What you might not know about adults battling cancer

“We can’t afford to visit my loved one in hospital as much as I would like to but for the cost of petrol/parking - can you provide a pack to help until the next visit.”

It is estimated that around 3 million people are living with cancer in the UK and this is predicted to rise to 3.5 million by 2025. Each year there are around 375,000 new cases. Something we don’t often consider is the financial difficulties that come alongside this, for those unable to work, have no close friends or family or lack the relevant support.

Our aim to support those in need has given us an opportunity to work alongside The Lewis Foundation to offer additional support towards their goals. We will be teaming up with The Lewis Foundation for our next Do Good Feel Great event to create care packages for adult patients battling cancer in hospitals.

Here’s a little bit of information on the Lewis Foundation and some ways in which you can also show your support.

As a charity the Lewis Foundation provides a wide selection of gift packages available to adults diagnosed with cancer for free. Started by Lorraine and Lee Lewis in April 2016, with their own experience of a family member going through the battle, they recognised the fear, upset and loneliness faced by individuals undergoing cancer treatment. It can be a lonely and challenging place to be in and the support is a much-needed boost for those people to feel helped and supported. 

In a post recently shared by The Lewis Foundation, they shared some requests and feedback by family members and patients who were experiencing some financial difficulties:

• “Can the Lewis Foundation provide a supply of sanitary products that could be placed in toilets for patients to use. They are not provided by the hospital.”
• “We love that you provide full sized products such as deodorant, shower gels, toothpaste etc - as some patients can't afford to buy them.”
• “We can’t afford to visit my loved one in hospital as much as I would like to but for the cost of petrol/parking - can you provide a pack to help until the next visit.”
• “Food packages being kept for cancer patients in the hospital for those who are struggling - which we have never heard before in the 7 years I have been doing this.”

There are many ways in which poverty and a lack of support can have a negative impact on those battling cancer or those living in more challenging and less financially supported areas. But with that little bit of support, it can make a huge difference to those in need. 

Support The Lewis Foundation here.