Be Bold recognised for community investment at event
A Shropshire PR and communications consultancy which supported a young cancer patient’s family through a national media storm has become a Shropshire Investor in Community.
Be Bold was presented with its certificate by Shropshire Community Foundation at Weston Park during a celebration attended by more than 100 guests to mark the business’s 15th birthday.
Be Bold’s links to the Foundation go back to 2018, when its team of former journalists was asked to support the family of Zac Oliver, from Broseley, whose plight had attracted the attention of pop mogul Simon Cowell.
The journalist-led team supported Zac’s family through his treatment in the States, when the youngster’s fight against cancer featured across the UK’s national media.
The money raised by Shropshire people for Zac’s Fund now has a lasting legacy, supporting young cancer patients and their families across the county.
Managing director Amy Bould said: “When we were first asked to help Zac’s family, they had national newspapers camped on their doorstep. Helping them through that, and then seeing what has grown from it, means a great deal to us.
“Becoming a Shropshire Investor in Community in our 15th year feels like things have come full circle. It was a privilege to receive our certificate surrounded by the clients, colleagues and friends who have supported Be Bold.”
Joanna Morris, chief executive of Shropshire Community Foundation, said: “Be Bold was there right at the start of Zac’s story, before the Foundation even existed, so it’s fitting that they’re on board as a Shropshire Investor in Community.
“Zac’s Fund has been managed by the Foundation since 2022. We invest the money so generously raised for Zac and the returns provide grants supporting children and young people in Shropshire with a cancer diagnosis. Zac’s family are still very much part of deciding where that support goes, so his legacy will help local families for generations to come.
“Amy, Mark and the team have championed our work from the beginning and we’re delighted to have them as part of the Shropshire Investors in Community which in turns supports the work of the Shropshire Community Foundation (SCF).
Be Bold has since worked with the Foundation with two of its clients, McPhillips and Bridgnorth Aluminium, to set up community funds of their own supporting projects across the county.
The Newport-based company was set up in 2011 by Amy, former business editor of the Shropshire Star, and fellow journalist and digital editor Mark Waugh.
The business provides strategic communications, PR and media relations as well as digital marketing expertise to public and private sector organisations and businesses across the UK.
Be Bold also used the Weston Park celebration to ask more than 100 guests to support another Shropshire charity appeal.
Community Resource’s hearing loss service, which helps people keep their hearing aids working at drop-in sessions in libraries across the county, is hoping to raise £10,000 after its funding came under threat. Be Bold has donated £1,000 to the appeal.
Mark added: “Shropshire Community Foundation and Community Resource are both amazing organisations, delivering much-needed support to communities and groups across the county. We’re proud to support them both and we’d urge anyone who can to get behind the hearing loss appeal.”