Local organisation, Momentum Children’s Charity, that supports children with cancer and life-challenging conditions, launched their 15th anniversary year with an event at Kingston Hospital, which is where the charity first begun. Basil Brush and children’s presenter Dom Wood, who is best known as one half of the double act Dick and Dom, both live locally and attended the event. They spent the morning entertaining everyone on the children’s ward, putting smiles on the faces of sick children, their parents and hospital staff alike. They also prepared a special birthday message for us.
Bianca Effemey, Founder and CEO of Momentum Children’s Charity says, “Basil Brush and Dom were fantastic, I can’t thank them enough for making it such a memorable event. I was so proud to take them around the hospital and show them all the great refurbishments that Momentum Children’s Charity has done over the years. In total we’ve completed over 30 projects at Kingston Hospital. To be celebrating 15 years is an absolute dream, it feels like only yesterday that I started the charity.”
As well as celebrating 15 years of supporting families, it was an opportunity to remember the special partnership they have with the hospital.
Andrew Winrow, Consultant Paediatrician at Kingston Hospital says, “In the 15 years since Bianca’s inspired idea to found Momentum Children’s Charity, the charity has played a substantial role in the care of sick children through its practical support of the families, the children themselves and in providing additional resources for the healthcare professionals. They have transformed the environment in which these children are cared for through its many and colourful refurbishment projects throughout Kingston Hospital. Their evident success and its continued development is no surprise in view of the impressive talents of Bianca and the team.”
For 2019, the charity has launched a special 15th anniversary appeal to help them achieve an ambitious fundraising goal. Part of the year’s plan are three big projects, including a major refurbishment project in Sunshine and Dolphin Children’s Ward at Kingston Hospital - updating and improving isolation and treatment rooms, waiting and play areas used by thousands of seriously ill children each year, including children with cancer. For this alone the charity needs to raise £75,000.
The charity is asking the local community to donate £15 towards their appeal. The charity receives no government funding and relies on donations. To donate to the 15th anniversary appeal, visit www.momentum.org/15appeal or text MO to 70800 to donate £5. (Texts are charged at your standard network rate.)
Founders Alison Trigg, Bianca Effemey and Jacqui Coppellotti
Dom Wood and Basil Brush
Bianca Effemey, Founder and CEO, with Kingston Hospital staff
Dom Wood performing magic tricks for Nerea
Momentum Children's Charity enjoying the event
Nerea and Basil Brush
