NORTHAMPTON SHOW HOME FURNITURE AUCTIONED TO HELP DONATE CARE PACKAGES FOR CANCER PATIENTS

Northamptonshire developer Barratt and David Wilson Homes has used the proceeds from a show home furniture sale to help provide care packages for cancer patients in the area.

The homebuilder recently donated over £2,000 to The Lewis Foundation, a Northampton-based charity which sources, packages and hand delivers gift packs for free to adult cancer patients in hospital. This funding has helped to provide nearly 700 care packages to people across the Midlands.

Items being donated to patients include things such as toiletries, puzzle books and miniature radios, all of which may be difficult for people in hospital to buy themselves.

The Lewis Foundation was founded in 2016 by Lorraine and Lee after Lee’s mum was hospitalised with cancer. Recognising the fear, upset and loneliness faced by individuals undergoing cancer treatment and their loved ones, they were determined that their charity would make a real difference. They sourced donations, packaged, and delivered gifts for patients on oncology wards.

The care packages will be given to patients in hospital in Northamptonshire, Bedford and Milton Keynes. In 2020 alone, The Lewis Foundation has donated more than 21,000 gifts.

Lorraine Lewis, Co-Founder of The Lewis Foundation, said: “Adults are having to go through cancer treatment alone during this challenging period of social distancing, and that’s why it’s more important than ever for us to continue to deliver our free gifts and support packs to patients in hospitals and the community.

“We’d like to say a huge thank you to Barratt and David Wilson Homes for helping us to make a difference in the community.

“It has been a very difficult period for people in hospital, not being able to be supported by their family and friends. Helping us to provide a gift, helps to support people from a distance and let them know they are not alone. The items may be simple but when in hospital they make a huge difference to brighten people’s day.”

Like many charities, The Lewis Foundation had to adapt its processes in light of the Coronavirus pandemic. Their volunteers now pack gift bags in their own homes and have been working closely with the hospitals on how they can safely deliver these to avoid putting vulnerable people at risk.

During the pandemic, The Lewis Foundation received a Prime Minister’s Points of Light Award, they made The Independent Happy List 2020 Covid – Heroes, and were a Finalist in Hello Magazine, Hello to Kindness Award.

Amer Alkhalil, Managing Director at Barratt and David Wilson Homes Northampton, said: “We are so pleased to be able to support The Lewis Foundation and the amazing work they are doing.

“It is important to us a leading housebuilder to recognise and support local charities and organisations who help the communities near our developments and The Lewis Foundation really stood out to us as a cause making a big difference.”