GOODIE bags for people receiving cancer treatment will be handed out free of charge thanks to a talented group affected by the life-threatening disease.

Members of the Great Aycliffe Cancer Support Group (GACSG) are hard at work producing the so-called ‘chemo bags’ in a bid to give those undergoing chemotherapy or radiotherapy a haul of useful items including water, puzzles and tissues.

Based in Newton Aycliffe, the group has more than 100 members from across the region, and provides help and advice for anyone who has been touched by cancer.

HELP: Allison White speaks about her group's project to create goodie bags for cancer patients Video: PAUL NORRIS

GACSG founder Allison White, 40, who has been fighting a rare form of leukaemia for eight years, said: “I’m always thinking of ideas to help cancer patients.

“I was an inpatient when I had chemotherapy but many patients are either there for a morning or all day. Cancer wards are so small and staff do their best but sometimes you need a drink of water and you’re connected to the machine so this bag will help.”

The bags have been designed by group member Helen Taylor, of Shildon, who is still on a course of treatment for breast cancer.

The keen crafter has designed gingham and cream handbags for females and a denim-look satchel for males, all with the GACSG logo and pockets for pens, notebooks, mobile phones and keys.

“It would have been really nice to have something like this when I had chemotherapy and radiotherapy,” said Ms Taylor. “You just want something to hand - somewhere for your cancer book and a bottle of water which you can grab easily.”

Inside the bags which will be given away to patients at Darlington and Bishop Auckland hospitals will be puzzles, notebook, pens, tissues, lip balm, water courtesy of Northumbrian Water, mints and other treats.

“The sitting around the hospital is so tiring,” added Miss White. “A lot of patients also go on their own so if they don’t want to talk to others a puzzle book is ideal.”

A team of sewers were at Crafter’s Companion, in Newton Aycliffe, today (Friday, November 3) where they were given space for free to create the gifts.

Twenty bags have been made and a Macmillan Cancer Support grant will fund 100 more.

  • Miss White is calling for help from businesses and members of the public to continue the project.
  • To donate call Miss White on 07762 258696 or visit greataycliffecancersupportgroup.co.uk