Shooting Star crowdfunding appeal smashes £15,000 target to help reopen hydrotherapy pool

We’re celebrating the success of our recent crowdfunding appeal, having smashed our £15,000 target, raising £19,567! What’s more, two schools have swimathons this weekend in aid of us, and an additional £15,000 is being donated in matched funding.

Sarah Ward, Individual Giving Fundraiser shared, “The response to the appeal has been truly inspiring. Thanks to the generous support of corporates, trusts, small businesses, and major donors, and our incredible community of supporters we will to able to move forward with our plans to re-open our hydrotherapy pool, which is such a vital and special place for our families. We would like to extend our sincere thanks to everyone who has supported the appeal.”

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. 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.

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.

The additional funds raised will help our 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.

While the closure of our Hampton pool has been challenging, we’re now looking forward to reopening this special space for families to enjoy again, with plans to start the works in the coming months, you can stay updated on our pool refurbishment and follow the journey to it reopening, by following us on social media channels @sschospices. Thank you!