Flutter is a small charity started by Mary, a kidney cancer patient, who experienced limited support and awareness during her kidney cancer journey.

Flutter provides and delivers care bags and comfort cushions to bring a little brightness to kidney cancer patients following diagnosis and during treatment, and at no cost to the NHS.

We are delighted to be supporting this wonderful initiative which started as a result of Mary’s personal experience with kidney cancer.

Mary was diagnosed with kidney cancer at the end of 2017. Here is what Mary said:

It rocked my world and shook my family to the core. The effects of such a diagnosis remain to this day in the different ways that it has changed our lives. I’ve always believed that some good should be derived from the bad experiences in life, and so I hope to change the experience of others in some small way.

My hope is to reduce the isolation that can be caused by this illness, mainly due to the limited awareness and understanding for this type of cancer. They are called Butterfly Bags because at the most difficult times during my illness, I had several encounters with a butterfly, at times when leaving the house for treatment, and other stressful moments, which provided comfort.

​You often hear of people being diagnosed with cancer, but you never expect it to happen to you. It’s a life changing event. At my diagnosis I discovered locally, there was little support, understanding or awareness of kidney cancer. Information was limited, with no booklets provided at the hospital to read, or referrals to any support network etc. All of which would have made a difference. The thing that doesn’t prepare you for a diagnosis with kidney cancer, is just how alone you can feel.

I started Flutter to provide kidney cancer patients with Butterfly Bags containing essential items and treats, that are useful for any hospital stay, or just as a ‘pick me up,’ and to bring a little brightness at a difficult time. It is hoped by doing this more awareness for kidney cancer can be increased.

​Care Bags

Care bags are designed to offer comfort and practical support during hospital stays or treatment. Each handmade bag contains thoughtfully selected quality products, including travel-sized toiletries, hand cream, lip balm, peppermint teabags, anti-nausea remedies, tissues, eye masks, ear plugs, comfortable bed socks, crossword book, notebook, and a pen.

In every care bag there is information and support advice from Action Kidney Cancer.

Comfort Cushions

Flutter also provides each kidney cancer patient a comfort cushion with no zip or buttons, for use following major surgery for kidney removal (nephrectomy). They are helpful to assist with breathing exercises in the early days following surgery, and held as a cough cushion to provide support over the surgical area. Following home discharge, they are useful for daily rehabilitation, and can be beneficial if returning to hospital for further treatment.

Each care bag and comfort cushion has been sewn with love and kindness by volunteer Sewing Bees.

To help patients feel less isolated following a diagnosis, care bags contain essential information for patients and families. This information provides relevant signposting to professional support for counselling, benefit, employment advice and patient groups. Action Kidney Cancer provides some of this literature.

Due to the complexities often involved with kidney cancer, many patients are routinely transferred to hospitals in London, such as The Royal Marsden, The Royal Free, Kings College, Guys & St Thomas’s and Barts hospitals. Flutter supports these hospitals including Addenbrooke’s Hospital in Cambridge with care bags and comfort cushions.

There is no charge for the support that Flutter provides. All deliveries are despatched from the charity by courier service to each hospital.

Flutter is a reliant on the wonderful goodwill of volunteers who give their time, and fundraising events and any successful funding bids which in these uncertain economical, times can be challenging.

Feedback from patients and medical staff has been overwhelmingly positive relating to the benefits of the care bags and comfort cushions. Reference is made to the positive impact for patients, helping reduce isolation and anxiety, while offering comfort during a very difficult time.

Clinical teams are grateful for the information that is contained within the care bags. This feedback is reiterated by relatives who regularly thank Flutter. Health professionals love being able to provide the care bags and comfort cushions to their patients.

Furthermore, feedback from patients and relatives has been incredibly supportive, and drives the charity to continue to support kidney cancer patients and raise awareness of this type of cancer. Below are examples of the comments that Flutter receives regularly.

From my point of view, it feels really lovely to hand these bags out, it feels personal and patient-centred and it really gives my patients a lift. They regularly say how thoughtful, kind and personal these bags feel. Cushions are a big hit for encouraging deep breathing exercises which we know reduces the risk of post op chest infections considerably.

I have just left hospital after having an open radical nephrectomy. The gifts I received were so unexpected but magical on a difficult day in hospital. They really lifted my spirits and so useful! The support of others is the best medicine in recovery. Thanks so much again.

Many patients are impacted severely by the cost-of-living crisis, as their condition makes it impossible to work. Care packs are often referred to as a lifeline for those unable to afford basic essentials upon admission to hospital.

For more information about the care bags and comfort cushions, please visit the Flutter website here.

Thank you for your supporting Flutter and brightening the lives of kidney cancer patients!