Trust established by tv stars Sarah Parish and James Murray to fund drama therapy sessions at Noah’s Ark Children’s Hospice

Sarah Parish, well known for her role in tv series such as Peak Practice and Pillars of the Earth, and her husband, actor James Murray, are supporting drama therapy sessions at the Noah’s Ark Children’s Hospice in Byng Road, Barnet.

Through the Murray Parish Trust, established after the death of their daughter, they help to fund children’s mental health care projects.

On a visit to Noah’s Ark the couple met Christina and her two sons, Arthur aged one, and nine-year-old Joseph, (see above), who both attend drama and music sessions at the hospice.

The trust is to fund a total of 300 drama therapy sessions — the latest initiative to get their backing since they started raising money in memory of their daughter Ella-Jayne who died in 2019 at the age of eight from a congenital heart defect.

Sarah said their trust – which has directed over £4 million to healthcare projects since it was established in 2014 – was there to help families at their darkest hours.

“When our daughter was in intensive care for four months, we witnessed at first hand the unmet need for emotional and psychological support.

“If the mounting trauma of having or being a seriously ill child isn’t properly processed with professional help, it can have devastating consequences.”

Sarah met Pasha Wild (above left), drama and movement therapist at Noah’s Ark, who stressed the value of therapy in helping children explore different parts of themselves and untangle and unpick things in a way which is helpful for them.

Christina Lucas-Dodsworth, whose son Arthur was referred to Noah’s Ark, was full of praise for Pasha’s support.

Arthur, who has severe hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy had to be transferred to a neonatal intensive care unit, and it was thought unlikely he would survive coming off a ventilator.

He was referred to Noah’s Ark, became less critical, and now attends a drama and music group, Tunes and Tales.

His brother Joseph also has drama therapy with Pasha to help him deal with the issues which can affect siblings of seriously unwell children.

Christina said Joseph was now much happier at school.

“When we told Joseph his little brother might not be here that long, it was a very difficult conversation to have. 

“Now, he is able to start opening up to his teachers and tell them what is on his mind, saying things like Arthur is in hospital today and that he’s feeling a bit worried.

“After the session with Pasha he’s much more comfortable talking about these things.

“I think the drama therapy is good at tackling the prospect of loss and it is definitely helpful for a child who doesn’t want to do the talking at that age and for whom it’s probably just far too much.”   

During their visit, Sarah and James were briefed on the challenges facing the children’s palliative care sector.

Only 17 per cent of Noah’s Ark’s income is funded centrally through the Children’s Hospice Grant and the rest is raised through voluntary donations.

Currently the hospice’s running costs stand at approximately £18,000 a day.