Charity Stories

Thanks to the determination of former patient Amy Burke and the support of MWL NHS Charity, hundreds of patients receiving chemotherapy at the Lilac Centre are now benefiting from a simple idea that is making treatment just a little more comfortable.

Amy came up with the idea for the Cold Cap Comforter after undergoing chemotherapy herself. Cold caps are used by some patients to help reduce hair loss during treatment, but they can often be uncomfortable to wear. Wanting to make the experience easier for others, Amy worked with the innovation team at The Clatterbridge Cancer Centre to develop a soft fabric comforter that sits between the cold cap and the skin.

When Amy met Rob Cooper, Chief Executive of Mersey and West Lancashire Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust, during one of his regular walkabouts, Amy shared her experience and her vision for helping future patients. Rob immediately saw the potential and asked teams across the Trust to explore how the idea could be introduced more widely.

With support from colleagues at the Lilac Centre and funding from MWL NHS Charity, the idea quickly became a reality. The Charity have funded the purchase of more than 500 Cold Cap Comforters, at a cost of around £4,000, which are now available to patients undergoing treatment at the Centre.

Amy recently returned to the Lilac Centre to see the comforters in use and hear first-hand from patients about the difference they are making. The visit also gave her and Rob the chance to reconnect and reflect on how one conversation grew into a project that is now helping so many people.

Amy said: “Having been through chemotherapy myself, I wanted to find a way to improve the experience for patients using cold caps. The idea for the Cold Cap Comforter came from that desire to help others.

“I never imagined that something inspired by my own experience would go on to help so many patients. I'm incredibly proud to see the comforters being used at the Lilac Centre and grateful to everyone who helped make the idea a reality.”

Rob added: “When Amy shared her idea with me, it really resonated on a personal level. My own mum had cancer and wasn't able to wear a cold cap during her treatment, so I could immediately see how something as simple as this comforter could make a real difference for patients.

“Amy's idea is a fantastic example of how patients can help us improve our services. We listened, worked together and made it happen, and today hundreds of patients are benefiting as a result.”

At MWL NHS Charity, we're proud to support projects that enhance patient care and experience across our hospitals. Amy's story is a wonderful reminder of the difference that can be made when patients, staff and supporters work together to turn a personal experience into something positive for others.

You can hear more about Amy's journey and the impact the comforter is having in this video.

Every donation to MWL NHS Charity helps fund projects that enhance patient comfort, wellbeing and experience across our hospitals and community services. If you'd like to help us continue supporting initiatives like the Cold Cap Comforter, please consider making a donation today. Together, we can make a lasting difference for patients and their families.