PATIENTS starting chemotherapy at Tameside Hospital have received an unexpected dose of kindness.
It’s thanks to a joint effort by a Dukinfield business, local volunteers and a well-known sweet company.
Tibard Uniforms, based on Globe Lane Industrial Estate, has made 400 fabric support bags for cancer patients attending their first chemotherapy appointments at the hospital based in Ashton-under-Lyne.
Instead of standard-issue carriers, patients have been given colourful, reusable bags filled with small comforts for what can be a daunting day.
The bags were created using unused and discontinued rolls of fabric, turning surplus material into something both practical and personal. In total, the team produced 150 pamper bags, 150 cosmetic bags and 100 men’s bags.
Staff volunteered their own time to design and sew them, adding details such as stitched love hearts. The women’s designs include pastel shades and floral patterns with matching zip pouches, while the men’s bags feature simple grey and blue stripes.
The contents are being provided through fundraising by Mossley Cancer Committee, which has gathered toiletries, hand creams, lip balms and other useful items for patients undergoing treatment.
There’s also a lighter touch inside. New Mills-based sweet maker Swizzels has donated hundreds of packets of Love Hearts and Drumstick Squashies, adding a familiar treat to each bag.
Jennifer Hunt, Garment Technologist at Tibard Uniforms, said: “We wanted to create something that felt kind, practical and respectful for people going through cancer treatment.
“From the first design ideas to our machinists adding the finishing touches, this has been a real team effort and we hope the bags bring a bit of comfort to those receiving them.”
The bags are being distributed through Macmillan services at Tameside Hospital, giving patients something more discreet and reusable than paper bags to carry their essentials.
Emily Whelan, Charity Manager at Tameside & Glossop NHS Charity, said the project shows the impact of community support.
“We are incredibly proud to see local businesses and community groups coming together to make such a big impact for our patients living with cancer,” she said.
“This project is a wonderful example of what can be achieved when people work together with kindness at the heart of it and we know these bags will mean a great deal to patients at a very difficult time.”