Story
The Sykes Family February Fundraiser
We all know someone who has battled or is battling cancer. My Grandma & my friend Stephen are two warriors currently fighting it. In West Yorkshire most people diagnosed with cancer will receive treatment in the Bexley Wing at St James’s Hospital. Being in hospital as an inpatient, or travelling for treatment as an outpatient is completely draining.
For those of you that know me, tackling anything without a cuppa is an absolute no! Therefore, when Stephen told me how Hug on a Tray helped him during his cancer treatment, with warm drinks & snacks, I wanted to try and raise funds. As my Grandma is also battling this horrendous disease, some of my family are also helping to raise funds for this very deserving charity!
As a Family we are all taking on a challenge in February, to try and convince you to give us your money!
Bronte - Half marathon in the pool over February
Paul - Half marathon in the pool over February
Neil - Half marathon walk
Helen - Half marathon walk
How Hug on a Tray helped Stephen
During the last 15 months, I have spent 24 weeks in and around St James Hospital receiving chemotherapy for testicular cancer. The combination of drugs made me feel exhausted and sick, whilst also giving me confidence issues due to the weight and hair loss that the treatment plan had caused.This was the toughest period of my life. During this exceptionally brutal period, Hug on a Tray provided a warmth and care that all cancer patients need during their hardest time. Whether it be a tea and biscuits for you and your loved ones to snack on during your chemotherapy journey, a present to open at Christmas, a fully stocked tuck shop for patients and their families, or just a smile and an ear to voice your concerns and worries to, Hug on a Tray provide an essential support to the patients undergoing Chemotherapy at St James Hospital. I know that I couldn’t have got through this immensely stressful period without the fantastic work of such an incredible charity. Stephen
More about Hug on a Tray
A bit more about hug on a tray. 100% volunteer run! It started out being for heamatology cancer patients, however in the words of Lesley the founder, they will try and help anyone who needs it. Hug on a Tray manage, (with our fabulous supporters out there) to provide both wards J88 & J89 with FREE TV which is greatly appreciated by all the patients and families. In order to rent TVs for patients in 2 wards, 40 TV places in total, costs us £26,400 a year, it would cost a patient approximately £10 a day so this helps them enormously.
Besides this provision, we also give freely A 'Hug on a Tray' this consists of every patient (all in single rooms to prevent cross infection) receiving on arrival, and topped up at will, a (melamine tray, two china beakers, and a goodie bag with everything needed for them and their visiting families to make a hot drink and snack & biscuits & sweets.) There is a kettle provided in every room. Alongside this free provision on the wards, We have also put in situ a FREE hot and cold drinks and snacks station in J87 Outpatients department where the people attending with family or friends can help themselves.
We also make sure that every patient receives a Christmas goodie bag with toiletries,various gifts and chocolates, this averages about £12 a patient, 40 patients plus 6 spares for anyone being admitted on Christmas Eve.
We pay for everything from paper cups (average £55 a week) to everything that's needed in outpatients such as spoons, coffee, sugar, milk, hot chocolate, Horlicks, cup a soups, pot noodles, biscuits, plain and chocolate, mini cheddars, sweets and chocolates, fruit juices, etc! All tea is provided free by Taylors / Bettys of Harrogate.
Please note that no profit is made and we pay our own expenses 'Petrol etc' and receive free parking as we are all volunteers.
We depend on charitable donations raised in conjunction with fundraising events. All funding directly benefits the patients.
Bless you all, any donations would be fabulous!
