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Bristol-based charity Penny Brohn UK launch urgent Matched Giving appeal

Posted on: 27 Mar 2020

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The charity remains committed to supporting people living with cancer throughout the Coronavirus crisis.

 

Having kept a close eye on the government's announcements regarding COVID-19 and the measures taken to limit the reach of the virus, Penny Brohn UK are doing their best to continue their vital work in assisting cancer sufferers.

As a result of last week's implementation of a nationwide lockdown, the charity have suspended all face-to-face support services, to ensure the safety of their clients. The Penny Brohn UK National Centre, located in Pill, will be closed until further notice.

 

Despite the closure of their HQ, though, the charity are already working hard to deliver vital support remotely, either over the phone or online.

 

Laura Kerby, Penny Brohn UK CEO, explains that “Many cancer patients already feel very anxious and vulnerable as a result of their diagnosis; its associated symptoms and treatment can have a significant emotional impact on people and their families."

 

"This is now being intensified by the impact of coronavirus on essential healthcare systems and people with cancer now face the real possibility of delays, cancellations and changes to their cancer treatment," she says.

 

 

It is a truly worrying time for everyone around the world, but for people living with cancer, it's even worse. They need devoted and hard-working charities to continue to be there for them and provide emotional, psychological, physical and spiritual support.

 

"This isn't the time to have to scale back services," Laura Kerby continues. "Therefore, the challenge for us becomes how do we best support people with cancer to improve their quality of life when they may be feeling anxious and disconnected at home?”

 

Like many businesses and members of the public across Bristol and beyond, the financial implications of the Coronavirus outbreak for Penny Brohn could potentially be huge. 

 

The charity doesn't receive any government funding, relying overwhelmingly on public support. Having already had to postpone all their major events in May, community and events fundraising has practically ceased overnight. 

 

With that in mind, the charity has been offered a lifeline. In an act of extraordinary kindness, a generous benefactor has offered to match all individual donations made to Penny Brohn UK until Monday 6 April 2020.

 

As a result, the charity is urging anyone and everyone to get involved with the Double Your Money appeal. As part of a statement released by the charity online, Laura Kerby added:

 

“We know that this kind of extraordinary match funding opportunity doesn’t come along every day. We want to reach out and continue to help the people who need us most. In fact, it’s absolutely crucial that we do. We simply can’t turn anyone away. But we can’t do it without help. I urge people to donate if they are able. A gift at this critical time is now doubly important. Together we can make sure that no one need go through cancer alone."

 

How can I donate?

 

• You can make a bank transfer using the following details: Account No 53874455 // Sort code 56-00-05 // Reference: doubleyourmoney

 

• Text DOUBLE to 70660 to donate £10

 

• Give online through the Penny Brohn website

 

With 40 years' experience, Penny Brohn UK recognises that people with cancer need more than medicine. Their whole-person approach offers personalised care from the point of diagnosis into treatment and throughout survivorship.

 

For more information about Penny Brohn UK, or to explore options regarding charitable support or volunteering, head to their website.

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Read more:

 

• Coronavirus Latest: All public events in Bristol cancelled until July

 

• Support Local Business: How to get behind Bristol independents from home during self-isolation

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