Logistics firms deliver £3,200 of savings for cancer charity

A much-loved charity that provides gift packs to cancer patients in hospital is saving more than £3,200 a year in fuel costs and four days of travelling every month, thanks to support from Amazon and Northampton-based contract hire and fleet management provider Specialist Fleet Services (SFS).

The two companies are helping The Lewis Foundation deliver its gift packs to hospitals across the Midlands, reducing the need for charity staff and volunteers to make lengthy journeys to replenish supplies for patients undergoing treatment.

Together, the two companies are working with The Lewis Foundation to save the charity around 534 miles of travel and £267 in fuel costs every month. The annual saving of £3,204 is equivalent to the cost of providing 890 gift packs for cancer patients.

The support enables The Lewis Foundation to direct more of its time and resources towards its charitable work, bringing comfort and practical support to adults facing cancer.

Amazon supports deliveries to several hospitals across the East of England and East Midlands. SFS supports deliveries to Nottingham City Hospital, Queen’s Medical Centre in Nottingham and Leicester Royal Infirmary.

Lorraine Lewis, founder of The Lewis Foundation, said: “We are incredibly grateful to Amazon and SFS for helping us with our hospital deliveries. The time and money we save through these partnerships makes a real difference to a charity like ours.

“Saving four days of travelling every month gives us more time to focus on what matters most: supporting people going through cancer treatment. The £3,204 we save each year is equivalent to 890 gift packs, each one offering comfort, distraction and a reminder to a patient that they are not alone. We cannot thank our partners enough for helping us make our resources go further.”

Amanda Adcock-Worthy, Head of Amazon Local Good at Amazon said: “We’re pleased to be supporting The Lewis Foundation by helping deliver its much-needed gift packs to patients receiving cancer treatment in hospitals across the region. We know that reliable deliveries can make a real difference to charities working with limited resources, and we’re proud that our support is helping the Foundation save valuable time and money so it can focus on the people who need it most.”

SFS managing director Bob Sweetland said: “We’re delighted to be working with The Lewis Foundation and supporting the important work it does for cancer patients and their families. By helping with deliveries to hospitals in Nottingham and Leicester, we’re taking some of the pressure off the charity’s logistics and freeing up valuable time and resources. It’s rewarding to know that our support is helping the Foundation reach more patients with its thoughtful gift packs.”

The Lewis Foundation provides free gift packs to adults receiving cancer treatment in hospital. Patients can choose from a range of packs containing practical essentials, toiletries, puzzles, creative activities and other items designed to make their hospital stay a little easier. Alongside the gifts, the charity aims to reduce loneliness and help patients feel valued and supported during a difficult time.

The charity 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 across the Midlands and beyond, with a mission to ensure that no one facing cancer feels forgotten or alone.

The Lewis Foundation is looking for logistics companies to support with delivering to other hospital partners across the country, including Lincoln County Hospital, Pilgrim Hospital in Boston, Royal Stoke University Hospital, Chesterfield Royal Hospital and Watford General Hospital. Any companies interested in providing pro-bono support can email [email protected].

For more information about supporting the work of The Lewis Foundation, visit www.thelewisfoundation.co.uk