A new scheme in Chester will soon help mums undergoing cancer treatment continue feeding their babies by providing access to donated breast milk.

Launched by the Countess of Chester Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, the CHERISH scheme will support mothers who are told they must stop breastfeeding for safety reasons when starting chemotherapy or radiotherapy.

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. 

Run by Chester Milk Bank, the project is due to roll out this spring. By creating a new route to donor milk, the project will ensure no baby misses out on the benefits of human milk simply because their parent needs urgent cancer care.

"We see the shock and distress families experience when a new cancer diagnosis suddenly means a mother has to stop breastfeeding," said Laura Atherton, Bereavement Lead at the Countess of Chester Hospital.

"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 the donor milk as "a precious gift" when cancer meant she couldn't breastfeed.

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She added: "Cancer brings fear, disruption and a brutal treatment schedule. Being forced to stop breastfeeding suddenly on top of that would have been devastating.

"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."