Past projects
Our latest project was completed on 30th July 2026. We replaced all of the existing wooden furniture on the inner balcony of the first floor of the Chemotherapy Suite with new teak tables, chairs, and benches at a cost of £7,649.
The furniture was purchased from Midlands Conservatory & Garden Furniture in Kibworth, whose team helped us select the most suitable furniture for both the patients and the area in which it would be used.
Some pieces of furniture carry more than just the people who sit upon them.
Maureen, Paul, David, Moira and Lorraine have been given a treasure keepsake of their mum, Audrey Chivers, thanks to Darren from Midlands Cane and Garden Furniture and the power of social media.
In July we worked with Jemma and her family of a great local company, Midlands Cane and Garden Furniture to replace the outdoor furniture on a balcony at the chemotherapy suite at the LRI.
One of the benches had been there for 26 years, dedicated to Audrey Chivers, the weather had taken its toll on it over the years, so we decided to replace it with a new teak bench. But not to lose the memory for the family we asked for it to include the engraving shown on the original bench.
Darren of Midlands Cane and Garden Furniture couldn’t see the engraving go to waste, so carefully removed the engraved section, sanded it back and restored the teak, preserving it as a keepsake for the family. This was such a lovely way to make sure the memory of Audery wasn’t lost by replacing her bench with the new one.
So! The search for Audrey’s family began! – a long shot we thought but were hopeful the power social media would deliver ……
One week after our post to find the family, we had the absolute pleasure to re-unite the restored engraving to Moira one of Audrey’s five children, who was over the moon with it and so thankful that Darren had taken so much time, effort and kindness to do this wonderful gesture. She was so excited to go and tell / show the rest of her siblings Maureen, Paul, David and Lorraine.
To make it even more special, the bench was delivered on 31st July, unknowingly the anniversary of Audrey’s passing… she must have been giving her approval.
What an absolute wonderful ending to the story of Audrey’s bench!
Thank you to Jemma and family for their part, especially her dad, Darren who took the time to lovingly restore the engraving and start this story.
The words on Audrey’s bench are so true: FAMILY, LOVE, FAITH, STRENGTH, COURAGE
On Wednesday (14 February 2024) we handed over the remaining amount of our £200,000 contribution in a small ceremony at Leicester Royal Infirmary along with representatives from Leicester’s Hospitals, Leicester Hospitals Charity, joining donors and supporters for the official cheque presentation.
This has been our biggest project we have undertaken. Sadly, more and more people require treatment, unfortunately, people are having to wait longer for their treatment, and the delays can impact their quality of life and well-being.
The refurbishment will feature modern amenities and six additional chairs with the required equipment to allow 4000 more chemotherapy treatments a year.
It has been an exciting project involving lots of different fundraising events to help raise the £200,000 we have contributed to the appeal.
Sunita Patel, Acting Head of Leicester Hospitals Charity said: “We are immensely grateful to the community, supporters, and volunteers who have contributed to the success of the Chemotherapy Suite Appeal. This achievement shows the power of community-driven initiatives in making a tangible difference in the lives of patients.
The Chemotherapy Suite Appeal, led by the Charity with the invaluable support of GEMS Charity, was launched to raise funds for the refurbishment and upgrade of the facilities at Osborne Building.
Through the dedication and generosity of the community, businesses, and charitable organisations, the target has now been met, paving the way for essential improvements in cancer treatment facilities”.
Richard Mitchell, Chief Executive Officer at Leicester’s Hospitals said: “I want to express my heartfelt gratitude for the overwhelming support we’ve received for our Chemotherapy Suite Appeal. With the generosity and the invaluable partnership of charities like GEMS charity, this project will continue our work to deliver high-quality care for those in the community battling cancer. Together, we’re making great things happen.”
As always, the people and businesses of Kibworth and surrounding areas have been very generous with your support. You have helped to raise £200,000 towards the £700,000 needed to fund the redevelopment of the Chemotherapy Suite so everyone in the community has the best chance of winning their fight against cancer.
All of us at GEMS Charity would like to give a BIG THNK YOU to everyone who has been involved, donated time, pennies, contributions, support and love towards GEMS Charity and this project. The refurbishment of the chemotherapy suite has been made possible by your amazing generosity and being part of the GEMS Charity family.
Refurbishment of chemotherapy suite
6 Treatment chair’s they allow the patients to be a lot more comfortable during their lengthy treatment