Family Launches Beer Company to Fund Cancer Charity in Mother’s Memory

A family initiated a beer company with the aim of generating funds for a cancer charity, which was founded in tribute to their late mother, following a lighthearted discussion at a pub. Imogen-Rose Gregory, residing in Preston, Lancashire, stated that her family found the inspiration to produce ale during a casual conversation at a pub with her eldest brother and father. The three individuals were deliberating methods to secure funding for the Orange Foundation, a charitable organization they established to honor Emma Aindow-Gregory, who passed away in 2022 at the age of 49 after battling stage four bowel cancer for over four years. Ms Gregory explained that the family’s intention was to generate revenue “through every day products” and simultaneously encourage dialogue regarding bowel cancer prevention. She further elaborated: “We didn’t want to rely on the continual goodwill of people making donations or us asking for money, mainly because it didn’t sit well with us.” The family believed that consumers would be considerably more inclined to purchase from a business demonstrating a clear social mission. “Like most things with us, we began joking around, but then, as we discussed it more, we thought, why not?” Ms Gregory stated. She added that they began brainstorming names for the beers, primarily her brother’s suggestions, which they found amusing and aimed for something entertaining and thought-provoking. They ultimately decided on the name Turtle Head Brewing Company, which is a euphemism for a specific type of bowel movement. “Yeah, it’s a bit of fun, but it gets people talking, which is important,” she remarked. The beer is currently available for purchase in numerous pubs and off licences across the North West region. The stated goal for Turtle Head Brewing Company is to donate 50% of its profits to the family’s charitable organization, The Orange Foundation, which provides assistance to individuals affected by cancer. Michael, Ms Gregory’s father, who is employed in public relations, has previous experience collaborating with breweries and has consistently maintained an interest in the brewing industry. The production of the beer itself is outsourced to a craft brewery located in North Yorkshire, which manufactures several ales featuring humorous names related to bodily functions. He recounted an encounter with an official from His Majesty’s Revenue and Customs who was reviewing their product. “She asked how we got the names and was very stony-faced, but I could see her colleague’s shoulders were shaking and he was dying to laugh out loud,” he quoted. The beer was introduced to the market recently, and the family indicates they are uncertain of its potential sales volume. “If it generates thousands of pounds a year, we’ll be happy,” Ms Gregory stated. “If it prompts people to check their poo, then job done,” she further commented.