Getting to know: Penny Brohn
Posted on: 26 Jun 2017Penny Brohn is one of the forefront charities when it comes to helping people deal with cancer. The Bristol-based organisation has been running since 1979 and has been helping people come to terms with cancer through care and understanding. We were lucky enough to get to know them a bit better and find out what they do and what they have planned.
.jpg "Penny Brohn UK - Living Well With Cancer")
When was Penny Brohn UK set up and what are its main aims and objectives?
Our story began in 1979 when Penny Brohn was diagnosed with breast cancer. Penny, who grew up in Bristol, instinctively knew she needed more than just care and treatment for her body. She recognised that she needed to care equally for her “mind, spirit, emotions, heart and soul”. With close friend Pat Pilkington, she set out to find this whole person approach.
Four years later, Penny and Pat had created a centre so others could access the care Penny needed. The Bristol Cancer Help Centre was opened in 1983, with HRH the Prince of Wales becoming a patron in 1987.
It’s also now accepted that a person living with cancer can do a great many things to support their health and wellbeing. This is what motivates our work.
In 2007, we moved to our current home, a Grade ll-listed building in four acres of beautifully maintained gardens on Bristol’s outskirts. The building was adapted to create a purpose-built residential centre surrounded by nature. This was only possible thanks to the funding and support of charity Walk the Walk. The main building is named after its founder, Nina Barough Aubertin CBE.
Is it just Bristol based or are you nationwide?.jpg "The Bristol based Penny Brohns")
Penny Brohn’s National Centre is nestled on Bristol’s outskirts in Pill, but the charity covers the length and breadth of the UK.
There are four main Hubs – one covering London; Solihull covering the West Midlands; Hull covering the East and North of England; Southampton covering the South Coast; and the charity has strong ties to the entire South West.
You are a registered charity and presumably, funding and support are critical. How can companies and individuals get involved?
Individuals and companies can call 0303 3000 118, email info@pennybrohn.org.uk or visit www.pennybrohn.org.uk to discover more about ‘getting on board’ to support people and families facing cancer. There is an action-packed events calendar, from mammoth marathons and mud runs to relaxing Mad Hatter’s Afternoon Tea and comedy nights.
A key corporate event is our annual 160ft Bungee the Boss, which invites people to nominate someone, from top brass to shop floor, and then raise a nominal fee to see them take the plunge in Bristol city centre.
Can people and organisations volunteer?
.png "Volunteers are always welcome at Penny Brohns")
Volunteers are the backbone of the charity. Roles include gardening, meeting and greeting, and helping in departments including fundraising and communications. For more information on volunteering, call 01275 370094 or email sarah.gottesman@pennybrohn.org.uk.
Any major fundraising events coming up?
We have a multitude of major, annual fundraisers including a Ladies’ Long Table Lunch, Mad Hatter’s Afternoon Tea, Comedy Night, Bungee the Boss, Bake a Difference, PJs for Penny, seasonal open days and a cracking Christmas Concert to round off the year.
We also invite people to take on external events, such as the epic Bristol Half Marathon and 10k, London Marathon, Ride London and Tough Mudder; to more exotic climes like our Dalai Lama Trek taking in North India and the Himalayas; Great Wall of China hike and Cycle Madagascar.
What is your own favourite event?
It is hard to pick one! But the Bristol Half Marathon’s atmosphere is palpable and spectacular. We try to recruit as many runners as possible to create a standout sea of purple – united to fight cancer. Our ‘cheerpoint’ is the loudest – this is no mere superlative. But it’s more than this, the charity, our supporters and volunteers feel part of something bigger, a social, cohesive day. One the city can truly be proud of.
There’s a Penny Brohn shop online (is there a physical shop too), what sort of products can people buy from you?
Our online shop www.shopatpennybrohn.com and wonderful shop situated at our National Centre sell a myriad of items, from supplements, healthy food and relaxing books, to CDs, DVDs and fantastic jewellery. Ranges change regularly, so why not log on or pop in?
Where do you see Penny Brohn in 5 years’ time???
Penny Brohn’s UK’s aspirations and determination are formidable. We relentlessly continue to expand our range of free services across the UK, so anyone touched by cancer can easily access us. We hope to break ground – all to support as many people and families facing cancer as possible. Something we cannot achieve without devoted fundraisers and volunteers.
What advice would you give to other Bristol charities and community groups struggling with recruiting volunteers or fundraising?
Bristol is rich in kind-hearted people. Increase awareness of yourselves through simple PR and let everyone know that what you do makes a difference to people and the city.
If you were Mayor of Bristol for a day which one thing would you change?
We are still sometimes called ‘Bristol’s best-kept secret’, so, to be cheeky, I would spend the day raising awareness of Penny Brohn because I feel, there are still areas that have not heard of us, people may be sceptical and, due to the plethora of ways we help, it’s impossible to highlight absolutely everything we do. I would turn the city purple with PR campaigns, collections, talks and discussions. I would host a festival atmosphere of events including concerts, street parties, comedy performances, dance and Fete’s – to unite the city – to raise awareness of us to people with cancer and medical experts. This is not necessarily to raise funds, but, to raise awareness to let people facing the disease know – they are not alone and we are on their doorsteps.
Check out the Penny Brohn's official website for any further details. You can also catch up on any upcoming events through their Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube accounts.
.jpg "Penny Brohn UK")
Article by:
Matt, originally from Belfast, has only lived in Bristol for a year now and is studying Media & Journalism at UWE. He wants to concentrate his writing and media skills in Bristol's culinary culture, delving into what fine feasts the city has to offer and where the best places to go for food really are. Along with an aspiration to interview some of the influential people shaping Bristol and some who are simply passing through, Matt really is trying to make Bristol his new home! For any other info check out his Facebook or Twitter.
