The Lewis Foundation: Long-standing independent Northampton jewellers proud to support charity since pandemic
A long-standing independent Northampton jewellers is proud to have supported the crucial work of The Lewis Foundation since the pandemic, and long may it continue.
April marked a decade of Lorraine and Lee Lewis’ dedication to bringing comfort, dignity and human connection to adult cancer patients across the region through free gift packs and support visits.
Founded in 2016, The Lewis Foundation now hand-delivers more than 2,000 free gift packs every month to patients receiving treatment at 17 hospitals across the Midlands, including Northampton General Hospital.
Lorraine and Lee look forward to hosting their fourth annual gala and this year’s theme is masquerade, made even more special by the fact the charity is celebrating its decade anniversary.
The aim of the event at the stunning Fawsley Hall Hotel & Spa on November 14 is to raise much-needed funds towards their vision of no one going through cancer alone.
Those in attendance are in for a glamorous evening starting with a cocktail and sparkling wine drinks reception accompanied by canapes.
There will be a delicious three-course meal paired with fine wine, games, a live auction and raffle, heartfelt stories from The Lewis Foundation team and the patients they support, and co-founder Lee will end the night with an uplifting DJ set.
There are many more surprises in store to mark 10 years of The Lewis Foundation, and all funds raised will go directly to the work of the charity.
‘It’s one of the main charities we support in any way we can’
Tom Sinclair has worked at Michael Jones Jeweller for the past 18 years, and he has been the manager of the Grosvenor Centre store since 2017 – which is also when he took on the role of charity co-ordinator.
“We are an independent jewellers which originated in Northampton and has been in the town for over 100 years,” Tom told the Chronicle & Echo. “We offer lots of essential services, like repairs, valuations, ear piercing, and buying jewellery and watches.
“There’s the perception that we are a luxury jeweller, but we cater for everybody with a wide range of jewellery, including silver, gold and high-end. We have three stores, we’re independent and have been a cooperative since 1970 as well. Every time you speak to a member of staff, you’re speaking to a co-owner and everyone has the same share.
“We try to offer all of our customers the best experience they can get, which they might not get with other shops.”
The Michael Jones Jeweller Community Fund supports a variety of worthy causes, including The Lewis Foundation since the pandemic. The independent jewellers has offered its support yearly since then, including making donations to and sponsoring events.
“It’s one of the main charities we support in any way we can,” said Tom. “Our bigger projects, like sponsorship and grants, are always given to local-based charities.
“With us being in the town centre, The Lewis Foundation’s charity shop being in the Grosvenor Centre too and them running the cafe at the Museum, they are not only supporting local people in hospitals but the wider area too.”
Tom looks forward to continuing his role as charity co-ordinator, as well as having conversations with Lorraine and Lee about how the business can continue supporting the vital charity moving forward as one of their main partners.
As the proud media partner of this year’s 10-year anniversary gala ball, the Chronicle & Echo looks forward to continuing to count down to the event with weekly stories and spotlighting the businesses who are helping to make the work of this vital charity possible.