Through my little business of 1, SophistiCake Creations, I'm proud to be taking part in my first Franklins 50 event to raise money for The Lewis Foundation.

This event is organised by Franklins Solicitors LLP in which I've been given £50. Between now and 24th May 2024 (3 months) I have to find ways of increasing it as much as I can.

Of course I will keep to what I know----BAKING! So I'm sure there will bake sales along the way. I might even try and flog cake equipment I never use. But the main thing is to raise much needed funds for The Lewis Foundation. Here is their story:

Lorraine and Lee Lewis were so moved when Lees mum was hospitalised with cancer that it led them to set up a charity.

Recognising the fear, upset and loneliness faced by individuals undergoing cancer treatment and their loved ones, the duo were determined that their charity would make a real difference. They set about sourcing donations, packaging and delivering gifts, whilst giving support to patients on oncology wards. That was April 2016, when The Lewis Foundation was born.

Today, the team has almost 50 volunteers and hundreds of regular supporters. The Lewis Foundation has gone from delivering 80 gift packs a month to one hospital, to delivering over 2,000 gifts to 17 hospitals in the Midlands every month.

Patients pick their gift from a gift list with 29 different packs to choose from and no donations taken in return.

Depending on which pack you choose, it may contain overnight essentials and toiletries, craft set, hydration supplies, puzzles, miniature radios complete with batteries and headphones, and lots, lots more – items many people in hospital might find difficult to buy themselves or simply cannot afford. For some individuals receiving cancer treatment, The Lewis Foundation volunteers are their only regular visitors.