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Charity of the Month: The Wight Brainy Bunch
At Red Squirrel Property Shop, we're proud to support charities that make a real difference within our local community. This month, we're shining a light on The Wight Brainy Bunch – an Isle of Wight charity dedicated to supporting local families affected by brain tumours.
Recently, our CEO, Charlie Panayi, sat down with Kat, founder of The Wight Brainy Bunch, to learn more about the charity's journey, the incredible support it provides and why community fundraising continues to be so important.
How The Wight Brainy Bunch Began
Like many charities, Wight Brainy Bunch was born from personal experience.
In 2015, Kat's husband, Mark – a firefighter and keen marathon runner – was diagnosed with a brain tumour. As the family began navigating hospital appointments, surgery and treatment, they quickly realised there was very little support available locally.
Whilst national charities provided valuable information, there was no dedicated organisation on the Isle of Wight offering practical or emotional support to families facing the
same diagnosis.
Determined to give something back, Kat promised Mark that if his surgery was successful, she would complete the Great South Run alongside him – despite insisting she "wasn't a runner."
Their goal was simple: raise £1,000 for a national brain tumour charity.
What happened next exceeded every expectation.
The £1,000 target was reached in just four days.
By the time race day arrived six months later, they had raised an incredible £10,000.
But something even more significant happened during that fundraising journey.
As people heard Mark's story, more and more Island families came forward. Friends, neighbours and complete strangers shared their own experiences of brain tumours and began turning to Kat and Mark for advice and support.
It became clear there was a real need for a charity on the Isle of Wight dedicated to helping those affected by brain tumours.
And so, The Wight Brainy Bunch was born.
Supporting Families When They Need It Most
Today, The Wight Brainy Bunch provides practical, emotional and financial support to local families living with a brain tumour diagnosis.
While many people assume support ends once treatment begins, Kat explained that families often face significant financial and emotional pressures throughout their journey.
One of the charity's biggest areas of support is helping families travel to Southampton, where specialist brain tumour treatment takes place.
Whilst some treatment-related travel costs are covered, many hospital appointments, scans, consultations and follow-up visits are not.
These journeys quickly become expensive, particularly when family members are travelling regularly to support loved ones.
The charity helps ease that burden by providing travel assistance, accommodation when early hospital appointments require overnight stays, and financial grants where appropriate.
Beyond practical support, The Wight Brainy Bunch also funds services that can make an enormous difference to quality of life, including:
-Professional counselling for patients, carers and family members.
-Private physiotherapy and occupational therapy referrals.
-Specialist equipment for the home.
-Complementary therapies such as acupuncture and oncology massage.
-Neuro movement therapy.
-Loss of earnings grants for families experiencing financial hardship.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, the charity also purchased a holiday caravan, allowing families to enjoy valuable respite and spend precious time together away from the stresses of treatment.
As Kat explained, sometimes simply getting away for a few days can make all the difference.
More Than Just Financial Support
One of the most valuable things The Wight Brainy Bunch provides is something that can't be measured financially – a community.
The charity hosts regular support groups where patients, carers and families can meet others who truly understand what they're going through.
For many, it's the first time they've met someone facing similar challenges.
Whether people want advice, reassurance or simply a cup of tea and conversation with others who "get it", these meetings help remind families they are not facing their journey alone.
A Charity Many People Still Don't Know Exists
Despite supporting hundreds of Island families since it was founded, Kat believes one of the biggest challenges the charity faces is awareness.
"Unless you've experienced a brain tumour yourself or know someone who has, many people simply don't know we're here."
As a smaller local charity, The Wight Brainy Bunch often sits alongside nationally recognised organisations when fundraising, making it harder to raise awareness of the vital work taking place here on the Isle of Wight.
Yet at any one time, the charity is actively supporting around 30 to 40 local families, with hundreds more having received help over the last decade.
Looking Ahead
When asked what she'd like to see in the future, Kat's answer was both simple and heartfelt.
Ultimately, she hopes there comes a day when charities like The Wight Brainy Bunch are no longer needed.
Until then, her ambition is to continue growing the charity, reaching more families and expanding the support available across the Isle of Wight.
"We're meeting people at the worst time in their lives," she explained.
"We can't change their diagnosis, but we can make life a little easier while they're going through it."
How You Can Help
Supporting The Wight Brainy Bunch doesn't always mean making a donation.
By attending events, volunteering your time, sharing the charity's message or simply telling someone else about the incredible work they do, you can help ensure more Island families receive the support they need.
