The following article was printed in the Leicester Mercury on 22nd July 2008.

A charity which provides needy hospital patients with free toiletry products is celebrating a year of success.

The group was founded after the chaplain at Leicester General, Ruth Lambert, was concerned some people being admitted had no friends or family to bring essential items for them.

In response, city charity Konnect9 set up the UK Hospital Aid (Toiletries) project, which was the first of its kind in the country.

The charity has been working with Leicester hospitals to provide free toiletry packs to patients admitted through Accident and Emergency departments.

Sujata Bhalla, Konnect9's resource development manager said: "Ruth was finding that many patients had no friends or family able to bring a towel, toothbrush, etc, so nursing staff had the added burden of sourcing toiletries.

"Thanks to our links to UK companies, we can supply the hospital A & E departments with 500 free toiletry packs every month. Each pack contains a flannel, comb, toothbrush, toothpaste and soap."

Paula Blanchard, Sister at Emergency Decisions Unit, at Leicester Royal Infirmary, said: "So many of our patients are confused, in pain and suffering trauma when they're admitted and we try to make them as comfortable as possible.

"Before, we literally had to beg or borrow toiletries. Being able to give them such a nice toiletry pack helps patients maintain their personal hygiene and dignity.

"We couldn't do without the packs now."

Chris Berry was touched and overwhelmed when she received a toiletry pack.

She said: "When my husband was admitted to the Royal after a car accident I also needed to be kept in, because of my distressed state.

"The nursing staff were wonderful, and as well as their great kindness, they gave me one of Konnect9's toiletry packs.

"My gratitude is considerable, I was in crisis and had nothing, and the pack allowed me to retain my dignity, but above all, demonstrated care."

The Bishop of Leicester Tim Stevens, who supported the project from the start, is delighted with its success.

He said: "This worthwhile project supplies empty-handed people entering hospital with survival packs.

"As well as offering practical support, these packs offer a sign of love felt by others for their neighbour."

Konnect9 receives donations of new, surplus and end of line stock fromUK companies and re-distributes these to disadvantaged families.

If your business can donate stock or you can help by volunteering a couple of mornings a week, call 0116 210 2456.