Bing Bong Mail ‘sarcastic’ Christmas cards by Glasgow artist raise funds for Cancer Support Scotland

Jen Fisher, 40, owner of calligraphy business Toasty Type, set up Bing Bong Mail in March, after losing her brother Han to bowel cancer. 

The original cards are replicas of the ones Jen designed to make Han smile as he was battling cancer.

Now, Jen has released special Christmas cards with her signature “dark humour”. 

Jen Fisher is the owner of Toasty Type and the artist behind the irreverent cancer cards, Bing Bong Mail

These include hilarious messages like “Merry Whatever”, “Mistletoe and Whine” and “Oh Oh No”.

Like all Bing Bong Mail cards, proceeds from the festive packs will go to Cancer Support Scotland. 

Jen said: “When I put them together, I was thinking about the sort of things that would make Han laugh at Christmas time and it was definitely the more sarcastic side of it - we’re not particularly festive people.

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“I understand they're not for everybody but I knew this from the beginning and I have explored the reasons behind why I was so passionate about having these ridiculously dark humoured cards.

“I was like, ‘a whole bunch of Merry Christmas cards isn't going to be suitable for what I want to be doing’.

“In the past, I've spoken a bit about toxic positivity and how detrimental to somebody who's terminally ill it can be to get a 'get well soon' card.

“So the cards are about being able to help that person understand that, whilst you may not know exactly what they're going through, you understand they're not having a nice time, and they're not going to get well soon. 

“But you're still there, and you're gonna be there regardless.”

A self-proclaimed “meme queen”, Jen has found in her Instagram account a platform to channel her feelings after her brother passed away a year ago. 

“When I started Bing Bong Mail, I had absolutely no idea where it was going to go,” she said.

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“What I didn't expect it to turn into is a sort of outlet for me to speak quite honestly about how I'm coping with grief.

“It started as a receptacle for all the memes I thought Han would like, he was a big fan of that kind of humour. 

“Now I tend to be a lot of people's main provider of memes, Han would be very pleased with that.

“If it makes people's days better and it gives me a place to put them, since I can no longer send them to him, then I'm happy.”

Besides providing a laugh, Jen uses her platform to share information on how to spot the early signs of bowel cancer.

One of Jen's original Bing Bong Mail cards

She added: “There are lots of what-ifs. If we had known about the signs and symptoms sooner would that have made a difference for my brother? Probably.

“So I want to help spread the word so that I can maybe spare somebody else going through this.

“People don't want to talk about their bowels and their poo and their guts because they think it's embarrassing, but it's nothing compared to dealing with the indignity of bowel cancer. 

“My tactic is to try and reel them in with the funny stuff. And then hit them with the serious stuff.”

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This festive season, Jen has been working with Cancer Support Scotland on their Christmas campaign.

The charity supports the wellbeing of people affected by cancer and has been raising funds through their appeal, Give A Little More This Christmas.

The Bing Bong cards have raised £420 so far and Jen hopes the holidays will bring more sales. 

The charity’s chief executive, Rob Murray, said: “Jen is an inspirational lady and we have been proud to be able to help her and her family.

Jen's brother, Han

“Their story epitomises the difference this charity can make to people’s lives. At a time when our National Health Service is shouldering a huge burden, we are able to step in and provide vital services and support.

“While patients’ physical wellbeing is so important, so is their mental health. The focus on that has never been more in the spotlight and we understand what people facing cancer are going through. 

“Coping with a cancer diagnosis can be especially difficult at this time of year, and that’s why I would ask anyone who can donate to our festive appeal to please do so.”

The Bing Bong Mail festive cards are available to buy online or in local shops, at Sunshine No. 1, Black Abbey Tattoo, and The Blankfaces at Buchanan Galleries. 

Follow Jen on Instagram at @bingbongmail