{"id":11315,"date":"2021-08-05T06:32:09","date_gmt":"2021-08-04T20:32:09","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.foodbank.org.au\/2021\/08\/05\/foodbank-wa-meet-briony\/"},"modified":"2025-09-15T14:52:22","modified_gmt":"2025-09-15T04:52:22","slug":"foodbank-wa-meet-briony","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.foodbank.org.au\/foodbank-wa-meet-briony\/","title":{"rendered":"Briony’s Story"},"content":{"rendered":"

Briony’s story<\/span>\u00a0 <\/h1> <\/div>
\"\" <\/div> <\/div> <\/section>

The day Briony made her first trip to Foodbank WA\u2019s Centre for Hunger relief, is a memory both bitter and sweet. She\u2019d been given a ticket to survival, a fifty dollar voucher. Her rent was paid, the lights were on, she had nappies, baby Marlow had been fed, but Briony had been going without. <\/p>

There was just enough fuel in the car to take the forty-five minute trip. Briony hated to waste fuel; she\u2019d been saving those miles for emergencies… and this was a matter of survival. <\/p>

Three years earlier at age thirty, she never could have imagined being without food. She was fit, full of fun and loving her full time job working for an art supply specialist in Subiaco. Everything fell apart the afternoon she got a call from her doctor to come in urgently. <\/p>

Briony\u2019s breast cancer treatment started right away. She had radical breast surgery, an infuser port put in her heart, chemo and radiation. She had her precious eggs frozen and was told she could never fall pregnant naturally. Briony says the treatment worked by killing everything inside her body so there would be ongoing health issues like osteoporosis and lymphedema. <\/p>

Emerging from two years of treatment, Briony felt lost and isolated. She\u2019d been out of the social network, friends had moved on to start families and her life experiences weren\u2019t really something others connected with. Keen to restore normality, Briony returned to the job she loved. <\/p>

\u201cAfter treatment when your hair grows back it makes everyone else comfortable. It makes them feel satisfied that \u2018I\u2019m ok now\u2019, without really having to check in. People don\u2019t understand that you are still enduring a personal struggle post cancer, also there was always this grey cloud of possibility of it returning.\u201d <\/p>

It was too much, too soon. Briony had a breakdown and hasn\u2019t returned to her job since then. <\/p>

\u201cIt was like a physical, spiritual and emotional step. I had to learn that I couldn\u2019t replicate the person I was before that which is what I was trying to do. There was a long journey of letting go of the person that I was prior to cancer and rebuilding my sense of self from the ground up.\u201d <\/p>

The following year, Briony went to see her doctor. \u201cI feel like I\u2019m pregnant\u201d, she said. The doctor and several other doctors she saw in the weeks that followed said it wasn\u2019t possible. Early tests didn\u2019t prove anything and when elevated hormone levels did start to show up she was sent for urgent ultrasound for fear the cancer had returned. And there she was, little Marlow, her tiny heart jumping for joy at six weeks of life. <\/p>

Pregnancy is rarely easy, and for Briony there were traumas and challenges every step of the way, but little Marlow arrived safely. Briony juggled being a new mum with ongoing medical appointments including a hip replacement when her baby was only four months old. <\/p>

\u201cI was a disabled single mum so there was a real big struggle in my life. Marlow was my purpose. I was obsessed with keeping her alive because I didn\u2019t think I was even going to get her to this earth.\u201d <\/p>

Briony struggled to pay the bills, and at a time when her own health and nutrition should have been a priority, she was putting herself last. Little Marlow was always fed, Briony hoarded what little food she had and went without. <\/p>

Help for Briony came via her Mothers group. It was a group for vulnerable mums run by Uniting Care West and everyone was given a list of support services. Taking that step of asking for help was very, very hard, but Briony says by that time it was a matter of survival. <\/p>

\u201cI was apprehensive at first because it was a struggle to even get there. Once I got in and saw how much I was able to fill up my trolley with it became a relief. A relief of stress and anxiety. So much useful stuff, even a treat like an iced-tea. That food was going to make such a difference for me and last several weeks.\u201d Briony said. <\/p>

\u201cFoodbank WA provided a safe space for me in a situation where I was vulnerable. Sometimes all it takes is someone filling up your pantry to give you the confidence to keep going.\u201d <\/p>

Briony is in a better place now, but as a single mum on a disability pension with chronic pain, lymphedema, bulging discs and osteoporosis, life is still hard work. She has regular rehabilitation but always makes time to walk Marlow to school and walk the dog. Without making time for her health Briony says she could be in a wheelchair. From time to time Briony has turned to Foodbank WA, but she still says asking for help isn\u2019t easy. <\/p>

