The Dorchester held an afternoon full of Spring-time delights on Friday for a group of siblings of babies, children and young people who are seriously unwell from Noah’s Ark Children’s Hospice.
The legendary hotel hosted 15 siblings and their families for the ultimate ‘Spring Chocolate Treasure Hunt’ around the iconic ballroom. The siblings had a fun-filled day and nothing was left un-turned in the hunt for the chocolate. The children even got to meet The Dorchester’s popular Director of Butlers Sean Davoren and have a tour of some of the lavish suites!
At Noah’s Ark Children’s Hospice, we know how vital it is that siblings have the space to be themselves. We support the whole family and have a dedicated programme of events specifically for siblings where they can meet other children in similar situations to their own. These activities allow them to explore the impact of the brother’s or sister’s condition, whilst building community and, most importantly, having fun! We support them emotionally, educationally and give them the space to navigate their feelings and focus on their needs as a priority.
20 members of The Dorchester team from across the hotel kindly volunteered their time to make the day extra special. This co-operation is a testament to the success of the corporate relationship between Noah’s Ark Children’s Hospice and The Dorchester. The partnership started in 2023 and raises vital funds to support the charity in being there for babies, children and young people who are seriously unwell, and their families – helping them to enjoy life as children, rather than as patients; as families, rather than as carers.
Sophie Andrews OBE, CEO of Noah’s Ark Children’s Hospice, said of the event:
“We are immensely proud to be The Dorchester’s official charity partner and grateful for their continued commitment to bringing a touch of sparkle to the lives of the children and families that we support. We’re extremely proud of the holistic care that we provide, and our sibling programme is a very important part of that. It’s crucial that these children have the space and time to have fun and be themselves.”
Megan Scott, Families Activity Team Manager of Noah’s Ark Children’s Hospice, echoed these sentiments:
“We are delighted and honoured that The Dorchester teamed up with us to provide this truly magical experience for our siblings group. Life-limiting and life-threatening conditions affect the whole family, including siblings, which is why activities like this are so important. They create the opportunity for fun, connection and play – helping them to make the most of every day.”
Paul McDonald, Director of People & Culture at The Dorchester said of the partnership:
“At The Dorchester, in line with the principles of our We Care culture, we are thrilled to once again partner with Noah’s Ark Children’s Hospice. This time we welcome the siblings of children supported by the hospice for an unforgettable Spring Chocolate Treasure Hunt! Through our support of this very special charity we’re reminded of the importance of creating cherished memories for not only the children but for the siblings and families who are also affected by their life-threatening or life-limiting illnesses. This event embodies our commitment to fostering joy and support for the families at Noah’s Ark Children’s Hospice and we’re honoured to continue our longstanding relationship.”
The most endearing quote of the day, came from one of the siblings Briana, who said; ‘This has been the best day ever!’