A PLAN to provide women undergoing chemotherapy with ‘Chemo Care Pouches’ has captured the imagination of generous Abergavenny businesses and the organiser has found herself amazed by the response to her appeal.

Claire Boulter lost her Nan to cancer eight years ago, a lady she says was her inspiration for all the fundraising done for cancer charities.

Claire adds, ‘Then I met my husband, he had testicular cancer, and after chemo, surgery and radiotherapy was told he couldn’t have children. Fourteen months later Caleb came along! Our little miracle!’

Claire says her ideas for the pouches developed from a side effect of chemo which can cause dry skin and brittle nails. She said, ‘I am a Tropic Ambassador and I had an idea to supply Velindre Hospital with Chemo Care Pouches for the patients on the Chemotherapy ward including natural skincare products.

‘I currently have two friends who have just completed chemotherapy treatment for breast cancer, and one about to face it all again for a second time.

‘After consulting a friend who is undergoing chemo herself to find out what would be useful in these little ‘survival kits’ I’m including some things like, Superfood Hand therapy for dry hands or a Repairing Foot Remedy for feet, which can be even drier.

‘I’ll also be including lip balm, mini body wash, whipped body velvet, nail nectar to strengthen nails, boiled sweets for dry mouths, warm socks and magazine or Puzzle books and pens.

It costs £20 to sponsor a pouch with all my commission going on buying the non skincare items. I am looking for local businesses to sponsor a minimum of 5 pouches, although I am grateful of absolutely any support I get. So far support has been amazing, I currently have seventy sponsored pouches.’

Business supporting Claire’s efforts include, Chockshop, Mockingbird, Feodora, Pav’s Kitchen, Christies Residential, The Kings Arms, Simon Mallison painter & decorator, Llanvi Farm, Fizzyville, Make up by Cinzia, Tommy Brooks Hairdressing, ABC Motor Factors, Gemma Thomas Hair Lounge, That’s Lovely That and Robin Tree Designs.

Claire is eager to get in touch with anyone who can supply non skincare items such as Warm socks, puzzle books and sweets.She adds, ‘If there are any companies that can produce personalised pens I thought it would be a nice touch to give a pen with an inspirational quote on it. Something simple like ‘You’ve got this!’ ‘You’re a warrior!’ ‘You’re stronger than you think’ or ‘better days are ahead.

‘I would love to thank the good people of Abergavenny for their support with this! Their generosity is going to help so many people going through some really dark times smile. I can’t wait to deliver the pouches to Velindre Cancer Hospital.’

Four years ago Claire organised a two-day music festival called ‘Fight Back’ which raised £7,000 for a trek to Machu Picchu for Macmillan Cancer.

Anyone who thinks they might be able to help Claire with her pouches is asked to contact her at [email protected] or via her Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/claire.m.price.