\u201cPeople aren\u2019t going to sympathise with you just because you\u2019re a mum trying to feed your kid, they don\u2019t want to hear that you\u2019ve had cancer or that you\u2019re hungry. They don\u2019t want to hear how they have to be responsible for you, they just want to hear what you\u2019re doing to fix it. There was a strong sense of having to figure it out on your own and you judge yourself for it.\u201d <\/p>

\u201cPeople don\u2019t choose poverty. We shouldn\u2019t take anything for granted, especially after this past 18 months, there are a lot more people in this situation.\u201d <\/p>

While Briony is doing a great job of caring for herself now, she will still always be priority #2, because gorgeous Marlow is her everything. <\/p>

\u201cShe\u2019s my shining light. Marlow does show empathy and kindness which was the most important impression I wanted to leave on my child. I want her to stop and notice when people need help. I know it\u2019s part of her fundamental makeup and I\u2019ve never been more proud of anything in my life.\u201d <\/p>

<\/p> <\/div> <\/div> <\/div> <\/div>

Latest news <\/h2> <\/div> <\/div>
\n
\n

The wheels spun and hearts united<\/h4>\nFind out more<\/a>\n <\/div>\n
\n\"The<\/div>\n<\/div>
\n
\n

Northern Star Resources Expands its reach with Foodbank through WA<\/h4>\nFind out more<\/a>\n <\/div>\n
\n\"Northern<\/div>\n<\/div>
\n
\n

A win for Australia and a win for WA families!<\/h4>\nFind out more<\/a>\n <\/div>\n
\n\"A<\/div>\n<\/div>
\n
\n

nom! Children is empowering parents and nourishing futures<\/h4>\nFind out more<\/a>\n <\/div>\n
\n\"nom!<\/div>\n<\/div>
\n
\n

nom! building confidence, connection and lifelong healthy habits<\/h4>\nFind out more<\/a>\n <\/div>\n
\n\"nom!<\/div>\n<\/div>
\n
\n

nom! Schools sets up healthy habits for life<\/h4>\nFind out more<\/a>\n <\/div>\n
\n\"nom!<\/div>\n<\/div>
\n
\n

Our School Breakfast Program expands<\/h4>\nFind out more<\/a>\n <\/div>\n
\n\"Our<\/div>\n<\/div>
\n
\n

Turning corporate spirit into community impact this Christmas<\/h4>\nFind out more<\/a>\n <\/div>\n
\n\"Turning<\/div>\n<\/div>
\n
\n

What a show-stopper!<\/h4>\nFind out more<\/a>\n <\/div>\n
\n\"What<\/div>\n<\/div>
\n
\n

Meet Darren, our new Food Sourcing Manager<\/h4>\nFind out more<\/a>\n <\/div>\n
\n\"Meet<\/div>\n<\/div>
\n
\n

A very personal journey<\/h4>\nFind out more<\/a>\n <\/div>\n
\n\"A<\/div>\n<\/div>
\n
\n

Talison Lithium displays how it is easy to show you care<\/h4>\nFind out more<\/a>\n <\/div>\n
\n\"Talison<\/div>\n<\/div>
\n
\n

Fill your cup by filling a Hawaiian Giving Box<\/h4>\nFind out more<\/a>\n <\/div>\n
\n\"Fill<\/div>\n<\/div>
\n
\n

Give a Feed in 2025<\/h4>\nFind out more<\/a>\n <\/div>\n
\n\"Give<\/div>\n<\/div>
\n
\n

nom! wins over Wheatbelt schools\u202f<\/h4>\nFind out more<\/a>\n <\/div>\n
\n\"nom!<\/div>\n<\/div>
\n
\n

Hancock Iron Ore supports nom! Children in regional WA<\/h4>\nFind out more<\/a>\n <\/div>\n
\n\"Hancock<\/div>\n<\/div>
\n
\n

Alice worked hard all her adult life, now she has nowhere to go<\/h4>\nFind out more<\/a>\n <\/div>\n
\n\"Alice<\/div>\n<\/div>
\n
\n

Striking a pose at the Telethon Family Festival<\/h4>\nFind out more<\/a>\n <\/div>\n
\n\"Striking<\/div>\n<\/div>
\n
\n

nom! Kids Kitchen at the2025 Perth Royal Show: that\u2019s a wrap!<\/h4>\nFind out more<\/a>\n <\/div>\n
\n\"nom!<\/div>\n<\/div>
\n
\n

