Young people spending Christmas in hospital in Leicester are set for a festive surprise, thanks to a nationwide initiative led by Project Youth Cancer.
Teenage and young adult patients at the Leicester Royal Infirmary will be among hundreds across 45 hospitals in the UK and Ireland receiving special gift bags on Christmas morning. The packs include vouchers, selection boxes, sweet treats and a range of seasonal surprises.
Picture credit: Project Youth Cancer
As part of this year’s campaign, Project Youth Cancer is also donating Luma3 devices to hospital wards. The light-based tool guides users through calming breathing exercises and has been shown to support relaxation and gentle stress relief — a welcome comfort for young people facing long and often isolating hospital stays.
The charity says the initiative, known as Project Christmas, aims to bring moments of joy to young people with cancer who may be far from home, family and familiar routines during the festive period.
Over the next week, volunteers will transport the gifts on a nationwide route stretching from Aberdeen to Plymouth and across to Dublin and Belfast, covering nearly 6,000 miles to reach all 45 participating hospital units.
Pam Thornes, spokesperson for Project Youth Cancer, said the gesture means a great deal to young patients spending the holidays on a ward.
“Every year we have a group of young people who are not only unlucky enough to get a horrible disease such as cancer but then have to spend their Christmas in a hospital ward,” she said. “The gifts that come in at Christmas are such a huge joy for our young people… Project Youth Cancer goes above and beyond. We will forever be grateful for the amazing things this charity does for us — thank you!”
Project Youth Cancer, formerly The Laura Crane Youth Cancer Trust, has supported young cancer patients for more than 29 years, providing therapies, reducing isolation and empowering young people throughout their treatment.
More information about the appeal can be found at projectyouthcancer.org/project-christmas.
