An independent Kingston charity supporting children with cancer and life-limiting illnesses and their families, will be celebrating its 10th anniversary this year.

Momentum, which now has its office based in Park Road, Kingston, was formed in 2004 after Bianca Effemey and two mums joined forces when they witnessed life-changing events firsthand.

Ms Effemey said: “I never ever thought that I would do longer than a year but to do 10 years – it’s absolutely amazing. It has been a bit of a rollercoaster. It is really driven by passion and great staff, people in the community and the nurses at Kingston Hospital.

“We have also met the strongest families in those 10 years. It is because of them we have lasted that long.

Staff member Natalie Harvey, who has worked at the charity for more than eight years, said: “We have just grown and grown.

“Although there are more children being diagnosed with cancer it’s great for them to know we are here. But we would not be where we are without the local community who have supported us.”

She said often schools began their own fundraising campaigns for Momentum to help their classmates diagnosed with cancer receive the best possible support.

University student Tudor Morris, whose family run Tudor Williams in New Malden High Street, has also continued to fundraise for the charity which supported him when he was diagnosed with cancer as a teenager.

Momentum which supports up to 200 families has two holiday homes set up as a getaway for children and their families in New Forest.

The charity will be hosting a series of fundraisers and events to mark its 10 year anniversary this year.

 

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