The Children’s Hospice South West has paid tribute to one of its most dedicated supporters, Jennie Noakes from Bath, who celebrates her 80th birthday in a few weeks.
Jennie Noakes was awarded Volunteer of the Year at the Bath Echo Awards
For the past 19 years, Jennie has been a devoted volunteer with Children’s Hospice South West (CHSW), a journey that began in 2006 when she retired from her career as a paediatric nursing sister and midwife.
Jennie was named Volunteer of the Year at the Bath Echo Awards, a recognition she describes as “amazing” and “very humbling”.
She said: “There are so many incredible people who give their time to charities. I was honoured just to be nominated.”
Jennie became involved with CHSW after hearing about the construction of its Charlton Farm site at Wraxall, near Bristol. She arranged a visit and instantly signed up. “I knew I had to be part of something so special,” she said.
Since then, Jennie has become an essential part of the CHSW family. Whether she’s volunteering at the Bath Half Marathon, Santas on a Bike, Strength in Style fashion show, or helping behind the scenes at corporate events at Bath Racecourse, the charity says she “brings warmth, energy, and grace to every event”.
Jennie supports the fundraising team, gives talks about legacies, collects donations, and welcomes visitors on tours at the Wraxall hospice.
CHSW supports children with life-limiting conditions and their families across the region. Its three children’s hospices, including Charlton Farm in Wraxall, offer respite stays, specialist play, sibling support, and compassionate end-of-life care.
With less than 11% of its £14 million annual running costs funded by the government, CHSW relies heavily on public donations.
Among Jennie’s most treasured memories is her meeting with Queen Camilla during a royal visit to Charlton Farm in 2024, which she says was “a real privilege”. Another standout moment was time spent with CHSW Co-founder Eddie Farwell, who died in 2025.
“He always brought a smile to my face. He was truly wonderful,” she said.
But for Jennie, the most enduring joy comes from meeting the children and families who rely on the hospice. She says: “It’s such a wonderful charity. Those families need us and I feel lucky to be part of that.”
Heidi Roberts, CHSW area fundraiser, said: “Jennie is so passionate about CHSW. She has been spreading the word about the charity through talks and tours for nearly 20 years.
“She inspired me to apply for the area fundraiser role covering the Bath & North East Somerset area and West Wiltshire, and she has been a huge support to me since taking on the role four years ago.
“She lightens up an event with her presence and is a joy to be around. Thank you, Jennie, for all your hard work and support, it is so appreciated.”
Jennie also gives her time generously outside of CHSW. For the past 17 years, she’s served as a street pastor, volunteering from 10pm to 4am once a month to support homeless people and those facing difficult circumstances in Bath.
She provides warm clothing, blankets, food essentials, and hot drinks, ensuring that those out on the streets are treated with dignity, warmth, and care.
As she approaches her 80th birthday in December, Jennie will be celebrating with her family in Cornwall, before heading off on a cruise to the Canary Islands with her husband in January, a joint celebration of her birthday and wedding anniversary.
