We are still working on improvements to the Isolation Rooms in the Paediatric Department of Kingston Hospital such as installing flat-screen TVs. Our next project will be to design and re-furbish a sensory "quiet" room, where families of very sick children, or possibly bereaved parents, can have peaceful time alone.

We have started discussions with St George’s Hospital in Tooting about fundraising on their behalf in 2010. Our first project is likely to be a Children’s Garden, where oncology and other patients can enjoy fresh air in a stimulating and attractive environment. Studies have shown that sick children definitely respond in a positive way to creative and attractive surroundings and that this can even help them to recover more quickly.


2. Achievements

2009

May 2009 was the 5th anniversary of Momentum and we celebrated in style with a fundraising event at the Café de Paris in central London called ‘Spectacular, Spectacular’. This event raised an incredible £42,000 and was masterminded by Steven Humphrey McDermott.

In the summer of 2009 we were delighted to become the owners of our very own log cabin style holiday home at Shorefield Holiday Park in Dorset (see Holiday Home in our index for further information). Our families were delighted to be able to get away to a place that really is ‘home from home’ and will continue to do so.

We continued our work within the Paediatric Department at Kingston Hospital, refurbishing some of the isolation rooms with murals painted by Amanda Leggatt, who also works as an illustrator on the Harry Potter films.

We also began discussions with St George’s Hospital in Tooting about fundraising on their behalf in the future.

2008

Our main fundraising objective in 2008 was the Momentum log cabin, a respite holiday home where families of children with cancer can get away to spend precious time together. Often, when a child is very sick, one or both parents has to stop working to look after them around the clock. This means that treats, such as holidays, have to be sacrificed when they are the one thing that a family may need most.

Because of the financial situation and the falling property market at the latter end of 2008, the money we have raised is safely invested until we can make a sensible and considered purchase. In the meantime we have rented a log cabin in Dorset for Spring 2009, of the type that we would like to buy, so that we can start sending our families away together.

2007

This year we raised funds for a stunning mosaic to brighten up the entrance to the children's wards at Kingston Hospital. The mosaic was installed by the award winning charity, Save the World Club and is bright and vibrant, using the themes of 'Dolphins' and 'Sunshine' which are the names of the two children's wards. Two local schools, Kingston Grammar and St. Paul's C of E Junior School, were involved in the design and creation of the mosaic.

In October 2007 we completed a new Teenagers' Room in the Paediatric Department at Kingston Hospital, which was officially opened by Lady Sarah McCorquodale.  The room was designed with input from a group of our teenagers  who wanted it to be "colourful, fun and funky!"

They also wanted lots of things to do so we provided them with a flat-screen tv, DVD player and sound system, a Nintendo Wii and lots of laptops. There's even a bright purple pool table!

Now, when teenagers are treated at Kingston Hospital then have room of their very own where they can entertain visitors and have a really great time.

2006

Raised £45,000 to create a fantastic childrens garden in the paediatric department of Kingston Hospital with a separate relaxation area for children with cancer who, due to their illness, cannot mix with the other children in the main play area.

Installed broadband in the isolation rooms and purchased a laptop pc so that parents who need to stay with their children can still maintain their jobs.

Purchased digital cameras for use by the Play Team.

Assisted with funding specialist training, books, equipment for PONT nurses.

Purchased play station for children.

2005

New kitchen installed in parents area - funded by John Lewis plc.

Installed air conditioning in the isolation rooms.

Purchased fridges, TV's, DVD players etc. for the isolation rooms. On-going - purchase of new books, games etc. for children in isolation


3. Support Events

2006

Santas Grotto at Painshill Park

Childrens book reading with Jacqueline Wilson

Outing to Krispy Creme Donuts

Visits to hit musical Mamma Mia!

Parents evenings

2005

Bowling party

Easter Party

Santas Grotto at Painshill Park

Visits to hit musical Mamma Mia!

Strawberries and champagne evening with John Lewis plc

Parents evenings