New Compton Care ambassador honoured for work in memory of late Bilston MP

Compton Care has announced Brendon Turner, son of the late Lord Bilston, Dennis Turner, as ambassador. 

Mr Turner has been a dedicated supporter of the specialist palliative and bereavement support charity since his father received care following a cancer diagnosis. Lord Bilston, a former Labour MP for Wolverhampton South East, passed away in February 2014 at the age of 71.

His experience with Compton Care also inspired him to establish the ‘Lord Bilston Challenge’ in 2014, a biennial, physically and mentally demanding fundraising event which has since raised £150,000 for the charity. 

Mr Turner has also consistently pushed the boundaries by creating increasingly challenging events. 

Each challenge recruits more than 20 participants, all of whom raise sponsorship for Compton Care. 

A personal fitness trainer and co-founder of Energize Personal Training, Brendon Turner plays a pivotal role in overseeing training programs, nutrition plans, logistical support, and transportation to ensure participants succeed.

He said: “I was truly touched, inspired and humbled by the work that Compton did on behalf of my family. 

"There aren’t enough words to express how indebted we are to Compton for the amazing care and support they showed, not only to my dad but to the whole family.

"No amount of money could ever fully repay the love and dedication shown by Compton’s nurses. 

"When the inevitable happened, we couldn't have wished for a more caring, conscientious and experienced team of professionals to look after my dad in his time of need.

“I wanted to organise an event that represented a real challenge, like the one that Compton staff and patients face daily. 

"Since 2014, it has been an absolute honour and privilege to raise vital funds for the charity, helping ensure it can continue supporting local families during their darkest times. 

"The Lord Bilston Challenge brings people together for a common cause, something my dad always believed in. His legacy lives on through this philosophy. 

"Thank you for the inspiration, Dad. I’m thrilled to become a Compton Care Ambassador and look forward to raising further awareness of the charity’s essential work.”

Compton Care CEO, Rachel Overfield, welcomed Brendon to the ambassador team.

She said: “We are delighted to have Brendon as an ambassador. His first-hand experience of our services and his commitment to fundraising make him a powerful advocate for Compton Care. 

“His passion helps ensure that more local people have access to the specialist palliative care and bereavement support they need. 

"Additionally, his outstanding fundraising efforts encourage others to support our mission, allowing us to continue providing our vital services to the local communities we serve.”

The next Lord Bilston Challenge starts on 24 July until 27 July. Held over four days, this year’s challenge will cover scaling the three highest peaks in the UK, Ben Nevis, Scafell and Snowdon, totalling 28 miles of hiking followed by 560 miles of cycling from Ben Nevis back to Wolverhampton. 

Training begins at the end of March for the 27 participants, who are aiming to raise £40,000 in support of Compton Care.

Previous Lord Bilston Challenges have included a cycle, hike and canoe challenge, tackling the famous Hardknott Pass, paddle boarding Lake Windemere and an open water swim in Lake Bala.

For more information about the support Compton Care offers to people living with life limiting conditions, contact the Advice and Referral Line on 01902 774570 or visit www.comptoncare.org.uk.

To find out more about supporting Compton Care, visit the Compton Care website or contact the Fundraising Team on 0300 323 0250.