The Noah's Ark Appeal to build a new Children's Hospital for Wales has reached the half way mark only ten months after its launch in May 2000. 

The total amount raised so far towards the £5 million target for the first phase of the hospital was made known by Wales' Olympic hero Lyn 'The Leap' Davies on St David's Day (Thursday, March 1) when he revealed that the appeal has reached £2.5 million. 

Mr Davies was joined by Mid and West Wales National Assembly Member, Glyn Davies AM, fellow Assembly Members - including Alun Cairns, Brian Hancock and Rhodri Glyn Thomas - and others, who had just completed the first St David's Day sponsored fun run from the National Assembly in Cardiff Bay to the site of the proposed new children's hospital to raise money for the appeal.

One of the characters in the appeal logo, a giraffe, is being used to indicate how the appeal is progressing. It is located on the site of the new hospital on the campus of the University Hospital of Wales, Cardiff. The giraffe's neck is being lengthened in line with the rise in the amount of money collected and today Mr Davies unveiled the giraffe's neck to demonstrate that £2.5m has been reached.

The first phase of the hospital will comprise the main entrance, child-friendly reception areas and two wards, each of 25 beds, specifically designed for children. The building will also include the shell of a third children's ward and this will be commissioned in the second part of the initial phase of construction. To build the entire hospital will cost £21m.

Cash and pledges have been rolling in since day one and local fundraising initiatives, cub and scout events, schools and businesses have all supported the campaign.

Major donors have included the Leukaemia Research Fund, which has pledged £50,000 raised by Ian Botham when he walked from Land's End to John O'Groats. The donation will be put towards the cost of the provision of haematology and oncology facilities.

In September 2000, a gala dinner supported by Charlotte Church raised more than £60,000 for the appeal and there have been many private donations both large and small which have helped the appeal achieve the present total.

Suzanne Mainwaring, Director of Fundraising for the appeal said he was delighted with progress. "Reaching the £2.5 million mark within ten months of the launch of the appeal is a marvellous achievement made possible by the generosity and support we are getting from throughout Wales and beyond," Miss Mainwaring said.

"We have received a number of substantial donations and a sizeable share of the money raised so far has come from various organisations who have committed to help the appeal, from schools whose pupils are giving their support, and from the individual man and woman in the street who believe the children's hospital is much-needed and long overdue.

"I would like to express my sincere thanks to everyone who has contributed to date. However, we are only half way there and still need another £2.5 million to reach our target for the first phase of the hospital so there is still a long way to go," she said.

"We have made plans to develop the Noah's Ark Appeal in the months ahead to raise the profile to a level where every single person in Wales will know about it and about what we are aiming to achieve.

"My message is one of thanks to everyone for what has been raised so far and also one of encouragement to keep up the good work so that we can build a children's hospital of which Wales can be proud."

Police Force Backs Hospital Campaign
Posted 14/3/01

HALF MARATHON PLANNED FOR MAY 20TH
The police force with the largest beat in England and Wales has given its backing to the Noah's Ark Appeal to build a new Children's Hospital for Wales.

Chief Constable Terrence Grange of the Dyfed Powys Police Force has adopted the campaign as the force's official charity for the next two years and already there are plans in place to organise a number of local and high profile events across the eight divisions.

Dyfed Powys' area of operation, which stretched from the Pembrokeshire Peninsular to the Welsh Marches takes in the whole of rural mid and west Wales and with a staff compliment of some 1600 including support staff it is one of the smallest forces in Britain.

Chief Constable Grange said the Dyfed Powys force will take on the challenge of raising funds for the Noah's Ark Appeal over the coming two years. ". "It is vitally important that the Noah's Ark Appeal is a success. Wales is the only country in Europe not to have its own hospital for sick children and anything we can contribute to redress this will bring the completion of the appeal that much closer." 

"We want to make a positive and sustained impression on the public at large and particularly on businesses and organisations in Wales whose support, like that of Dyfed Powys Police, will have a marked impact on progress," said Appeal Director, Suzanne Mainwaring. 

"We know there is a big groundswell in favour of what is being done to bring the hospital to life and we are increasing our efforts to make the appeal a resounding success during 2001," she added.

The first high profile event to be staged in support of the appeal will be the Pembrokeshire Half Marathon on Sunday May 20th.

The event, which is in its second year, is organised by Sergeant Stuart Blaxland. The course, which is centred on the sailing resort of dale and takes in the impressive Pembrokeshire coastline and St Anne's Head is among one of the County's most picturesque routes.

