History
Learn more about Bosom Friends and its founder
Building the foundations of Bosom Friends through personal experience…
Bosom Friends began as a vision in 2000 when our founder, Mary Brennan, turned her personal experience with cancer into a mission to support others facing similar challenges. After being diagnosed with breast cancer in 1994 and making a full recovery, Mary felt a deep desire to help those in her local community who were navigating the difficult path of cancer treatment.
She knew all too well the feelings of loneliness and worry that can come with a diagnosis, especially outside the hospital environment, and was determined to provide the care, support, and companionship that she felt was so crucial.
The Heart of Bosom Friends
Mary’s dedication to Bosom Friends was unwavering, and she quickly became the heart and soul of the group. Her telephone support and home visits were a lifeline for many, offering a listening ear and helping hand when it was needed most.
Over the years, the group grew in size and impact, thanks to the incredible generosity of local individuals and businesses. In 2010, Bosom Friends took a significant step forward with the opening of our very own charity shop, which has since become a cornerstone of our work, enabling us to expand our services and reach even more people in need.
Growing Together
The charity’s growth and success have been further bolstered by the dedication of our trustees, each bringing their unique experiences and passions to the group. Sally, who joined 24 years ago after her own battle with breast cancer, has been a driving force as Chairperson, alongside Ash, who became involved after his late wife Becca received support from Bosom Friends.
Kirsty and Carly Gallacher also joined the group, inspired by the memory of their late mother, Audrey Gallacher, who was a beloved member of our community. In 2018, we all gathered to Walk Together in Audrey’s memory, raising £2,610 to be split equally between Bosom Friends and Pendleside Hospice.
A Hub of Hope and Activity
A major milestone for Bosom Friends was the opening of our community centre, the culmination of 18 years of hard work and dedication. Throughout the years, we fundraised tirelessly to create a space where we could hold our meetings, host events, and expand our services.
Our community centre is now a vibrant hub of activity, a place where we can do all this and much more. From the moment we moved in, we transformed the building into a warm and welcoming space that feels like home. This is where we hold our monthly cancer support meetings, coffee mornings, and various fundraising events, all in a setting that is both comfortable and inviting. We welcome everyone to come down, have a look for yourself, and experience the heart of Bosom Friends in our beautiful community centre.
