We are Finalists in the BBC Radio Bristol Make a Difference Awards!

We have some wonderful news to share: The Brightwell has been named as a finalist in the BBC Radio Bristol Make a Difference Awards, in the Community Group Award category. We are one of just four finalists, and we are absolutely thrilled.

What makes this nomination extra special is the story behind it. We didn’t know a thing about it until BBC Radio Bristol presenter Adam Crowther called me last week to tell me we had made it through to the final four. The first stage of the process, shortlisting, had taken place entirely without our knowledge, judged by a panel who clearly understood what we do and the difference the Centre makes. It was a genuinely lovely surprise.

It turned out that the person who nominated us was our own Lara Carnell, our wonderful fundraiser here at The Brightwell. Lara’s connection to us goes back many years: as a child, she came to our summer fairs in Nailsea because her aunt, Nicola George, was a longstanding member, trustee, and supporter of the Centre. Nicola’s condition has progressed over the years, and reduced mobility and transport access mean she is no longer able to come to the Centre for therapy, something that reminds us daily of why extending our reach and making therapies more accessible to those with mobility and transport challenges must remain at the heart of our plans. But Nicola is very much still part of our community, and it was lovely to catch up with her by phone last week. That Lara grew up knowing how much the Centre meant to her aunt, and later chose to work here and nominate us for this award, is a really moving testament to the lasting impact The Brightwell has on the lives of those connected to it.

BBC Radio Bristol

This weekend, I had the honour of visiting BBC Radio Bristol for a recorded interview and filming with Adam Crowther. I was joined by our member Attia Trott and her husband Andrew, who were our biggest supporters on the day. Attia was, quite simply, outstanding!

From the moment we arrived, we were made to feel genuinely welcome. A huge thank you to Adam, Trish and Dean, who looked after us and made us feel at ease, keeping us cool and hydrated despite the heat, which made for a relaxed and enjoyable interview.

Attia shared her own story: her experience of being diagnosed and living with MS, and what The Brightwell has meant to her. She spoke candidly about how coming to the Centre has improved her overall wellbeing and helped her to better manage her symptoms, and about the strength she draws not just from the therapies themselves but from the sense of community and belonging that The Brightwell provides. Hearing her speak, I felt incredibly proud of what this place is and what it means to the people who come here.

What We Do and Why It Matters

During the interview, I was asked to share a particular example of The Brightwell making a significant difference to someone’s life. My mind went immediately to our member, Mel Likeman and her story.

Mel still comes to the Centre weekly. But at a pivotal moment in her life, the support she received here was truly life-changing. When her now-husband proposed, there was one thing above everything else that Mel wanted: to walk down the aisle and speak her vows clearly and with purpose. An MS relapse had affected her mobility and caused her speech to become slurred; fatigue meant she couldn’t walk for any meaningful distance. The odds seemed stacked against her.

Through her own extraordinary determination, combined with regular oxygen therapy sessions and tailored physiotherapy with our neurotherapy team, Mel was able, on her wedding day, to walk down the aisle supported by her father, and to say her vows clearly and confidently. It was, by every account, a deeply emotional and joyful day, for all the right reasons.

Stories like Mel’s are at the heart of why The Brightwell exists. For over 40 years, we have been helping people living with neurological conditions to take back some control, offering specialist therapies in a warm, friendly, fully accessible and non-clinical environment.

Simply. We are a community, one built on kindness, determination, and the belief that everyone deserves access to the support they need to live well.

What Happens Next

The final decision on which of the four finalists wins rests with a mystery celebrity judge. A short film has been made as part of the process, and we’ll share more about that when we can. The winner will be announced at an awards ceremony at the Playhouse Theatre in Weston-super-Mare in September.

In the meantime, all we can do is keep doing what we do, and hope that whoever makes the final decision can truly see how vital The Brightwell is, and what a difference it makes to so many

Fingers firmly crossed!!

To find out more about The Brightwell, our therapies, and how to become a member or supporter, visit www.thebrightwell.org.uk or call us on 01454 201686.