Bromsgrove Men In Sheds to give 'behind the scenes' look during open day as Abi takes on marathon - The Bromsgrove Standard

Bromsgrove Men In Sheds to give 'behind the scenes' look during open day as Abi takes on marathon

Bromsgrove Editorial 23rd Sep, 2021   0

PEOPLE will be given a ‘behind the scenes’ look into the Bromsgrove Men In Sheds’ base during a fund-raising event and open day from 9am to 3pm on October 3.

Activities on the day will include a ping-pong-a-thon and a marathon.

The day will be the first time the London Marathon has been run by 100,000 people – 50,000 taking it on virtually.

One of those will be Abi Swarbrick who will run her marathon in and around Stoke Prior to raise cash for Age UK




BRWF’s Bromsgrove Men in Sheds, which provided a ‘lifeline’ for her father-in-law, Phil.

Men In Sheds originated in Australia to tackle loneliness and social isolation in older men and Age UK BRWF said – judging by the calls it receives – it is now needed more than ever before.


Phil’s involvement with the Bromsgrove Shed came through ‘circumstance and coincidence’.

After suffering a major condition, followed by 18 months of surgery, Phil tried to adopt a ‘can-do’ approach but, whilst his body recovered, the experience had a significant impact on his emotional wellbeing.

Phil sought solace in his workshop but became increasingly isolated.

Whilst working, Abi met a Shedder who admired a wooden pen she was using that Phil had made for her – he told her about the Shed and after much persuasion from his family, Phil went along.

He said: “The welcome I received from the Shedders was such that I decided to join – this decision was one of the better ones I have ever made.”

He added the supportive group which was full of laughter and fun and the friendship camaraderie, support, help and encouragement had a huge impact on his life.

Phil’s experience prompted Abi to take on her virtual London Marathon for the cause.

Phil added: “I am so incredibly proud of her for taking on this challenge and I hope sharing my story will encourage people to support her efforts, but I also hope that it might encourage others to take that step to ‘reconnect’ and perhaps, like me, visit the Shed.”

Abi will start her marathon at 9am at the Shed – Unit 1, Metal Ores Industrial Estate, Hanbury Road, Stoke Prior – and finish there after her 26.2miles.

As she sets off, the open day will also be under way and everyone is welcome to come down to see what the Shed is all about.

Visit uk.virginmoneygiving.com/AbigailSwarbrick to donate to Abi’s fund-raising page and call Jo Hughes on 01527 868855 or email her at [email protected] for more.

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