Hello, my name is Maria Bailey and on 22nd of April 2026, I was diagnosed with cervical cancer along with an added bonus of a 4cm Tumour, apparently the size of a Walnut (who I affectionately nicknamed “Winnie”).

I am currently having 5 weeks of both weekly chemotherapy and daily radiotherapy at the brilliant South West Wales Cancer Centre located at Singleton Hospital, Swansea. After week 5, I will be heading off and finishing my journey for weeks 6, 7 and 8 at the marvellous Velindre Cancer Centre in Cardiff for weekly brachytherapy sessions, where, I believe, I will be getting a new “Catheter” Bag (nope, never heard of that Designer either!!!).

But enough about me - this is what I would like to do and need any help you can give me please.

I would like to make and donate a physical chemo backpack. Like so many people, I didn’t have a clue what to take in with me, if anything at all, for my first session. As I wanted to be fully prepared, I did a bit of research to know what basics to take in and the result is this beauty of a backpack now full of useful items which I use every Monday for chemo.

I intend to make the backpacks for cervical cancer patients that are donated on the day of their final assessment (before their treatment starts) so it is one less thing for these brave ladies to think/worry about as treatment starts so quickly!!

I’ve come up with a ”One Grab Chemo Bag” (catchy huh?) and my plan of action is to raise donations so I can buy and pack everything needed ready for chemo (I already have volunteers to help!). I wish I had one donated to me as my backpack cost me nye on 100 nicker to put together, a costly amount when you are on the sick!! But I have found it invaluable. Granted, I could have used a Tesco/ASDA placcy bag but I wanted to rock up in style!!

The ‘One Grab Chemo Bag’ (now affectionately known as ‘Bailey’s Bags’) core contents are:

Back Pack with built in USB port 17.64 (each)

Nivea Lip Balm 4.59 (pck of 2)

Memory Foam Neck Pillow 8.99 (each)

Fleece Blanket 10.19 (each)

Portable Charger (fits tidy into the backpack)

9.49 (each)

*Water Bottle with time marking prompts

6.99 (each)

Medicine Organiser

9.98 (each)

Bulk buy items which initially can be split between backpacks:

Pear Drops (to mask chemo taste)

14.99 (1 kilo)

Incontinent Pants (for later on possible side effects of radiotherapy).

9.98 (pack 20)

Ginger Tea Bags (to help with nausea)

8.99 (100 Bags)

Folding Hand Fans

£10.99

Total initial outlay:

Approx £100 per backpack (prices on Amazon but could drill it down on SHEIN as I loves a good bargain!) with no shipping fees, as I would gladly deliver!

Suggested additional items for ladies to pack, if they have and would like to take/keep in their backpacks:

Ear Thermometer

Cancer inspired Puzzle Books/Crosswords

Felt tip Pens

Colouring Pencils

Biro ️

Note Book for Blood Dates/Important Numbers/Journey Journal

Spare Money

iPad

iPhone

House Keys

Hospital Issued Medication

Slippers (for walking back & forth to loo!)

Which will all fit securely and perfectly in the backpack compartments (as all my items do with room to spare) with everything kept in one place, ready to go.

The backpacks (and included items) can also be used for weekend breaks or for a well deserved holiday after treatment (as this is a cabin approved size for overhead lockers or underneath seats) so the backpack can be repurposed too!!

*Can be used on radiotherapy days - this bottle helped me massively with pre bladder capacity scans as they can’t start the radiotherapy without it being to a required capacity (I believe to protect the kidneys) - it took me 3 attempts on my 1st day following chemotherapy and that became a long day trying (and failing) to get right!! Have you ever tried to stop mid way flow to get your bladder down to the right capacity - impossible!!!

With the times to drink prompted on the water bottle, I’ve been using it since day 5 of radiotherapy and I’ve been spot on with the 1st scan ever since (bingo!) which has saved precious time, allowing me to go home and rest (aka as a nanna nap). There is also a pouch on the side of the backpack where this slots in perfectly - Brucie Bonus!

Even if I don’t raise enough money, if it helps make one lady’s day that little bit easier with this backpack, that is one thing less for them to think about.

i have a dear friend up T’North (I said I would call her Feedback No.1) who mum has recently been diagnosed with brain cancer.

Although opposite ends of the body I grant you, I sent her daughter my list anyway to help her mum prepare for chemotherapy and the feedback received was, and I quote:

“I’ve just read this to mum. We both think this is incredible and will help so many!!!”

Please help me raise enough funds, even if it is for a couple of backpacks as, from personal experience, I know it will help someone before their brave, hard journey begins.

Thank you very much for reading!

Best warmest wishes to you all,

Maria xx

(and, before you ask - no, you can’t solve a problem like Maria!!!!).

Update:  New to Instagram so please give me a follow: 

baileysbags2026