Starbucks Market Square, Northampton

For both families accessing care, and those who have been bereaved, EACH is a lifeline at an unimaginably difficult time. We rely on voluntary donations for the majority of our income and need to raise almost £6 million to deliver our services this year – £16,000 a day, every day of the year.

The Lewis Foundation was set up due to both of us spending a significant amount of time at the Talbot Butler Ward at Northampton General Hospital, when Lee's mum was receiving treatment for cancer. We noticed how sad and bored patients looked on the wards and in the private rooms when they were on their own without family and friends being present. A patient spends a lot of time alone. We talked about what we could do to make a patient have something to look forward to. This is so that they can take their mind off endless treatments and thinking about their cancer. ​ From our own personal experiences we know that for the patient and their family it is a difficult time - financially, emotionally and physically. This is why we wanted to assist in some way to relieve that. ​ The first project was paying for televisions so people did not have to pay £10 a day or £35 a week to watch TV. ​ During 2014 - 2015, Lorraine completed Tough Mudder and Rat Race - Dirty Weekend ( 20 miles, 200 obstacles). The money raised provided 11 TV and DVD players to go in the private rooms on Talbot Butler Ward in Northampton General Hospital. ​ Once this was achieved, we wanted to do something on a long term basis. This is when we came up with the free gift pack idea. ​ Every Friday night we visit Talbot Butler Ward in Northampton General Hospital. We hand out these packs with our volunteer team, Laura, Keith and Jo. The patient on the ward can pick from a list of 20 gift packs free of charge, to either keep them occupied or a provide an essential item they may need. The gifts range from portable radios, Model Craft kits, Books, puzzles pamper packs and many more. Whilst those items may not a face value seem important when you are on the ward they become important. ​ We also provide packs to day outpatients receiving treatment at: Oncology Ward at BMI Three Shires Hospital in Northampton. Haemotology and Oncology at Northampton General Hospital. Haemotology and Oncology at Milton Keynes University Hospital Trust. Bedford Hospital Kettering General Hospital Leicester Royal Infirmary Luton & Dunstable Hospital Chesterfield Royal Hospital Lincolnshire Hospital (Lincolnshire County, Boston Pilgrim and Grantham Hospital) Nottinghamshire Hospital (Nottingham City Hospital and Queen Medical Centre). Sherwood Forest Hospital North Midlands NHS Hospital (Stafford and Stoke On Trent) ​ In addition, on request we provide home donations of our gift bags. ​ The Lewis Foundation is all about helping others in our community and bringing members of the community together to support each other when they need it the most.

In 2014, William's wonderful grandfather lost his third battle with cancer. William turned 12 on 1st November 2014 and suggested friends and family might donate the price of a birthday card or gift to Movember Uk instead of treating William himself. To encourage participation, William dressed up as a different moustached character and photos were posted on social media daily. Within a week, William was on the TV news, in national newspapers and spoke in several radio interviews. After a very busy month, William had raised over £7,000. William would very much like to continue the good work he has started but admits that he found the experience very difficult at times. William has Asperger's Syndrome on the autistic spectrum and faces different challenges to most children his age. For Movember 2015, William has launched "Mini Mo Bros" inviting young people from across the community to join him in spreading awareness and raising funds. The worldwide Movember campaign is also encouraging people to MOve more to stay healthy, something that young people can embrace now to help them towards a healthier adulthood. Sadly so many young people during their lifetime will know a grandfather, father, uncle, brother, nephew or son that is affected by Mens Health Issues, physical or mental, that can have a devastating affect on all their lives. By embracing the part that young people, both girls and boys, can play within this campaign, we are hoping that they become better placed to help and support those in need in their future adult lives. Whilst the campaign is very public during the month of November, under the Movember banner, funds are actually raised year round, with events taking place at many different times of the year. Please support and encourage these young people do the best they can and to be the best they can be. Thank you