There are also several exciting fundraising events coming up over the coming months, including:
✈️ Charity Skydive – Wednesday 19th August https://www.thewightbrainybunch.org.uk/event-wight-brainy-bunch/2026-wbb-skydive
🌞 Summer Fair at Arreton Barns – Saturday 22nd August https://www.thewightbrainybunch.org.uk/event-wight-brainy-bunch/wight-brainy-bunch-fun-day
🎭 Moulin Rouge Masquerade Ball – Saturday 19th September https://www.thewightbrainybunch.org.uk/event-wight-brainy-bunch/charity-black-tie-ball/
🥊 Blue Light Fight Night – Saturday 7th November https://www.thewightbrainybunch.org.uk/event-wight-brainy-bunch/blue-light-fight-night
🎄 Winter Wonderland Christmas Market – Saturday 5th December https://www.thewightbrainybunch.org.uk/event-wight-brainy-bunch/charity-black-tie-ball
Every ticket purchased, every donation made and every event attended helps The Wight Brainy Bunch continue supporting local families when they need it most.
As Kat put it perfectly:
"We can't change their outcome, but we can make life a little easier while they're going through it."
That simple statement perfectly sums up the compassion, dedication and purpose behind The Wight Brainy Bunch.
At Red Squirrel Property Shop, we're honoured to support them as our Charity of the Month and encourage everyone to learn more about their incredible work, attend an event if you can and help spread awareness of this truly remarkable local charity.
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Finding the right rental property is exciting, but being prepared before you start applying can make the process much smoother.
We're sharing three simple but important tips that every prospective tenant should consider before beginning their property search. By taking these steps early, you'll put yourself in a stronger position when the right home comes along.
1. Check That Your Income Meets the Affordability Criteria
One of the first things landlords and letting agents will assess is affordability.
As a general guide, your annual income should be at least 2.5 times the yearly rent of the property you're applying for. For example, if the monthly rent is £1,000, the annual rent is £12,000, meaning you'll typically need a household income of around £30,000 per year.
Knowing your affordability before you begin your search will help you focus on properties within your budget and avoid disappointment later in the application process.
If you're unsure whether a property is affordable for you, our lettings team will be happy to help.
2. Check Your Credit History
Most tenancy applications involve a credit check as part of the referencing process.
Before you apply, it's worth checking your credit report to ensure everything is accurate. Make sure you're registered on the electoral roll, check for any unexpected defaults or missed payments, and correct any errors if necessary.
There are several trusted services where you can access your credit report, including Experian, Equifax and TransUnion.
Having a clear understanding of your credit history can help prevent delays and give you confidence when submitting your application.
3. Plan Your Moving Budget
It's easy to focus on the monthly rent, but moving home often comes with additional costs that should be factored into your budget.
These may include:
- Your first month's rent in advance
- A tenancy deposit
- Removal costs or van hire
- Utility bills
- Broadband setup
- Council Tax
- Updating your contents insurance
- New furniture or household essentials
Planning ahead means you can move into your new home without any unexpected financial surprises.
Be Prepared Before You Apply
Rental properties can move quickly, especially in a competitive market. Being organised before you begin your search can make all the difference.
Knowing your affordability, understanding your credit history and planning your moving costs will help you approach the rental process with confidence and increase your chances of securing the right property.
If you're looking for your next rental home on the Isle of Wight, our experienced lettings team is here to guide you every step of the way.
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At Red Squirrel Property Shop, we're incredibly proud to celebrate the achievement of our CEO, Charlie Panayi, who recently completed the renowned Welsh 3000 Challenge alongside the dedicated team from Wildheart Animal Sanctuary.
The Welsh 3000s is one of the UK's most demanding mountain challenges, covering approximately 30 miles across 15 peaks, each standing over 3,000 feet. With more than 4,000 metres of ascent and rugged mountain terrain throughout, the challenge tests endurance, resilience and determination from start to finish.
Charlie and the Wildheart team began their journey in the early hours, taking on long hours of hiking, steep ascents and unpredictable conditions, all in support of a cause that means so much to them.
Supporting an Incredible Cause
Every step of the challenge was completed to raise vital funds and awareness for Wildheart Animal Sanctuary, an Isle of Wight charity dedicated to rescuing animals in need, providing lifelong care and championing conservation, education and animal welfare.
