We are saddened to hear that the charity’s founder, Lyn Jones OBE CStJ has passed and take this time to reflect fondly on the early days of the Noah’s Ark Children’s Hospital Charity – then known as the Noah’s Ark Appeal. It was a time of hard work, great fun, happiness, and a huge sense of achievement for all involved – including supporters, volunteers, patrons, celebrities, staff and trustees.
For decades before the appeal launched, many talked about a children’s hospital for Wales, but no-one took the first step towards creating a reality from this vision. In response to the wishes of paediatricians, Lyn secured the support of the then South Glamorgan Health Authority. For the next ten years, Lyn led a campaign to lobby government and was heavily involved with the health strategy and estates plan to build our nation’s first and only specialist children’s hospital.
During this time, he recruited a team of trustees and formed the Noah’s Ark Appeal charity in readiness for ‘the green-light’ to proceed with the fundraising campaign. The Noah’s Ark Appeal, with just a very small team, launched its high-profile campaign for phase one in 2000. It became one of the most successful capital appeals in Wales.
The Noah’s Ark Appeal is just one of a myriad of organisations and projects which Lyn was involved in during a lifetime of dedication to the community. We’re sure since his retirement from the organisation, that he was proud to see it develop and flourish as the Noah’s Ark Charity.
The Noah’s Ark Children’s Hospital now provides specialist and life-saving care to over 73,000 children every year – the equivalent of a full Principality Stadium. It is a great legacy.
Our thoughts are with his son Kevin and grandchildren Lloyd and Ryan of whom he was immensely proud.
Suzanne Mainwaring, Director of the Noah’s Ark Charity.
