Our Story

The Lewis Foundation was created from a deeply personal experience with cancer that revealed how isolating and emotionally difficult hospital treatment can be. Founded by Lorraine and Lee Lewis, the charity exists to bring comfort, kindness and dignity to adults diagnosed with cancer in hospital. What began as a simple act of compassion has grown into a community driven charity supporting thousands of patients across the United Kingdom.

How It All Began

Lorraine and Lee Lewis were inspired to start The Lewis Foundation after Lee’s mum was admitted to hospital during her cancer treatment. During that time they saw first hand the fear, loneliness and uncertainty many patients experience while receiving treatment on oncology wards. While doctors and nurses provide vital medical care, Lorraine and Lee recognised that patients also needed emotional support and small moments of kindness to help them through the day.

In April 2016 they decided to take action. They began delivering thoughtfully prepared gift packs to cancer patients in hospital. What started as a small act of kindness quickly grew into something much bigger. The Lewis Foundation was born from a belief that no one facing cancer should feel forgotten or alone.

Today The Lewis Foundation has grown into a powerful community of supporters, volunteers and hospital partners.

What began with a small number of gift packs delivered to one hospital has expanded into a charity delivering thousands of gifts every month to people diagnosed with cancer.

Patients are able to choose from a wide range of thoughtfully prepared gift packs designed to provide comfort, entertainment and practical support during their hospital stay. These packs may include essential toiletries, creative activities, hydration items, puzzles, radios and other small comforts that can make a hospital stay feel less overwhelming.

For many individuals receiving cancer treatment, visits from Lewis Foundation volunteers provide not only a gift pack but also a friendly face and a reminder that people care. As demand for the charity’s work continues to grow, Lorraine and Lee remain committed to expanding the reach of The Lewis Foundation so more patients across the United Kingdom can receive support.

We support all adults diagnosed with any type of cancer, from newly diagnosed through to end-of-life care. Our support also extends to family members.

Recognised for our impact

Since its founding, The Lewis Foundation has been recognised for the difference it is making to patients and families facing cancer. These awards reflect the dedication of our volunteers, supporters and partners who help ensure that kindness and compassion reach hospital wards across the country.

Each recognition reinforces the importance of emotional support for people diagnosed with cancer.

The list of awards underneath can remain exactly the same.

This section builds trust and authority which is important for charities.

MILTON KEYNES LOCAL HEROES AWARD - MAY 2021

PRESTIGE AWARDS - CANCER CHARITY OF THE YEAR 2020/2021 - MARCH 2021

LORRAINE LEWIS - WINNER OF WOMEN LEADERS AWARD, COMMUNITY IMPACT (VOLUNTEER) - OCTOBER 2020

LORRAINE LEWIS - WINNER OF THE EAST MIDLANDS WOMEN'S AWARD, OUTSTANDING WOMAN WITH COMMUNITY IMPACT - OCTOBER 2020

ACQUISITION INTERNATIONAL MAGAZINE - GLOBAL EXCELLENCE AWARDS -JULY 2020

PRIME MINISTER'S POINTS OF LIGHT AWARDS - JULY 2020

INDEPENDENT NEWSPAPER HAPPY LIST 2020- JULY 2020

EAST MIDLANDS CHARITY AWARDS - RISING STAR AT THE AWARDS - JUNE 2020

BRITISH CITIZENS AWARD BCAh - HOUSE OF LORDS - PARLIAMENT - JANUARY 2020

Invitation for Lorraine and Lee to meet The King and Queen at Buckingham Palace for their services to cancer care

Prime Minister – Points of Light Awards

British Citizen Awards – Services to Healthcare

Pour Moi Awards – Community Champion

MILTON KEYNES LOCAL HEROES AWARD - MAY 2021

PRESTIGE AWARDS - CANCER CHARITY OF THE YEAR 2020/2021 - MARCH 2021

LORRAINE LEWIS - WINNER OF WOMEN LEADERS AWARD, COMMUNITY IMPACT (VOLUNTEER) - OCTOBER 2020

LORRAINE LEWIS - WINNER OF THE EAST MIDLANDS WOMEN'S AWARD, OUTSTANDING WOMAN WITH COMMUNITY IMPACT - OCTOBER 2020

ACQUISITION INTERNATIONAL MAGAZINE - GLOBAL EXCELLENCE AWARDS -JULY 2020

PRIME MINISTER'S POINTS OF LIGHT AWARDS - JULY 2020

INDEPENDENT NEWSPAPER HAPPY LIST 2020- JULY 2020

EAST MIDLANDS CHARITY AWARDS - RISING STAR AT THE AWARDS - JUNE 2020

BRITISH CITIZENS AWARD BCAh - HOUSE OF LORDS - PARLIAMENT - JANUARY 2020

Hello Magazine! Hello to Kindness Awards

Great British Entrepreneur Awards – Entrepreneur For Good

Acquisition International Magazine – Global Excellence Awards

July 2020

East Midlands Charity Awards – Rising Star Awards

June 2020

British Citizens Award – House of Lords – Parliament

January 2020

Help us support more people facing cancer

Every gift pack delivered by The Lewis Foundation is made possible through the generosity of our supporters. Just £3.60 can provide a gift pack that brings comfort, encouragement and a moment of relief to people diagnosed with cancer. With your support we can continue expanding our reach and ensuring that no patient facing cancer feels alone during their hospital stay. Donation options remain as they are.

Every £3.60 delivers hope

Each gift pack costs just £3.60 to deliver - bringing comfort and a reminder that someone cares to cancer patients and their families across Northamptonshire.

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“Thank you so much for your kindness and being so thoughtful. My last stay was not planned and your lovely puzzle pack and adult dot to dot book made my stay go so much quicker. I love the fact that you take time out to do this but also speak to patients and their families.”

Sarah Hevan | Patient

"I had a late appointment in oncology and feeling very unwell, after tests I was admitted to the ward. I had nothing with me but thanks to your charity I was handed an overnight bag with the vital things in it such as being able to clean my teeth. I was so grateful, it is a 30 mile round trip for my family to bring things in, so that overnight bag was so my life saviour."

Margaret Impel | Patient

"My mother-in-law has been having chemo since April and most weeks gets one of your wonderful gifts. It certainly brightens a tough day. Even in this manic crazy world it is great to think people take time to think and care for others who need a little gesture to make a very hard time a bit better. And amazing you also take time out to personally deliver the bags."

Elaine Bear | Daughter-in-law of Patient

“Thank you so much for your kindness and being so thoughtful. My last stay was not planned and your lovely puzzle pack and adult dot to dot book made my stay go so much quicker. I love the fact that you take time out to do this but also speak to patients and their families.”