Wellbeing bags bring smiles to cancer patients

Pupils from two local schools brought smiles to the faces of patients receiving cancer treatment at UHNM with a donation of wellbeing bags.

The bags, put together by pupils from St Thomas’ in Tean and the Faber Catholic School in Coton, contained pick-me-up items including toiletries, sweet treats and puzzles and were given to those receiving oncology treatment at Royal Stoke’s Cancer Centre.

Teacher Maria Otley said: “We decided to create these wellbeing bags for patients when they’re going through cancer as they need a comforting pick me up that makes them feel better.

“We have lots of parents, families and staff who have been going through treatment so we decided as a school we would like to support people in a way we can do best.

“Pupils from Nursery all the way to Year Six were involved. We held a non-uniform day and rather than bring in a pound we asked pupils to bring in an item to go into these wellbeing bag. They brought in rather a lot!

“It’s wonderful to see the patient’s reactions, and knowing there’s somebody there supporting you makes you feel a lot better.”

Ten year old Isabelle said: “I feel very happy and proud about it and glad we’ve done it.”

Alice Mackie, Senior Staff Nurse on Ward 201 added: “This donation reminds us all why were’ here. It’s nice to know people are thinking of us and we’re able to give our patients a little treat. It’s nice to see our patients smiling, people often think of this Unit as a sad place but that’s not always the case.”