Why it\u2019s important to \u2018let it go\u2019<\/h4>\nFind out more<\/a>\n <\/div>\n
\n\"Why<\/div>\n<\/div>
\n
\n

Lotterywest donation boosts Foodbank WA\u2019s fresh food distribution capacity<\/h4>\nFind out more<\/a>\n <\/div>\n
\n\"Lotterywest<\/div>\n<\/div>
\n
\n

In a world where you can be anything, be kind<\/h4>\nFind out more<\/a>\n <\/div>\n
\n\"In<\/div>\n<\/div>
\n
\n

nom! Schools creating lasting impact<\/h4>\nFind out more<\/a>\n <\/div>\n
\n\"nom!<\/div>\n<\/div>
\n
\n

Building confidence and healthy habits with the nom! Children program<\/h4>\nFind out more<\/a>\n <\/div>\n
\n\"Building<\/div>\n<\/div>
\n
\n

Bigger than the game<\/h4>\nFind out more<\/a>\n <\/div>\n
\n\"Bigger<\/div>\n<\/div>
\n
\n

School Breakfast Program really delivers<\/h4>\nFind out more<\/a>\n <\/div>\n
\n\"School<\/div>\n<\/div>
\n
\n

Foodbank WA Community Kitchen delivers half a million meals<\/h4>\nFind out more<\/a>\n <\/div>\n
\n\"Foodbank<\/div>\n<\/div>
\n
\n

Regional partnerships help to meet growing demand<\/h4>\nFind out more<\/a>\n <\/div>\n
\n\"Regional<\/div>\n<\/div>
\n
\n

Foodbank WA fights hunger with FREE fruit and vegetables<\/h4>\nFind out more<\/a>\n <\/div>\n
\n\"Foodbank<\/div>\n<\/div>
\n
\n

Protein power<\/h4>\nFind out more<\/a>\n <\/div>\n
\n\"Protein<\/div>\n<\/div>
\n
\n

Ex-squeeze me, did someone say oranges?<\/h4>\nFind out more<\/a>\n <\/div>\n
\n\"Ex-squeeze<\/div>\n<\/div>
\n
\n

Stand-by list for Christmas Hampers<\/h4>\nFind out more<\/a>\n <\/div>\n
\n\"Stand-by<\/div>\n<\/div>
\n
\n

Powering food relief in Kalgoorlie Goldfields<\/h4>\nFind out more<\/a>\n <\/div>\n
\n\"Powering<\/div>\n<\/div>
\n
\n

Those most vulnerable, hit hardest<\/h4>\nFind out more<\/a>\n <\/div>\n
\n\"Those<\/div>\n<\/div>
\n
\n

A thank you to melt hearts<\/h4>\nFind out more<\/a>\n <\/div>\n
\n\"A<\/div>\n<\/div>
\n
\n

From broken to brave<\/h4>\nFind out more<\/a>\n <\/div>\n
\n\"From<\/div>\n<\/div>
\n
\n

At Costa, every mushroom counts<\/h4>\nFind out more<\/a>\n <\/div>\n
\n\"At<\/div>\n<\/div>
\n
\n

Find us on the Charity Trail<\/h4>\nFind out more<\/a>\n <\/div>\n
\n\"Find<\/div>\n<\/div>
\n
\n

Wheels of hope<\/h4>\nFind out more<\/a>\n <\/div>\n
\n\"Wheels<\/div>\n<\/div>
\n
\n

Alcoa continues to support Southwest communities<\/h4>\nFind out more<\/a>\n <\/div>\n
\n\"Alcoa<\/div>\n<\/div>
\n
\n

National Nutrition Week<\/h4>\nFind out more<\/a>\n <\/div>\n
\n\"National<\/div>\n<\/div>
\n
\n

Anti-Poverty Week – A call to action<\/h4>\nFind out more<\/a>\n <\/div>\n
\n\"Anti-Poverty<\/div>\n<\/div>
\n
\n

A world away from everything you know<\/h4>\nFind out more<\/a>\n <\/div>\n
\n\"A<\/div>\n<\/div>
\n
\n

Sustainability is at the heart of everything we do<\/h4>\nFind out more<\/a>\n <\/div>\n
\n\"Sustainability<\/div>\n<\/div>
\n
\n

Community classrooms: nom! Schools delivers sessions in the red dirt<\/h4>\nFind out more<\/a>\n <\/div>\n
\n\"Community<\/div>\n<\/div>
\n
\n

