Reflections on Red Nose Day

Scholefield: The People Consultancy is heading for our 40th anniversary in October. I often say it makes me feel very old!

2026 will be a year of continuity and change for us. We started out in Victoria, London in 1986. The wonderful Carol Bates joined us in 1987 and whilst she is taking a break from direct contact with our learners and clients, she will continue to mark assignments and be a wise counsel to me.

Getting back to Red Nose Day (RND) we celebrated the first one in 1988 and have continued to do so! Our website shows some of the fun events over the years.

Huge thanks to Mike Roberts who embraced our support of RND with gusto – there were some memorable tastings when we moved from London to Haywards Heath! Sadly, he passed In 2014 and I lost a fabulous friend and mentor. I am honoured to be one of Chris Roberts’ friends so the connection with Ridgeview remains.

Seven years later I contracted Bowel cancer and then again in 2023 and for a third time in January 2025. Thanks to the amazing team at Nuffield Healthcare Brighton, I am still here and fighting this horrendous disease. I am fortunate enough to be able to have a new treatment – immunotherapy. I started my first treatment on 14^th March 2025 and spent 5 nights at the Princess Royal Hospital A&E Disco Club and 5 days at Same Day Care centre. My body was not happy with the immunotherapy! Then I rallied and was told by a great friend Neil Tomlinson of Aquapax fame that he had spent so many years celebrating Red Nose Day with me that I had to sort myself out! How could I disobey that directive!

I am currently over In the Isle of Man with a few vintage RND tee shirts and a few Red Noses. I will be lifting a glass or two at the Mannin Hotel and hope to persuade some friends over here to help me celebrate life. It is humbling to be on the road to recovery, and I am thankful for all my amazing friends who have supported me and helped me make the trips down to Woodingdean.

Maureen Scholefield

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