Charity born on a hospital ward celebrates 10 years of changing lives across Northampton and beyond
A charity born on a hospital ward is soon to celebrate a decade of changing lives across Northampton and beyond.
This April marks the 10th anniversary of The Lewis Foundation, a charity dedicated to bringing comfort, dignity and human connection to adult cancer patients across the region through free gift packs and support visits.
Founded in 2016 by Lorraine and Lee Lewis following their experience supporting Lee’s mum during cancer treatment at Northampton General Hospital, the journey began with a simple but powerful realisation.
While buying small items to make her hospital stay more comfortable, the couple noticed some patients had no visitors or loved ones to bring essential items or comforts.
Determined to change this, they started purchasing and delivering items themselves and this act of kindness has grown into a movement that now supports thousands.
The Lewis Foundation 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.
The charity offers a range of thoughtfully curated packs containing overnight essentials, toiletries, letter-writing kits, miniature radios and other items designed to reduce loneliness and provide practical comfort during some of life’s most difficult moments.
Co-founder and CEO Lorraine said: “Reaching our 10th anniversary is incredibly emotional for us. What started with a simple idea to make sure people didn’t feel alone or forgotten in hospital has grown into something far bigger than we ever imagined.
“Every gift pack delivered represents kindness from our community and this milestone is as much about our volunteers and supporters as it is about us.”
Co-founder Lee added: “When we started, we had just £30 and a determination to make a difference. 10 years later, we’re supporting thousands of patients every month and working with hospitals right across the Midlands.”
Over the past decade, the organisation has evolved significantly, growing from a grassroots initiative into an award-winning charity and social enterprise with a wide-reaching community impact.
Alongside its hospital work, The Lewis Foundation now operates the Link Café at Northampton Museum & Art Gallery, a coffee shop at the Elgar Centre in Upton and a retail outlet store in Northampton town centre.
A key part of the charity’s evolution has been its commitment to inclusion and opportunity. Through initiatives such as Thrive Together, the foundation opens its operations to individuals who often face barriers to employment or participation.
This includes offering meaningful work experience placements to SEND young people and adults, who take on real-world roles across retail, logistics, hospitality, administration, creative projects and fundraising. They build confidence and transferable skills while contributing directly to the charity’s mission.
The Lewis Foundation also creates opportunities for elderly volunteers and adults living with cancer to give back, fostering purpose, connection and improved wellbeing while reducing social isolation.
To celebrate the decade milestone, The Lewis Foundation is launching a programme of special fundraising events throughout 2026 and invites supporters new and old to get involved.
These include an 80s night on April 5, sip and paint on April 17, International Waendel Walk on May 9, RunThrough Northampton 10km on May 31, Northampton Lift Tower abseil on June 6, Northampton Half Marathon on September 13 and a masquerade ball on November 14.
The events are designed to celebrate the community support that has helped the charity grow over the past decade, while raising vital funds to sustain and expand its work.
Last year, the charity celebrated raising more than £1.2 million since its launch, highlighting the scale of community backing. With a dedicated team of volunteers and hundreds of regular supports, The Lewis Foundation ensures adult cancer patients feel remembered, supported and valued.