Cancer patients at a health trust are set to benefit from special care packages after generous staff at a local bank made a donation.
The staff from Santander in Stockton visited the chemotherapy unit at the University Hospital of North Tees this week to drop off the bags.
They include a range of items for use by patients having treatment in the unit, such as an item of warm clothing like socks, gloves, hats and scarfs, body moisturising products, puzzles and colouring books, warm drinks, snacks and blankets.
Staff at Santander have been working in partnership with Macmillan to make the packages, which have also been given to the Macmillan Cancer Information and Support Centre at the James Cook University Hospital.
Vicky Lofthouse, who works in the Santander contact centre, was diagnosed with breast cancer two and a half years ago and has been in remission for the last 18 months.
Vicky visited the unit this week, alongside colleagues Emma McCallay, Siobhan Wilson and Stacy Hayton.
Vicky said: “I know how hard it is to go through a cancer diagnosis and can’t thank our NHS enough, especially the team in the chemotherapy unit who are all amazing.
“My thoughtful colleagues all wanted to do something special for our local community to brighten up a cancer patient’s day.
“Having support around you makes you feel safe and welcomed – and that’s how we want all cancer patients to feel too.
“Each care package has carefully been selected for individuals and, working alongside Macmillan, these have all been put together.”
Michelle Holmes, chemotherapy unit manager, said: “We can’t thank the team at Santander enough for this wonderful donation.
“This is such a thoughtful present – the team know exactly what our patients want. This will benefit so many of our patients.”
