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See all the latest news, events and updates from The Brightwell in our newsletters. Brightwell Newsletters Enjoy this page to look at our latest newsletter, view some of our previous editions and subscribe, so that you keep up to date with all the latest, news, Events and updates from The Brightwell. First name* Last name* Email* Submit Our latest newsletter Previous newsletters 2025 January February July August March September April May October November June 2024 January July February August March September April October May November June December

The Brightwell 100 is a network of businesses and corporate donors, who all have the shared aim of supporting the work carried out at The Brightwell, through fundraising, by donated goods & services, and volunteering. The Brightwell 100 The Brightwell 100 is a network of businesses and corporate donors, who all have the shared aim of supporting the work carried out at The Brightwell, through fundraising, by donated goods & services, and volunteering. The Brightwell 100 initiative was launched in February 2022. Since that time, Brightwell 100 members have supported us with the following projects. Major Projects Oxygen Generation plant Outdoor LED lighting upgrade New Café New terrace and gazebo area In-house Brightwell Shop New Oxygen area kitchen IT Equipment PCs, monitors for staff and volunteers. Projector for Conference room Event Sponsorship and participation Colour Run Abseil Water Park events Corporate Volunteering days Sponsorship and Marketing Physio Team Uniforms Event materials and merchandising. Donated expertise and goods Garden landscaping Emergency repairs Gardening equipment Café equipment Furniture for the lounge area Professional Video/Photographic services Service User enhancements Oxygen masks and storage Physiotherapy equipment. FES Clinic set up and equipment. Ongoing fundraising support Donated Items and experiences for raflfes and draw prizes How does the Brightwell 100 work? There are a number of ways the businesses can be involved. The Brightwell Wishlist One aspect of joining this unique network is by sponsoring or donating to something specific from our Wishlist. Many of our sponsors really like the fact that they can choose exactly where their money is spent and where it will be used. The items on our Wishlist range from a contribution to one of our major projects, through to paying for Counselling Sessions , or purchasing items that will enhance our Service Users experience and therapies. Please click here to view or download our latest Brightwell Wishlist Regular Contributions by Standing Order You can also make a regular donation, again for a specific purpose, via a Standing Order. If applicable you can add 25% to your donation via GiftAid. Donate via our JustGiving page Please make a donation via our Brightwell 100 JustGiving page, by clicking on the Logo above Our Wishlist What are the benefits for The Brightwell 100 members? Supporting a worthwhile charity where your support has a positive impact. Enabling the supporting businesses to fulfil their charitable aims and objectives Being associated with a long-standing and reputable charity (we will provide you guidelines about the use of our name and logo) Being part of a professional network with a shared interest. Knowledge that 100% of your donation will be used for charitable purposes Tax-efficient way to donate with receipts and letters of thanks will be provided Publicity via our website and social media outlets for the supporting businesses Promotional opportunities with visits to the Centre, photos with staff and Centre members (with usual permissions and safeguarding in place) Use of the Brightwell's café, lounge area and outdoor garden/terrace. Regular updates and stewardship of your donation Brightwell 100 members These members are listed in their approximate date of joining. Many of our Brightwell 100 members have made contact and developed mutually beneficial business relationships. Howards Motor Group Woodstock Homes Shiptheory MSB Land & New Homes Blackfriars Auto Services Intoheat Bristol Mortgages Online CWT Landscape Supplies AJH Governance R H Hall Food Services Classeq Rugged Interactive Solarsense Total Access Scaffolding City Electrical Factors Bristol B&Q Cribbs Causeway Babcock International Ashton Alteriors Design & Build County Contractors Delta Marriott Bristol Wain Homes Rebus Medical The Block Bakehouse Ben Hutcheson Music MS People's Help Davies & Partners Event Hosts and Prize Donors West Country Water Park Village Hotel Bristol Aztec Hotel & Spa Lovell Place Care Home Willow Brook Centre Black Sheep Kitchen & Bar Hollow Tree Pub The Kendleshire Assist Mobility Tall Pines Golf Club What to do next For further information please contact Caz Blake-Symes, Trustee and Brightwell 1 00 co-ordinator, caroline.blake-symes@thebrightwell.org.uk Thank you for your interest in The Brightwell 100. We would very much like to invite you and your team for a visit and you can find out more about us and the services we provide, plus you can decide which areas of The Brightwell 100, you wish to be involved with, that fits in with your Company’s values and philosophies. Ways to keep in touch with updates regarding The Brightwell 100 The Brightwell Blog Follow us on LinkedIn You can also download our guide about Ways to keep in touch with The Brightwell.

