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The Brightwell would not be able to run without fundraising. There are many ways in which groups or individuals can support us to provide therapies and care for our community of members. One of which is our incredible Corporate Supporters Network, The Brightwell 100. We are incredibly fortunate at The Brightwell to receive support from successful, generous businesses, large and small, that have chosen to become part of this fantastic network. The kind donations we receive from these partners are often directed towards items from our Wishlist . While a significant proportion of our income and fundraising is used to run the Centre and subsidise the cost of the therapies we provide, the Wishlist allows us to fund essential items that fall outside our core revenue. The Brightwell 100 was established in February 2022, and since then, tens of thousands of pounds have been invested in improving the Centre. This support has enabled us to enhance sustainability and reduce long-term costs, purchase vital new equipment, carry out repairs, implement system upgrades, undertake refurbishments, and much more. None of this would have been possible without the generosity of The Brightwell 100 members. To find out more about The Brightwell 100 , please visit www.thebrightwell.org.uk/brightwell-100 Corporate Supporters can contribute in a variety of ways, including financial donations, donated goods, or professional services. Every penny and every contribution directly supports the work we do. Below is a copy of our January Wishlist to give you an insight into some of the items we urgently need. We hope there will be something on this list that aligns with your corporate values, shared aims, and charitable budgets. If you would like to learn more about The Brightwell or discuss how you might get involved, please contact Caz Blake-Symes on 07970 038135  or email caroline.blake-symes@thebrightwell.org.uk . For other ways to support us, please visit www.thebrightwell.org.uk/fundraising Thank you for your interest in supporting our charity.

We are delighted to offer some outstanding Prizes for our Valentine’s Draw 1 ST Prize – Dinner, Bed & Breakfast for two at Berwick Lodge* 2 nd  Prize – Bottle of Champagne, plus 4 boxed Dartington Champagne Flutes 3 rd Prize 2 Handcrafted Steel Heart-tail Robins Plant stakes** 4 th  Prize- Set of Stone Effect Heart Tea- Light Holders and stone-filled  tray Further information *Berwick Lodge is a beautiful hotel in stunning surroundings, in North Bristol. This fantastic night away is valued at nearly £300. The voucher is valid until 1 January 2027. Further details about this venue can be found at www.berwicklodge.co.uk ** These beautiful Robins can be used as a plant stake or decoration. Created by Industrial Modern Furniture. www.industrialmodernfurniture.co.uk Any of these prizes would make a fantastic Valentine's Day gift! The draw will take place on 11 February.  Tickets are only £2 each. We would like to thank John and Barb for kindly sponsoring this draw. Thank you for supporting The Brightwell

Just before Christmas, a local building company, PPS Building Services , reached out to the community on social media asking for recommendations of local charities they could support with a Christmas donation. Thanks to the kindness of our local community, we were fortunate to be one of the organisations recommended. Within just one day, PPS Building Services delivered an incredibly generous £450 donation  to our centre. We are unbelievably grateful to PPS Building Service for choosing to support us. This donation will make a real difference and will directly help us continue our mission of delivering vital therapies to people living with neurological conditions. A huge thank you also goes to our wonderful local community for thinking of us and recommending us for this donation.

We are very much looking forward to welcoming everyone back to the Centre on Monday, 5 January 2026. Please note that with effect from that date, we will be operating from a new timetable. This will mostly affect our P2 session, which will now be on a Friday morning. Existing HBOT Users If you are an existing Hyperbaric or Isobaric Oxygen Therapy user, please check with Reception or one of the Oxygen team to ensure that we have all your sessions booked. Considering HBOT for the first time? Maybe you have been considering having Oxygen Therapy for a while, but have not had time to book it, then the New Year is a great time to start! The charity offers sessions at a subsidised rate to those living with a Chronic Neurological Condition. However, The Brightwell’s Oxygen Therapy is also available to others. Including. Those living with a chronic condition to enhance their general well-being. Those looking to reduce any post-operative recovery period. Those with a short-term or long-term Sports Injury to speed up the healing process. For more information, please visit www.thebrightwell.org.uk/oxygen-therapy We will be delighted to answer any questions that you may have or to arrange a visit. Please call 01454 2014686 or email hello@thebrightwell.org.uk . We look forward to seeing you soon!

