Little Lifts' care packages make a big difference for breast cancer patients

Sophie Skyring

25 June 2024 at 0:00 am·2-min read

Queen Elizabeth Hospital collaborates with 'Little Lifts' to provide care packages for patients <i>(Image: Submitted)</i> — Queen Elizabeth Hospital collaborates with 'Little Lifts' to provide care packages for patients *(Image: Submitted)*

Breast cancer patients undergoing therapy are getting a comforting boost through care packages.

The Queen Elizabeth Hospital (QEH) in King’s Lynn is collaborating with 'Little Lifts’, handing out more than 300 care packages to patients initiating chemotherapy.

These boxes contain soothing items such as herbal teas for better sleep, muscular pain relief heat packs, along with herbs to boost culinary flavours for those who're experiencing taste alterations.

Lead Oncology Clinical Nurse Specialist at QEH, Charlotte Smith, said: “The patients at the QEH have found the Little Lift boxes helpful as they are filled with generous donations to support their chemotherapy treatment.

"It is truly an amazing project, which helps so many people.”

The ‘Little Lifts’ initiative stemmed from the experience of Oa Hackett.

Diagnosed with breast cancer at 28 in 2014, Oa’s friends and family lifted her spirits with thoughtful gifts to mitigate the side-effects from her treatment.

She wanted to reciprocate the support she received and decided to create a relief for others in similar circumstances.

One of the patients at QEH, Ali Ward expressed her appreciation for the care package.

She said: “I just wanted to say thank you for the lovely box of treats I received last Friday, just as I started my first round of chemotherapy at King’s Lynn Hospital.

"I was slightly apprehensive when I arrived in the morning, so when lovely nurse Charlotte gave me the bag and told me to have a look in the box, it served as a welcome distraction, and I was delighted with the goodies.

“It’s a fabulous idea.

"I am very grateful and I also love the name, Little Lifts, which sums it up nicely."

To send someone diagnosed with breast cancer or someone caring for them a ‘little lift’, head to the Little Lifts website.

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