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Jump 4 You hosts charity jump-a-thon at The Post Barn, Donnington Valley, in memory of Paul Brooke-Taylor - raising funds for the Cost of Cancer




More than £8,000 has been raised for a small cancer charity at a sporting marathon event, held in memory of a local chef.

Paul Brooke-Taylor, who worked as a chef at Highclere Castle, died on June 20, 2024, after being diagnosed with tonsil cancer in December 2022.

jump4you raise money for cost of cancer charity
jump4you raise money for cost of cancer charity
jump4you raise money for cost of cancer charity
jump4you raise money for cost of cancer charity

He leaves his wife Serena and their two children, Jack and Amelia, who marked the first anniversary of his death with “something positive” – a charity jump marathon and raffle.

Mrs Brooke-Taylor, who works as the executive assistant to the managing director of the Donnington Valley Group, said there had been “so much love” at the event, which was held at The Post Barn.

A total of 150 people took part in three Jump 4 You sessions, with hundreds more cheering them on and waiting to hear who had won the host of fantastic raffle prizes, with all the proceeds going to Cost of Cancer, which supported the family during its darkest days.

jump4you raise money for cost of cancer charity
jump4you raise money for cost of cancer charity
jump4you raise money for cost of cancer charity
jump4you raise money for cost of cancer charity

Mrs Brooke-Taylor said it had been a tough week, with the first anniversary of her husband’s death, but added that after the event on Sunday it was “the first time I have felt positivity”.

“I felt really cared for and really loved,” she added. “Some positivity has come out of a really, really bad situation.

“There were so many mixed emotions on the day. It was heartbreaking but at the same time they all gave me the courage to stand up and voice what I needed to voice.

“You never know when you will need a charity like this.”

jump4you raise money for cost of cancer charity
jump4you raise money for cost of cancer charity
jump4you raise money for cost of cancer charity
jump4you raise money for cost of cancer charity
jump4you raise money for cost of cancer charity
jump4you raise money for cost of cancer charity

Nicky Moss, founder of Cost of Cancer, came to show her support at the event.

“She swoops in when you’re really struggling,” said Mrs Brooke-Taylor.

“I haven’t really got the words to explain how she helps.

“She supported me so much; this world needs more of her. She’s an incredible human.

“She doesn’t take a penny from the charity and I think that’s what’s lovely. We know that every donation we make goes straight back out to the families that need it.”

Mayor of Thatcham, Petra Pemberton, also joined in the event, taking part in one of the jumps and delivering a heartfelt speech at the end.

jump4you raise money for cost of cancer charity
jump4you raise money for cost of cancer charity
jump4you raise money for cost of cancer charity
jump4you raise money for cost of cancer charity
jump4you raise money for cost of cancer charity
jump4you raise money for cost of cancer charity
jump4you raise money for cost of cancer charity
jump4you raise money for cost of cancer charity

Mr Brooke-Taylor was diagnosed with tonsil cancer in December 2022 and in November 2023 the family were given the devastating news that his cancer was incurable and terminal.

After his surgery Mr Brooke-Taylor had three months off work and it was at this time that the family turned to Cost of Cancer.

The idea for the jump-a-thon came about thanks to Jump 4 You – a fitness class company run by Mrs Brooke-Taylor and her business partner Gabi Fekete.

They held the first event last February and since then have also held a fundraising football match at St Bartholomew’s School between the teams Mr Brooke-Taylor had been involved in.

“Jump gave me a safe space and it helped me be a better mum, a better wife and a better carer,” added Mrs Brooke-Taylor.

jump4you raise money for cost of cancer charity
jump4you raise money for cost of cancer charity
jump4you raise money for cost of cancer charity
jump4you raise money for cost of cancer charity
jump4you raise money for cost of cancer charity
jump4you raise money for cost of cancer charity
jump4you raise money for cost of cancer charity
jump4you raise money for cost of cancer charity
jump4you raise money for cost of cancer charity
jump4you raise money for cost of cancer charity

“The community at Jump are a force to be reckoned with. I don’t think they know how much they have done for me.”

Mrs Brooke-Taylor thanked all the businesses who had donated to the raffle prizes and paid a particular tribute to her employer, Donnington Valley Group, for not only supporting the event, but for supporting her throughout her husband’s illness.

She said the day gave her a chance to “remember all the people who have held me up”.

She said she now planned to make the fundraising football match and the jump-a-thon annual events.

You can still help boost the charity’s coffers by heading here https://wonderful.org/fundraisers/RpBv2

More than £8,000 has been raised so far and you can still get involved.



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