Countess of Chester Hospital launching lifeline for new mums facing cancer treatment

Mums in Chester who have to stop breastfeeding because of cancer treatment will soon be able to access human donor milk for their babies, thanks to a new project being launched by the Countess of Chester Hospital NHS Foundation Trust.

The CHERISH scheme, which is due to roll out this spring, will support mothers who are told they must stop breastfeeding for safety reasons when they start chemotherapy or radiotherapy treatment. 

Human milk is still considered the best option for babies, but until now there has been no reliable way for local families in this situation to access donor milk. 

By creating a new route to donor milk, the project run by Chester Milk Bank, aims to ensure that no child misses out on the benefits of human milk purely because their parent needs urgent cancer care. 

Laura Atherton, Bereavement Lead at the Countess of Chester Hospital, said: 

“We see the shock and distress families experience when a new cancer diagnosis suddenly means a mother has to stop breastfeeding. It’s an emotionally overwhelming time, and having to pause something so meaningful can add to that pressure. 

“Donor milk can’t remove all of the worry, but it can offer comfort, reassurance, and a sense that parents are still able to give their baby something they had hoped to provide themselves.” 

“The CHERISH project is about compassion, dignity and making sure no family feels forgotten.” 

One local mum who received donor milk during her own cancer treatment described just how much it meant to her: 

“Donor milk was a precious gift when cancer meant I couldn’t breastfeed. Cancer brings fear, disruption and a brutal treatment schedule, and being forced to stop breastfeeding suddenly on top of that would have been devastating. It helped nourish my baby while I was too unwell to feed her from hospital and made it possible for us to return to breastfeeding.  

“I’m so grateful to the milk bank and generous donors – without them, our feeding journey would have ended far too soon. I hope more mums facing cancer can find the same support through CHERISH.” 

Cathy Chadwick, Chief Operating Officer at The Countess of Chester Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, added: 

 “This wonderful new scheme will send a clear message that parents facing cancer in early parenthood should not have to choose between lifesaving treatment and the wellbeing of their baby. 

 “It reflects our commitment to compassionate, family centred care, and to making sure every baby in our community has the strongest possible start in life, regardless of the challenges their parents are facing.” 

This initiative is a social value project funded by The Milk Bank at Chester and delivered with the support of the South Central and West Child Health Information Service and the charity Mummy’s Star. 

About the Countess of Chester Hospital NHS Foundation Trust 

The Countess of Chester Hospital NHS Foundation Trust has three hospitals – The Countess of Chester Hospital, Ellesmere Port Hospital and Tarporley War Memorial Hospital – and provides services to 445,000 people a year from West Cheshire, Ellesmere Port, Neston and north Wales. Emergency care is provided to over 200 patients a day across the Emergency Department, Same Day Emergency Care facility and Urgent Treatment Centre with a dedicated Acute Frailty department to support more vulnerable patients.

Pictured - The Milk Bank Team.