Living with a neurological condition—whether it’s Multiple Sclerosis (MS), Parkinson’s, ME/CFS, or a stroke recovery—can often feel like your body is playing by a different set of rules. When your nervous system is sending mixed signals, the idea of "keeping fit" might feel daunting or even impossible. However, exercise isn't just about aesthetics or "standard" fitness; for those with neurological challenges, movement is a powerful form of neuro-rehabilitation. The "Neuro-Plasticity" Advantage One of the most incredible things about the human brain is its ability to reorganize itself by forming new neural connections, a process known as “neuro-plasticity.” Physical activity acts as a catalyst for this process. When you move, you aren't just strengthening muscles; you are challenging your brain to find new pathways to communicate with those muscles. 1. Managing Secondary Symptoms Neurological conditions often bring "hitchhiker" symptoms like fatigue, depression, and sleep disturbances. Regular, adapted exercise helps by: Boosting Mood - Releasing endorphins and dopamine, which act as natural antidepressants. Reducing Fatigue  -  It sounds counterintuitive, but burning energy through controlled exercise can actually improve your overall stamina. Better Sleep  - Physical exertion helps regulate the circadian rhythm, making it easier to fall and stay asleep.  2. Improving Balance and Proprioception Many neurological conditions affect your sense of where your body is in space (proprioception), leading to a higher risk of falls. Targeted Training  - Exercises like Tai Chi, Yoga, or simple balance drills strengthen the core and fine-tune the vestibular system. Safety First  - Building "functional strength" means it’s easier to get out of a chair, climb stairs, or steady yourself if you trip. Listen to Your Body When living with a neurological condition, your "max capacity" might change from day to day. The 10-Minute Rule:  If you’re feeling fatigued, try just 10 minutes. If you feel better, keep going. If not, give yourself permission to rest. Temperature Control:  For conditions like MS, heat can temporarily worsen symptoms. Opt for swimming or air-conditioned environments. Work with Pros:  Look for physical therapists or trainers who specialise in neurological "adapted fitness." How to improve your fitness levels at The Brightwell You have a choice of physio and fitness options. You can choose  from any or all of the following.. One-to-One Sessions One-to-one physiotherapy sessions last 30 minutes and are available for people who have a specific issue that cannot be addressed in a group class, or who do not have the ability to join a group class. Group Exercise Classes Group exercise classes (maximum 7 people) last an hour, with some classes ending with 10-15 minutes of relaxation. These classes are led by our therapists and encourage people to exercise in a way that will be effective for them, as well as providing a fun, sociable environment. Group Therapy Sessions Group therapy (maximum 5 people) also lasts an hour, with smaller groups allowing for more focused attention on specific issues.​ Online Classes classes last half an hour and are ideal for those who cannot attend the Centre, work from home, have limited time or other commitments. These take place via Zoom. To find out more, please visit www.thebrightwell.org.uk/physio or call 01454 201686. We look forward to supporting you with your exercise and fitness aims in 2026

Happy New Year! I hope you all enjoyed a restful break over the festive period and managed to avoid the usual coughs and colds. I was fortunate to spend some quality time with my family and catch up with friends, which was a wonderful way to recharge. The Centre reopens on Monday, 5 January , and all of our regular services will be available, including Oxygen, Physiotherapy, the Café, and of course, support from our full team. We are very much looking forward to getting back to “normal” after the busy period of celebrations and time away. Please remember to check that all your sessions are booked. If you are unable to attend, we kindly ask that you notify Reception with as much notice as possible. From day one, the team and I will be reviewing all items within the Business Plan. One of our key priorities is to have the new booking system up and running as soon as possible, alongside exploring opportunities for extended opening hours. As always, we encourage everyone to get involved in the many activities taking place at the Centre. Here are just a few highlights planned for January: A new   Oxygen Operators Open Day Event   for potential volunteers will take place on 26 January . Please spread the word if you know someone who may be interested. Our next Carers Support Group Meeting   will be held on 22 January , available both in person and via Zoom. Join us for a Bingo Night   on 28 January . We will be launching our Valentine’s Day Draw  on 7 January , with a star prize of Dinner, Bed and Breakfast at the beautiful   Berwick Lodge. We have certainly hit the ground running for 2026, and we are excited for what lies ahead. I look forward to seeing you all very soon. Best wishes, Doro