The Brightwell, incorporating The West of England Multiple Sclerosis Therapy Centre, offers specialised therapies including physio and hyperbaric plus many other support services. As a charity we rely on fundraising and donations to continue our work. Neuro Physiotherapy Find out more At The Brightwell, we are dedicated to enhancing the lives of individuals living with chronic neurological conditions. With over 40 years of unwavering commitment, we strive to empower our members by providing access to a warm and friendly, non-clinical environment that fosters independence, symptom management, and overall well-being. Our aim is to offer a diverse range of specialised therapies, including Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) and Neuro-physiotherapy , all delivered by a dedicated team of experts. We embrace innovation with our in-house Hyperbaric Oxygen Chamber and a self-generated oxygen supply, ensuring top-tier quality and availability. We believe in inclusivity, offering one-on-one physiotherapy sessions, group activities, and online classes. Our subsidies for Brightwell Members, as well as our open doors to individuals in various stages of recovery, showcase our commitment to accessible care. At the Brightwell, we stand alongside those living with conditions like Multiple Sclerosis, Stroke, Parkinson’s, Fibromyalgia, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, Concussion, Motor Neurone Disease, Functional Neurological Disorders, Long Covid, and Cancer, amongst many others. Our services extend to Specialist Clinics and therapies including our own Functional Electrical Stimulation (FES) assessment clinic, counselling, acupuncture, reflexology, remedial massage and aromatherapy, foot health and bladder & bowel clinics. We have members from the Greater Bristol area, South Gloucestershire, North Somerset, Bath, Wiltshire, South Wales and from all across the South West and the M4 corridor. There are always lots of social events taking place and a huge and varied number of ways to be involved in fundraising and volunteering. We not only welcome new members but also provide a wide array of volunteer opportunities, fostering a sense of community and collaboration. Click here to find out how to Become a Member. What is a neurological condition? A neurological condition is defined as a disorder that affects the brain, nervous system or spinal cord and, as these control every single part of your body, problems with them often cause serious consequences. Conditions can appear suddenly, for example a stroke or a brain injury; some, like epilepsy, you are born with; and others develop over time, like multiple sclerosis. They can affect anyone, at any age, of any ethnicity, and at any time in life. Some conditions are incurable, some last a lifetime and, sadly, some are life-threatening, but all of them will impact on a persons quality of life. What causes them? Sadly, no one really knows what triggers or causes most conditions. Some, especially ones that occur suddenly, can be linked to genes, the environment, accidents, injuries or infections. Although research is continuing there is yet to be any consensus on causes and, for most people, there is absolutely nothing they, or their family, could have done to stop them. Our Impact Report for 2024 This is the first time that we have produced an Impact Report in this format and we are delighted with how it gives a great representation of everything that goes on here at The Brightwell. The report is packed full of great images, facts, statistics and information. The report includes sections on Our Story So Far Who We Support Our Therapies A Letter From Our Chair A Letter From Our CEO 2024 In Numbers Fundraising Stories from Our Members Meet Our Volunteers Acknowledgements. Whether you are a New or Existing Member,Volunteer,Member of Staff or Supporter this is an excellent document, offering so much information regarding the Charity, its work and people, operational insights and community. You can view or download a copy of this report by clicking on the image above or click here .. A hardcopy version can be available on request, please call 01454 201686.

Image source Sky Sports There is significant interest in English footballer Alessia Russo (forward for Arsenal and the Lionesses) and her use of Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) as part of her elite recovery routine. While professional athletes often keep specific medical details private, Russo has been open about the intensive recovery protocols she uses to maintain her performance, especially following the major injuries that shaped her early career. Alessia Russo and Hyperbaric Recovery Russo has referenced "the hyperbaric chamber" as one of the "one per cent" (marginal gains) that she uses to stay at the top of her game. This is part of a broader "wellness toolkit" she utilises, which includes: •  Hyperbaric Oxygen Chambers: Used to breathe pure oxygen in a pressurised environment to speed up muscle repair. •  Red-Light Therapy: Used for cellular health and reducing inflammation. •  Nutrition and Sleep focus: Prioritising internal recovery to handle the high intensity of the WSL (Women's Super League) and international tournaments. Why She Uses It: The Injury Context Russo’s focus on advanced recovery stems from a serious hamstring injury she suffered shortly after joining Manchester United in 2020. This injury required surgery and a lengthy rehabilitation period.   •  Recovery Philosophy: She has stated that these injuries were a "learning curve" that taught her never to take her health for granted. •  Tournament Resilience: During back-to-back major tournaments (Euro 2022, World Cup 2023, and Euro 2025), she has relied on these technologies to manage the "congested" schedule of elite football. How Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy Works for Footballers For a high-intensity forward like Russo, HBOT provides several physiological advantages: 1.      Accelerated Repair: Floods damaged muscle tissue with oxygen to speed up the healing of micro-tears. 2.      Reduced Inflammation: Helps manage the swelling and soreness that occur after a 90-minute match. 