4 June 2025

A group of volunteers from Queen Elizabeth Sixth Form College in Darlington are bringing comfort and compassion to patients undergoing cancer treatment, through the donation of cancer care boxes.

The care packages, developed by the college’s volunteering group, contain items to help ease the side effects of chemotherapy and support patients during their treatment journeys.

Each box includes ginger tea, mints, and many other soothing items that may help with nausea, along with colouring books and pencils to provide a creative distraction during long hospital visits.

The project is part of the group’s wider commitment to supporting the work of County Durham and Darlington NHS Foundation Trust and the response from patients and staff has already been positive.

“These care boxes make a huge difference,” said Catherine Simpson, Chemothreapy Unit Ward Manager at Bishop Auckland Hospital’s Mara Unit. “It’s incredibly touching to see young people giving their time to help others in such a personal and thoughtful way.”

Rich Jones, Manager for the Trust’s Charity said: “The initiative reflects the growing impact of youth volunteering across the region, and the students involved have expressed how meaningful it has been to play a role in supporting people facing such difficult times.”

CDDFT Charity supports hospitals and community services across County Durham and Darlington, funding projects that help improve patient care, enhance staff wellbeing, and support innovation across the Trust.