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I hate the word ‘retire’. I’ve never stopped working
JC Hero, Patsy Bloom, tells the JC what inspires her to support Jewish Care
December 3, 2025 16:19
JC Hero, Patsy Bloom, tells the JC what inspires her to support Jewish Care
December 3, 2025 16:19Patsy Bloom, 85, founded Petplan – the oldest and largest dedicated pet insurance company still active in the UK today – which she ran for around 20 years before selling the business in 1996. A committed supporter of Jewish Care ever since, she has raised over £2.5 million for the charity through her organisation of the elegant annual Bridge Extravaganza tournament, the most recent of which, held last month, raised £80,000. In July, Jewish Care dedicated a wing at its Sandringham care campus in her honour.
Why Jewish Care?
Everyone has a favourite charity, and, for me, that’s always been Jewish Care. They offer such a wide array of services and do such a tremendous job looking after people. But, in truth, through all my involvement in the charity, I was the biggest beneficiary of all; it gave me something to do.
What charities are you involved with, and why?
I’ve always been involved in charities. Even before founding Petplan, I worked for World Jewish Relief (then the Central British Fund) for many years.
As well as Jewish Care, I have also been a big supporter of Israeli Guide Dogs, Jewish Women’s Aid, Chai Cancer Care, Magen David Adom – to which I’ve donated ambulances – and charities outside of the Jewish world too, like the British Heart Foundation and the Heart Cells Foundation.
My main emphasis is on supporting the Jewish community in Israel and around the world, but particularly in the UK. I think it’s important that we look after our own here.
Have your Jewish values or the way in which you were raised influenced your dedication to charity?
Some of my grandparents came from very humble circumstances in the East End. As a child, I remember them having really very hard times, so I suppose that may have had some impact.
I’m not religious, I don’t go to shul, but I’m a 100 per cent committed cultural Jew. I feel innately Jewish and very comfortable in my Jewish skin and have felt that way since I was a kid. The humour and sociality that comes with being Jewish is very important to me, as is looking after each other and all the other clichés.
The funds raised from the Bridge Extravaganza help Jewish Care’s dementia day centres. Is supporting those with dementia important to you?
Dementia becomes everybody’s nightmare when you’re at my age. Everyone wonders: “Is it going to happen to me?” We’re all very aware of it and compassionate for those affected. Jewish Care does a fantastic job of supporting the diagnosed and their families.
After a successful career, some might retire, but you continue volunteering. Why?
I hate the word “retire”. I’ve never stopped working; I always keep a project on the go. I don’t plan to stop either. Jewish Care will have to put up with me forever.
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