Northampton cancer charity founders awarded by Prime Minister

Lorraine and Lee Lewis have been running The Lewis Foundation for four years.

A couple from Northampton who have been sending thousands of gifts and care packages to cancer patients in Midlands hospitals have today received Prime Minister Boris Johnson’s daily Points of Light award.

Husband and wife Lee and Lorraine Lewis set up their charity ‘The Lewis Foundation’ in 2016 in tribute to the support Lee’s mother received whilst hospitalised with cancer.

They have continued to send gifts and care packages to hospitals throughout the pandemic, collecting and distributing over 2,500 items a month, and have also been sending out activity packs to cancer patients who are self-isolating.

In a personal letter to Lee and Lorraine, Prime Minister Boris Johnson said: "On behalf of the whole country, I want to thank you for the thousands of care packages that you give to cancer patients every month through your brilliant charity ‘The Lewis Foundation’.

"From the experience of your mother, Lee, you know personally what a difference these gifts can make and they are a wonderful tribute to the support she received.

"I can only imagine the effort that has gone into providing this care to cancer patients in hospital during the lockdown, as well as those isolating at home.

"Your kindness and dedication to others exemplifies the very best of our country, and I am delighted to be able to recognise you as the UK’s 1424th and 1425th Points of Light!"

Reacting to the Prime Minister’s announcement, Lee and Lorraine said: "We are so proud to be recognised for our charity work in supporting cancer patients throughout the pandemic. We know how tough it has been for patients with no visitors in hospital and going through treatment alone.

"Working with our amazing community and all the hospitals we support has enabled us to source gifts, fundraise, package and distribute gifts over the last few months. It has not been easy but we are proud that we have been able to continue giving gifts to show our love and support from a distance."

The Prime Minister’s UK daily Points of Light award was first launched in April 2014 to recognise outstanding individuals making a difference where they live. Lee and Lorraine are the 1424th and 1425th people to be recognised.