Care home supports heartfelt initiative delivering special ‘care bags’ to cancer patients

This month, Portsdown View care home in Bedhampton has been supporting a heartfelt local initiative delivering special ‘care bags’ to cancer patients at Queen Alexandra Hospital in Cosham, Portsmouth. Each package is filled with luxury wellbeing products designed to boost patients’ quality-of-life during treatment: including lip salves, moisturiser, sensitive tooth gel, mints, sweet treats, and fun activities.

The initiative was created by local business owner Sarah Smart, whose own experience of getting treated for a brain tumour taught her the importance of small comforts and distractions during the healing process. With the help of her daughter and other volunteers, Sarah has already delivered around 300 care bags to cancer patients and has received sponsorship from more than 50 local businesses around Portsmouth.

To support the project, Portsdown View’s talented team of chefs has been preparing gourmet refreshments for the ward’s medical staff, complementing Sarah’s wonderful care bags for patients. Stella Austin, Customer Relationship Manager at the home, has also accompanied Sarah on her hospital visits to help her hand out the packages.

Sarah Smart, Founder of Smart Enterprises and creator of the care packages, said: “When I was having treatment for my brain tumour, I realised how much the smallest acts of kindness could brighten the darkest days.

"These care bags aren’t just filled with practical items, they’re a reminder that someone is thinking of you, cheering you on and hoping you’ll find a little comfort during a very difficult time. I’m incredibly grateful to every business, volunteer and organisation that has helped make this possible, because together we’re showing cancer patients that they are never facing their journey alone”.

When Sarah was going through radiotherapy several years ago, she remembers how stark and isolating the hospital environment could feel. Despite the best efforts of staff, the focus was understandably on providing essential medical treatment rather than the small creature comforts that can make a difficult day feel more manageable.

For Sarah, even something as simple as a soothing moisturiser or delicious snack was enough to lift her spirits. Wanting to give others that same emotional boost during their treatment, she set about creating bespoke ‘care bags’ that would help fellow cancer patients feel seen, valued and supported during their long days on the ward.

To add a personal touch, Sarah also includes a hand-written card in every bag with words of support for every person who receives one. Portsdown View has been supporting the project as part of its wider commitment to being an active part of the local community. Led by the home’s Head Chef, Sam Millerchamp, the catering team has created a range of freshly prepared treats for the nurses and doctors.

Stella Austin, Customer Relationship Manager at Portsdown View, comments: “When we first heard about Sarah’s project, we were so moved by the concept that we immediately wanted to offer our support. As a care home, so much of our work is about supporting not only people’s physical needs, but also their emotional wellbeing and quality of life.

"We also felt it was important to support the frontline medical staff who work so hard on the oncology wards to help their patients. Sarah’s idea is truly remarkable, and we hope to see it spread far beyond Portsmouth in the years ahead.”

The response to the initiative has so far been overwhelmingly positive, with dozens of businesses lending their financial support. Supporters so far include Tesco Express in Emsworth, Steven Grantham Bespoke Estate Agents in Clanfield, 1st Choice Removals in Gosport, and Lipspeaker UK in London. Indeed, the project has been such a success that Sarah hopes to expand to many other hospitals and hospices in the years ahead.

Portsdown View is part of the Connaught Care Collection, an award-winning provider of luxury care homes which was named Employer of the Year at the National Great British Care Awards 2026. For more information, contact [email protected], or call 023 9388 2154.