INTRODUCING OUR CARE & SUPPORT PACKS

A life altering diagnosis, such as cancer, can often come like a bolt from the blue, especially when the diagnosis is for a young adult.  It often makes no sense, with many young people appearing to be fit and healthy, indeed, this was true of Matthew, who had completed the Yorkshire 3 Peaks Challenge in the May before his diagnosis in November.

After a diagnosis comes shock, confusion, fear, panic and constant worry.  Then treatment starts with rounds of hospital visits, sitting in waiting rooms, overnight stays, which sometimes are longer than expected when things don’t go to plan.

The Matthew22 Fund was set up to help with patient and family care which we have done over the past 3 years by giving donations to other charities.

But now we are delighted to announce that we will be helping patients and families directly.

May we introduce The Matthew22 Care and Support Packs

These packs have been designed to include practical items to support hospital visits and comforting items to help wellbeing.

On Thursday, the first packs will be given to patients on the Teenage Cancer Trust Ward, St James, the ward where Matthew received his treatment.

These packs won’t change a diagnosis or erase the overwhelming emotions which come with it, but we hope that they offer care, comfort and a sense of support as patients and families navigate this difficult journey.

To everyone who has donated, participated in events, purchased items from our shop or shared our social media posts – Thank you.  Your support has made this venture possible, and it means more than you know.

The pack consists of:

Hat – Choice of a woolly hat or a baseball cap

Non-slip socks

Drawstring bag

Washbag containing a toothbrush, toothbrush cap, wash cloth, ear plugs, eye mask, fan, lip balm, tissues

Water bottle

Journal & pen

Puzzle book

Stress Moptopper

Ben the Lion

Lucky penny

Hug

Lifestyle Voucher