Celebrating 20 years of the Momentum Charity Golf Day

Two decades on, the event continues to bring supporters together to raise vital funds. Here, Ian, who is now an Ambassador for Momentum and Fiona who is a Trustee for the charity, share their memories of the early days and talk about why they continue to help organise the golf day year after year.

Ian Ashpitel said: “My son, Tom, now 27, went to the same childminder as Fiona’s daughter, and that’s how Fiona and I first met. We soon realised we lived just around the corner from each other, and as we got to know one another, Fiona shared that her daughter, Holly, had been diagnosed with leukaemia. I knew I wanted to do something to help. As I was already a member of the Stage Golf Society, I thought organising a golf day to support Momentum would be the perfect way to raise funds for the charity.

Fiona and I have always had a great relationship. Although the golf day is centred around an important and serious cause, we’ve always made sure it’s a fun and enjoyable event for everyone involved. We originally planned it as a one-off, but it was such a success that we decided to do it again the following year. At the time, we had support from corporate partners such as Barclays, and with each year the event grew, raising more and more for Momentum.

My role is mainly to bring celebrities and high-profile guests on board. Having played golf for many years, I have a good understanding of the game, which helps me bridge any gaps and ensure everyone enjoys the day. On the day itself, I welcome guests, say a few words about Momentum, and share the story of how the fundraiser began when I first met Fiona, back when Holly was just a young girl.

It is the families that Momentum supports who keep me motivated to be involved in this event year after year. Every year, we invite a guest speaker, usually someone who has received support from Momentum, to share their story. This year, we heard from a dad who was helped through the Echoes bereavement service, and over the years we’ve also had teenagers speak about their own experiences. Hearing those stories is incredibly moving. As a parent myself, seeing what these families have been through really puts into perspective just how fortunate you are. Helping others has always felt important to me. My mum was a matron in an old people’s home, and I used to volunteer at the Christmas events at Kingston Hospital, so giving back has always been something that feels right.

Many teams return year after year because the golf day offers something a little different. It is relaxed, informal and, above all, great fun. We are fortunate to have the support of a fantastic mix of celebrities and high-profile guests, including actors, writers, directors and musicians. Regular supporters include Phil Glenister, Jeremy Gittins, Bob Hughes and Jonty Stephens, and we always try to pair our celebrity guests with teams who share similar interests so everyone can enjoy the day together. Over the years, award-winning composer Nina Humphreys and BBC journalist and broadcaster Christian Fraser have also taken part. We also hold a fantastic raffle each year and past prizes have included a behind-the-scenes tour of the BBC and the chance to play doubles tennis at Wimbledon with Peter Fleming.

The Richmond Golf Club and their new Club Secretary, Frankie O’Donnell can’t do enough – they are fantastic and we have a lot to thank them for.”

Fiona Loveless said: “Momentum has a very special place in my heart. To see it grow from conversations around Bianca Effemey’s dining room table into a charity that now supports hundreds of families every year through a wide range of services has been truly wonderful.

When I received Holly’s leukaemia diagnosis when she was just seven years old, it was devastating – you never expect to hear the words that your child has cancer and then you’re suddenly thrown into a world with lots of complex terminology.

Momentum had only been around for a year when we found out about the charity. I was introduced to them at Kingston Hospital, Bianca (the Founder and then CEO of the charity) was still working as a receptionist at the hospital and was balancing that alongside her role at Momentum. My sister had a chat with Bianca who told her all about how the charity can support families. I felt like I had so much to comprehend with getting to grips with Holly’s illness that I didn’t have the headspace for anything else initially, but over time, Momentum became a lifeline for me. I would go to them for emotional support and advice.

The days out and experiences that Momentum organised for Holly will always stay with me – she went to Winter Wonderland, and to see the West End musical, Mamma Mia! We got involved with activities Momentum organised at the hospital, including endless supplies of crafts to keep Holly busy when she was in isolation.  

Thankfully Holly made a good recovery and is now 28 years old with two young daughters, Isla, and baby Esme.

I knew I wanted to give something back to Momentum. I don’t think I would have coped emotionally without their support, and I wanted to make sure the same support would be available to as many families as possible. After a conversation with Ian, the idea for the golf day was born.

I love that the golf day is so well attended every year. It’s become a firm fixture in everyone’s calendar and seeing so many people come together to support Momentum means such a lot.

Ian is a very special person, and the fact that he continues to be involved in organising the golf day, even though he doesn’t have to, means more to me than words can say. Whenever we get together, it is always very emotional. I am incredibly grateful for everything he has done over the years.”

A huge thank you to Ian and Fiona for everything – the Momentum Charity Golf Day has raised tens of thousands of pounds over the last 20 years, allowing us to help thousands of families who are going through incredibly difficult times.

Inspired by Ian and Fiona’s story? Why not organise your own fundraiser for Momentum? Find out more