Cancer Support UK sends more Kid’s Kits than ever, thanks to Rugeley customers

Customers in Tesco stores across Rugeley generously donated £1,500 to Cancer Support UK through the supermarket’s Stronger Starts Grant scheme – helping them send out more Kid’s Kits than ever before.

Each kit contains a notebook, colouring set, yoyo, a pair of minion socks, a pen, bubbles, antibacterial wipes, tissues, a bookmark, a puzzle, a book and a Warmies bear.

These packages help to ease some of the symptoms and challenges children face during treatment, from managing cold hands and nausea to a much-needed warm hug through stressful times, along with items to relieve boredom during long hospital stays. 

A parent whose child received one of the kits said: “Thank you so much for the lovely kit you sent my daughter. She’d been feeling a bit down and it was a big lift – she particularly loves the microwaveable dog toy. She’s called her Hazel and has been carrying her around all evening and wearing the fluffy minion socks. Lots of the other things will be really useful in her hospital bag for her weekly chemo clinic.”

The kits are sent out on request via phone or online, with some also reaching families through partnerships with paediatric oncology centres, hospices, and local charities. 

Cancer Support UK CEO Mark Guymer said: “We are extremely grateful to Tesco for their funding support, which ensured we were able to send a kit out to every child who asked for one, giving them welcome respite from the discomfort of cancer treatment in hospital.

“The Kid’s Kit is sent free of charge and contains a range of useful items to help support a child in hospital. Parents tell us they provide their children with a huge emotional boost when they are feeling low, it can also help ease the financial burden that can be incurred through cancer treatment.

“Cancer is a traumatic experience that affects both the child and their entire family. Every year in the UK around 1,900 children will be diagnosed with cancer. Although survival for childhood cancers has increased significantly, the long term emotional and mental health effects can be significant.  This is why we created a special kit specifically for children in hospital while being treated. We receive no government funding for our work, so Tesco’s financial support is invaluable in helping us send out these kits to those in need.”

Claire De Silva, Head of Community at Tesco, added: “At Tesco, supporting the community around us is at the heart of what we do. We’re proud that our customers in Rugeley chose the grant to go towards such a generous cause that provides children with much-needed comfort and joy in a time of unimaginable challenges.

“Even though it’s bittersweet, it’s heartwarming to know that Cancer Support UK has been able to provide any parent who’s requested a Kid’s Kit with one, and managed to help lighten the burden, bring a smile to a child’s face, along with a little brightness to their lives during such a difficult journey.”

The Stronger Starts grants award funds to charities and community organisations that make a positive difference in the lives of children and young people. 

Successful applications will go to a vote at their local Tesco stores, where customers choose which three projects they’d like to support by using the blue tokens they’re provided with at checkout. 

Schools and community groups wanting to apply for funding can visit tescoplc.com/strongerstarts.