A trailblazing businesswoman who worked as Mary Quant's publicist, set up the first pet insurance company and raised millions for charity has had a care home wing named after her.
Patsy Bloom was invited by Jewish Care to open the wing herself at its Sandringham centre in Stanmore, having raised £2.5 million for the organisation.
She unveiled a ‘dedication board’ quoting her own words: “From the Swinging 60s to my swinging 80s — and I’m still here!”
Patsy’s business success began as publicist for the 1960s ‘Swinging London’ fashion icon Mary Quant.
But the 84-year-old today is more known for launching Pet Plan insurance back in 1976, after facing mounting bills for her shih tzu dog Jamie’s illnesses, and for being named ‘Business Woman of the Year’ in 1992.
Her business success was in spite of leaving Henrietta Barnett School in Hampstead Garden Suburb at 15 without qualifications, growing up in Pentonville near King’s Cross where her parents owned a sweet shop in the Caledonian Road.
She was finally given an honorary degree in 1997 by Princess Anne for opening the Queen Mother Hospital for Animals at Potters Bar.
It was that year she earned more money than any other woman in Britain after selling her Pet Plan business for £16.6 million.
Jewish Care’s chief executive Daniel Carmel-Brown said: “It is a true honour to stand here today as we dedicate this wing to a remarkable woman whose passion, generosity and commitment have left an indelible mark on the community.
“We want to thank Patsy for her kindness and unwavering dedication for everyone whose lives Patsy has touched, for generations to come.”
Patsy also set up Petplan Charitable Trust raising £17 million for animal rescue charities such as Battersea and the Mayhew centre in Kensal Green.
She also launched the Bridge Extravaganza, an annual flagship event in Jewish Care’s fundraising calendar that attracts 200 players. The money raised pays for buses taking the elderly and disabled to social functions and supports dementia day centres - neither of which don’t get government funding.
The tournament has raised £2.5 million for Jewish Care over 17 years. The next is November 17 in the West End.
It was through playing bridge that Patsy met her husband, the late Robert Blausten — he was her bridge partner before they tied the knot!
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