Friday the 20th September saw Noah’s Ark’s Children’s Hospice’s Housekeeping Manager Debs Smith clean up in the Unsung Hero Category at the prestigious Third Sector Awards at the elegant Royal Lancaster Hotel in London’s west end.
Debs, from Barnet, fought off stiff competition from some very impressive entrants but the win was extremely well deserved as Debs is so much more than a Housekeeping Manager, she’s been an integral part of the fabric of Noah’s Ark Children’s Hospice since she started in 2022.
Her calming, comforting presence is something everyone at Noah’s Ark Children’s Hospice has come to rely on. Debs’ role anywhere wouldn’t be easy but in a Children’s Hospice, leading a team that is responsible for the cleanliness, infection control and safety for all of the children and families we support is a huge undertaking.
Debs is also on the frontline with families, some of whom are going through unimaginable stress and being there for them takes incredible emotional strength and kindness. Debs knows that the families we support don’t have an overwhelming choice of places they know their child will be safe but they know The Ark is one.
She makes The Ark a safer, kinder place to be and put the experiences of the children and families we support at the heart of everything she does.
Noah’s Ark Children’s Hospice provides palliative care for over 350 children who have life-limiting or life-threatening conditions and their families.
They believe that every baby, child and young person who is seriously unwell, and their loved ones, should have access to expert and compassionate palliative care from the point of diagnosis.
They provide exceptional care, fun activities and days out, offering families the chance to do things they never thought possible. They help those they support enjoy life as parents and children, not carers and patients so they can make the most of every day.
The Third Sector awards celebrates the outstanding achievements of individuals and organisations operating in the third sector, recognising their tireless efforts and transformative impact.
At the heart of the awards lies a profound belief in the power of collective action and the immense value that the third sector brings to our communities.
This year’s awards marked a significant milestone — two decades of recognising excellence, innovation, and commitment across the third sector. The 2024 Third Sector Awards shone a spotlight on the industry’s greatest achievements, with leaders and change-makers gathering in their finest to honour the inspirational work being done.
The judges said of Debs’ entry: ‘Debs’ care and attention for everyone, both staff and families, at Noah’s Ark Children’s Hospice shines through in everything that she does. It shows that sometimes small acts of kindness can have the biggest difference to people’s lives.’
Debs Smith said of her win: ‘I feel very blessed to have been nominated for this prestigious award in the first place but to go on a win is amazing! Noah’s Ark Children’s Hospice is such a great place to work and it’s such an honour to be part of this amazing charity and to help support our children and families.’
Alison Goodman, Noah’s Ark Children’s Charity’s Deputy CEO: ‘I’m delighted that Debs has been recognised by winning the prestigious Third Sector Unsung Hero award. It’s wonderful to see her honoured in this way for her invaluable contribution to Noah’s Ark Children’s Hospice.’
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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 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 or Hertsmere. Find out more at noahsarkhospice.org.uk.
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