A beloved charity is giving people the chance to show adults in hospital who have been diagnosed with cancer that they are not forgotten this Christmas.
The Lewis Foundation provides free gift packs to adults in hospital who have been diagnosed with cancer and launched its annual Christmas Gift Collection Drive on Saturday which will benefit adult cancer patients at hospitals across the Midlands and beyond.
Lorraine Lewis, Co-Founder of The Lewis Foundation, said: “For many people, Christmas is a time to spend with loved ones, celebrate and make memories but for someone diagnosed with cancer, Christmas can look very different.
“Some patients will be spending Christmas Day in hospital, others will be attending chemotherapy or appointments, and some may be facing their last Christmas.
“Our aim is simple – to make sure that people going through cancer know they are not forgotten, especially at Christmas.”
The Lewis Foundation was founded by Lorraine and Lee Lewis in April 2016 after Lee’s mum was admitted to hospital with cancer. Seeing first-hand the fear, upset and loneliness experienced by patients and their families inspired them to take action.
What began as a small initiative delivering 80 gift packs a month to one hospital has grown into a charity supporting patients at hospitals across the Midlands and beyond.
Macmillan Information and Support Nurse Michelle Jacklin, of Chesterfield Royal Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, said: “The work of The Lewis Foundation is truly extraordinary. Their bags offer so much more than their contents; they bring comfort, distraction and a little light during some of the darkest and most challenging days of someone’s life.
“Whether it’s a puzzle, a book or art materials to help take someone’s mind away from chemotherapy, or essential toiletries and overnight comforts for someone unexpectedly admitted to hospital, every item makes a difference. But perhaps the most special touch of all is the personal handwritten note from the person who packed each bag. It is a reminder that, even in the midst of illness and uncertainty, someone cares, someone is thinking of you, and you are not alone.
“Thank you to everyone who supports The Lewis Foundation for the incredible kindness, thoughtfulness and compassion you bring to so many people when they need it most. You truly make a difference, one bag at a time.”
Macmillan Wellbeing Nurse Specialist Fay Grech-Marguerat, of Milton Keynes University Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, said: “The Lewis Foundation have supported people affected by cancer at the Milton Keynes Cancer Centre for several years now.
“The various care packages they provide have such a positive impact on our patients. Whether they need an overnight stay pack, an art or reading pack, a radio or refreshment pack, The Lewis Foundation have it covered. And they are free – made possible by those who support this incredible charity.”
University Hospitals of North Midlands Macmillan Cancer Support and Information Centre Manager Emma Kelly said: “For many people affected by cancer, Christmas can be an incredibly difficult and uncertain time. While a gift cannot change a diagnosis, it can remind someone that they are cared for, thought of and not facing their journey alone.
“Our cancer support and information team based at both Royal Stoke University Hospital and County Hospital, Stafford, sees first-hand the impact that a cancer diagnosis can have on patients and their families. Whether we are visiting patients on the wards or supporting people through difficult conversations, we often meet individuals who have been admitted unexpectedly and may have little with them, including basic overnight essentials and personal hygiene items. Small acts of kindness, such as receiving a thoughtful care pack, a book bag or overnight bag really can provide comfort, dignity and reassurance during what can be an incredibly challenging time.
“Every donation to The Lewis Foundation’s Christmas Gift Drive not only offers kindness but helps bring a sense of connection to patients who may be spending Christmas in hospital or attending treatment over the festive period.
“A simple gift can brighten an otherwise difficult day, spark a smile and conversation, and provide a welcome reminder that others are thinking of them. We are incredibly grateful to The Lewis Foundation for choosing to support our patients, and this appeal helps ensure that no one feels forgotten this Christmas.”
University Hospitals of Northamptonshire (UHN) Chief Nurse Robin Binks said: “The Lewis Foundation provides us with presents for our patients and their partners over the festive period and we know that is very much appreciated and is also often an unexpected and welcome surprise.
“Each year our local community are very generous in their donations and they can make a real difference, especially to patients who don’t have many family, friends or relatives to support them. They also help to generate a happy and celebratory atmosphere on our wards during the festive season.”
NGH’s Director of Nursing Joanne Smith added: “Being in hospital at Christmas, away from home and familiar traditions, can be especially hard for patients and their loved ones. The Lewis Foundation’s thoughtful gifts for patients and their partners offer a little comfort and joy, reminding them that they are cared for and not forgotten.
“We are deeply grateful to our local community for their kindness and generosity. These gifts help bring warmth and connection to our wards, supporting patients, their families and the staff caring for them throughout the festive period.”
To donate to The Lewis Foundation’s Christmas JustGiving Campaign visit https://www.justgiving.com/campaign/tlfxmas26
The charity’s Amazon Wish List includes items needed for its cancer patient gift packs, along with additional items that can benefit patients and cancer wards in its partner hospitals such as TVs. To visit the Wish List, go to https://www.amazon.co.uk/hz/wishlist/ls/PJ5KJQ6OBJZR?ref_=wl_share
For more information about The Lewis Foundation, visit www.thelewisfoundation.co.uk
Pictured: Lorraine and Lee Lewis of The Lewis Foundation