So much more than the post<\/h4>\nFind out more<\/a>\n <\/div>\n
\n\"So<\/div>\n<\/div>
\n
\n

Food relief for students thanks to Allianz Partners<\/h4>\nFind out more<\/a>\n <\/div>\n
\n\"Food<\/div>\n<\/div>
\n
\n

It takes a village – Help us grow our volunteer community<\/h4>\nFind out more<\/a>\n <\/div>\n
\n\"It<\/div>\n<\/div>
\n
\n

Corporate Volunteering: Make a difference together<\/h4>\nFind out more<\/a>\n <\/div>\n
\n\"Corporate<\/div>\n<\/div>
\n
\n

Team up, give back, make a difference<\/h4>\nFind out more<\/a>\n <\/div>\n
\n\"Team<\/div>\n<\/div>
\n
\n

What we eat influences how we feel<\/h4>\nFind out more<\/a>\n <\/div>\n
\n\"What<\/div>\n<\/div>
\n
\n

ToyBox helping us to deliver nom! sessions<\/h4>\nFind out more<\/a>\n <\/div>\n
\n\"ToyBox<\/div>\n<\/div>
\n
\n

Repurposing is our middle name<\/h4>\nFind out more<\/a>\n <\/div>\n
\n\"Repurposing<\/div>\n<\/div>
\n
\n

Bringing food relief closer to home<\/h4>\nFind out more<\/a>\n <\/div>\n
\n\"Bringing<\/div>\n<\/div>
\n
\n

Diary of a Foodbank volunteer<\/h4>\nFind out more<\/a>\n <\/div>\n
\n\"Diary<\/div>\n<\/div>
\n
\n

nom! Kids takes over<\/h4>\nFind out more<\/a>\n <\/div>\n
\n\"nom!<\/div>\n<\/div>
\n
\n

We are excited about our Grain Program<\/h4>\nFind out more<\/a>\n <\/div>\n
\n\"We<\/div>\n<\/div>
\n
\n

Rain, hail or shine<\/h4>\nFind out more<\/a>\n <\/div>\n
\n\"Rain,<\/div>\n<\/div>
\n
\n

Cooking for a cause<\/h4>\nFind out more<\/a>\n <\/div>\n
\n\"Cooking<\/div>\n<\/div>
\n
\n

Serving up a unique menu<\/h4>\nFind out more<\/a>\n <\/div>\n
\n\"Serving<\/div>\n<\/div>
\n
\n

Small business, big heart<\/h4>\nFind out more<\/a>\n <\/div>\n
\n\"Small<\/div>\n<\/div>
\n
\n

Our Volunteer Stories | Teamwork<\/h4>\nFind out more<\/a>\n <\/div>\n
\n\"Our<\/div>\n<\/div>
\n
\n

Nom! building confidence, connection and lifelong healthy habits<\/h4>\nFind out more<\/a>\n <\/div>\n
\n\"Nom!<\/div>\n<\/div>
\n
\n

Do you have a Workplace Giving Program?<\/h4>\nFind out more<\/a>\n <\/div>\n
\n\"Do<\/div>\n<\/div>
\n
\n

Consistency is key<\/h4>\nFind out more<\/a>\n <\/div>\n
\n\"Consistency<\/div>\n<\/div>
\n
\n

The seal of freshness<\/h4>\nFind out more<\/a>\n <\/div>\n
\n\"The<\/div>\n<\/div>
\n
\n

nom! Children program takes stress out of mealtimes<\/h4>\nFind out more<\/a>\n <\/div>\n
\n\"nom!<\/div>\n<\/div>
\n
\n

What do our customers say?<\/h4>\nFind out more<\/a>\n <\/div>\n
\n\"What<\/div>\n<\/div>
\n
\n

ERFAS 5 Year milestone<\/h4>\nFind out more<\/a>\n <\/div>\n
\n\"ERFAS<\/div>\n<\/div>
\n
\n

How we said Thank You<\/h4>\nFind out more<\/a>\n <\/div>\n
\n\"How<\/div>\n<\/div>
\n
\n

Iluka serving up food relief to the mid-west<\/h4>\nFind out more<\/a>\n <\/div>\n
\n\"Iluka<\/div>\n<\/div>
\n
\n

The power of resilience and a hand up<\/h4>\nFind out more<\/a>\n <\/div>\n
\n\"The<\/div>\n<\/div>
\n
\n

Making meals, making memories<\/h4>\nFind out more<\/a>\n <\/div>\n
\n\"Making<\/div>\n<\/div>
\n
\n

