Her Majesty’s Lord-Lieutenant awarded Jackie Collins honour at ladies lunch

Her Majesty’s Lord-Lieutenant, Peaches Golding OBE, was joined by Casualty star, Amanda Mealing and news presenter Alex Lovell at this year’s annual Long Table Lunch in aid of leading cancer charity, Penny Brohn UK.

The event saw Peaches Golding OBE receive the prestigious Jackie Collins Inspirational Woman Award, recognising her commitment to supporting the Bristol community and her own experience of living with cancer.

Peaches Golding OBE, is The Queen’s personal representative for the County and City of Bristol and was the first black female High Sherriff in over a thousand years serving the County and City of Bristol. Her broad experience spans the health, media and education sectors. In 2009 she was awarded the OBE for services to minority ethnic people in the South West.

Penny Brohn UK launched the Jackie Collins award in 2016, after the acclaimed author passed away from breast cancer in 2015, naming the charity UK beneficiary in lieu of flowers. The award celebrates resilient women who have overcome challenges and inspire others. Previous winners include charity founder Nina Barough CBE, prominent perfumer Jo Malone CBE and Ann Summers boss Jacqueline Gold CBE.

After being presented with the award, Peaches Golding OBE was joined by actress Amanda Mealing and BBC Points West presenter Alex Lovell for an honest conversation about living with cancer. The trio spoke in front of 250 ladies attending the Long Table Lunch event at Penny Brohn UK’s National Centre on Friday 17 May. The event included a three-course meal, a moving speech from a client who had been supported by Penny Brohn UK and a luxury auction in aid of the charity.

Commenting on her award, Peaches Golding OBE, said: “A cancer diagnosis threw me into a whirlpool composed of fear and other emotions, a new vocabulary, treatment options, hospital appointments, side effects and more. I knew that Penny Brohn UK would give me calmer waters, both before and after treatment, where I could rebuild my body and mind, obtain information to guide me and speak to caring professionals about my fears and worries.”

Laura Kerby, Chief Executive at Penny Brohn UK, said: “Peaches was a clear choice for this year’s Jackie Collins Inspirational Woman Award. As a well-respected member of the Bristol community her passion and enthusiasm is inspiring and a perfect fit for the prestigious award. Our Long Table Lunch is always a hugely popular event and we thank everyone for being so generous and supporting Penny Brohn UK.”

With nearly 40 years’ experience, Penny Brohn UK recognises that people with cancer need more than medicine. Its Bristol Whole Life Approach provides integrated whole person cancer support that works alongside medical treatment to achieve the best health and wellbeing.

For more information about Penny Brohn UK visit www.pennybrohn.org.uk.