The Orange Foundation trustees: meet Kim Sturgess

Meet Kim Sturgess, one of The Orange Foundation’s trustees and good friend of Emma Aindow-Gregory.

Hi Kim! Tell us a little bit about yourself and how you met Emma?

I was born in London but spent all my childhood in Holmeswood, Lancashire, with my mum, dad and sister, Dawn.

I discovered my love for horses when I was about eight or nine, and that passion has stayed with me ever since. I was fortunate to get my first pony, the beautiful Cally, when I was around 13-years-old.

It was through my love for horses that I first met Emma. Our horses were stabled on the same yard, and we started hacking out together. We progressed to holidays with our horses, Henry and Wombat. As our friendship grew, so did the number of holidays. I think we made about 10 trips one year!

I always knew Emma was living with cancer, but it wasn’t until we spent time together that I realised how much it affected her daily life and the challenges she faced to keep enjoying her passion for riding.

Emma Aindow-Gregory on her horse, Henry.

How did you get involved in The Orange Foundation?

When Emma died, Michael started putting together a plan to create The Orange Foundation. I was honoured to be asked to be a trustee, as I wanted to help keep Emma’s memory alive and raise funds for a great cause. While there are many cancer research charities, The Orange Foundation aims to help people living with cancer live better, more comfortable lives.

How can The Orange Foundation help people who are living with cancer?

The Foundation can assist people through five, what we call segments. This funds talking therapies and cosmetic treatments such as purchasing wigs following hair loss and tattoos following mastectomy. We also fund patient advocacy support to help people get the best treatment.

I would urge anyone unsure whether to get involved in the charity to think about the confidence a new wig might give to a young person who has suffered hair loss as a result of chemotherapy, the ability to pay for medical intervention where the NHS waiting list may delay essential scans or other interventions.

The charity’s current key goal is to raise awareness of what we offer. After some fantastic donations, outstanding physical challenges, and the brilliant fundraiser at the Holmeswood Fun Day, funds are now available for those who need them, and we are working to showcase the charity and how people can apply for support and funding. 

To find out more about the support offered, please click here.