Momentum Children’s Charity, based in East Molesey, Surrey, was established in 2004 when Bianca was working as a Receptionist on the Paediatrics Ward at Kingston Hospital. She quickly became aware of the side effects that chemotherapy treatment was having on young cancer patients, which included painful mouth ulcers. 

It became Bianca’s mission to get a freezer donated to the hospital which could be kept full of ice lollies for children to help soothe some of the pain caused by the chemotherapy. John Lewis, Kingston promised to donate the freezer if Bianca set up a charity, which she did, with the help of Co-Founders Alison Trigg and Jacqui Coppellotti. 

At no point did Bianca ever envisage becoming a CEO, or Momentum developing into a well-established charity, in fact, she initially planned to close it once she had received the freezer donation! However, she soon realised that Momentum wasn’t going to be a temporary charity.

Momentum has grown dramatically year-on-year, having now supported thousands of children with cancer or life-challenging conditions, and their families. The charity now raises more than £1million a year of voluntary income to deliver its services in London, Surrey and Sussex, partnering with local hospitals to offer personally tailored support through its family support workers, both in hospital and at home, as well as respite breaks, hospital refurbishments, and bereavement support. 

Talking about receiving the honour, Bianca Effemey said:

“Receiving an OBE brings tears to my eyes – it means so much, not only to me, but to everyone who has helped the charity evolve – friends, family, staff, and volunteers. I am incredibly proud of how far Momentum has come over the last 19 years and would like to dedicate this award to every single person that we have supported – it’s the memories I have of the children that keep me going. My hopes for the future are to be able to support more families and to grow our bereavement services, while staying true to the unique needs of each family.”

Dr. Andrew Winrow, a retired Consultant Paediatrician worked with Bianca at Kingston Hospital. Recognising her achievements, he said:

 “I am delighted to hear that Bianca’s immense contribution to the support of seriously ill children and their families has been recognised with an award. Without Bianca’s vision, enthusiasm and her tireless fundraising, Momentum, now a major local fundraising charity, would not exist. Clinical teams across south-west London and Surrey have much to thank Bianca and Momentum for as without the Charity many initiatives that have had a direct and beneficial impact on children’s lives would have been impossible.” 

Jeff Brown and his family were supported by Momentum both when their daughter Kiera was undergoing treatment for cancer, and after she very sadly died. Jeff said:

“When Kiera, was diagnosed with cancer in 2006, one of the first people to contact us was Bianca, from a very small Kingston Hospital based charity called Momentum. She offered us help, support and care without which our time in hospital would have been even more difficult. Sadly, Kiera died in 2007, but Momentum have been there for us ever since. Bianca has been the driving force, expanding the charity in ways, that all those years ago would never have been thought possible. Families around our area and beyond are now fortunate to have Momentum to call on should the unfortunate happen to them. Bianca’s recognition in The King’s Birthday Honours List is richly deserved.”

For PR and Communications Officer please contact: clairesmith@momentumcharity.org  /  0208 974 5931