Little Lifts was founded by Oa Hackett from Norfolk after she underwent treatment, aged 28, and decided she got such comfort from the gifts she was given by friends and family, it would be nice to do the same for other people experiencing chemotherapy or radiotherapy treatment following a breast cancer diagnosis.
The boxes contain everything from lolly moulds and recipes to help with loss of taste, to moisturisers for sensitive skin, and tasty cordials, since it is important to drink plenty of fluids. There are even seeds to plant, which encourage patients to spend time outside with nature which promotes wellbeing.
Cambridge University Hospital NHS Foundation Trust (CUH) Senior Cancer Support Advisor Sarah Rodwell said “We were thrilled to be approached by Little Lifts to discuss the opportunity of a partnership so all breast cancer patients could be offered a pack. We had already received positive feedback from patients who had been lucky enough to receive a pack by applying direct to the charities kindness fund.
Oa added: “Everyone’s experience of a breast cancer diagnosis and treatment is different. I was very lucky to have the support of thoughtful friends and family, and together, along with the kindness from my medical team, I discovered what I needed to support me during my treatment. That’s why, during my recovery, I started the charity, Little Lifts – to help others navigate their chemotherapy or radiotherapy, armed with some support.
“We are so pleased to working with Addenbrooke’s Hospital as we continue on our mission to provide the most thoughtfully handpicked gifts to support people affected by breast cancer. To date Little Lifts have given out over 11,000 boxes. This partnership will see over 1000 boxes being given in the first year”
Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust (CUH) advanced practitioner in breast radiotherapy, Poppy Howe, explained: “We are absolutely delighted and very grateful to be the charity’s 10th and largest hospital partnership.
“We treat on average 30 patients per month with chemotherapy and 80 patients for radiotherapy, so there are lots of women who will benefit from this going forwards.
“This is a great opportunity for us to be able to give something back to the patients when they are going through such a difficult time in their lives.”
Image: Pictured left to right are Lizzie Neal Poppy Howe Lisa Goodings Lorraine Augustus Sarah Jayne Rodwell Sharon Saunders Oa Hackett
