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.
