Double your donation, double your impact for those living with cancer
I want to thank you for the support you have shown Penny Brohn UK, especially over the last few years, as we continue to work hard to navigate through difficult financial challenges. Every now and then I need to make a special plea for exceptional assistance from our most trusted and loyal supporters. And that’s why I’m writing this personal note to you today.
I have worked in the charity sector for over 30 years, 10 years with Penny Brohn UK, and I am proud of the sector’s endeavour and instinct to do good, to fill the gaps and provide dedicated resources to help the most vulnerable. Throughout my career I have had to navigate various hurdles to continue delivering the vital services our community needs. The biggest hurdle to date for Penny Brohn UK has been the relentless financial pressures.
A recent survey found that over half of charities were worried about their survival. The continuing pressures of the cost-of-living crisis means that the challenges facing many charities of higher demand, lower income, inflated costs, have become entrenched and daily I hear reports of charities having no choice but to close their doors. We do not want this future for Penny Brohn UK.
Any gift you give today will be matched*, doubling your impact and ensuring we can be there for those living with cancer for generations to come.
Following our Emergency Appeal last year Penny Brohn UK has continued to rebuild back stronger, and we have made some substantial progress:
A new strategic focus:
This year we launched a rigorous strategic planning process shaped by the internal and external environment we are operating in. We have developed objectives, initiatives and plans for our service delivery
and ensure we are meeting the needs of those with cancer.
A financial recovery plan:
We have an annual planning and budget process and regularly make changes resulting from the ongoing uncertainty. We regularly monitor our finances in our Senior Leadership Team and with our Board of Trustees. It is vital that we can react quickly and adapt our approach to changing circumstances.
Greater diversification of income:
To protect the future of Penny Brohn UK, we maintain a diverse mix of income streams; whether it’s through our Fundraising or Commercial programmes, we are constantly innovating to stay competitive and support people living with cancer. Recently, our marketing team has created a new website for our venue hire business and with regular posts on social media we are seeing more bookings from organisations who wish to use our National Centre for their corporate event.
Improved governance:
The Board regularly undertakes a review of its effectiveness to identify any improvements to its governance and ways of working. Our Board now meet 4 times a year and we have delegated specific responsibilities to a number of sub-committees, each of which has detailed terms of reference and reports to the Board.
However, we are still faced with a huge challenge. Our income, 7 months into our financial year, is 18% lower than we need and budgeted for. We intended a deficit of just over £40,000, right now it is looking like this will be greater. The cost-of-living crisis has created an extremely difficult fundraising environment for Penny Brohn UK. Over the last 18 months, we have all been faced with rising bills and it understandably has constrained our ability to give to the causes we care about. Corporate donors and partners have also tightened budgets, grant making
institutions are significantly oversubscribed or have changed their giving strategies and there is substantial competition for funds. It’s this financial uncertainty that complicates budgeting and long-term plans for us as a charity. We know the need is substantial and that’s why we need your support.
As many of us will know, the NHS is facing immense challenges — growing pressures, stretched resources and squeezed budgets. Charities like Penny Brohn UK exist to add value to these stretched services. Sadly, at least 100,000 people across the UK have faced worse cancer outcomes due to increasing delays in being diagnosed and starting treatment with their NHS cancer care over the past 10 years**. We know this has a huge impact not only on someone’s physical health, but also their mental health. At Penny Brohn UK we can offer this physical and emotional support, to prepare people for treatment, and during, to help them achieve the best possible outcome.
I want to ask you if you might be prepared to help. With a donation today, we can continue to provide the critical support that so many people living with cancer desperately need. Your gift, no matter the size, will ensure that our services remain available to those who rely on us during the most challenging times of their lives.
Your generosity could enable us to:
- Offer more personalised support to help manage the physical and emotional toll of cancer.
- Expand our outreach to those who may not yet know about our services, ensuring that more people across the UK can benefit from the care and expertise we provide.
- Continue to innovate and adapt our programmes to meet the changing needs of our community, ensuring that we remain a lifeline for those in need.
The situation is urgent, but with your help, we can overcome these challenges and secure the future of Penny Brohn UK. Please consider donating today — knowing that every pound you give will be doubled, thanks to the match funding available up to £15,000. Your donation today will make all the difference in ensuring that Penny Brohn UK not only survives these challenging times but emerges stronger, ready to support even more people living with cancer. We cannot do this without you.
Thank you once again for your unwavering support. It is because of the incredible dedication and generosity of friends like you that we are able to continue our vital work, making a real difference in the lives of those who need us most.
With heartfelt thanks,
Andrew Hufford
CEO, Penny Brohn UK
*Donations up to £15,000 will be matched.
**Macmillan Cancer Support: Annual Report and Accounts 2023.
A letter from Jess Brohn
The story of Penny Brohn UK began with my mum, Penny. In 1979, at just 36 years old, her life was forever changed by a cancer diagnosis. But she believed deeply that living well with cancer required more than just medicine. This belief led her to meet Pat Pilkington, and together, they founded what is now known as Penny Brohn UK. My mum lived well with cancer for 20 years, and I have such fond memories of our family cycle rides in France, the renovation of our house in Greece, and the time we completed the London to Brighton cycle challenge together. Through her vision and determination, she created a charity that has become a lifeline for thousands of people living with cancer every year.
Penny Brohn UK holds a special place in my heart—it’s not just my mother’s legacy, but a testament to her strength, compassion, and the belief that we can help people live well with cancer.
As a member of the Board of Trustees for Penny Brohn UK, I want to personally reassure you that we are fully committed to safeguarding and securing the future of this incredible charity. We are taking decisive action to ensure its continued success, including the implementation of a robust financial recovery plan, diversifying our income streams, and strengthening our governance. Soon, we will be launching a new strategic direction that not only honours my mum’s legacy but also positions Penny Brohn UK to thrive in a challenging environment. Our focus is on long-term sustainability, so that we can continue to offer life-changing support to those living with cancer for generations to come.
Thank you for standing with us on this journey.
Jess Brohn
Penny Brohn UK timeline
1979
Founder Penny Brohn, diagnosed with cancer at 36, co-founds the Bristol Cancer Help Centre with Pat Pilkington.
1999
Penny Brohn passes away after living with cancer for 20 years.
2007
The charity moves to Pill, Bristol, expanding its services.
2015 - 2020
We extend our reach, with in-person and online support.
1983
The Centre is opened by King Charles (then HRH Prince of Wales).
2006
The Centre is renamed Penny Brohn Cancer Care.
2014
The charity is renamed Penny Brohn UK to reflect national reach.
2022 - 2024
The charity faces financial strain but works towards future stability.
2024+
We continue to innovate and adapt, focusing on long-term sustainability and reaching more people with cancer.
Photos from the Penny Brohn UK archives.