Cancer charity to run museum and art gallery cafe

Lee and Lorraine Lewis (pictured) already run a coffee shop at the Elgar Centre in Northampton

A charity providing care packs to adult cancer patients has announced it will start managing a museum and art gallery cafe.

The Lewis Foundation will take over the running of the Northampton Art Gallery and Museum outlet on 12 November.

The charity already runs a coffee shop at the Elgar Centre in Northampton, as well as two retail stores in Northampton and Luton.

Lorraine Lewis, chief executive and co-founder of The Lewis Foundation, said she was "thrilled" to take over the running of the cafe.

The Lewis Foundation has more than 50 volunteers working with 17 hospitals across the Midlands

The Lewis Foundation was created in 2016 by Lorraine and Lee Lewis, who went through more than four years of hospital visits when Mr Lewis's mother underwent cancer treatment.

The charity provides free gifts and support packs to adult cancer patients in hospital every week.

Ms Lewis said she "couldn't wait" to bring "energy and passion" to the new venture.

The gallery and museum is run by West Northamptonshire Council.

Daniel Lister, council cabinet member for culture and leisure, said: "The Lewis Foundation is the perfect organisation to take the lead on this.

"Their commitment to the local community and the excellent work they do with their existing coffee shop and charity aligns perfectly with our values."