Thursday 10th July 2025 saw Noah’s Ark’s Children’s Hospice’s Special Events Manager, Rachael Messer, given an honourable mention and singled out for special recognition in the ‘Rising Star’ category at the prestigious Emmas Awards at Red Bull HQ in Central London.
The Emmas are all about celebrating the incredible work of charities and their amazing suppliers, who bring unforgettable events to life year after year.
Rachael, from St Albans, fought off some very stiff competition from some of the biggest national charities.
Rachael has been with Noah’s Ark Children’s Hospice since June 2019, starting in the Family Activities Team where she organised amazing events, trips and outings for children and families. In October 2023, Rachael took the brave decision to apply for the role of Special Events Manager in the Fundraising Team, having no previous fundraising experience.
As soon as she started in her new role, Rachael was thrown into helping to organise the charity’s flagship special event – The Winter Ball. The event (held in aid of Noah’s Ark Children’s Hospice for the first time in 2021) is organised in conjunction with The Winter Ball Committee and is held at the prestigious Dorchester Hotel, who are also one of the charity’s corporate partners.
Last year’s Winter Ball raised a staggering £547,514. Fast forward to June 2024 where Rachael organised her first Noah’s Ark Children’s Hospice Golf Day and then created two brand-new fundraising events for the charity – Glitz & Giving (September 2024) and Question of Sport (April 2025), both of which were extremely successful.
The events that Rachael organised have brought in a total £1,176,584. Since Rachael came on board, the income from two flagship events, The Winter Ball and Golf Day have increased by 37%. These funds are absolutely vital to supporting the charity’s running costs of over £7m per year.
Rachael Messer, Noah’s Ark Children’s Hospice’s Special Events Manager, said: ‘I’m delighted to have received Special Recognition at the Emmas Awards. It’s such an honour to get such a distinction alongside much bigger, national charities.’
Luke Holmes, Noah’s Ark Children’s Hospice’s Head of Partnerships & Events, said: ‘You wouldn’t think that Rachael is new to fundraising – her can do, positive attitude, and a desire to do the very best for the children and families we serve is a real inspiration. She has vastly broadened the events portfolio at Noah’s Ark Children’s Hospice, bringing in some really impactful donations, and introducing our work to a plethora of new potential supporters.’
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About Noah’s Ark Children’s Hospice: Noah’s Ark Children’s Hospice helps babies, children and young people with life-limiting or life-threatening conditions, and their families, make the most of every day. The charity supports those who die young to do so in as much comfort as possible, surrounded by family. By providing exceptional care, organising fun activities and days out, Noah’s Ark Children’s Hospice helps families do things they never thought possible. They help those they support to enjoy life as children, rather than as patients; as families, not just as carers.
Noah’s Ark Children’s Hospice is based in Barnet and welcomes the referrals of babies, children and young people who meet their acceptance criteria and who live in the London Boroughs of Barnet, Camden, Enfield, Haringey, Islington and parts of Hertsmere. Noah’s Ark Children’s Hospice’s costs are currently over £7m per annum to provide essential services to babies, children and young people who are seriously unwell and their families.
Photo Caption: L-R Cerys Dawson Philanthropy & Partnerships Fundraiser and Rachael Messer Special Events Manager
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