Why We Support PRIME Cymru 

Hugh and Ann Bradnum share their reasons for becoming patrons of PRIME Cymru. 

It was a chance dinner invitation that first introduced Hugh and Ann Bradnum to PRIME Cymru. A friend at Lloyds Bank asked the couple to attend a PRIME Cymru dinner at Highgrove with the charity’s founder, His Majesty King Charles III (then Prince of Wales) in attendance. This evening unexpectedly sparked a long-standing relationship with the charity. 

Ann said: “We were struck by how small and genuine the charity was. There was very little administration cost, and you could see they were actually making a difference.” 

That immediate impression was backed by the statistics.  

Hugh said: “We were just entering that age bracket ourselves and were horrified by the percentage of economically inactive people in Wales over 50. Whenever we mention it, people are stunned.” 

What set PRIME Cymru apart, in their view, was its commitment not only to numbers but to people. As they got to know the staff, the mentors, and the recipients of support, their appreciation deepened. 

Ann said: “The variety of businesses launched with help from PRIME Cymru really surprised us.” 

The Bradnums have been supporters and patrons of PRIME Cymru for over a decade and feel like they are part of the community. 

Hugh said: “PRIME Cymru is quite like a family so it’s a great privilege to be involved in that respect. 

“It’s a small, genuine and niche charity. We genuinely believe it is well worth our support.” 

Still a practising dentist, Ann is particularly passionate about how society views older adults.  

She said: “Ageism is about attitude. The older generation has so much to give. Some of the people that we’ve seen come through PRIME Cymru have become real contributors to the economy.” 

The couple have attended multiple events over the years, including the opening of PRIME Cymru’s new offices in Llandovery and a memorable day at Ffos Las racecourse.

Hugh and Ann with HM King Charles at the PRIME Cymru Mentoring Awards

They recall a humorous moment when His Majesty (then Prince of Wales), who had met Hugh just days earlier at Ffos Las, spotted him again at the Llandovery office opening and joked, “Not you again! Where have I seen you in the last three days?” 

That kind of familiarity and warmth, they say, is exactly what makes PRIME Cymru feel more like a family than a charity. 

To anyone thinking of becoming a patron of the charity, they said: “We would encourage anybody to participate however small or large to support this small, very friendly and worthwhile charity. It’s tragic that the wisdom of older people gets discarded and I think it’s that that keeps us so involved and we just believe in it.” 

PRIME Cymru is very grateful for the support received from Ann and Hugh over the years and they are valued members of the PRIME Cymru family. 

Chief Executive, David Pugh, said: “We’ve had some great times over the years with Hugh and Ann and are so pleased that they continue to support our vital work. Their contribution has an amazing impact on our clients and subsequently the Welsh economy as a whole.” 

Learn more about how you could support PRIME Cymru.

Read our Invitation to Patronage brochure.