The sanctuary's work has a lasting impact on countless animals, and we're honoured to support their mission. Seeing Charlie take on such a physically and mentally demanding challenge is a testament not only to his determination, but also to his commitment to giving back to our local community.
A Challenge Worth Every Step
The Welsh 3000 Challenge is far more than a mountain hike—it's a true test of perseverance. Completing all 15 peaks in a single journey requires months of preparation, unwavering determination and a strong team spirit.
Charlie and the Wildheart team demonstrated these qualities throughout the challenge, inspiring everyone following their journey from home. Their resilience and positive attitude perfectly reflected the importance of the cause they were supporting.
Congratulations, Charlie!
We're incredibly proud of Charlie and everyone at Wildheart Animal Sanctuary who took part in this remarkable achievement. Their commitment, teamwork and determination have not only conquered one of the UK's toughest mountain challenges but have also helped raise awareness and support for an outstanding local charity.
Congratulations to everyone who was involved in this incredible accomplishment, and thank you for making a real difference.
If you'd like to support the ongoing work of Wildheart Animal Sanctuary, we encourage you to visit their website to learn more about the vital work they do and how you can get involved.
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Excuses Will Kill You- An Evening at Hewitt's
Last week was a proud moment for everyone at Red Squirrel Property Shop as our CEO, Charlie Panayi, officially launched his first book, Excuses Will Kill You, at Hewitt's Restaurant on the Isle of Wight.
The evening brought together friends, family, colleagues, local business owners and members of the community to celebrate the release of Charlie's book and the message behind it. It was an inspiring event, filled with honest conversations, shared experiences and a genuine sense of support from everyone in attendance.
Excuses Will Kill You encourages readers to challenge the barriers that hold them back, take responsibility for their goals and push beyond the excuses that often stop us from reaching our full potential. Drawing on Charlie's own experiences in business and life, the book is packed with practical insights, motivation and lessons that readers can apply to their own journeys.
What made the evening even more special was its charitable impact. Rather than keeping the proceeds from book sales on the night, Charlie chose to donate them to Mountbatten Isle of Wight, helping to support the incredible work they do for Islanders and their families.
Thanks to the generosity of everyone who attended, more than £1,000 was raised for Mountbatten Hospice.
Giving back to our local community has always been something we value at Red Squirrel Property Shop, so seeing Charlie use the launch of his first book as an opportunity to support such an important local charity made the occasion even more meaningful.
We'd like to thank everyone who came along to support Charlie, purchased a copy of the book and contributed to such a fantastic cause. It was a memorable evening and a brilliant example of what can be achieved when our local community comes together.
Congratulations once again to Charlie on the release of Excuses Will Kill You, and thank you to everyone who helped make the launch such a success while raising vital funds for Mountbatten Isle of Wight.
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Shining a Light on The Mountbatten Hospice 💛
At Red Squirrel Property Shop, we’re proud to be part of the Isle of Wight community, and we believe in supporting and celebrating the incredible organisations that make a real difference to local people.
As part of our monthly charity spotlight, we’re dedicating time to raising awareness for charities across the Island and the amazing work they do.
This month, we’re shining a light on The Mountbatten Hospice — a charity that provides vital care, support and compassion to Islanders and their families when they need it most.
Supporting Islanders and Their Families
Mountbatten provides 24/7 specialist palliative and end-of-life care to people across the Island who are facing illness, as well as supporting their families and friends through some of life’s most difficult moments.
Their work reaches thousands of Islanders, supporting over 2,500 people at any one time. A huge part of their care takes place in people’s own homes, with around 85% of their services being delivered within the community.
Alongside care at home, Mountbatten provides support through their inpatient unit, day services, outpatient services and rehabilitation at the John Cheverton Centre in Newport.
With demand for their services continuing to grow, Mountbatten now reaches around 70% of all deaths on the Isle of Wight — showing just how important their work is within our Island community.
More Than End-of-Life Care
One thing Mountbatten would love more people to know is that they are so much more than many people realise.
Although many people associate hospices with end-of-life care, Mountbatten is a place focused on helping people live as well as possible.
Specialist teams deliver person-focussed care and the vast majority of this is in the homes of the people being cared-for. Mountbatten’s work is 24/7 and incorporates clinical support and care at home.
Their support also includes rehabilitation, wellbeing services, social activities and psychological support for those experiencing bereavement. This support is also available to families and loved ones, helping people through grief and difficult times.
Mountbatten also works alongside KissyPuppy: The Sophie Rolf Trust to provide support for children and young people experiencing bereavement.
