A Barnet-based children’s hospice is celebrating those who give up their time to help it care for children with life-limiting illnesses.

To mark Volunteers Week, an annual celebration of the contribution millions of unpaid staff make across the UK, children’s hospice Noah’s Ark is joining charities across the country to thank its many helpers.

Volunteer development manager at Noah’s Ark Amy Walker said: “Our volunteers don’t get paid to support us; they do it because they want to and that’s the most amazing thing.

"They are our advocates and ambassadors in the community and we couldn’t do what we do for local families without their enthusiasm and energy.”

The children’s hospice offers services ranging from practical and emotional support, outings for families and end-of-life and bereavement care.

There are an estimated 900 life-limited and life-threatened children and young people living in Barnet, Camden, Enfield, Haringey and Islington.

The charity, based in Victor’s Way, relies on a team of 261 volunteers, with 179 volunteers giving up ten hours or more during 2012, an increase of 38 per cent from 2011.

Volunteers carry out roles including office administration and reception duties,  helping to organise family events, running sibling and parent groups, fundraising, acting as ambassadors, supporting individual families and working in the charity shops.

Sharon Belchak, 48, who lives in Edgware, is sharing her story of volunteering with Noah’s Ark as part of the charity’s campaign to raise awareness of volunteering and to celebrate Volunteers Week.

The family support volunteer gives up her time to visit families and play with the ill child and their brothers and sisters so that mum and dad can have a few hours respite.

The mother-of-three said: “I’m matched up to families to help them out and play with their child while they do things like shopping, cooking or even have a sleep. I also act as an ambassador, collect cheques, help out at fun days we run for families who are often unable to get out much and spend most of their time in hospital."

Mrs Belchak started volunteering five and a half years ago after being moved by a  documentary on Oxford children’s Hospice Helen House.

She said: “I felt I wanted to do something to help children in my local area.

“I’m always happy to help; I would do anything to help Noah’s Ark and the children it looks after."