About us
Our story
Our story began in 1979 when our founder, Penny Brohn, was diagnosed with breast cancer. Penny, who grew up in Bristol, knew instinctively that 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 her close friend Pat Pilkington, she set out to find what she was looking for.
Four years later, Penny (on the right) and Pat (left) had created a centre so others could access the care Penny had needed. The Bristol Cancer Help Centre was opened in 1983, with HRH the Prince of Wales becoming our patron in 1997.
At the time, Pat and Penny’s approach was thought by the established medical community to be on the very fringes of medicine. Today however, it’s recognised widely that our health involves more than just our body.
It’s also now accepted that a person living with cancer can do a great many things to support their own health and wellbeing. This is what motivates our work.
Penny died in 1999, having lived with cancer for 20 years. Pat Pilkington was awarded an MBE in 2003, in recognition of her work and continued to be actively involved with the charity as a Trustee until her death in 2013.
Our centre
In 2007, we moved to our current home, a grade ll-listed building set in four acres of beautifully-maintained gardens on the outskirts of Bristol. This was made possible thanks to the funding and support of the charity Walk the Walk.
Walk the Walk, a grant-making breast cancer charity and organisers of the famous MoonWalk, has been helping us to bring improved health to people affected by cancer since 2000.
Through money raised by events, including The MoonWalk London, their support has helped us keep our services free and enabled us to take our approach into new communities across the UK.
Annual report and accounts
Click here to read our latest audited accounts, as submitted to the Charity Commission: Penny Brohn UK charity accounts; Penny Brohn UK commercial accounts.
Service partnerships
Working in partnership with other charities and healthcare providers enables us to reach even more people living with cancer. We are currently delivering services in partnership with GenesisCare.
Our values
Stronger together
We work best when we collaborate. We unite behind a shared vision and bring people together. Being supportive and generous is key to how we work.
Open to everyone
Our services are available for any adult affected by cancer. We strive to be inclusive, equitable, accessible, and kind in everything we do.
Experienced and trusted
Our work is built on experience and backed by evidence, and we listen to people with cancer in everything we do. We work closely with healthcare professionals and seek to educate everyone on the importance of personalised cancer care.
Champion each other
We are aspirational, passionate, and enthusiastic in everything we do. We believe in the power of informed choice.
