Breast cancer patient’s ‘sewing bee army’ makes a difference to over 1,300 people
A breast cancer patient at Southend Hospital has joined forces with seven sewing bees to deliver over 1,300 PICC line covers to help improve the lives of cancer patients across Essex.
It’s something Nikki McCarthy only started in January this year, but the idea has really taken off. She has received chemotherapy, radiotherapy and four surgeries at Southend Hospital, and wanted to give something back.
The result was PICC Pals, which provides simple and comfortable PICC line covers free of charge to those going through medium and long-term treatments.
Nikki, who is 49 and from Southend, said: “A PICC line is a long tube inserted into someone’s arm that helps them to receive drugs such as those used for chemotherapy. They aren’t the most comfortable, attractive or easiest items to live with. PICC line covers help to overcome this and make life a little easier for patients.
“When I was having my treatment, I was horrified to learn I’d have to pay £50 for a few PICC line covers as they are up to £15 online. That’s where PICC Pals comes in, as we can make them for just £1, and give them to patients for free. It was a no brainer to start producing them and help make a big difference to the lives of patients who use them.”
PICC Pals have already distributed 825 covers to Southend Hospital, 250 to Basildon Hospital and 240 to Broomfield Hospital, and they have aspirations to get bigger and take it further afield. It’s a non-profit scheme run solely by a team of dedicated volunteers, made up of seven sewing bees, two packers, a pick up team and Nikki herself.
Nikki said: “As well as practically supporting patients, we wanted to let them know we are thinking of them during these hard times emotionally as well. These take away that cost worry.”
Sharon Wallace, a PICC line nurse at Southend Hospital, said: “These covers make a huge difference to patients, helping give them back a bit of confidence at a time when their body confidence can take a big knock. It’s even more meaningful that they have been donated by one of our patients who had this amazing idea.”
PICC Pals relies on donations to provide the covers free of charge. A crowdfunding page has been set up by Nikki, with all funds raised going towards fabric, packaging and helping to distribute them to PICC line nurses, Macmillan centres, chemotherapy units and children’s wards.
To find out more and to donate: https://gofund.me/1f763dcd