Their John Cheverton Centre in Newport is also a welcoming community space, with a café, beautiful gardens including their Chelsea Garden, an art gallery, events space and regular activities for the community to enjoy.
A Place Built Around Community
Mountbatten is not just a place of care — it is a community hub where people can come together.
The centre hosts social groups, activities and community services, providing opportunities for connection and support. They also offer guidance around planning for the future, helping people think about their wishes and preferences before they need support.
Planning ahead can help make difficult conversations easier and ensures people have the opportunity to make choices that are right for them.
The People Behind Mountbatten
Mountbatten’s work is made possible by a huge team of dedicated staff and volunteers.
From clinical teams providing specialist care, to reception, housekeeping, administration, fundraising and retail teams — every person plays an important role in creating a welcoming and supportive environment.
Their teams understand that supporting people during challenging times is a privilege, and their aim is always to provide care that is personal, compassionate and tailored to each individual.
How Can You Support Mountbatten?
As a charity, Mountbatten relies heavily on the support of the Island community to continue providing these vital services.
There are lots of ways people can help, including:
💛 Volunteering
💛 Fundraising
💛 Donating to Mountbatten charity shops
💛 Taking part in events and challenges
💛 Simply spreading awareness of the work they do
Events such as Walk the Wight, the Isle of Wight Randonnee and other fundraising challenges help raise essential funds to support their services.
You can also support Mountbatten by visiting their café and gardens — enjoying a coffee, cake or time in their beautiful surroundings helps contribute towards their work.
Upcoming Ways to Get Involved
There are lots of opportunities throughout the year to support Mountbatten, including:
🚴 Cycle the Isle of Wight Randonnee with Mountbatten
A 100km cycling challenge around the Island, raising money for your local hospice.
🎀 Remembering with Ribbons
A special opportunity during July and August to remember loved ones by tying a ribbon in Mountbatten’s garden.
🎆 Fireworks Night at Robin Hill
A family-friendly event returning in November, later this year.
Thank You, Mountbatten 💛
The support Mountbatten receives from the Isle of Wight community is what allows their incredible work to continue.
Every donation, volunteering time, fundraiser and act of kindness helps ensure Islanders receive the care and support they need.
At Red Squirrel Property Shop, we’re proud to support local organisations like Mountbatten and help raise awareness of the amazing work they do for our community.
To find out more about Mountbatten Isle of Wight and how you can support them, visit their website or follow their social media pages.
Donate - Donate to Mountbatten Isle of Wight | Mountbatten Isle of Wight
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Red Squirrel Property Shop has been shortlisted for six categories at the 2026 Agents Giving Fundraising Champions Awards, while CEO Charlie Panayi has received a further two individual nominations.
The eight nominations recognise years of community impact, charity work, fundraising and awareness campaigns delivered across the Isle of Wight and beyond.
Founded with a vision of creating more than just another estate agency, Red Squirrel Property Shop was built around a simple principle: if a business is successful, it should give back to the community it serves.
Since launching, the company has supported countless local initiatives, charities, schools, sports clubs and community projects, becoming known not only for property services but for its commitment to making a meaningful difference across the Island.
For Charlie Panayi, community impact has always been about more than fundraising.
Following the loss of his sister Zoe to melanoma in 2020, Charlie launched Zoe's Law, a campaign dedicated to improving awareness, prevention and early detection of skin cancer.
Most recently, this work helped launch Sun Safe Schools on the Isle of Wight in partnership with national skin cancer charity SKCIN, bringing potentially life saving sun safety education into local schools.
The campaign has also led to practical preventative initiatives, including providing free sun cream through UKSA to help protect young people spending time outdoors on the Island.
Alongside his work with Zoe's Law, Charlie serves as a Trustee of Mountbatten Isle of wight & Hampshire, helping support one of the Island's most important charities and the vital care it provides to local families.
Over the years, Charlie and the Red Squirrel team have also organised and supported numerous fundraising events, awareness campaigns and community initiatives, raising thousands of pounds for local causes while helping shine a spotlight on issues that matter.
Charlie Panayi said:
"When we started Red Squirrel, the goal was never simply to build an estate agency.
We wanted to build the sort of business we would want to use ourselves, but also one that genuinely gave something back to the community around it.
These nominations mean a lot because they recognise the impact created by an incredible team of people who care about making a difference.
Whether that's supporting Mountbatten, helping launch Sun Safe Schools, providing sun protection for young people through UKSA, raising awareness through Zoe's Law, supporting local charities or helping community projects, it's all driven by the same belief.
