Article Source: Bing Bong Mail
Last Updated: 19 March 2021 11:27
A Glasgow calligrapher and illustrator who lost her brother to cancer last year has today, on what would have been his 43rd birthday, launched a special range of satirical greeting cards, raising money for Cancer Support Scotland in the process.
Jen Fisher and her brother Han felt, like many people do, that sometimes ‘get well soon’ just doesn’t cut it and it was this realisation that marked the creation of Bing Bong Mail.
Wanting to provide her brother with authentic, meaningful and down-to-earth words of support, Jen began devising colourful cards each featuring a straight-talking, humorous message of comfort that acknowledged the gruelling experience of life with cancer.
Today, with backing from The Awesome Foundation, Jen has put the collection on sale for others to buy.
Championing her brother’s dark sense of humour, Bing Bong Mail cards feature a protest placard with slogans like “Bring on the drugs”, “Well this sucks” and “Apparently swearing helps”.
The overall design was inspired by a strong feeling from Jen and her family that cancer was not a ‘journey’ as it is so-often referred to, but a ‘war’ – a sustained attack on someone’s body, mind and soul that demands a protest.
Jen explained what the cards are all about. She said: “Bing Bong Mail is all about spreading positive vibes, hope and humour and lighting up the dark corners people find themselves in. These cards are a way for people to show love, understanding and solidarity to people with cancer. It can be hard to find the right words but we know people don’t want to be pacified with a wishy-washy message. Let’s say it how it is and put a smile on each other’s faces in the process.”
A vivacious and free-spirited man, Jen’s older brother Han was diagnosed with metastatic bowel cancer in January 2020, undergoing extensive treatment including chemotherapy, radiotherapy and surgery. He passed away in November 2020.
Covid-19 made access to emotional and other forms of support extremely difficult, but throughout the year and in the months since his death, Cancer Support Scotland provided invaluable help to Jen and Han’s wife Sarah.
Jen continued: “Throughout the hell of Han’s war with bowel cancer, Cancer Support Scotland were a massive help. There’s no way I could have been there to support Han as fully as I did if I didn’t have access to the counselling and stress management services the charity offers. I wanted to use the cards to support this amazing cause, so they can continue to provide this vital support for other families in the future.”
Emma Connor, Fundraising Manager, Cancer Support Scotland commented: “We are absolutely thrilled to be supported by the lovely Jen and her amazing project Bing Bong Mail in memory of her very special brother, Han. Jen’s creativity and humour are wonderful and we are looking forward to seeing her cards fly out the door. Humour can play such an important role in remaining positive and looking after your wellbeing and we think that Bing Bong Mail will bring a special smile to the recipients face.”
Jen feels putting the Bing Bong Mail cards on sale on Han’s birthday is the perfect way to mark the day, sending some of his effervescence, humour and thirst for life into the world and keeping a part of him and his name alive. Through these cards, Han is saying “you hate cancer? Me too – in all its forms.”
A talented illustrator, Jen went to Gray’s School of Art in Aberdeen to study 3D Design and Craft and now juggles a day job with her calligraphy business, Toasty Type. With a passion for creating and drawing, Jen loved putting her skills to use with the birth of Bing Bong Mail. She draws the original designs by hand before digitising them, taking anywhere from a matter of minutes to several hours to create the images.
Bing Mong Mail cards are priced at £3 each, with a third of funds going to Cancer Support Scotland. The first 100 orders will receive a free sticker.
Jen hopes to use profits to create, print and release even more cards including ranges that speak to people going through a variety of hard-hitting illnesses.
Bing Bong Mail cards are on sale now at www.bingbongmail.com.
Scotland’s national music prize – the Scottish Album of the Year (SAY) Award – has opened submissions for 2025’s £20,000 prize.
READ MOREAhoy there mateys! The Pirates of Paisley is this year's must visit FREE summer brick adventure!
