Announcing our 2025-26 Charities – Above and Beyond Cancer & Mind BLMK

Thank you very much to all those members who nominated and/or voted during our charity selection process in the last few months.  We had 16 local charities make the shortlist and the voting was again very close this year, but we are delighted to share that the two charities the Club will be supporting for 2025-2026 are Above and Beyond Cancer Foundation and Mind BLMK.  

For those not familiar with these two fantastic charities’ work, we’ve shared a few lines about them here.

Above and Beyond Cancer Foundation

Above & Beyond Cancer Foundation was established in 2012 by Karen and Jayne, two women who met and supported each other through their own diagnoses.  The charity provides compassionate 1:1 personal support, resources, and encouragement to cancer patients and their loved ones. Their mission is to address the emotional, physical, and mental toll of a cancer diagnosis, delivering support directly to patients in non-clinical settings such as homes or local venues. In addition, they provide, organise and fund individual holistic therapies as well as delivering holistic and wellbeing events. They want to make sure that no cancer patient feels alone and that they have someone walking beside them, wherever possible, from the point of diagnosis.  

Karen said “We cannot begin to express our gratitude to everyone at Club Towers who voted for us.  We truly are humbled at being chosen. As a small, local charity facing ever increasing costs, to have the support of the local community and organisations means that we can continue to offer the essential and personal support that patients and their families deserve when facing the trauma of a diagnosis.  We never take for granted this kindness.  We look forward to working with Club Towers and its members over the next 12 months in fundraising and awareness.”

Mind BLMK

Mind BLMK is a local charity that works across our communities to support positive mental health and wellbeing. They offer a range of activities at wellbeing centres and other venues to make a difference to the mental health and wellbeing of local people.  Their aim is to make sure that no-one has to face a mental health problem alone. You can read their 2024 impact report here. It will give you a real feel of what they do and how they help people.

Ciara Devine, Fundraising and Engagement Co-ordinator for Mind BLMK, said: “We’re thrilled to hear that we have been chosen as one of your charities this year!  We are passionate about supporting positive mental health and wellbeing across Bedfordshire, Luton, and MK. Through our venues, we offer a wide range of activities and support services to help people look after their mental health, build resilience, and feel connected. Working with local partners, we aim to ensure that everyone in our communities has the best possible mental health.

Your support this year means so much—it helps us reach more people, create safe spaces, and continue making a real difference. Together, we can ensure no one has to face mental health challenges alone. Thank you for supporting Mind BLMK!”

First Event

We will start our fundraising for the new charities with one of our popular cake and coffee mornings on Friday 21st November Starting at 9am until the cake runs out!  We hope to see you there.

Thanks again to those members who took the time to nominate and vote.