A CHARITY set up by two cancer sufferers to provide patients receiving treatment with extra luxuries has been re-launched.
Kerry Jackson and Tracie Reid founded Catch 22 -- Comfort At The Cancer Hospitals -- in January 1996 after both had been struck by various forms of cancer.
Tragically, Kerry, who was 22 when she started the charity, has since died after fighting against ovarian cancer, but the work of the charity, mostly aided by Tracie, her family and Kerry's family, has continued.
Work stepped up a gear on the charity last year when Tracie decided she could devote more time to it following the birth of her daughter, and now patients at Blackburn Royal Infirmary are benefiting.
Various items, such as videos, Walkmans, foot spas and PlayStations have been handed over to the hospital wards which deal with cancer patients.
Tracie said: "The idea behind the charity was to make a life a little bit more comfortable for those suffering from cancer.
"The support we got from the hospitals we were treated at was great which is why we wanted to put something back.
"These little things can make a difference for people and we hope they are a big help."
The duo hadn't met before they started the charity. They had learnt about each other's plights through friends on East Lancashire rave music scene. The pair supported each other as they battled against cancer, which first affected Tracie when she had an enormous tumour in her chest and stomach.
Lymph nodes were affected later and she had a hip-replacement operation.
Tracie, of Heyes Lane, Blackburn, added: "Kerry has been the motivation for me in many ways. There are things which hospitals can't provide, the little extras which make life more comfortable.
"We have held fun days and raised money through other ways. It isn't just me, Kerry's family have been great to. We have received a lot of donations.
"We hope to help other hospitals in the future. It is wonderful seeing things being used."
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