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Chemogiftbags
From People Who Care

Meet The Team

Lynne Shipton

Founder
Read more about Lynne

Stephen Newport

Trustee / Treasurer
Read more about Stephen

Catherine Larke

Trustee
Read more about Catherine

Kerry Godliman

Patron

Introducing Our Patron…….

We are delighted to welcome Kerry Godliman as our patron. Kerry told us, on accepting the role:

“I’m very happy to be asked to be patron for this wonderful charity. The value and comfort the Chemogiftbags provide for ladies and gents receiving chemotherapy is such a simple and kind gesture. They offer a reminder that friendship and comfort are what’s needed to support people through their treatment and time of need.”

Lynne Shipton

Founder

Hello, I’m Lynne Shipton, the founder of Chemogiftbags, and I’m excited to share my story with you.

My journey with Chemogiftbags began with a deep-seated passion for making a positive impact on the lives of those undergoing chemotherapy. I felt a calling to establish a charity that would provide not just practical support but also heartfelt comfort during challenging times.

Through my experiences as a patient, I gained a profound understanding of the emotional and physical struggles faced by individuals in the throes of chemotherapy. This insight fuelled my determination to create a charity that goes beyond the ordinary – a space where compassion, empathy, and tangible support converge.

Founding Chemogiftbags has been a labour of love, driven by the belief that a thoughtful gesture can brighten the darkest days. I’ve been fortunate to assemble a dedicated team that shares this vision, and together, we work tirelessly to curate gift bags that speak to the resilience and strength of those undergoing cancer treatment.

For me, leading Chemogiftbags is not just a responsibility; it’s a deeply personal commitment to making a difference. It’s about weaving a tapestry of compassion and kindness that extends beyond the confines of a charity – it’s a movement of empathy.

Join us in this meaningful journey as we continue to illuminate the path for individuals facing the challenges of chemotherapy. Chemogiftbags is not just a charity; it’s a beacon of hope, and I’m honored to be at the helm, steering toward a future filled with support, understanding, and comfort.

Stephen Newport

Trustee/Treasurer

Hello, I’m Stephen Newport, and let’s rewind to the early days when Chemogiftbags was just a project.

When Chemogiftbags was still finding its feet, I became involved. Why? because it’s not your run-of-the-mill charity. I could see there was a need and that is why I became passionate about Chemogiftbags. It’s personal. It’s about diving into the lives of people dealing with the twists and turns of chemo, and I wanted to help on that journey.

It’s been a ride watching it grow from day one, fuelled by the belief that even the smallest acts of kindness can make a big difference. It has also been a great privilege for me to have met some recipients of a Chemogiftbag and to see the smile it brings on their face.

Being part of Chemogiftbags from the start, it is more than just charity for me; it’s a hands-on commitment to spreading some real comfort and support where it’s needed most. Come on board with us – let’s keep this journey going, weaving kindness and good vibes into the lives of those who could use a little extra TLC. I’m stoked to be part of a project that’s all about making a difference, starting from scratch.

Catherine Larke

Trustee
Hello, I’m Catherine Larke and I became involved with Chemogiftbags in 2020 when I received my ‘hug in a bag’ when starting chemotherapy for breast cancer. I remember being overwhelmed by the thoughtfulness and love that had gone into creating and distributing the bags. All the items had a purpose, whether to provide comfort and support for the many and unexpected side effects of chemo, or to make the chemo sessions more comfortable and less boring. Some of the items had been donated by local businesses, many had been handmade by a team of amazing volunteers. 
I wanted to get involved so contacted Lynne to see if I could help. At the time I thought my business could be a useful resource for Chemogiftbags (after corporate careers in Human Resources in companies such as Coca Cola, Rank Hovis McDougall and BT, my husband and I set up our own HR business in 2002 – myHRdept – providing legal, ER and admin support to SMEs across the UK.) Through the business we funded a complete rebuild of Chemogiftbags website and its ongoing hosting fees. But I also wanted to help in a more personal way and so since then I have appeared in a few videos, I’ve been sewing the iconic heart shaped cushions, toiletry bags and pouches and knitting and crocheting blankets as well as baking a few cakes. 
Having sold the businesses in 2024 and with more time on my hands I was honoured when Lynne asked me to join as a trustee and I hope I can assist in some small way with continuing the charity’s heartfelt and very important work. 
Xxx