More than 100 children across London, Surrey and Sussex received a visit from Santa and his elves at the weekend (6 and 7 December), as he made a special trip from the North Pole to visit Momentum-supported families on their doorsteps.

Visiting Santa at his grotto is not possible for many families supported by Momentum due to the severity of children's illnesses and treatment side effects many of them are experiencing.

The Doorstep Santa initiative means unwell children do not miss out and offers comfort to bereaved families preparing for Christmas without a child.

Over the weekend, Santa visited families in style, rolling up in a Triumph Stag sports car, battling the rain with the roof down.

As the day went on, Santa swapped the Stag for a roaring Harley-Davidson and he wasn't travelling solo, one of his elves rode alongside him on a Ducati decorated in lights and festive tinsel.

Each family received a thoughtfully curated bundle of gifts, which included something to enjoy together and special surprises for every child.

The children unwrapped everything from LEGO sets, puzzles and sensory toys to arts-and-crafts kits, dressing-up costumes, books and gift vouchers.

Families were also treated to a festive gingerbread house kit, a classic board game to play together, a chocolate selection pack, and a beautifully hand-knitted bauble

Ismaeel, 9, was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL) earlier this year and is receiving treatment at The Royal Marsden Hospital. Ismaeel and his family, from Southwest London, received a visit from Santa at the weekend.

Ismaeel, 9, was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL) earlier this year and is receiving treatment at The Royal Marsden Hospital (Credit: Momentum)

Ismaeel's mum said: "Thank you so much for arranging Santa's visit for our family. The kids were so surprised and super excited. We've been in hospital this week for chemo and Ismaeel has been telling anyone who will listen all about it.

"It was fantastic to see the children totally caught up in the excitement of Santa's visit - it helped us to feel like a normal family again for a moment. Due to our son's impaired immune system from chemo, we are avoiding crowded and enclosed places, especially over the winter months, to reduce the chance of him catching something and ending up back in hospital again.

"Momentum is so incredible for creating these special moments for families like us. We are eternally grateful."

Sarah Woods, CEO at Momentum Children's Charity added: "For many families we support, visiting Santa's grotto simply isn't possible – it could be a child who is immunocompromised and can't risk crowded public places, or a family facing Christmas after the death of their child.

"Our Doorstep Santa initiative means Santa always finds a way to meet these children, bringing the magic of Christmas directly to their homes."

She continued: "The demand for our help is rising fast, and we're determined to stand beside every family who is referred to us. As a charity with no statutory funding, we depend completely on other people's generosity.

"With Christmas only two weeks away, we're urging anyone who can, to support Momentum. Every donation made this December will deliver hope when it's needed most and fuel vital support for families all year long."

Momentum Children's Charity supports families across London, Surrey and Sussex whose children are facing cancer or a life-challenging condition.

The charity partners with local hospitals to offer personally tailored support to the entire family through its family support workers, both in hospital and at home.

You can help Momentum Children's Charity change a child's life this Christmas by making a donation on its website here.