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

It has been the first full calendar year of our new Brightwell Café being up and running, and it’s been a busy one ! As well as providing members and visitors with a variety of tasty lunches, snacks, drinks, and treats over the year, the Café has also hosted several larger group bookings and catered for several events, including our Members’ Christmas Buffet held on 10 December This year, we also introduced some delicious homemade bakes from local baker Eliza, who runs Eliza’s Cakes and Bakes…including several seasonal treats, including some amazing Mint Chocolate Rocky Road slices as shown below – a perfect treat for the festive season! We’re delighted to support a talented local baker, who also has family that attends the Centre, and we look forward to introducing further bakes from Eliza in 2026. Next year, we will also be looking at how we can extend our menus to offer further healthy options – it can be a challenge with limited facilities, but along with her popular homemade fresh soups, Paula is keen to see how else we can extend what the café can offer. Thank you to everyone who has joined us for food and drink at The Brightwell Café this year – we couldn’t operate without you, and every penny from items sold at the Café goes back to the charity and helps keep the service open. It is also only fitting that we give special thanks to the dedicated team of volunteers who help Paula in keeping the Café running – we have had a few new volunteers join the café team this year, and the whole team do a wonderful job in helping keep our lovely café going. As well as providing refreshments, we know that the Café provides a wonderful social space for our members and visitors – there’s always a warm welcome for those visiting the Centre, and we look forward to welcoming more of you, your friends and family to the Brightwell Café in 2026!

At The Brightwell, we are proud to offer specialist Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy in our on-site chamber. To learn more about this service, please visit: www.thebrightwell.org.uk/oxygen-therapy We support individuals living with long-term neurological conditions, including MS, Parkinson’s, Stroke, ME, and Fibromyalgia, as well as those managing other chronic conditions such as cancer and long COVID. Our facilities are also available to those experiencing short-term issues, including sports injuries and post-operative recovery. Our Hyperbaric Oxygen Department is staffed by a dedicated team of fully trained Oxygen Operators who help ensure a safe, welcoming, and friendly environment for all. Volunteering as an Oxygen Operator is a highly rewarding role and offers a wonderful opportunity to make a meaningful difference. Read Peter Spring’s story. Peter is one of our valued Volunteer Oxygen Operators. We will be holding an Open Event on Monday, 26 January, from 2–3 pm , for anyone interested in learning more about our work and volunteer opportunities. Location:  The Brightwell, Wheatfield Drive, BS32 9DB. If you have any queries, please get in touch with Angela Palmer on 01454 201686. Join us for a cup of tea, a friendly chat, and the chance to discover whether becoming part of The Brightwell community is the new challenge you’re looking for in 2026. If you are interested in finding out more, but can’t attend this event, please call Angela on the number above, and she will be delighted to have a chat with you. We look forward to welcoming you!

On Wednesday 10 December, we held our annual Members’ Christmas Buffet Lunch from 12–2pm, and what a fantastic celebration it was! With all 25 tickets sold out, the room was full of festive cheer from the moment everyone arrived. Guests were treated to live festive tunes performed by Liz, Caroline and Barry, adding the perfect soundtrack to the afternoon. Doro hosted a lively Christmas Dingbats round that brought plenty of laughs, before the whole room joined together for a joyful rendition of “The 12 Days of Christmas.” The buffet was a real highlight, featuring a delicious spread of sandwiches, scones, quiche, crisps, snacks, and sweet treats, something for everyone! Members enjoyed squash and Bucks Fizz, along with festive crackers packed with jokes that kept spirits high. All round, it was a wonderfully festive afternoon, full of community, laughter, and Christmas spirit. We’re already looking forward to next year’s celebration! 🎄✨