Shooting Star crowdfunding appeal smashes £15,000 target to help reopen hydrotherapy pool
Shooting Star is celebrating the success of its recent crowdfunding appeal, having reached its £15,000 target to support the refurbishment of its hydrotherapy pool at Shooting Star House in Hampton. Thanks to the incredible generosity of supporters, the total has also unlocked an additional £15,000 in matched funding, doubling the impact and bringing renewed hope for families who rely on the vital facility.
The hydrotherapy pool, built 20 years ago, has long been a cornerstone of care at Shooting Star House, offering both therapeutic benefits and opportunities for families to spend precious time together. However, ongoing maintenance issues and frequent leaks recently forced its closure, leaving many families without access to an important source of support.
Hydrotherapy plays a crucial role in the care provided by Shooting Star Children’s Hospices. For some children, being in the water can ease pain, improve movement and build muscle strength in ways not possible elsewhere. Beyond its clinical benefits, the pool also creates a space for joy, relaxation and memory-making away from the pressures of everyday life. Each year, more than 300 hydrotherapy sessions take place in the Hampton pool, ranging from bookable family sessions and “Saturday Splash!” activities to baby swim groups and siblings’ holiday clubs. With the pool currently closed, families have been missing out on both essential therapy and valued time together.
The success of the appeal marks a major milestone, enabling the charity to move forward with plans to reopen the much-loved space. Families like Soph’s have already shared the significant impact the closure has had on their routines and wellbeing, highlighting just how important the facility is to those who depend on it.
Building on this momentum, Shooting Star has now announced a new stretch target of £5,000 to further enhance the refurbished pool environment. Additional funding will help the hospice’s Physiotherapy team explore improvements such as upgraded lighting, new mobility aids and extra equipment to bring sessions like Tadpoles and Ducklings to life.
These enhancements will ensure the pool can continue to evolve, offering an even richer experience for children and families. Programmes such as the Tadpoles sessions for mothers and babies provide vital early support, as illustrated by stories like Ziora’s. Born at just 23 weeks and having undergone multiple surgeries, including a tracheostomy, Ziora’s family initially believed swimming would not be possible, until they came to Shooting Star.
The appeal is ongoing, encouraging supporters to continue contributing if they can, helping to further transform the pool and expand what it can offer. Please consider donating today.
