Chemo Hero
When Lisa Wallis was diagnosed with breast cancer the day after her 30th birthday in 2012, she faced the uncertainty of treatment with courage and determination. During her first chemotherapy session, she realised how unprepared many patients felt on such a difficult day. Inspired to make the experience a little kinder, she created the idea of “Boxes of Kindness”—thoughtfully curated care packages filled with practical and comforting items for people beginning their cancer journey.
In 2014, ChemoHero was born. With a small donation from Lisa’s students at Petroc College, Lisa and her husband Rob packed the first boxes by hand in their living room and personally delivered them across North Devon. Even after her cancer returned in 2015, Lisa continued to build the charity while undergoing treatment herself. By 2016, ChemoHero became a registered charity, supported by volunteers, the local community, and businesses like Boden Group, who provided space for storage and packing. Nurses at North Devon’s Seamoor Unit soon began distributing Boxes of Kindness to every new chemotherapy patient.
We designed two complementary styles to support patients throughout their treatment journey:
The GJ014 Large Jute Bag: crafted from high-quality lined jute in ChemoHero’s bright white and orange colours. Measuring 45cm x 40cm with an 18cm base, it offers ample space for hospital essentials. Its dual-handle system—soft padded cotton handles and longer flat webbed handles—ensures flexibility and comfort for patients, whether carried by hand or over the shoulder.
The GJCOTTBP 5oz Cotton Backpack: a lightweight, hands-free option made from natural 5oz cotton with durable drawstring straps. Measuring 32cm x 44cm, it provides an easy, balanced way to carry items, ideal for those who prefer simplicity and freedom of movement.
Both bags are made from sustainable, natural materials that align perfectly with ChemoHero’s ethos of care and wellbeing. They’re gentle on sensitive skin, reusable, and built to last through countless hospital visits. Every detail—from handle height to weave strength—was designed with comfort, reliability, and dignity in mind.
These aren’t just branded bags—they’re companions through treatment, carrying medications, snacks, books, and small comforts that make long days a little easier. Their cheerful design in ChemoHero’s signature colours stands out in hospital settings, creating a sense of hope and belonging while spreading awareness of the charity’s mission.
For GoJute, this partnership was more than a project—it was a chance to support a remarkable organisation that continues to bring light to people during dark times. Lisa Wallis’s vision of kindness and community remains at the heart of everything ChemoHero does, and we’re proud that our products play a small role in carrying that legacy forward.
At GoJute, we believe sustainable design can change lives. Our commitment to quality and compassion ensures that every product we create serves a purpose beyond branding—it serves people.
If you’re a charity, healthcare provider, or organisation looking for eco-friendly, purpose-driven merchandise that genuinely supports your mission, we’d love to help.