Suzanne Brown: The Story Before Al’s Pals
As the founder and CEO of Al’s Pals, Suzanne Brown has spent the past five years working to support people in some of their most vulnerable times. Many know the story of Al’s Pals, but what about Suzanne? As we approach our 5th anniversary in 2025, we thought it was time to spotlight the woman behind the mission…
Early Years: From Liverpool to Milton Keynes
Born in Liverpool nearly 50 years ago, Suzanne’s family relocated to Milton Keynes when she was six years old. “I was a super-shy child but very strong, independent, and feisty from a young age,” she says.
Even as a child, she dreamt of being a manager. “I initially wanted to be a hairdresser, but I was hoping to own a chain of them!”
As she transitioned into her teenage years, Suzanne came out of her shell. “Secondary school was when I started going out more with friends, boyfriends, and to parties. My mum and dad certainly had their work cut out!”
Fitness First
After leaving school, she trained as a hairdresser as predicted – and also a fitness instructor, fuelled by her passion for exercise. By the age of 18, she discovered her true calling wasn’t hairdressing – and she began teaching aerobics classes.
“I got a job as a fitness instructor at a local gym and worked my way up to manager within the year. I loved it,” Suzanne recalls. This passion took her to a bigger gym as a fitness manager.
At 21, Suzanne became a mother to her first son, Khan. “Being super-ambitious and loving my work, I chose to carry on working and teaching aerobics until the day he was born.” Suzanne returned to full-time work six weeks after giving birth, supported by her amazing parents who helped with childcare as much as they could.
Balancing motherhood and career wasn’t easy, but Suzanne thrived. “Being a mum at 21 really made me grow up and enriched my life in so many ways. I continued in the fitness industry as a Duty Manager of a bigger club, eventually going into partnership with a colleague. We set up a fitness business doing 18 classes a week and personal training, which I did as well as working part time.”
But when her business partner left, sustaining the business alone became too challenging, and she had to give it up.
Next: The Law
At 23, Suzanne’s life took a new turn. After marrying and welcoming two more children, Shay and Taya, she sought a new challenge. “Six weeks after Taya was born, I decided I was bored of teaching aerobics and wanted to do something truly out of my comfort zone – and I signed up for a Law degree!”
Juggling part-time studies, work, and raising three children, Suzanne persevered – and even through the turmoil of divorce during this period too, she still graduated with a 2:1 in Law.
While she didn’t pursue a career in Law due to the financial constraints of single parenthood, Suzanne instead found a life-changing role at Age UK MK. “This job turned everything around for me in such a positive way. It taught me the goodness of people, volunteers, and managers, and I absolutely loved my time there.”
Her roles at Age UK included Home Support Coordinator, Carers Support Manager, Insurance Manager, and finally, Fundraising Manager. After six years, she returned to the corporate world to further her career, taking on a business development role in the property sector. It was here she met her second husband, then becoming a Director with him in his family business.
The Birth of Al’s Pals
In 2018, Suzanne’s world shifted again. Her father, Al, had been diagnosed with cancer in 2010 – but now, they learned that there were no more treatments available for him, and his cancer became terminal. “I attended all of his appointments and cherished the time I had with him – and I was so lucky to be able to do that,” she says.
Shortly before he passed away, her father expressed a deep desire he’d held during his illness for someone to talk to – someone who wasn’t family or a close friend; a listening ear for support during his difficult journey. “It is so sad, because I know he would really have benefited from this – and we didn’t know where to turn to make that happen. But I am so glad he told me, because that was the spark that inspired Al’s Pals.”
Six weeks after her dad, Al, passed away, Suzanne realised that she wanted to make that a real possibility for anyone else in the same position as he was. “I wrote to Milton Keynes Hospital, and we met up. That’s how Al’s Pals was born.”
The organisation has since grown into a vital support network for those facing challenging times – all from Suzanne’s passion and dedication to helping others, in memory of her dad.
In 2021, Suzanne’s second marriage ended, marking the start of a particularly difficult chapter. “These past few years have brought challenges: a failed marriage, financial stress, family stress, physical health struggles, operations, and working three jobs,” she says.
But through it all, Suzanne has remained steadfast in her belief in the good things in life, and in her purpose. “I’m a very positive person and never reflect negatively on any experience. And I knew that no matter what happens, Al’s Pals would continue to support those in need.”
A Bright Future Ahead
In 2025, Suzanne is looking forward to a year of milestones and new beginnings. She will celebrate her 50th birthday, the 5th anniversary of Al’s Pals, a big fundraiser and so much more.
Suzanne is also rekindling her relationship with her first husband, with plans to move in together next year.
“This journey certainly hasn’t been a bed of roses, but with sheer determination, positivity, and motivation, your life truly can prosper and flourish.
“Thank you to all of my family, friends, supporters, and loved ones—you know who you are—for being on this crazy journey with me. Long may it continue, and here’s to 2025—a year of growth, gratitude, and new beginnings!”
