Lets Help Pen (@penelopereads) Get Back on Her Feet!

Hello! This is a fundraiser to help our beautiful friend Pen (also known as @penelopereads and @bythepenbookshop on instagram) get back on her feet after a particularly rough period, where among other things she was unhoused for almost 22 months. During this time she has also been diagnosed with debilitating physical and mental health conditions that have made living and caring for herself in the ways she'd like near impossible.

Pen was diagnosed with mysophobia and agoraphobia in 2020 and hasn’t been able to return to work or support herself since then. Although she is trying her best to work out how to live with these diagnoses, she still suffers severe panic attacks even when taking precautions to protect herself, such as wearing an N95. Her loss of income in 2020 lead to a near eviction, and she has been struggling to put a roof over her head ever since. Unfortunately, Pen does not have family to support her. Pen also has chronic pain, and is in the process of getting diagnosed for fibromyalgia.

Despite all this, we all know that Pen has a big heart for people. Whether you have known her online or in person, I am sure you will have experienced this. She is always making friends meals, minding children, or gifting books, even in times when she has had so little herself.

This is a great opportunity to send her a little financial love as she moves into some new accommodation (yay!) and gets back into a steadier living situation. We are hoping that giving Pen some financial help as she moves into this new stage of her life can help her recover mentally, physically, emotionally and financially after some turbulent times. She is hoping that this little kick start can, among other things, assist her with her dream of finishing her degree and becoming a children's librarian! She is keen to finally create a safe home for herself where she hopes to one day live with a pet, or even her own little family she hopes to create.

Among other things, the money raised for Pen will go towards new appliances (including a fridge and dryer), some basic groceries to stock up her pantry again, some new linen, some storage for her new place, a long overdue car service, and some replacements for goods that were unfortunately damaged or lost by the movers.

None of you will be surprised that Pen was hesitant to ask for money, particularly as she is so aware that so many things are difficult in the world at the moment, but in a brave act of self care she has agreed for me to create this gofundme for her. No matter how much or little you can give, it will go a long way towards helping Pen get back into life in her own home. She is incredibly grateful for anything you can give, and thanks you from the bottom of her heart.

I personally have witnessed Pen's resilience during the last two years, and have been amazed at her strength and ability to care for others outside of herself, even when she has been suffering so greatly herself. I would also be so chuffed and grateful if we could raise this money for Pen, and although times are tough for everyone, hope you might be able to give even just a little.

If you have any queries, feel free to reach out.

Thanks you for your time and support. Much love, Bek, and of course Pen <3