3.      Mitochondrial Boost: Enhances cellular energy production, helping athletes feel "fresher" between games. 4.      Mental Clarity: High oxygen levels are linked to improved focus and faster reaction times on the pitch. Other Notable Footballers Using HBOT Russo is not alone; many top-tier players have installed hyperbaric chambers in their homes or use them at club facilities, including: •  Cristiano Ronaldo: Famous for his strict recovery regime involving oxygen chambers. •  Mohamed Salah: Frequently shares photos of his recovery sessions in a chamber •  Marcus Rashford: Utilises HBOT to manage the physical toll of the Premier League season. How to get Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy at The Brightwell The Brightwell not only offers Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy for those living with chronic or neurological conditions, but we also offer sessions for those dealing with Sports Injuries and/or post-operative recovery. For further details, please visit www.thebrightwell.org.uk/oxygen-therapy

2025 has been an incredible and memorable year for The Brightwell!  This year we proudly celebrated our 40th anniversary. It is amazing to think how far we have come since the original Centre opened in Nailsea in 1985, and how much we have grown since moving to Bradbury House in Bradley Stoke in 2012. Alongside all the fun and excitement of our anniversary celebrations, it has also been one of our busiest and most productive years ever. One of our major challenges was our anniversary crowdfunding campaign, “40K for 40 Years.” We set ourselves the ambitious goal of raising an additional £40,000 above all our regular fundraising activities. Thanks to the generosity of our corporate partners, long-standing supporters, members, their families and friends, and so many new donors who gave to us for the first time, we reached our target in early October! And that wasn’t all. We have been truly inspired and humbled by the range of fundraising efforts from individuals and groups; golf days, marathons, a 100km bike ride, dance events, and much, much more. Alongside this, our own events, including our most successful corporate abseil day to date, our popular monthly quiz and bingo evenings, several popular draws and a lively dance show, helped make 2025 a record year for engagement and building community spirit. As a charity, we do not receive statutory funding or financial support from larger national charities. We are truly grateful for the support of our Corporate partnerships, Grants and Trusts, local Groups and Associations, Town and Parish Councils which make an enormous difference, enabling us to sustain and expand the therapies and services we offer. This support directly impacts the lives of people living with MS and other neurological and chronic conditions and underpins all the work that we do. Therapies remain at the heart of everything we do. This year we delivered thousands of oxygen therapy sessions, one-to-one physiotherapy appointments, classes, groups and Specialist Clinics. Our 2025 Impact Report, due in the New Year, will share even more detail about the difference these services make to the individuals we support. We have also enjoyed introducing new activities this year, including a dance class, a new early-morning 8:30am MIIT (Medium Impact Interval Training) online class, and the expansion of our Neuro-Pilates programme. Our oxygen therapy hours have been extended on Mondays too, with more updates planned for 2026. Our staff and volunteers have been nothing short of incredible this year! Our in-house shop has had a record-breaking year with takings quadrupling, and the Brightwell Café continues to grow as a welcoming community hub where people catch up over coffee or enjoy lunch together.   We were also delighted to launch our Carers’ Support Group, supported by a dedicated information point next to the Café and regular talks and advice sessions.  One of the highlights of 2025 was seeing Keith Taylor, one of the founders of the West of England MS Therapy Centre and our leading expert in hyperbaric oxygen therapy, awarded a British Empire Medal in the King’s Birthday Honours. Keith has dedicated 40 years to supporting people with MS and other neurological conditions, and this recognition is richly deserved. We could not be prouder! This year we also said a heartfelt farewell to Bhumika, one of our Senior Physiotherapists, and to Alex, our Physio Assistant.  At the same time, we were delighted to welcome Arron, a newly qualified physiotherapist, to the team. All of these events, stories and more can be found on our Blog. Behind the scenes, significant progress has been made too. We upgraded our entire IT system, including a move to Windows 11, thanks to the generosity of corporate supporters. The Oxygen and Physiotherapy departments now benefit from new energy-saving LED lighting, and we have a new 5-Year Business Plan (2025–2030) , available to download via our website footer. Our marketing and communications have continued to grow too, with record levels of engagement on Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter and Instagram, plus the launch of our brand-new YouTube channel. Our monthly newsletter now reaches more people than ever. All our links are available on our website. Please follow us and keep up to date. We are also working on several exciting projects, including a new therapies booking system and  a new CRM system, and exploring extended opening hours alongside new ways to reach newly diagnosed individuals and those living with long-term conditions. We know that 2026 will bring its own challenges, especially in fundraising, but we also know that with our amazing team and our wonderful community, we will maximise any opportunity and continue to rise to the challenge. A huge thank you to every single person in our Brightwell Community for your support, commitment and enthusiasm throughout 2025 . It has truly been one of the busiest and most memorable years in our 40-year history. If you would like to discuss any of the points in this review or explore future partnership opportunities, please do get in touch. Warm regards, Doro Pasantes, CEO