History

A concise chronological timeline of the KMMT’s important objectives and achievements. Scroll on to find out more!

1997

12th September

Karen is diagnosed with chronic myeloid leukaemia and immediately begins fundraising by agreeing to front a campaign for the Sue Harris Bone Marrow Trust. This results in thousands joining the bone marrow donor register and tens of thousands of pounds being raised.

1998

March

Karen’s Campaign for Leuka 2000: Karen requests that all fundraising in her name be given to Leuka 2000 at Hammersmith Hospital.

18th September

At the tender age of 23 Karen loses her fight to live. Inspired by Karen’s initiative, her family and friends continue to raise funds for leukaemia patients and their families.

1999

1st June

The Karen Morris Memorial Trust becomes a registered charity.

2001

January

The KMMT trustees identify the ‘KAREN’S HOME FROM HOME’ project for leukaemia patients and their families.

In recognition of the fact that such a project can take many years from identification to fruition, the trustees agree to fund complementary services for leukaemia patients, their families and staff which would not otherwise be available but which are proven to be of such benefit to leukaemia patients. The initial commitment would be for two years with the hope that, having proved the need for such a position, alternative funding could be found after the two years.

2002

June

KAREN’S ROOM: The new leukaemia building at Hammersmith Hospital opens. The day room, funded by money raised by Karen and topped up by the KMMT (total £40,000) is dedicated to Karen.

2003

KMMT supports Hammersmith Hospital Haematology Department’s flat for leukaemia patients’ families and buys additional furnishings to make it welcoming and comfortable, thus enabling a much needed facility to continue and affording a pilot scheme for Karen’s Home from Home.

2006

KMMT funds Jill Alexander and Hameeda Chaudhry-Hill, Complementary Therapists at the Royal Free Hospital, London.

One patient wrote “In appreciation of the wonderful and therapeutic services which made me feel like a human being again in very trying circumstances, I enclose my donation … Please be assured that your input makes a big difference to patients in hospital when they receive treatment that is not purely clinical.”

2006

KMMT funds Ann Bond, Counsellor at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Birmingham.

The KMMT initially commits to two years’  of funding a complementary service for leukaemia patients, their family and staff which would not otherwise be available but which are so valued by all who benefit. During this time it is hoped that the need is proven and alternative funding will be found to continue the service. In reality, and particularly during these times of NHS cutbacks, KMMT funding has continued for far longer.

2007

End January

The first Karen’s Home from Home opens its doors at Hammersmith Hospital, London. The picture below shows KMMT Chair Sylvia Morris cutting the ribbon at the opening.

2008

KMMT funds Sharon Reynolds, Complementary Therapist at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham.

2009

KMMT funds Shahnaz Hama, Clinical Support Nurse at Nottingham University Hospital.

2009

August

The second Karen’s Home from Home opens its doors at the Churchill Hospital, Oxford.

2009

KMMT funds Jane Cornwall, Counsellor at Coventry and Warwickshire University Hospital.

2011

July

The third Karen’s Home from Home opens its doors at Addenbrooke’s Hospital, Cambridge. The picture below shows Andrew Lansley MP, then Minister of Health, opening the 3rd Karen’s Home from Home.

2013

The KMMT funds Michael Rennoldson, Clinical Psychologist at the Royal Hallamshire Hospital, Sheffield.

2014

July

Official opening of the new Bristol Haematology and Oncology Centre; the KMMT funds the Patients’ Room.

Winter

The fourth Karen’s Home From Home opens its doors at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Birmingham.

2016

January

KMMT Chairperson Sylvia Morris was awarded with the British Citizens Award.  This was to honour all the hard work that Sylvia has put in to helping so many other people going through such difficult times.

2017

January

Karen’s mum receives an MBE from the Queens New Year Honours list 2017.  The KMMT is delighted that Sylvia’s hard work is given the recognition it so deserves.

2020-2021

The Covid Pandemic

With a decrease in leukaemia treatment because of Covid, Karen’s Homes were made available to very grateful NHS staff.

2024

And next...

The 5th Karen’s Home from Home is scheduled to open at Derriford Hospital, Plymouth in Autumn 2024.

In loving memory…

The Karen Morris Memorial Trust was set up in June 1999 to continue the fundraising initiative of a 23 year old student who passed away on 18th September 1998, just one year after being diagnosed with chronic myeloid leukaemia.

Before you go…

Karen's Homes are 100% voluntary funded. Click below to offer the hand of hospitality to a family who will treasure your act of kindness.

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