Colleagues at a Huddersfield company are helping to ensure extra special gifts are delivered to young cancer patients who are spending Christmas in hospitals across the UK.
Workers at Lubrizol joined forces with colleagues at the company’s sister site in Barnsley to help support the Laura Crane Youth Cancer Trust.
The charity ensures that teenagers and young adults, aged between 13 and 24, spending Christmas in hospitals across the UK will receive an age-appropriate gift.
Last year, 405 young cancer patients in 43 hospitals throughout the UK and Ireland received a gift thanks to the charity.
Lubrizol staff have not only donated gifts to the good cause, but volunteers gave up their free time to spend a day gift-wrapping the presents too.
Lubrizol’s Chris Hart-Smith said: “Teenagers and young people are often treated on paediatric wards, where they are in danger of becoming a bit lost over Christmas.
“While hospitals receive donations of toys and games which are perfect for young children, they are often unsuitable for children aged over 13 years old, who still deserve a treat at Christmas.
“It has been wonderful to see so many Lubrizol staff pulling together for this great cause. Family is important to all of us and as we approach the festive season, I think we all think a little more closely about the importance of spending Christmas together.
“While this is not possible for every family, I hope we have made Christmas a little brighter by getting involved with this scheme and hopefully young cancer patients will take some comfort from knowing that they are in our thoughts.”
The Laura Crane Youth Cancer Trust was set up in memory of a Huddersfield teenager who was diagnosed with four types of cancer and died in 1996 aged just 17.
It is only UK charity dedicated to funding medical research specifically into cancer affecting teenagers and young adults, where it can frequently strike in dangerous and complex forms.
The charity also funds various measures to improve the quality of life for young cancer patients, both during and in the aftermath of their illnesses.
Charity manager Pam Thornes said: “We are absolutely delighted that Lubrizol staff are helping to fuel Santa’s sleigh this year, particularly since the majority of the support we receive is from th West Yorkshire area, so support from further afield is hugely appreciated and helps to raise the profile of the charity nationally.
“The messages of thanks we receive from young cancer patients throughout the country is evidence alone why we must continue this appeal. Many of the stories are heart-breaking and these donations make such a difference at Christmas time.
“It is truly humbling for the team to see the dedication and support so many people offer to ensure our Christmas gift campaign is a success and that young cancer patients spending their Christmas in hospital get something a little special to open and know that we are all thinking of them. A huge thank you to all those who contributed.”
ENDS
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