Issue 9 2020

Acquisition International - Issue 9 2020 11 Errand of Mercy Adult cancer patients are often left in a form of limbo, with them and their loved ones living in a state of fear, upset and loneliness. The Lewis Foundation was set up to add a little bit of joy in challenging times, offering free gift packs to patients. The team’s efforts have seen the charity recognised as Best Non-Profit Cancer Support Organisation 2020 – UK in this year’s Global Excellence Awards. We take a closer look to see just what they do. orraine and Lee Lewis didn’t know how to react when Lee’s mum was hospitalised with cancer. It was a challenging time that moved them deeply. While there are many organisations involved in raising awareness or funding research into the topic, they wanted to make a real difference on a ground level, which is why they started the Lewis Foundation. The Lewis Foundation makes a real difference to those who need it most, with Lorraine and Lee sourcing donations, then packaging, and delivering gifts for patients on oncology wards. What was once the two of them helping out at a single hospital has grown into 50 community volunteers and supporters, providing over 2,500 giftpacks to seven hospitals in the Midlands every month. Since beginning the charity, Lorraine and Lee have made it their business to provide comfort and happiness to adults going through cancer treatment, working alongside the NHS to ensure that what they do is as supportive as possible. The charity doesn’t work stand with the patients, but with their families and friends as well. Many do not know how to handle this shocking situation, and need a little bit of help to figure out where to go next. An aspect that is key to the team’s success is the way that Lorraine and Lee have focused on making people’s lives as easy as possible. Items that can make you feel better such as books, magazine or certain toiletries are expensive, and while someone is not working, are unfortunately not the priority. The team are committed to providing something to think about beyond cancer. Sometimes, this takes the form of a visitor, who will come to chat with someone and see if they are alright. Sometimes volunteers are a patient’s only visitors – a lifeline in troubling times. Many of the people that make up The Lewis Foundation are former recipients of the charity’s services, have been diagnosed with cancer or knows someone who has. This gives them a unique perspective L May20195 that is incredibly welcome. The team supports people to do the best job that they can, adapting to the differing needs of different people. With such a broad spectrum of people on hand, everyone can bring their own insight and knowledge to the work. All those who work with The Lewis Foundation are passionate about its work, and what it is able to offer to those who have just had a cancer diagnosis. The team are open and honest with each other, fostering an environment that feels safe and nurturing. People feel free to offer suggestions, ask for support to give something a go or share their experiences of what is needed. Recently, the team have faced a unique challenge in the form of COVID-19, with cancer treatment one of the few services that has operated continually since the outbreak in the UK. Patients have had to undergo treatment alone, with the team struggling to deliver their supportive gifts. Hospital staff have been amazing when it comes to ensuring that patients get the support packs that cannot be given by the team. As a charity, The Lewis Foundation is always looking for businesses who would like to sponsor a gift pack either an individual pack, a specific hospital or all of the packs for one month. Sponsorships includes logos on the front of their gifts, information that goes into all our newsletters in the gifts in the bags and hospital, website and a special feature on social media. One gift costs £3.60 so it is a really easy way to make a difference, but one that can change a lonely experience into one where people know that they are loved. Company: The Lewis Foundation Name: Lorraine Lewis An aspect that is key to the team’s success is the way that Lorraine and Lee have focused on making people’s lives as easy as possible. Items that can make you feel better such as books, magazine or certain toiletries are expensive, and while someone is not working, are unfortunately not the priority.