From administration, to helping on our boats, painting pebbles, or being part of Santa doorstep visits, volunteers are essential to Momentum.

Alan Greenhalgh, a Falconer from Ashford, Middlesex, has been volunteering for Momentum for eight years, taking his birds to visit families at home and in hospital. He said:

“I became a volunteer with Momentum after receiving a request asking if I would visit a young boy called Ollie who was very poorly and wanted to see some owls. I accepted, and here we are eight years later! I visited Ollie about 15 times before he sadly passed away.

Youngsters, including siblings of unwell children, find real comfort from the birds, particularly the owls. I absolutely love seeing the children’s faces light up when they are around the birds, it brings me so much joy to know that doing something that I have such a passion for is making a difference to families who are going through so much. I have shed many tears during my time with the charity – both happy and sad. 

I would encourage anyone who can spare some time to get involved and volunteer for Momentum. No family should have to go through the pain of having a seriously ill child, and if anyone can help bring a little relief during a very difficult time, they should do it. Momentum is a very small charity, with no Government funding, so volunteers really do make all the difference.” 

Bianca Effemey, Founder and CEO of Momentum Children’s Charity said: “Without our incredible volunteers, Momentum simply wouldn’t be able to exist in the way that we do. Our volunteers show so much passion and dedication– we cannot thank them enough. We are always looking for more people to help us – whether you have a few hours as a one-off or you can commit to something more regularly, there is something to suit everyone.”