Bracelets for Brandham: 'Next time maybe I'll do some of our fave sweary lyrics'

Madness — or the lengths some people will go to raise money for charity. Every year, The Insatiable Ones raise money for John Brandham, a dear friend of Suede and part of their crew for many years, who suffered a stroke. This week - before Suede start the August leg of their summer tour - we look back on some of the previous actions.

Inspired by the magic of Suede’s Southbank Takeover and moved by John Brandham’s story, Karolina Shaw turned a simple idea into something truly Suede. Her Bracelets for Brandham initiative brought fans together across Europe, raised funds for a fellow fan, and celebrated the kindness and creativity that make this community so special. We asked Karolina how it all began.

How did you come up with the idea?

For me, Suede’s Southbank Takeover was about re-discovering the magic amidst the general wreckage of life. One year on, I wear a Suede smile on my lips every time I think back to that week - our boys’ music, lyrics and energy altered my brain chemistry.

I briefly met John at the Southbank. His story really touched me and as someone with experience of how tricky to navigate and expensive medical care can be, I knew I wanted to give back and that’s how Bracelets for Brandham was born.

How long did it take you?

I made a couple of hundred bracelets - I started in September, finished in February (with a few breaks in between) and made 10 or so most nights in front of the TV, or while listening to Suede or when on the phone. I found it quite therapeutic!

How did people react?

It was so lovely to hear people’s positive reactions to both the bracelets and the cause. Many fans were familiar with John’s story, some weren’t, so it was also a chance to raise awareness. Some people who I won’t name here but who know who they are were very generous, adding more than the suggested donation of £3 per bracelet.

Would you do it again?

I would think about it, yes. If I did do it again, I would change a few things though - while it was a great way for me to meet other fans in Brighton, Paris, Barcelona and Milan, it was quite full-on as a solo effort, so I’d recruit a team! There are so many creative makers amongst us IOs that we’d have more fun if we got involved together.

I also really liked bracelets I saw that went beyond the black and white beads I chose - I’d definitely consider adding glow in the dark beads, more colours and maybe some of our fave sweary lyrics (rather than just song titles) next time!

Thank you to everyone who supported!