"The race is designed to be very much a novices event, " said Stuart, "Last year we had 160 entrants and in 2001 I expect to see at least double that number as word of the run gets around.

"This is the first event we will be putting together for the appeal and plans are well ahead for the Pembrokeshire Team Challenge, a team endurance event involving cycling, rowing and running which will be held in September."

£2,300 Boost to 'Buy A Brick' Campaign
Posted 14/3/01

Just a week after announcing it has reached the half way stage to its initial £5 million target, the Noah's Ark Appeal to build a new Children's Hospital for Wales has received another boost.

The Concrete Society of Wales has presented the appeal with a cheque for more than £2,300, which was raised in a raffle at the society's annual general meeting.

The society, which includes representatives from all sectors of the construction industry including architects, contractors, engineers and building suppliers has adopted the appeal as one of its nominated charities for on-going support.

Welsh chairman of the Concrete Society, Martin Jackson, said that the appeal has struck a chord with many of the members and it was also an appropriate for the society to be associated with a prestigious construction project such as a new Children's Hospital for Wales.

"We are delighted to be able to present a cheque for £2,334.00 to the 'buy a brick' campaign and to be able to support the Noah's Ark Appeal," said Mr Jackson.

Director of fundraising for the appeal, Suzanne Mainwaring, said: "We are delighted to have the support of the Concrete Society and its membership. This latest donation brings the 'buy a brick' campaign to more than £XX,000."

The Concrete Society held their annual general meeting at the Marriott Hotel in Cardiff and the star prize in the raffle was a soccer ball signed by the entire Manchester United first team and presented by Rhodri Jones from Cardiff who is a junior professional on the 'Red Devil's' books.

Young Dancers Raise £4,500 for Hospital Appeal
Posted 14/3/01

More than 120 dancers, ranging in age from two to 21 years, stepped out in support of the Noah's Ark Appeal at the Dolman Theatre, Newport. The dancers, all members of the Newport-based Vanessa Clarke School of Dance, performed a selection of dances to a variety of music and brought in £4,500 for the appeal to build a new Children's Hospital for Wales.

The show was the latest charitable effort by the dance troupe, which has raised more than £100,000 for children's charities across South Wales over the last 14 years.

"Our performances at the Dolman Theatre were all sold out and we are delighted to have raised such a figure for the appeal," said Vanessa. 

"We always build a charitable element into our performances and I believe the appeal to build a new Children's Hospital for Wales is a very worthwhile cause. Everyone who came along enjoyed a first class show and contributed to an excellent cause at the same time," she said.

Noah's Ark Appeal steering group chairman, Mr Lyn Jones, said: "The Vanessa Clarke School of Dance has established itself as one of the most successful in  the UK and we are very fortunate that they have given their support to the Noah's Ark Appeal. The show, which ran for three nights, was supported by the Rotary Club of Newport, which has adopted the appeal as its charity for the year. The Rotary Club is already planning its next fundraising event, a celebrity luncheon on April 1st at The Hilton Hotel, Newport. 

Assembly Members Run for Ark
Posted 22/2/01

Members of the National Assembly for Wales are donning their running shoes and taking to the streets on St David's Day in support of the Noah's Ark Appeal to build a new Children's Hospital for Wales.

In an initiative driven by Glyn Davies AM some members of the Assembly are set to take part in a sponsored run from the Cardiff Bay headquarters of the National Assembly across the city to the site of the proposed hospital on the campus of the University Hospital of Wales.

On arrival at the hospital Mr Davies and his fellow runners - who will also include Olympic Gold medallist, long jumper Lyn Davies - will be invited to unveil the latest target reached by the appeal, which was launched in May 2000.

"I am delighted to be able to show my support in this way," said Mr Davies. "It is vitally important that the Noah's Ark Appeal is a success Wales is the only country in Europe not to have its own hospital for sick children and anything we can contribute to redress this will bring the completion of the appeal that much closer." 

Director of Fund Raising, Suzanne Mainwaring, said: "The appeal has now reached an important milestone and we will be able to unveil the latest achievement on St David's Day. We are now planning to step up our efforts and would welcome all the help we can get to reach the target.

"We are very grateful to Glyn Davies and his colleagues who have committed themselves to supporting the appeal by helping us mark a very special Saint David's Day."

