Brian And Alison’s Story
When Brian was diagnosed with bowel cancer in 2010, his friend Alison offered to write letters to cheer him up. Over the next two years, as Brian’s cancer moved from stage III to IV, Alison’s letters kept on coming.
The letters became part of Brian’s recovery process, while Alison discovered a passion for writing she never knew existed.
Brian is now cancer-free, Alison is a writer, and the two have a relationship that only the term ‘best friends’ can describe. Alison and Brian are now dedicated to getting us all writing letters!
Founding From Me to You
From Me to You was founded in 2017, inspired by the interest following the broadcast of Alison and Brian’s story on BBC Radio 4. It struck a chord with many; how can we reach out and connect?
As Brian himself found, those who are living with cancer may discover that much needed emotional support evaporates as they embark on their treatment, as close friends and family are often unsure what to say or how to communicate.
We began by running letter writing workshops, inspiring and educating people on how to stay connected with loved ones who are living with cancer; helping to eradicate isolation and loneliness.
More heard of our mission and we were approached by many who didn’t personally know someone with cancer but wanted to write letters to support others. This is how our Donate A Letter campaign was created.
Our writers, from all over the world, send us their donated letters, which we then distribute to those most in need. We work with our letter outlets - hospitals, cancer centres and partner charities - as well as sending letters directly to people’s homes, which anyone can request whenever a boost is needed.
Alongside distributing donated letters, we work with businesses with CSR opportunities, provide packs to new letter writers, and run writing workshops publicly and for private groups.
Alongside our co-founders, Brian Greenley and Alison Hitchcock, we are supported by an incredible Board of Trustees to expand and develop the future of our charity.
Brian Greenley
(Co-founder)
When Brian was diagnosed with cancer in 2010 he never imagined that seven years later he’d have founded a charity based around letter writing. But he also never imagined that cancer can be so isolating, nor that something as simple as a letter can so dramatically change a day. Brian also never imagined that he would tell his story of chemotherapy, surgeries and unexpected recovery so many times in From Me to You workshops, nor that he would become such a prolific letter writer himself.
Alison Hitchcock
(Co-founder and Chair)
Alison had no idea how much she loved writing until she began to write letters to Brian, when he was diagnosed with cancer. Together the two founded From Me to You to ensure they could inspire others to follow their example. What Alison hadn’t anticipated when starting the charity was that fundraising challenges would see her busking in Carnaby Street, doing triathlons and writing a book.
Lesley Jepson
(Treasurer Trustee)
As Treasurer, Lesley not only ensures the From Me to You books balance but strategically guides us to make sure all our future plans can be financed and are cost-effective. A qualified Accountant (FCCA) with 35 years experience in the utilities, customer management and contract research/drug development sectors Lesley comfortably sets up financial processes, produces management and financial accounts as well as annual budgeting. When we heard Lesley had been engaged to Jason for 22 years we knew that her cautionary approach would complement our Trustee Board skill set perfectly.
Frankie Smith
(Trustee)
Frankie joined the Board of Trustees after meeting Alison in 2018. Having sadly lost her mother, who had a passion for writing, to cancer in 2016, Frankie felt that getting involved in From Me to You was a fitting tribute. Frankie is passionate about tackling the social isolation felt by so many when they are diagnosed with cancer. As a financial planner and an advocate for Women in Finance, Frankie brings financial expertise to the Board. In her spare time, she enjoys socialising, travelling, horse riding and running.
Liz Kentish
(Trustee)
Liz brings a big dollop of business acumen to the charity. Having run her own business since 2008, Liz is an expert in behavioural change and guiding businesses to improve and develop. Liz has been heavily involved in her industry on a volunteer basis, chairing the Women in FM Group and Deputy Chair of the British Institute of Facilities Management. Aged 13, Liz started writing to pen pals she met through a music magazine. She found From Me to You, at a time when three close friends had been diagnosed with cancer. From them, she knows the power of letters.
Anne James
(Trustee)
Anne brings a wealth of Trustee experience to our Board. She previously held the position of Chair of the Board of Trustees for Restore, the mental health charity. With over ten years on the Board of Trustees at Restore, one of the UK’s longest established and highly regarded community rehabilitation services, Anne has a vast experience working in the mental health and charity sector. Anne’s focus now she’s involved with From Me to You is on expanding and developing the future of our charity.
Nicholas Lee
(Trustee)
Nicholas loves writing letters and knows how powerful a letter can be in helping people feel connected. Having lost two friends to cancer Nicholas decided to start writing letters to support others and so discovered From Me to You. His 1000 mile fund-raising walk in 2023 enabled 250 of the FMTY book to be donated to hospitals across the UK. Nicholas intends to continue his fundraising to enable more people to experience the joy of writing and receiving letters.
Lucy Hind
(Trustee)
Lucy is a complete postcard addict but also loves letter writing. She started writing when she was going through cancer treatment. With a wealth of trustee and NHS experience, Lucy knows that proactivity is key to support a charity. Along with running the Letter Writing Workshops and hosting The Little Book Library to raise funds, Lucy also gives herself a yearly, new fundraising challenge to support the charity - watch this space!
Pamela Thomson-Hall
(Advisory Board)
Pamela is our legal eagle, making sure we cross all the T’s and dot all the I’s. With experience in private practice and as in-house General Counsel, if Pamela doesn’t know the answer to our legal queries, she’ll know someone who does.