A Kingston-based children's charity has raised over £32,000 for cancer after supporters trekked 28 kilometres along the River Thames.
The 50-strong team travelled on foot from Putney Bridge to Hampton Court, raising £32,621 and counting for Momentum Children's Charity in an event held to raise awareness and funds for Childhood Cancer Awareness Month.
Among the daring team was Amanda Collins, mother of 14-year-old Alice who is currently undergoing cancer treatment at Kingston Hospital.
Amanda managed to rally a team of 10 friends to join her on the trek, together raising more than £21,000 after she said she connected with the charity during the thick of lockdown.
"It was a really difficult and lonely time.
“We met Momentum Children’s Charity during the thick of lockdown, when we hadn’t seen the friends and family who had buoyed and supported us after Alice’s initial diagnosis
"The little things they offer, like knowing a family support worker is ready to listen at the end of the phone, food and drinks for parents who are staying in the hospital with their children and a social distanced doorstep Santa visit, have all been big things for our family.
“The walk has been a wonderful experience, having my friends come together to show their support for Alice’s cancer journey but also standing by me, step-by-step, for all 28 kilometres of this challenge.
"I am ecstatic at the amount we have raised, all of which will benefit other children and families who are going through their own cancer journey.”
The team of walkers also included charity volunteers, nurses from the charity’s partner hospitals and other families who have benefitted from the charity’s family oriented, tailormade support programme which includes therapy services, special experiences and respite breaks.
Momentum Children’s Charity Founder CEO, Bianca Effemey, attended on the day, meeting participants at the end of the walk.
She said: “I am incredibly proud and grateful of all the supporters who joined some of the Momentum Team today to walk the Thames Path Challenge, honouring the brave local children we look after and raise funds as part of Childhood Cancer Awareness Month.
"The blisters that our team are suffering today are so minor compared to the challenges that face so many young cancer patients, and this is what kept the whole team going throughout the tough 28 kilometre trek.”
Every day in the UK, 12 children like Alice are diagnosed with cancer. The incidence of childhood cancer is on the rise in the UK, increasing by 15% between 1993-1995 and 2015-2017, meaning that the work Momentum Children’s Charity does is more important than ever.
To learn more about the work Momentum Children’s Charity does or to make a donation please visit the website at: www.momentumcharity.org
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