feels like at all."
While acknowledging the immense challenges families face, Lisa says the hospice is defined by warmth rather than sorrow. "It's about helping families make memories, supporting one another and making the most of every moment together."
Stuart agrees, often encouraging people to put aside their assumptions before they visit. "I always tell people not to come with any preconceived ideas. Forget what you think a hospice looks like. Everyone I've brought here has said exactly the same thing afterwards: 'You were right. It's nothing like I imagined.'" For Stuart, nothing compares to seeing children with complex health needs enjoying experiences they may not otherwise have. "Watching children smile, play and do things they may not have the opportunity to do elsewhere is incredibly rewarding. Knowing Noah's Ark makes that possible is what gives me the greatest satisfaction."
Creating Moments That Matter for Families
Lisa treasures the relationships that develop over time. "Family Days are always special because you see everyone together," she says. "One of the nicest feelings is when a child recognises you or a parent tells you their child was hoping you'd be there. Those moments stay with you." Their experiences have also shown them that Noah's Ark cares for much more than the child receiving clinical support. "Parents build friendships here. Siblings make friends who understand exactly what life is like for them. The children simply get to enjoy being children," Lisa explains. "The community that's created is incredibly special."
Stuart points to the hospice's sibling activities and parent events as examples of that holistic support: "The sibling activities are fantastic because they give brothers and sisters their own experiences while also giving parents some much-needed respite. The parent evenings are lovely too. Parents get a chance to relax, enjoy themselves and spend time with people who truly understand what they're going through."
How Volunteering Changes You
Volunteering has also changed the way both see their own lives. "Completely life changing," says Lisa. "Working in advertising, it's easy to think every deadline is a crisis. Volunteering here puts everything into perspective. The children inspire you every single time you visit. They don't complain. They simply enjoy being here." For Stuart, the lessons are equally profound. "It reminds you what's really important. You leave every shift feeling you've helped in some small way."
Why Volunteers Matter
One of the things that has surprised them most is how deeply families come to value Noah's Ark. "We've seen families whose child has recovered and no longer needs hospice support, and they're genuinely sad to leave because Noah's Ark has become such a huge part of their lives," says Lisa. "It's somewhere they feel understood." Stuart says volunteers are often trusted with deeply personal conversations. "Parents often open up to us about experiences they've never shared before. Sometimes they simply want someone to listen. It's a privilege when families trust you enough to share those moments."
Those experiences have reinforced for both volunteers just how important volunteering is to the hospice. "Without volunteers, organisations like Noah's Ark simply couldn't provide everything they do," Stuart says. "Volunteers help create all the experiences that make this place so special." Lisa agrees. "The staff are incredible, but volunteers help make family days, events and activities possible. We've also become one big family ourselves. You walk through the door and know so many people. Everyone supports each other. It's a wonderful community to be part of."
How You Can Make a Difference
For anyone considering volunteering, neither hesitates: "If you have the time, absolutely do it," says Stuart. "You'll be helping an incredible cause, but you'll also gain so much personally. The satisfaction you get from volunteering is difficult to describe until you've experienced it." Lisa's advice is equally simple. "Just go for it. Don't let the word 'hospice' put you off. Come and see Noah's Ark for yourself. I genuinely believe you'll leave feeling exactly the way we did." Alongside volunteers, donations are essential to ensuring Noah's Ark can continue supporting children and families. "Noah's Ark relies heavily on donations to continue supporting children and families," Stuart says. "Every donation helps the hospice continue providing its services and reach even more families who need support."
Lisa hopes people understand that every gift, no matter its size, makes a lasting difference. "People often don't realise how much even a small donation can achieve. Every contribution helps create moments that families will remember forever." Every moment at Noah's Ark Children's Hospice is made possible by the generosity of supporters. Whether by volunteering time or donating through the From That Moment campaign, supporters help children with life-threatening or life-shortening conditions, and their families, make the most of every day.
Because sometimes a single moment of kindness or joy can make all the difference.
Join our campaign today and help us meet our goal of raising £1million.
Donate, fundraise or lend your support to help ensure more families receive the expert care and compassionate support they deserve.
Visit the From That Moment page on our website to find out how you can make a life-changing difference.
