Chemotherapy support bags hit 1,000 donations to Alaw Ward at Ysbyty Gwynedd
Founders of Chemocare Bags have been donating support packages to Alaw Ward at Ysbyty Gwynedd since 2020 and have donated more than 1,000 bags to support patients since launching.
The organisation was first launched when Founders Olivia Hart’s Dad, and Emma Hart’s husband, was diagnosed with stage three bowel cancer at just 45 years old. After the two saw the chemotherapy journey and some of the unpleasant side effects of the treatment, they wanted to support others going through the same experience.
Pam Gannon whose husband Tommy passed away from bowel cancer in 2011 later joined them, and she has been creating each unique bag by hand.
Talking about the Chemocare Bags, Olivia said: “Thank you to every person that has donated items, given a donation, fundraised or supported fundraising. You have all helped us reach where we are and we appreciate all the support we receive!
“1,000 bags have now been donated to Alaw Ward at Ysbyty Gwynedd since August 2020! Thank you!”
The bags are filled with comforting items to help new chemotherapy patients at the start of their treatment, the bags include fluffy socks, notebook and pen, colouring book and pencils, hand warmers, hand sanitiser, lip balm, mints and hand cream.
Jen Owens, Sister on Alaw Day Unit at Ysbyty Gwynedd, said: “We are so grateful to Chemocare Bags for all their hard work in making these chemotherapy support bags happen. Since August 2020, new chemotherapy patients have been lucky enough to receive one of these fantastic bags to help them at the start of their treatment and with some of the side effects of the treatment.
“It’s so hard beginning your chemotherapy treatment and these bags just help take patients mind off what’s happening, even for a short while, and give them something so thoughtful to enjoy.”
The bags cost around £9 each to make which included the handmade bags and all its contents that is purchased through donations and gifted by stores.
If you’d like to support Chemocare Bags with the work they’re doing for Alaw Ward, please visit https://www.chemocarebags.com/
If you’d like to donate directly to Alaw Ward at Ysbyty Gwynedd, please click here.
