Basil Brush and Dom Wood join in charity festivities at Kingston Hospital

Momentum supports children with cancer and life-challenging conditions, and was born fifteen years ago at Kingston Hospital itself.

Television stars Basil Brush and Dom Wood both live in the area and helped get the festivities underway.

Founder and CEO of Momentum Children’s Charity Bianca Effemey praised the TV personalities and said Momentum staff were proud to show them around the hospital and help them learn more about the work the charity does.

She said: "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."

Meanwhile, Kingston hospital Consultant Paediatrician Andrew Winrow said that the charity team's "impressive talents" had "transformed" the space and atmosphere for children undergoing care and treatment at the hospital.

Dr Winrow said: "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...They have transformed the environment in which these children are cared for through (the) many and colourful refurbishment projects throughout Kingston Hospital."

For 2019, the charity has launched a special 15th anniversary appeal to help it achieve an ambitious fundraising goal of £900,000.

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.

To donate to the 15th anniversary appeal, visit www.moment-um.org/15appeal or text MO to 70800 to donate £5. (Texts are charged at your standard network rate.)