Throughout April, Holly and her mum, Emily, from New Malden, London, will cycle 500km in an effort to raise thousands of pounds.

Momentum means a lot to Holly and her family, after they were supported by us when Holly had cancer as a child eight years ago.

Twenty-two-year-old Holly said: “I was diagnosed with a rare mixed phenotype leukaemia when I was 14. My life changed in an instant and I underwent almost two and a half years of treatment. It was punishing, involving intense chemotherapy, steroids, five bone marrow tests, 18 lumbar punctures and numerous blood transfusions.

“Momentum contacted us at the very beginning of my treatment and reassured us about the many ways they could support us as a family. Apart from thoughtful gifts they gave to me and my siblings, we had a break at their respite cabin in the New Forest and enjoyed a day out on their river boat. They also organised counselling sessions which were invaluable, especially in those painful early months. Momentum introduced me to two other teenage girls going through a similar experience and my mum became great friends with their mothers too. My treatment finally ended in August 2019, and five years on, I was discharged from follow up care.”

Talking about her cycling challenge, Holly said: “I want to give something back to Momentum as a thank you for everything they did for us. I decided on a cycling challenge and persuaded my mum to do it with me! She’s been by my side the whole time, lifting my spirits and helping me stay resilient through the toughest of times. We are cycling 500km during April (before or after work!) through a mix of outdoor cycling and indoor sessions on the Peloton bike. The challenge is going well so far – the weather has been lovely, so we have managed to ride round Richmond Park a few times! Every donation, no matter how small, helps Momentum support families like mine.”

Touching on her voluntary role as a Young Ambassador for Momentum, Holly said: “I am thrilled to be part of the Young Ambassadors programme. It’s an opportunity to give back, fundraise, and support other families facing similar challenges. It is my way of saying thank you for the amazing support my family and I received during such a difficult time.”

Holly has already raised more than £3,000 for Momentum. Help her reach her fundraising goal by sponsoring her here