Cherished Memories was born 10 years ago by a remarkable woman named Suzette Bradnam. It was following the diagnosis of her father’s cancer that Suzette organised ‘once in a lifetime’ trips on Concorde and to Brands Hatch, (motor sport being a favourite of her father). Suzette’s father sadly died of cancer but the family was left with those cherished memories to remember the special times rather than the suffering.

Suzette’s experience was precious and valuable and she realised how other families could benefit where a loved one’s life was limited. Suzette set her mind on organising trips for families who have children with life threatening illnesses or who are terminally ill. She single-handedly funded, attended and videoed the experience and promptly provided a video or a DVD for the family to enjoy time and time again.
As word spread about the Cherished Memories cause, volunteers came forward and Suzette came into contact with the local children’s hospices.

In 2003, the Cherished Memories Support Group was formed and became a registered charity. This status has heightened the cause of Cherished Memories and helped pave the way for more secure funding and support to help reach more families and host more events.

...During 2004-5, we held our biggest events ever each with over 100 children and families taking part. We visited RAF Brize Norton where we flew in VC10 and Tri-Star tanker aircraft so that the children could watch the Tornado fighter aircraft carry out air-to-air refueling. We also attended the Trafalgar 200 celebrations where the children were taken on board HMS Bulwark as part of the Royal International Review of the Fleet. Additionally, we arranged a trip to the theatre to see Mary Poppins, using 17 stretched limousines with a 22 motorbike police escort....

It would be a long list to thank everyone here, but they know who they are.