Parents of children with life-limiting and lift-threatening conditions marked the “momentous” moment the first brick was laid for a new children’s hospice.

Noah’s Ark Children’s Hospice, in Byng Road, Barnet, is celebrating the first devoted hospice for children with life threatening conditions in north London, looking after children in Barnet, Camden, Enfield, Islington, Haringey and Hertsmere.

Two mothers joined in on the celebrations by laying the ‘first brick’.

Nicki Styles’ son, Brandon, has a condition which stunts his development.

“I see the new Noah’s Ark hospice building as a place to come together as a family,” said Ms Styles, 44. “To be able to spend time with others in similar situations supporting and sharing the good and the sad times.”

Shakila Ali’s son, Jibraan, six, has CHARGE syndrome, a genetic disorder which affects his heart, breathing, sight and hearing - and he has to be tube fed through his stomach.

His mum, 40, said: “The new Ark building will be a great place for many London families facing challenging times.They’ll be able to connect and meet with other families with similar experiences, which is always a huge help.”

The hospice is a seven-acre site built next to a nature reserve to provide a peaceful environment for the children.

‘The Ark’ is the first children’s hospice in North and Central London serving the boroughs of; Barnet, Camden, Enfield, Islington, Haringey and Hertsmere.

The construction industry has come together to provide their services for free.

The new hospice will feature bereavement rooms to give families a place to stay with their children.

Chief Ru Watkins, 55, said: “Given the current climate, this will probably be the first and last hospice built in North London. It’s right for any child to be together with their family when they die and now we will have the ability to look after families when their child has died as well.”