Businesses have a responsibility to contribute to the communities that support them.
If we can use our platform to improve lives, raise awareness or create positive change, then that's something worth doing."
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Walk the Wight 2026
The team at Red Squirrel Property Shop proudly took part in Walk the Wight 2026 on Sunday 10th May in memory of Zoe Panayi, while also raising awareness and support for Zoe’s Law.
Members of our team — including Zoe’s two boys — completed various trails from the 4 mile walk all the way up to the incredible challenge of the full 27.5 mile Walk the Wight trek across the Isle of Wight. Together, we joined thousands of walkers raising vital funds for Mountbatten Hospice and supporting a cause that means so much to families across the island community.
Donate to Our Walk the Wight Fundraiser
If you would like to support our fundraising efforts for Mountbatten Hospice and Zoe’s Law, you can donate here:
https://mountbatteniow.enthuse.com/pf/red-squirrel-in-memory-of-zoe-panayi
Every donation helps support vital end-of-life care on the Isle of Wight while also helping raise awareness for melanoma testing and Zoe’s Law.
What is Walk the Wight?
Walk the Wight is one of the Isle of Wight’s biggest and most recognised charity events and is considered Europe’s largest walking fundraiser of its kind. Organised annually by Mountbatten Hospice, the event brings together thousands of people each year to walk across the island in support of hospice care and bereavement services.
Walkers can choose from several different routes depending on ability and experience, including:
- The full 26.5-mile walk from Bembridge to Alum Bay
- Half-walk routes of 12 and 14 miles
- The 4-mile Schools Walk
- The accessible 8-mile flat walk
The event raises essential funding for Mountbatten Hospice, a community-funded Isle of Wight charity providing compassionate end-of-life care, support for people with life-limiting illnesses, and bereavement support for families.
Supporting Mountbatten Hospice on the Isle of Wight
Mountbatten Hospice plays a hugely important role within the Isle of Wight community and continues to support countless local families every year. Thanks to fundraising events like Walk the Wight and the generosity of the local community, Mountbatten can continue providing its services free of charge to those who need them most.
The atmosphere throughout the event was incredible once again, with amazing support, encouragement, and community spirit from start to finish. A huge thank you goes to the Mountbatten team and volunteers for organising such a fantastic event.
Raising Awareness for Zoe’s Law
Taking part in Walk the Wight was especially meaningful for our team as we walked in memory of Zoe Panayi and to continue raising awareness for Zoe’s Law.
Zoe’s Law is a campaign calling for all removed moles and skin tags — in both NHS and private healthcare settings — to be routinely tested for melanoma. The campaign was created following the tragic loss of Zoe Panayi, sister of our CEO Charlie, who sadly passed away in 2020 after a removed mole was not tested, leading to a missed cancer diagnosis.
By continuing to support Zoe’s Law, we hope to help create meaningful change, improve melanoma detection, and help prevent other families from experiencing similar heartbreak.
To learn more about Zoe’s Law and support the campaign, visit the official Linktree below:
A Huge Well Done to Everyone Involved
We are incredibly proud of everyone who took part in Walk the Wight 2026 and grateful to everyone who walked in memory of Zoe and in support of Zoe’s Law.
Whether completing the 8-mile route or the full island crossing, every participant contributed towards an unforgettable day supporting Mountbatten Hospice and the wider Isle of Wight community.
Well done to every walker, volunteer, supporter, and organiser involved in making Walk the Wight 2026 another incredible success
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When it comes to property maintenance, the smallest issues often cause the biggest headaches. A minor leak, a loose tile, or a blocked gutter might not seem urgent at first, but left unattended, these problems can quickly escalate into costly repairs and serious damage.
Being proactive with regular checks can save time, money, and stress and help protect your property long term.
Here at Red Squirrel our maintenance team help prevent these problems and here are some tips on how you can prevent these issues and save yourself money in the long run.
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How to Help Your Home Sell in 2026
As we move into 2026, the property market in the UK and on the Isle of wight continues to evolve. Buyers are more informed, more selective, and often quicker to rule out homes that don’t meet their expectations. The good news? With the right preparation, you can significantly improve your chances of achieving a successful offer and sale within 2026.
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Renters' Reform Rights' act 2025
This is the biggest shake-up to private renting in decades.
From 1 May 2026 the rules around repossessions, deposits and property standards change, and that means landlords must act now.