The run will start from the National Assembly building at 12.30pm on Thursday March 1st. Runners are expected to arrive at the hospital by 1.30pm where they will unveil the latest target reached by the appeal.


For further information please contact:
Rhodri Kendall
Kendalls PR
Tel: 029 20561681
Mob: 07767 244713

Upcoming Luncheon
 The Rotary Club of Newport present a super Sunday lunch at the Hilton Hotel Newport to celebrate All Fools Day on 1st April 2001 in aid of The Noah's Ark Appeal.

Featuring the Welsh Prince of Laughter Wyn Calvin MBE, together with Stan Stennett and other distinguished guests all introduced by the Master of Ceremonies, Mr Harry Polloway B.E.M OStJ.

Reception 12:30 - Lunch 1:00 p.m. 

Tickets costing £20 are available from: Don Corbett 01633/482521 David Hodson 01633/430856 The Lodge Hotel, Newport 10633/821818 

Young dancers to step it out for hospital appeal

More than 350 dancers, ranging in age from two and a half to 23 years old, will be treading the boards of Cardiff's St David's Hall on Saturday (January 20) when members of the Debbie Chapman School of Dancing perform a 'Journey Through the West End' to raise money for the Noah's Ark Appeal.

The show, which will feature music from current and former hit shows from London's West End, is the latest charitable effort by the dance troupe, which has raised more than £30,000 for children's charities across South Wales in recent years.

Members of the school of dancing were most recently seen on last weekend's edition of the BBC's Generation Game, hosted by Jim Davidson.

Saturday's performance will include scores from The Lion King, Fosse, Starlight Express, Miss Saigon and Saturday Night Fever.

"Our last performance at St David's Hall was a sell out and we hope to repeat that success again on Saturday," said Debbie. "Tickets are selling well and we hope to be able to raise more than £4,000 for the Noah's Ark Appeal.

"We always build in a charitable element to all of our performances and I believe that the appeal to build a new Children's Hospital for Wales is a very worthwhile cause and I would encourage everyone to come along and enjoy a first class show and contribute to an excellent cause at the same time."

Noah's Ark Appeal steering group member, Mr Lyn Jones, said: "The Debbie Chapman School of Dancing has established itself as one of the most successful in the UK and we are very fortunate that they have agreed to lend their support to the Noah's Ark Appeal.

"The company has a long string of impressive credits which include appearances with Michael Barrymore, at the BAFTA Awards, and with Phantom of the Opera star Peter Karrie. They were selected to perform in front of the Queen when she attended the opening of the National Assembly for Wales," said Mr Jones.

Tickets are still available from the box office at St David's Hall for the 'Journey Through the West End' and are priced at £5, £6, £7 and £8, with the show starting at 7.30pm.

For further information contact:

Rhodri Kendall Kendalls Tel: (029) 20561681

Or 

Debbie Chapman Tel: o1446 720965

Christmas Gifts

Admiral Insurance have adopted the Noah's Ark Appeal and have produced high quality calendars featuring children to raise money for the Appeal. Great for sending to friends and family for Christmas and of course helping the Noah's Ark Appeal at the same time.

Also available are "Culinary Secrets" a small recipe book featuring mouthwatering temptations perfect as stocking fillers. Featuring Charlotte Church and costing just £1 (all proceeds go to the Appeal) these would make great stocking fillers.

If you/your group/church/society/school would like some please register your interest with Sandra Anstiss by telephone/fax/answer-phone on 02920 744823 or by e-mail sandra.anstiss@uhw-tr.wales.nhs.uk 

Debbie Chapman Dancers in Association with The Hospitallers Club of Wales present Dansation III at St David's Hall, on Saturday 20th January 20001, 7:30 p.m. A journey through the West End in aid of the Noah's Ark Appeal. Highlights and excerpts of music and dance from blockbuster musicals such as Miss Saigon, The Lion King, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dream Coat and Fosse. 

Tickets available from St David's Hall box office on 029 20878444 cost: £7 for blocks MNRSYZ £8 for blocks ABCDEFGHLPX Wheelchair users + 1 companion - stall seats £7 Groups of 8-19 £1 off all tickets Groups of 20+ £2 off all tickets Over 60's and children under 16 £2 off an £8 ticket 

Cardiff Lions presents an evening of Christmas Entertainment in aid of the Noah's Ark Appeal on Saturday 9th December 2000 at All Nations Centre, Sackville Avenue, Cardiff. 

