"HUG on a Tray isn't just a charity, it's a comfort blanket for those undergoing chemotherapy at St James's Hospital in Leeds."

These are the words of Stephen Jennings who recently visited the Otley charity's shop in Manor Square with his friend Brontë Sykes, and her son Vincent, to hand over a sizeable donation of £2,550.

Stephen was diagnosed with cancer in 2022 aged just 31 and after undergoing treatment at St James's Hospital in Leeds knows first hand the difference the charity's volunteers make to cancer patients and their families on a daily basis.

He said: "During the last 15 months, I have spent 24 weeks in and around St James's Hospital receiving chemotherapy for testicular cancer. The combination of drugs made me feel exhausted and sick, whilst also giving me confidence issues due to the weight and hair loss that the treatment plan had caused. This was the toughest period of my life.

"During this exceptionally brutal period, Hug on a Tray provided a warmth and care that all cancer patients need during their hardest time. Whether it be a tea and biscuits for you and your loved ones to snack on during your chemotherapy journey, a present to open at Christmas, a fully stocked tuck shop for patients and their families, or just a smile and an ear to voice your concerns and worries to, Hug on a Tray provide an essential support to the patients undergoing chemotherapy at St James's Hospital. I know that I couldn’t have got through this immensely stressful period without the fantastic work of such an incredible charity."

The charity is 100 per cent volunteer led and provide funding in order to supply free TV, tea and snacks to benefit haematology patients and their families in St James’s Hospital, Bexley Wing.

And although it started out being for haematology cancer patients, in the words of Lesley Noble, the charity's founder, they will try and help anyone who needs it.

Brontë Sykes, whose grandma also had cancer, said: "For those of you that know me, tackling anything without a cuppa is an absolute no! Therefore, when Stephen told me how Hug on a Tray helped him during his cancer treatment, with warm drinks and snacks, I wanted to try and raise funds."

Lesley Noble, founder of Hug on a Tray added: "Brontë organised sponsored events and also added the money from her beloved grandma's recent funeral. Brontë also set up a fundraising page for us and altogether raised the final total of £2,550. There is ongoing support for Hug on a Tray from both families, it's incredible how much positivity can come out of the pain of cancer patients."