As local children's charity, Momentum, continues to engage the community in its 'Move for Momentum campaign' this September, the charity's newly appointed CEO, Sarah Woods, has shared her ambitious plans.

Woods joined the charity in May, and she brings vast experience in the charity sector, including a five and a half year run as Director of Fundraising and Marketing at the Starlight Children's Foundation.

Replacing founder Bianca Effemey OBE, who started Momentum in 2004, Woods is stepping into a legacy but with a clear vision for the future.

"I am only two and a half months in, but we are talking about lots of things for next year, such as new audiences we can reach, new events to draw people in and new ways to increase our impact," she said.

Momentum's 'Move for Momentum' campaign coincides with Childhood Cancer Awareness Month and encourages locals to get active in any way they can to raise money.

Woods herself is taking on a 28km walk along the Thames Path on 13 September.

"Anybody can get involved whatever level of fitness or activity or time that they have got," she explained.

"September is just the obvious month for us because we want to raise awareness of childhood cancer. We also know that physical activity can really help in the recovery, both mentally and physically, of children who are going through treatment when they are well enough to be out and moving."

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Momentum has always had a strong local focus across Kingston, Surrey, Sussex, and parts of London, but Woods envisions a broader approach in the future.

"I would love in 5-10 years to be a national charity supporting families wherever we are needed," she said.

"Obviously that needs to happen carefully, and we cannot do that without income, so we need to think creatively about how to increase out support to more people."

She pointed to the NHS's new 10-year plan and its emphasis on neighbourhood healthcare as an opportunity for Momentum to play a larger role.

"I really want to try and get momentum talking with government about what happens on the ground and how we can help," she said.

While enthusiastic, Woods acknowledges the economic hardships that charities face today.

She said: "The economic environment that we have still got is precarious and people are still struggling financially so in terms of a charity trying to raise money it's tricky.

"I think there is benefits to being a smaller charity, because you can see where your money goes clearly, the impact is tangible. We can show that to people, so I think that's what we need to do."

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Woods took time to praise the staff and volunteers and Momentum for their dedication, saying: "I have been absolutely bowled over by how committed and dedicated everybody is."

She emphasised how important team culture is to her and how she sees that strength at momentum.

She said: "We have fun at Momentum, but we are absolutely dedicated to delivering more impact and delivering the support we know the families need. The team is fantastic."

For those looking to support the charity, Woods encourages the community to get involved through donating, volunteering, or taking on a 'Move for Momentum' challenge.

You can find out more about the charity here.