I have some uplifting news for you. On Friday, Menopause and Cancer – a not-for-profit Community Interest Company – received a heartfelt donation from menopause friendly employers on Valentine’s Day. The £16,000 donation matched the amount raised by 40 sponsored walkers who completed a two-day community fundraising marathon.
The funds that brought the total to £32,000 were raised at the 2024 Menopause Friendly Employer Awards, sponsored by Peppy. Deborah Garlick, who created the Awards, presented the big cheque to Menopause and Cancer alongside two of the other major sponsors, British Airways and Theramex.
The main image of the £16,000 cheque being handed over: (L-R) Angie McDonnell, British Airways; Theresa Winters, Independent Panel; Tina Backhouse, Theramex; Deborah Garlick, Henpicked; Di Rawlings, British Airways and Dani Binnington, Menopause and Cancer
“We can’t thank enough the sponsors and guests of the Menopause Friendly Employer Awards,” said Dani Binnington, founder of Menopause and Cancer. “Cancer survivors are often left out of the menopause conversation, despite facing some of the most challenging symptoms with limited support,”
Bringing help and support to menopause and cancer sufferers
Menopause and Cancer unites people needing help and support with a community of experts, giving a more informed and empowered menopause experience for those with a history of cancer. Offering a range of accessible, practical support and services which bridge the information gap, it creates a sense of community and belonging.
Established in 2022, it runs in-person and online workshops, offers written resources, retreats, coffee mornings and education for doctors. Furthermore, it brings its work to an even wider audience in podcasts and YouTube posts.
The donation will have a significant impact on the work of Menopause and Cancer
“Theramex was delighted to host the handover of the cheque to this important organisation,” said Tina Backhouse, Cluster GM, UK & Ireland at Theramex. “As a sponsor of the Menopause Friendly Employer Awards, it is wonderful for us to see the money we helped raise have such a significant impact for this valuable community organisation.”
“British Airways is proud to sponsor the Menopause Friendly Employer Awards and to have played a role in raising vital funds for the cause,” added Maurice O’Connor, Wellbeing Manager at British Airways. “We know from our own work how listening to people and offering the right support can help them navigate their menopause more easily and it’s our pleasure to see this donation facilitate help for others in the wider menopause community.”
Making a difference
“Managing menopause after cancer is complex and most people tell us they’ve had little to no guidance,” says Dani. “The money raised will make such a difference and help survivors move forward by accessing the support they need to manage the menopause symptoms brought on by their cancer treatment. We are truly grateful!”
“The Menopause Friendly Employer Awards is not just a celebration of the very best practice among organisations, it’s also a powerful fundraising opportunity thanks to the generosity of sponsors such as Theramex and British Airways” says Deborah Garlick, CEO and founder of Henpicked: Menopause In The Workplace. “It is an honour to make this donation to Menopause and Cancer to help fund its extraordinary work connecting cancer survivors with experts who can support. I’m very heartened to know that our donation will fund 53 appointments for cancer survivors to consult a menopause specialist and find the support they need.”
The impact of the organisation’s work is clear to see: 93% feel less alone in their experience after seeking their support; 90% feel more confident speaking to their healthcare professional about their symptoms and 86% feel more informed about their treatment options.
World Menopause Day is marked on October 18th and is a way for emplyers show support.
