"Because it’s Mum” – Josh’s ‘Paddle for Penny
Brohn UK’
After his Mum, Karen, was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2021, 14-year-old Josh was motivated to support her by fundraising in support of Penny Brohn UK.
Karen has been a member of Leicestershire Windsurf & SUP Club for about 10 years, and Josh is just as enthusiastic about the club. So, when he was required to undertake some charitable work as part of his Duke of Edinburgh Silver Award, it was a no brainer for Josh.
“Josh is really determined for his age, he loves his paddleboarding and will go out in all winds and weathers. So, when he came up with the idea, I wasn’t surprised.” said Mum, Karen.
The idea? A group paddleboarding and windsurfing session with the club, in full Halloween costume. Members were encouraged to get sponsors for taking on the challenge, and on Sunday 30th October 2022 around 25 of the club team completed their circuit of King Lear’s Lake.
“So many of the club wanted to get involved, and jumped into it with 2 feet. We even had one person turn up in a full dinosaur costume – that’s what you call dedication!”
The club raised over £450 through the challenge, and Karen and Josh’s motivation doesn’t end there. They’re hoping the club can undertake some more fundraising in 2023, and Josh already has his sights set on running a 10k in the Spring, with his training already underway.
When we asked Josh why supporting Penny Brohn UK was so important to him, his 3 simple words blew us away, “Because it’s Mum.”
After Karen was diagnosed with breast cancer following a routine mammogram, she underwent radiotherapy over a number of months at her local Genesis Care centre. When she started to feel the beginning stages of neuropathy in her feet, she was offered reflexology and relaxation sessions through Penny Brohn UK.
“My feet were just so painful, and the reflexology sessions were vital to my pain management. The sessions through Penny Brohn UK were nothing short of magical. It’s like being swaddled in a cocoon of safety, where you know you’re expertly looked after, and provides you with a moment in time where you can truly relax from life’s stresses.”
We’d like to thank Stephen for sharing their experience. The words used are preferred by Stephen. Penny Brohn UK encourages everyone to use their own words to tell their story. If you have any questions about any of the language used, please email comms@pennybrohn.org.uk.
Inspired by Josh’s ‘spooktacular’ fundraising?
There are a whole host of ways that you can get involved with Penny Brohn UK in 2023.
Find out more by visiting our website to find out ways to support us, sign up to one of our events, or email our Fundraising Team at fundraising@pennybrohn.org.uk to discuss your idea today.