Penlife Associates – all about their year supporting OSCAR’s

When Penlife chose OSCAR's as their Charity of the Year for 2025, they never expected to become record-breakers.

What followed was twelve months of incredible fundraising, teamwork, and heart – culminating in a cheque presentation for £10, 209 - more than double any previous annual fundraising total £10,209.

From Yorkshire Peaks to Channel swims (well, sort of), cake sales to curry nights, the team at Penlife threw themselves into supporting children affected by brain tumours with genuine passion and creativity.

“I’m not standing next to him.”

The partnership began when our Charity Manager, Phil Martinez, visited Penlife to introduce the team to OSCAR’s work. The initial meeting was warm and engaging – though some staff members joked they didn’t want to stand next to Phil for the team photo because he was too tall!

A Year of Creative Fundraising

Penlife divided their fundraising efforts across four teams, with each taking charge of a different quarter throughout the year. This approach kept the momentum going and ensured fresh ideas were constantly flowing.

The variety of events they organised was truly impressive. They tackled the Yorkshire Three Peaks – though rather innovatively, because they did it at the gym! They took on a Channel Challenge, swimming the equivalent width of the English Channel. They hosted a summer festival, ran quiz nights, organised bake sales, set up an in-house snack box, enjoyed a curry club, and even ran a ‘Guess the number of Mini Eggs in the jar’ competition.

The Power of Storytelling

Midway through the year, Phil returned to speak to the entire Penlife team. This time, he brought pictures and shared stories of the children OSCAR’s helps and the real-world impact that fundraising makes. The effect was immediate and profound.

Carolyn Myers from Penlife recalls: “It was Phil’s passion and the stories he shared that truly made the difference, particularly when he visited the team to share the amazing work the charity does and the hope it brings to young children going through such challenging times. Phil was fantastic: his passion, warmth, and enthusiasm filled the room, and genuinely moved and motivated us all.”

The presentation inspired several staff members to sign up on the spot to participate in upcoming in-house events. Seeing the faces of the children they were helping and understanding exactly where their efforts were going transformed abstract fundraising into something deeply personal and meaningful.

“He inspired us to push ourselves, to get involved, and to raise as much as we possibly could,” says Carolyn.

The Big Reveal

When it came time for the cheque presentation to OSCAR’s CEO Sharon Reid, the final total of £10,209 exceeded everyone’s expectations. The money will fund vital research and provide essential support to families navigating the challenging journey of childhood brain tumours.

Carolyn reflects on the experience: “We are absolutely over the moon to have raised an incredible amount. The charity’s dedication is truly inspiring. Being able to stand alongside them, champion their mission, and play even a small role in helping children affected by brain tumours has meant a great deal to all of us.”

A Partnership to Remember

What made Penlife’s fundraising so successful wasn’t just the variety of events or the competitive team structure – it was the genuine connection they felt to the cause. By seeing who they were helping, hearing the stories, and understanding the impact, every bake sale and sponsored challenge became more than just a fundraising activity. It became a mission.

“We are immensely proud of what we have achieved and so grateful to have played a part in supporting OSCAR’s vital work. Partnering with them has been a truly rewarding and memorable experience – one that has touched our whole team,” Carolyn concludes.

Could Your Workplace Be Next?

Penlife’s journey shows what’s possible when a team comes together for a cause that matters. With creativity, commitment, and a quarterly team structure to keep things fresh, they turned 2025 into a year that is already making a genuine difference to children and families facing brain tumours.

If you’re inspired by Penlife’s story and think your workplace could be OSCAR’s next charity partner, we’d love to hear from you. Together, we can support families, raise awareness, fund research and bring hope to children when they need it most.

Interested in making your workplace OSCAR’s Charity of the Year? Get in touch with our team to find out how we can support your fundraising journey.