Noah’s Ark Hospice launches £1m appeal with Barnet councillors’ backing
Match-funding will double donations up to £500,000 during the six-week campaign starting 1 September 2026
Trust 56Craft 80Hype 15How this was reported ▾
Trust low due to lack of cited documents or independent sources despite named officials.
How well corroborated and evidenced the reporting is. Higher is better.
Critic high for clear purpose, quotes, specific figures and next steps, though it reads like a press release.
Context, balance and separation of fact from comment. Higher is better.
Hype low; article uses factual language without sensational adjectives or clickbait.
How far presentation runs ahead of substance. Lower is better.
1 source assessed · methodology
Noah’s Ark Children’s Hospice in Barnet has launched a six-week fundraising campaign to secure £1 million for its annual operating costs. The appeal, named From That Moment, will run from 1 September to 12 October 2026. Match-funding partners have pledged to double every donation up to £500,000, meaning contributions will have twice the impact during the campaign period.
The hospice, located on Byng Road in High Barnet, supports children with life-limiting conditions and their families. It requires £7 million each year to maintain its services. Voluntary donations account for 76% of this budget, as reported by the Barnet Society. The campaign launch was marked by the burial of a time capsule containing messages from children and families supported by the hospice.
Barnet flats keep pumping sewage into rivers as mayor funds pilot
Two blocks in the borough still discharge waste while the mayor of London has pledged £2.7 million for a three‑year dedicated officer scheme to enforce repairs.
Barnet councillors and Deputy Mayor attend launch
Two Barnet councillors and the Deputy Mayor of London for Children and Families attended the campaign launch. High Barnet ward councillors Emma Whysall (Labour) and James Esses (Conservative) joined Joanna McCartney, the Deputy Mayor, at the event. Philip Roethenbaugh, Noah’s Ark’s director of fundraising and communications, and chief executive Sophie Andrews were also present.
“We are so lucky to have such an amazing centre in the heart of our community for 20 years, let us hope that Noah’s Ark continues to prosper with the support of the community for another 20 years.”
Councillor Emma Whysall, High Barnet ward
Barnet Council Considers 5% Tax Hike, Fortnightly Bin Collections
A projected £200 million deficit prompts "painful" decisions, with residents invited to a Barnet Question Time event.
Councillor Whysall, who has represented High Barnet since 2022, described her visit as an opportunity to witness the hospice’s work firsthand. She praised the facility as an essential part of the local community. Councillor Esses, elected in May 2026, expressed his hope that no child would ever need hospice care but acknowledged the importance of Noah’s Ark for those who do.
Financial pressures on children’s hospices
Children’s hospices across England are facing growing financial strain. According to the Barnet Society, two-thirds of children’s hospices ended the last financial year operating at a deficit. Noah’s Ark has relied on community support for its autumn fundraising appeals over the past four years. The hospice’s chief executive, Sophie Andrews, emphasised the critical role of donations in sustaining its services.
How residents can support the campaign
Residents can contribute to the From That Moment campaign in several ways. Groups and organisations are encouraged to organise fundraising events. Individuals can participate in Step-tember, a challenge to cover 90 miles by walking, running, cycling, or swimming during September. Alternatively, the Walking 9-5 Challenge invites businesses to track steps and raise funds through workplace activity.
Donations made during the campaign period will be matched up to £500,000, effectively doubling their value. The campaign aims to secure the full £1 million target by 12 October 2026. Further details on how to donate or get involved are available on the Noah’s Ark Children’s Hospice website.
Questions this report answers
+How much money is Noah’s Ark Hospice trying to raise?
Noah’s Ark Children’s Hospice aims to raise £1 million between 1 September and 12 October 2026. Match-funding partners will double donations up to £500,000, increasing the impact of contributions during the campaign period.
+Who attended the campaign launch?
High Barnet councillors Emma Whysall and James Esses, along with Joanna McCartney, the Deputy Mayor of London for Children and Families, attended the launch. Noah’s Ark’s chief executive, Sophie Andrews, and director of fundraising, Philip Roethenbaugh, were also present.
+How can residents in Barnet support the appeal?
Residents can organise fundraising events, participate in Step-tember by covering 90 miles through walking, running, cycling, or swimming, or join the Walking 9-5 Challenge in workplaces. Donations made during the campaign will be matched up to £500,000.
+Why does Noah’s Ark need £7 million every year?
Noah’s Ark Children’s Hospice requires £7 million annually to cover its operating costs. The hospice relies on voluntary donations for 76% of this budget, as it supports children with life-limiting conditions and their families in Barnet.
Barnet Press News Desk
This article was written at the Barnet Press news desk from the reporting of the outlets listed below it. Drafting is done by a language model under human editorial supervision — there is no reporter behind this byline, and we would rather say so than invent one.
How stories are produced and scoredWho runs Barnet PressCorrections
Barnet conditions
Loading live conditions…
More Coverage in Council & Politics