More than 66K gifts donated to cancer patients as Northampton-based charity celebrates fifth birthday

A Northampton-based charity that donates gifts to people undergoing cancer treatment is celebrating its fifth birthday.

The Lewis Foundation completed its first ever delivery on April 7, 2016 and has continued to grow ever since, so much so that a total of more than 66,000 gifts have now been handed out at hospitals around the Midlands.

Lorraine and Lee Lewis founded the charity following Lee’s mum, Janice, being diagnosed with cancer in 2010.

Janice spent a number of years being treated for cancer in Northampton General Hospital and Leicester Royal Infirmary and it was during that time that the couple realised how tough it was for patients going through treatment alone.

Lorraine and Lee used to buy gifts to give to people when visiting Janice in hospital such as magazines, sweets and toiletries and then they would spend time with people.

This eventually led to The Lewis Foundation launching 2016 on Talbot Butler Ward in Northampton General Hospital, after a £30 donation from a friend.

Fast forward five years and the charity now provides, on average, 2,000 gifts per month to 14 hospitals.

Lee said: “After seeing my mum go through the journey of cancer, it made me realise how hard it was for people not only physically but also mentally and financially. People spent so much time in hospital having treatment.

“My wife and I wanted to bring happiness to cancer patients. We wanted to help stop boredom and loneliness.

“After setting up the charity, it made me stronger and more positive.

“I realised I loved to make people happy and hated seeing people sad.

“I used to be a shy person and did not want to speak. I now have the confidence to speak to people. I love helping others on a daily basis.”

The charity, which has won 19 awards during its existence, is funded as a result of fundraising and donations by members of the public and businesses, which the founders are extremely grateful for.

Lorraine added: “There is no way we could have got to where we are today without the support of our community.

“So many people of all ages and backgrounds have come together to help people that they don’t know through their most difficult period of life.

“You have supported us in bringing our idea to life. You have been there for us when we have been juggling doing the charity with our day jobs.

“We will never forget the kindness given and we want to say thank you to everyone who has and continues to help us make a difference to others on a daily basis.”

Visit The Lewis Foundation website to find out how you can support the charity.

Message from the editor:

Thank you for reading this story on our website. While I have your attention, I also have an important request to make of you.

In order for us to continue to provide trusted local news on this free-to-read site, I am asking you to also please purchase a copy of our newspaper while out for your essential shopping.

Our journalists are highly trained and our content is independently regulated by IPSO to some of the highest standards in the world. The dramatic events of 2020 are having a major impact on many of our local valued advertisers and consequently the advertising that we receive. We are now more reliant than ever on you helping us to provide you with news by buying a copy of our newspaper.

Thank you