CHARITY CHIEF EXECUTIVE Lorraine Lewis was joined by supporters, volunteers, friends and family at Delapre Abbey for the launch of her new book Dare to Dream.
It tells the story of how she and her husband set up The Lewis Foundation which now provides thousands of free gift packs to adult cancer patients in 17 hospitals each month.
Lorraine is pictured with business author, broadcaster, leadership coach and brand ambassador Dr Audrey Tang, who hosted the launch, sharing extracts from the book and interviewing Lorraine about the challenges and successes she has faced as she juggled her law career with the charity.
“The journey has not been easy and people are genuinely shocked by the obstacles we have had to overcome,” says Lorraine. “I was told when I was younger that I would not get into law because I was a woman and I was black. But I did.
“Then I was told I should not pursue my dream to work in cancer care but I did that too – taking a sabbatical before leaving in 2023.”
She plucked up the courage to share her story during the first lockdown and wrote the book based on notes from her personal journal. “I hope it shows people that anything is possible and that kindness really is the most important gift of all,” Lorraine says.
“No one should be afraid to push the boundaries and try something different but they must make sure they have a strong community and support network too.”
Supported by their growing team of volunteers, Lorraine and her husband Lee deliver more than 2,000 gift packs containing overnight essentials and toiletries, letter writing kits, miniature radios, and other items to hospitals across the Midlands each month, with demand rapidly increasing.
Dare to Dream by Lorraine Lewis BCAh is available to purchase on Amazon and online through most bookshops. It is also available direct from the publisher www.troubador.co.uk/bookshop/autobiography/dare-to-dream/