Following her own treatment journey for stage 2B cervical cancer, Maria Bailey has raised over £3,600 to supply 20 comprehensive comfort bags for patients beginning chemotherapy and radiotherapy.

When Maria was first diagnosed, she quickly realised how daunting preparing for daily hospital appointments and chemotherapy sessions could be. After completing weekly chemotherapy and daily radiotherapy in the South West Wales Cancer Centre, she decided to turn her personal experience into a practical lifeline for her fellow cervical cancer patients.

What started as a small personal goal to raise £500 for five bags quickly turned into a community of friends, family and local people backing Maria and her mission. Maria sourced, packed and personally customised each bag with items she found essential during her own recovery. Maria’s essential items include:

● Portable power bank with a USB charging cable

● Comfort items such as a neck pillow, blanket and foldable fan

● Symptom management essentials such as ginger tea bags, pear drops and aniseed sweets to help soothe treatment-induced nausea, alongside nourishing lip balms

● Practical essentials including daily medication organisers, pens and personal care supplies to offer peace of mind during emergencies

“It kept my mind occupied, so I didn’t curl up in a little ball and feel sorry for myself,” Maria explained. “Chemo is nerve-wracking. I just thought how lovely it would be if, on your very first day, staff handed you a pack like this. It’s one less thing to think about, and it lets patients know someone who has been in their shoes is thinking of them.”

Each bag also includes an encouraging handwritten message of support. Maria plans to continue her fundraising efforts to expand the donation program to nearby treatment centres in the future.