Short film proves how vital charity is

9:55am Sunday 23rd March 2008

Comments (8)   Have your say »

• Play Video

A TOUCHING short film of a Worcester family who were helped by a children's bereavement charity shows how important it is a new home for Noah's Ark is found.

Worcester-based charity the Noah's Ark Trust approached producer Thomas Hill, who lives in Barbourne, to make a short video showcase for their 10th anniversary reception at the beginning of March.

The only way that people could understand what Noah's Ark is about is by seeing someone who has experienced the journey.

Thomas Hill, producer

But for Mr Hill and his partner Helena Jane Kingdon, who narrated and was assistant producer on the film, they realised there was more to say about the great work the charity does.

And the charity says the film shows the importance of having somewhere where grieving families can go.

Mr Hill said: "When I sat down with my partner we realised it was going to be more than that. The only way that people could understand what Noah's Ark is about is by seeing someone who has experienced the journey."

The couple contacted the McDonald family from Dines Green. Mary McDonald was tragically killed in a car accident just before Christmas in 2006, leaving husband Stuart and four children.

"They had such an emotional story, and we felt we needed to tell it. We filmed at the countryside centre for about three hours and then it took about two weeks of solid editing to get it finished," he said.

"When you are editing something about someone's life and something so personal it can be difficult. So it was wonderful to see Stuart say that he was really happy with it. He said it was part of their journey and part of their life. It really moved him."

The DVD was aired for the first time in public at the Sixways conference centre at Noah's Ark's 10th anniversary reception earlier this month.

Mr Hill who runs a course in Media Production at Worcester College of Technology, said: "We were really pleased with how it turned out, and the reaction and impact it had on people. That really is the reason for it."

Caroline Clarke, community fund-raiser said: "What we really need is a house where families like the McDonalds can visit whenever they need to.

"A safe environment where our bereavement co-ordinators can support each member of the family in a way which works for them and also provide group work sessions for teenagers and children who are unable to attend our residential weekends. If you can help us to make this dream a reality we'd love to hear from you."

How to donate/tell us about your event

• Visit www.noahsarktrust.co.uk and click on the Support Us' button.
  
• Go directly to the Noah's Ark site from here on our site - where you can also see all of the articles we have published on the appeal.
  
• Call the office on 01905 745735
  
• Post a cheque, made payable to Noah's Ark Trust, to Noah's Ark Trust, 1-4 Canalside, Lowesmoor Wharf, Worcester, WR1 2RS.

Fun fund-raising events are a great way of helping the Towards A Brighter Future appeal. If you're planning an event for Noah's Ark, let us know and we'll publicise it in print and online.
Just contact reporter Claire Fry on 01905 742263 or e-mail cf@worcester news.co.uk

• Our moving video is a 15min file, so please be patient if it takes a short while to load.