In April, I am taking on a fundraising challenge with my mum to cycle 500km (the distance from London to Paris), to raise money for Momentum Children’s Charity. This is an incredible, local organisation supporting children and their families who are affected by cancer or life-limiting conditions. Momentum looked after me and my family during a very difficult time and I now volunteer as a young ambassador for them.

During Easter weekend 2017, when I was 14 years old, I was diagnosed with a rare mixed phenotype leukaemia. My life changed in an instant and I underwent almost two and a half years of treatment. It was punishing, involving intense chemotherapy, steroids, 5 bone marrow tests, 18 lumbar punctures and numerous blood transfusions. The side effects were debilitating, including chronic nausea, neuropathy and infections. I was barely able to go to school, lost my independence and freedom and instead spent a significant amount of time in hospital.

Momentum got in touch with us at the very beginning and reassured us about the many ways they could support us as a family. Apart from lovely, thoughtful gifts they gave to me and my siblings, they also enabled us to get away as a family to a holiday cabin they own in the New Forest. We also enjoyed a day out on their river boat, skippered by volunteers. Momentum introduced me to two other teenage girls going through a similar experience and my mum became great friends with their mothers too. In addition, they provided counselling sessions with a clinical psychologist which were invaluable, especially in those painful early months.

My treatment finally came to an end in August 2019, and 5 years on I have been fully discharged from follow up care. I now want to give something back to Momentum as a thank you for everything they did for us.

I have decided on a cycling challenge and have persuaded my mum to do it with me too! She’s been by my side the whole time, lifting my spirits and helping me stay resilient through the toughest of times. So, we will take on this challenge together.

We will cycle the 500km in April (before or after work!), sharing weekly updates as we progress towards the 500km milestone. Every donation, no matter how small, helps Momentum support families like mine.

Thank you for taking the time to read my story.

Holly xx