“Thank you so much for working with us and aiding in Lola’s recovery from this awful disease.” Aisha, mum of PB-Active participant Lola.
At just six years old, Lola is the youngest participant to come through our PB-Active project.
Lola was so active before her diagnosis and loved gymnastics and swimming. But it all had to come to an end after invasive surgery and cancer treatment.
It wasn’t just physical challenges either. Her confidence and mood were hugely impacted by chemotherapy sessions.
“Lola had to stop all hobbies. She was only able to attend 50% of the school year. It was difficult to get her into something without worry.” – Aisha
So much of our work at Momentum Fitness Charity focuses on the impact we have on the children we help and restoring their confidence through movement.
But the experience of every parent watching on is often just as profound.
The fear of what their child can safely achieve is one of the heaviest weights a parent carries. Feeling that fear begin to lift, session by session, is something we are incredibly proud to be part of.
Starting to believe that the hardest time of your family’s life may finally be coming to an end isn’t easy. Both Aisha and Lola were understandably nervous when they walked through the door for the first session.
But the chance to finally see your child be themselves again outside of a clinical environment is exactly what we want to provide for parents.
This was where the journey to getting Lola strong and active again began.
Lola’s sessions were taken by our lead exercise therapist Kelcie, who was there to greet her on that very first day.
The focus of every 12-week programme we offer depends completely on the child, their specific needs and what they want to achieve. Both Lola and her mum’s goals were the same. To rebuild confidence, rediscover lost strength and find a way to be active again.
Once the initial chat was finished and Kelcie found out a bit more about Lola, the first session started.
“I could not believe the body awareness and coachability Lola demonstrated. I remember telling her and her mum after the first session I don’t always get adults that can take what I teach them and apply it to their movements so quickly and beautifully. Lola was an absolute joy to work with. She was always smiling, always up to try anything and give every ounce of energy she had.”– Kelcie, Lead Exercise Therapist
As Aisha watched on, her confidence and surprise at Lola’s ability was clear within the very first week.
“It was more than I thought Lola would be able to do – she was using weights and doing rowing!” – Aisha
Some children who come to see us can be especially tired after the first session due to their treatment background. But Lola summed up the positive energy she brought to every session brilliantly.
“Mum, next time, can I stay for two hours?” – Lola
This set the tone for the whole twelve weeks. Both Lola and her mum left the building excited to carry on.
“The first session was so child centred. Lola was checked in on constantly to ensure she wasn’t being pushed beyond her limits. We couldn’t have felt more welcome.” – Aisha
Lola experienced coaching on workout machines she’d never seen, was taught technique on Olympic lifting movements she’d never heard of and discovered so many new ways to get active during her time with us.
She also beat every single baseline test she set in week one by the end of the programme. All while her mum proudly watched on.
“Lola isn’t as nervous to try new things and has a newfound confidence since the sessions. She’s been able to return to gymnastics straight away after treatment.” – Aisha
Fitness and movement are so often just the start of what might be possible. Not just for the children who come to see us, but in the perspective change of the parents who look after them.
Their goals were the same. To improve strength, confidence and activity.
But the shift in Lola’s positive mindset and the difference it made to her as a person can only really be appreciated through the nervous eyes of the parent watching on.
“I cannot tell you how amazing it was to watch Lola in the gym. It was difficult to get my head around her doing such hard stuff even though she had been so poorly. I was worried about her being out of the hospital environment and how people would look at her. Everyone at the gym was so kind and considerate of Lola. No one stared or made her or me feel uncomfortable. I am very grateful that Lola got to take part in the sessions.” – Aisha
An impact story like Lola’s lies behind every single PB-Active attendee at Momentum Fitness Charity. We’re only able to create these opportunities thanks to continued funding and donations. To support our work, please visit our donations page to make a one-off or monthly contribution. The difference it makes is genuinely life changing.