READ MOREMuch loved reading programme, Dolly Parton's Imagination Library in Renfrewshire, celebrated becoming permanent with bell chimes.
READ MOREThis summer, gather the whole family and head to Dobbies Garden Centres for a day of fun-filled activities that will keep costs down.
READ MOREThousands turned out to celebrate summer at Barshaw Park on Saturday for Barshaw Gala Day.
READ MORESummerfest, the FREE family festival at Loch Lomond Shores, is back on the 5th and 6th of July with lots of things to see and do!
READ MOREFancy grabbing a free reusable takeaway cup and then getting a discount on your next drink from some of our local cafes?
READ MORETwo major community sports projects in Renfrewshire are set to benefit from a significant funding boost.
READ MOREThe biggest show of its kind in Scotland returns with Earlybird tickets and a give-away with headline sponsor Border Caravans!
READ MORECheck out July at Dobbies with it's Little Seedlings Club on rainforests and Grow How on pest control and healthy gardens!
READ MOREPupils from Auchenlodment Primary School in Johnstone gave their refurbished play park a big thumbs up after it underwent a major upgrade earlier this year.
READ MOREHistoric Environment Scotland is calling for people across the country to connect with heritage to boost their wellbeing as a part of a national campaign, Historic Places, Breathing Spaces.
READ MOREAfter their first event in March, Clash of the Clans, Clan Wrestling makes its return to Braehead Arena on Saturday 6th September for its second event!
READ MOREThe Armed Forces Day flag will be raised outside Renfrewshire House on Friday in a short service to mark Armed Forces Day.
READ MORECouncillors have agreed a £350,000 contract to carry out repairs to the historic Kilbarchan Steeple Buildings.
READ MOREScotland's hospitality industry and customers have spoken, and the Scottish Bar and Pub Awards 2025 has listened!
READ MOREVoting has opened for this year's Celebrating Renfrewshire Fund as young people get the chance to vote for the projects they think will make the most difference in their communities.
READ MORECrowds are set to soak up the summer vibes at Barshaw Gala Day with an afternoon packed full of exciting activities for all the family!
READ MORERefugee Festival Scotland gets underway today, kick-starting nine days of dance performances, film screenings, visual art and photography exhibitions and community events across the country.
READ MORETickets are on sale for an exclusive Superman screening at Vue venues in Scotland, with fans in for an extra special treat to take home.
READ MOREOn Saturday, 28th June, Chrome 'n' Classics will host its annual event in the XSite car park for the first time – showcasing over 200 classic, custom, American, and vintage cars!
READ MOREPaisley town centre will host a day-long programme of entertainment this summer to celebrate Sma' Shot Day – one of the world's oldest worker's festivals.
READ MOREPaisley's CarFest is returning to Paisley town centre this Saturday, 14th June, with a fun day out for all the family guaranteed!
READ MOREThe paperback edition of Only Here, Only Now by Tom Newlands has just been released - and is already making waves.
READ MORERising music star and Channel 4's The Piano winner Brad Kella visited Kibble's Goudie Academy to meet with care-experienced young people, share his story and inspire the next generation of musicians.
READ MOREScottish Building Society marked its Annual General Meeting (AGM) by announcing funding to support eight local charities and good causes across the country.
READ MOREVisitors are invited to come along and get up-close to some amazing cars, set against the beautiful backdrop of Loch Lomond, as part of a great day out.
READ MORERenfrewshire Council is inviting local residents, businesses and partners to have their say on proposals for a public garden on the site of the former Brown Institute in Renfrew.
READ MOREBraehead Shopping Centre is pleased to officially welcome MINISO, the brand's first store in the West of Scotland, opening at 12pm on Friday 6th June.
READ MOREBark by popular demand, the Gordon Setter Parade returns on Saturday 5th July as part of the Game & Wildlife Conservation Trust (GWCT) Scottish Game Fair, held at the stunning Scone Palace.
READ MORE