8 December 2025
For one generous couple, Steve and Liane Hornsey, living over 5,000 miles away in Los Angeles, their journey with Noah’s Ark Children’s Hospice began in the most unexpected of ways – through the radio.
“We heard Becky (Head of Philanthropy at Noah’s Ark, inset) on Radio 5 Live making an appeal,” Steve recalls. “We live in Los Angeles but, as Londoners, we frequently listen to UK radio. We felt an instant connection and knew immediately that we should donate to such a worthy cause.”
That moment of connection was deeply personal. Years earlier, their daughter had been diagnosed with cancer. Though she recovered, the experience left a lasting impact. “The overwhelming agony of the diagnosis and the terror in our soul has never really left us. So, compassion and empathy for all involved with Noah’s Ark lies deep within us.”
Their involvement has grown far beyond that first donation. Since retiring, they have established a grant-making fund, allowing them to support specific services at Noah’s Ark and develop close relationships with members of the Fundraising Team.
Genuinely committed
“As our dialogue with the staff has evolved, we’ve come to think of the people, especially Becky, as friends. It’s no longer a simple donation to a worthy cause. We feel genuinely committed to ongoing support.”
One moment that particularly stands out was when government policy changes severely impacted the sustainability of our funding. “Sadly, the government’s failure to exempt Noah’s Ark from increased National Insurance stands out. To that end, we added additional funds this year to offset some of the increase and plan to continue this as needed.”
Despite living far away, their commitment is unwavering, fuelled by regular updates from our Fundraising Team and a shared belief in the importance of making a difference. “We know that Noah’s Ark exists to provide some underpinning when families are challenged in the most difficult situations. Being involved has enabled us to witness many positive moments and emotions.”
Every penny counts
To those considering supporting the hospice for the first time, their message is simple and heartfelt: “Helping a child is surely embedded in everyone’s heart. Every penny counts, and this facility can’t survive without our collective help.” Their parting thought serves as a rallying call to the wider community: “If there is even a slight chance that we can make the life of a child and their family a little brighter, we should rally to do so – and do so frequently, and with love.”
At Noah’s Ark, we are incredibly grateful for every donor, near or far, who shares our belief that every child’s life should be filled with care, comfort, and dignity.
If you’d like to explore how you or your organisation can support Noah’s Ark, we’d love to talk. Please contact the Philanthropy Team on 020 8449 8877 or email: philanthropy@noahsarkhospice.org.uk