Local love – sourcing fresh food in our backyard<\/h4>\nFind out more<\/a>\n <\/div>\n
\n\"Local<\/div>\n<\/div>
\n
\n

Ordinary people, extraordinary impact\u00a0<\/h4>\nFind out more<\/a>\n <\/div>\n
\n\"Ordinary<\/div>\n<\/div>
\n
\n

The surprising group facing a lack of food in Australia\u00a0<\/h4>\nFind out more<\/a>\n <\/div>\n
\n\"The<\/div>\n<\/div>
\n
\n

Fresh linen restores hope<\/h4>\nFind out more<\/a>\n <\/div>\n
\n\"Fresh<\/div>\n<\/div>
\n
\n

Together with Telethon, we are changing lives<\/h4>\nFind out more<\/a>\n <\/div>\n
\n\"Together<\/div>\n<\/div>
\n
\n

Foodbank Agency Pantry Project<\/h4>\nFind out more<\/a>\n <\/div>\n
\n\"Foodbank<\/div>\n<\/div>
\n
\n

Shane\u2019s Story<\/h4>\nFind out more<\/a>\n <\/div>\n
\n\"Shane\u2019s<\/div>\n<\/div>
\n
\n

How do we source fresh fruit and vegetables?<\/h4>\nFind out more<\/a>\n <\/div>\n
\n\"How<\/div>\n<\/div>
\n
\n

Interesting facts about Foodbank WA<\/h4>\nFind out more<\/a>\n <\/div>\n
\n\"Interesting<\/div>\n<\/div>
\n
\n

Making life a little bit easier\u00a0| Mark’s Story<\/h4>\nFind out more<\/a>\n <\/div>\n
\n\"Making<\/div>\n<\/div>
\n
\n

South 32, Southern Ports and Talison Lithium support their local community<\/h4>\nFind out more<\/a>\n <\/div>\n
\n\"South<\/div>\n<\/div>
\n
\n

Building confidence and healthy habits with the nom! Children program<\/h4>\nFind out more<\/a>\n <\/div>\n
\n\"Building<\/div>\n<\/div>
\n
\n

Our Volunteer Stories | The Pink Ladies<\/h4>\nFind out more<\/a>\n <\/div>\n
\n\"Our<\/div>\n<\/div>
\n
\n

Tackling hunger in the Goldfields<\/h4>\nFind out more<\/a>\n <\/div>\n
\n\"Tackling<\/div>\n<\/div>
\n
\n

Arc Infrastructure continues much needed support in Wheatbelt<\/h4>\nFind out more<\/a>\n <\/div>\n
\n\"Arc<\/div>\n<\/div>
\n
\n

Southern Ports supports struggling families<\/h4>\nFind out more<\/a>\n <\/div>\n
\n\"Southern<\/div>\n<\/div>
\n
\n

Omega Fresh ups the ante<\/h4>\nFind out more<\/a>\n <\/div>\n
\n\"Omega<\/div>\n<\/div>
\n
\n

Western Australian farmers feeding hope<\/h4>\nFind out more<\/a>\n <\/div>\n
\n\"Western<\/div>\n<\/div>
\n
\n

Lisa’s Story<\/h4>\nFind out more<\/a>\n <\/div>\n
\n\"Lisa’s<\/div>\n<\/div>
\n
\n

How do we meet demand?<\/h4>\nFind out more<\/a>\n <\/div>\n
\n\"How<\/div>\n<\/div>
\n
\n

Christmas spirit reaches remote WA with food hampers for families<\/h4>\nFind out more<\/a>\n <\/div>\n
\n\"Christmas<\/div>\n<\/div>
\n
\n

Our Volunteer Stories | Lyndsay<\/h4>\nFind out more<\/a>\n <\/div>\n
\n\"Our<\/div>\n<\/div>
\n
\n

Food is a basic human right<\/h4>\nFind out more<\/a>\n <\/div>\n
\n\"Food<\/div>\n<\/div>
\n
\n

30 years of change<\/h4>\nFind out more<\/a>\n <\/div>\n
\n\"30<\/div>\n<\/div>
\n
\n

Meat Food Safety Tips<\/h4>\nFind out more<\/a>\n <\/div>\n
\n\"Meat<\/div>\n<\/div>
\n
\n

It could be your Mum or Dad, or you.<\/h4>\nFind out more<\/a>\n <\/div>\n
\n\"It<\/div>\n<\/div>
\n
\n

What does 26,200 kilos of fruit look like?<\/h4>\nFind out more<\/a>\n <\/div>\n
\n\"What<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>