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The Lewis Foundation sources, packages and hand delivers gift packs for free to adult cancer patients in hospitals

Words by Smiley Team

During the coronavirus pandemic, adults are having to face cancer treatment alone as a result of the social distancing measures. As a result, the support of The Lewis Foundation who deliver free gift and support packs to patients in hospital and the community has never been more needed. 

 

The Lewis Foundation sources, packages and hand delivers gift packs for free to adult cancer patients in hospitals in the community weekly. These are items that patients might find difficult to buy themselves or simply cannot afford – and that brings people happiness and comfort at a difficult time. For many people in hospital and the community, The Lewis Foundation volunteers are their only regular visitors. 

 

The charity was founded by Lorraine and Lee after Lee's mum was hospitalised with cancer at Northampton General Hospital. Recognising the fear, upset and loneliness faced by individuals undergoing cancer treatment and their loved ones, the pair  were determined that their charity would make a real difference. Today with a team of 50 community volunteers (70% being their beneficiaries) and community supporters, The Lewis Foundation has grown from delivering 80 gift packs to one hospital, to delivering over 2,500 to seven hospitals in the Midlands per month. 

 

At the hospital, each patient picks a gift pack of their choice from our gift trolley and there are 32 different packs to pick from. Packs range from toiletries, puzzle books and miniature radios. Once the gift is received, the volunteers then spend time with people to reduce loneliness.

 

'We have been overwhelmed by the support and donations still being made to us and are delighted that we have been able to continue our services against all the odds.” says Founder Lorraine Lewis. “Local businesses and supermarkets have been even more supportive than ever during this time, contributing items for our gift bags as well as making monetary donations which is incredible – especially when their stores have been stripped of essentials recently.”

 

“Like all charities, we have had to adapt our processes. We can no longer host our weekly packing sessions, so a small number of volunteers now pack gift bags in their own homes which are then collected to be delivered.”

 

 We’ve also created alternative drop off points to minimise social contact and have been working very closely with all our hospitals to adjust the way we deliver the support packs to the wards. The hospital staff now kindly hand them out for us and we have been giving them care packages for the amazing work they do.”

 

“We have also been making up emergency packs for cancer patients who are self-isolating in the community, which we have never done before.”

 

The parcels have been gratefully received by patients and family alike: “My dad had to undergo his chemo treatment alone today but luckily the gift bag he received from The Lewis Foundation included puzzle books. Thank you so much for giving him much-needed distraction.”

 

To keep this service going, The Lewis Foundation needs your support. This could be by Sending a card/letter to someone going through cancer treatment, fundraising or donating a monthly gift. 

 

The Foundation also needs donations for gift packs from companies. They also encourage n family, friends, colleagues etc to donate what they can or to buy from their amazon wishlist. 

 

The charity also needs help with digital marketing to help raise awareness and generate more support on social media and encourage you to get in touch if you can help. 

This article aligns with the following UN SDGs

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