About the Founder
“Pride of Britain Award nominee Geoff Brown helps local families realise their dreams
Ahead of this year’s Pride of Britain Awards, ITV Border News has been meeting the fantastic fundraisers who you have nominated for a chance of representing our region at this year's event.
Carlisle businessman Geoff Brown set up his own charitable trust to support anyone who needs help - from helping with the costs of a family holiday to organising a wedding.”
Geoff Brown: A Lifetime of Dedication
This year marks a truly remarkable milestone: 50 years of Geoff Brown’s unwavering dedication to helping others. Since he began his journey of giving back, Geoff’s mission has remained unchanged: to bring light and hope to those facing their darkest moments.
A proud Cumbrian, Geoff believes that true community spirit is found in action. Over the last five decades, he has transformed his passion into a lifeline for over 500 families. Whether through his well-known Elvis tribute nights or personal outreach, his work is driven by a simple, heartfelt philosophy: positivity creates positivity.
Despite five decades of selfless service and national recognition, including a nomination for the Pride of Britain Awards, Geoff remains a man of great humility. For him, the true reward isn’t the passing of years or the accolades, but the lasting impact made on the lives of local children and their families.
After 50 years, Geoff continues to lead the Trust with the same drive and compassion he started with, proving that one person’s commitment can truly change a community.
HOW IT ALL BEGAN
“When I was 13 I always knew I wanted to do something with my life and make a difference, I found my path one day when the school wanted some children to push disabled people around the Co-op on Botchergate for two days for their Christmas shopping. Everybody in the class put their hand up. They thought it was going to be two days off school.
Then they said it was going to be on Saturday and Sunday. Everybody put their hand down, apart from me and 2 lasses. I thought ‘I said I would do it, so I’ll do it’ And I did.
The one I remember is a lady who was huge. Her personality was huge as well. She had me push her around the bra department. I was mortified! But the buzz I got out of helping people was amazing. It still is.”
Geoff continues to volunteer to help others when needed and has taken part in a lot of sponsored events ie Great North Run, Cumbrian Run, Parachute jumping and many more.
The Geoff Brown Charitable Trust has touched the lives of hundreds and hundreds of people since its inception. The Trust has stepped into and improved the lives of children and adults - often with life-threatening illnesses. They are sent on Holidays and given memorable experiences. Geoff said: “When I set the Trust up I wanted to improve the quality of life for individuals in any shape or form. “Memories and footage are there for life good or bad and it’s up to them how they use it. “It can make them or destroy them depending on what is happening to them.” Geoff, who devoted much of his life to giving, is a firm believer that positivity breeds positivity.
His trust helped send Maryport athlete Simon Lawson to the Paralympics in Rio. Simon received £4,000 from local business people, spearheaded by Geoff. Geoff’s first fundraiser was in 1983 when he was 20. He organised a fashion show at Burgh by Sands for the spinal unit at Hexham General Hospital, having met someone who had been treated there. The event raised £323 and encouraged him to do more.
From 13 onwards it has been Geoff’s aim in life to make a difference.
Geoff’s 5 Morals of Life +2
Health Costs Nowt
Manners Cost Nowt
Respect Costs Nowt
It Costs Nowt to Say Thanks
And Best of All It Costs Nowt to Smile
+1 We Make a Living by What We Get, We Make a Life by What We Give
+2 You Have Never Really Lived Until You can do something for someone who can never repay you