Featuring RAF St Athan Voluntary Band, Wyn Calvin, Beverley Humphreys, John Edwards, Only Men Aloud.

Doors open 7 p.m. Tickets cost £6/£5 concessions, £15 family (2 +2).

These are available from:

Ticket Line: (029) 20230130 or from the Lions Club (029) 20762655 or 20598886

£1-A-brick Will Help To Build Children’s Hospital 
Claire Savage 
Western Mail 

A DONATION of just £1 will help to build the new Children’s Hospital of Wales. 
The Noah’s Ark Appeal aims to raise £5m in two years to build phase one of Wales’s first dedicated hospital for children. 

The charity hopes that this latest fund-raising plan could bring its ambitious plans closer to being realised. 

Wales is the only country in Europe not to have a hospital for sick children. 

Once built, it would provide a centre of excellence for teaching, training and research into children’s illness, to promote child health throughout the country. 

While hospitals across the country deliver medical care for most children, those who require specialist treatment are forced to take treatment in England. 

It means that seriously ill children are far away from their family, friends and familiar surroundings. 

Medical professionals recognise this as being less than an ideal situation. 

Serious illness is always distressing and most doctors believe that children should be treated at home if possible. 

Many childhood illnesses can only be treated safely in hospital where there is access to state of the art care and technology. 

The Children’s Hospital for Wales would combine this level of care along with facilities for parents and families whose presence provide that feeling of home. Based next to the University of Wales Hospital in Cardiff, £1.7m of the £5m needed is already accounted for in the form of the site. 

Chairman of the appeal Stan Thomas hopes that the brick campaign will raise a sizeable chunk of 

He said, “If the £1-a-brick campaign could raise a substantial part of this figure, we would be able to achieve the £5m target without much difficulty. 

“Of course we don’t need 3.3 million bricks. The bricks are symbolic but they are something tangible to aim for and we hope people will support the idea.” 

In return for donating money, supporters’ names will be recorded in a leather-bound volume, which will be kept on permanent view in the foyer of the new hospital once it is completed. 

There is no limit on the number of bricks an individual can buy. 

Mr Thomas said, “Even £1 will be welcome and if anyone would like to buy more, the money will of course be gratefully received. 

“Please give generously because the money is going to a very worthy cause and thousands of sick children from throughout Wales will benefit as a result.” 

Contributions to the appeal are being handled by HSBC Bank and donations can be handed in at any of the bank’s branches, or alternatively by credit card over the telephone on a special campaign hotline. 

The hotline number is 0845 

Children’s Hospital Appeal Hits £2M 
Rhodri Hornung 
Western Mail 


THE Noah’s Ark Appeal to build a new Children’s Hospital for Wales has reached its first major milestone since it was launched last May. 
Yesterday the fundraising team celebrated the appeal total reaching £2m, almost halfway to the £5m target for the first phase of the hospital. 

Actress Ruth Madoc was in Cardiff to reveal the new total. To build the entire hospital will cost £21m. 

The first phase of the hospital will comprise the main entrance, child-friendly reception areas and two 25-bed wards designed for children. 

The building will also include the shell of a third children’s ward to be commissioned in the second part of the initial phase of construction. 

The biggest donor so far has been the Cardiff and Vale NHS Trust, which is providing the site and infrastructure for the new building. 

Other major donors have included the Leukaemia Research Fund, which has pledged £50,000 raised by former England cricketer Ian Botham. 

In September, a gala dinner supported by Charlotte Church raised more than £60,000. There have also been many private donations. 

Stanley Thomas, chairman of the appeal, said he was delighted with progress. “Reaching the £2m mark within seven months of the launch of the appeal is a marvellous achievement made possible by the generosity and support we are getting from throughout Wales and beyond. 

“We have received a number of substantial donations and a sizeable share of the money raised has come from organisations who have committed to help the appeal, from schools whose pupils are giving their support, and from the individual man and woman in the street. However, we need another £3m to reach our target for the first phase of the hospital, so there is still a long way to go. 

“We have made plans to develop the Noah’s Ark Appeal in the coming year and to raise the profile to a level where every single person in Wales will know about it and about what we are aiming to achieve.” 

Donations can be made direct to the appeal at any HSBC bank in Wales, quoting account number 920 719 40, and sort code 40 16 15. 

Cheques must be made payable to The Children’s Hospital in Wales Appeal. Donations can also be made over the phone on 029 2074 4823.