Heart-shaped cushions which are being donated to breast cancer patients are supporting them both physically and emotionally.

The West Suffolk Cancer Support Group, which has donated 90 cushions since February, said the response from patients had been “wonderful”.

The idea was brought to the group by a member who was given one from her daughter in Germany after her mastectomy and asked if it was possible to launch the scheme here, for the breast unit at West Suffolk Hospital.

Julia Wigley, of the West Suffolk Cancer Support Group, which is based at the hospital’s Macmillan Unit, said benefits of the cushions include protecting the area which has been operated on, filling the space left empty after a mastectomy and showing people are thinking of them.

One patient, who used the cushion on their way home from a mastectomy at West Suffolk Hospital, told Mrs Wigley in an email they were “overwhelmed and touched” by the physical and mental support it had given them.

“Thank you so much to all of the volunteers, it is truly, truly appreciated,” they said.

Mrs Wigley said the group started making the cushions themselves, and since then other volunteers have got on board to support the project, including Wigglywoo’s Craft Emporium in Ipswich which has donated 60 cushions.

Patients themselves and family members have also been getting involved in making them.

Mrs Wigley added: “We have had great support so far from local businesses and especially the Cosy Cabin at Risby Barns which is giving people buying fabric for cushions a 20% discount.”

People can pop along to the Cosy Cabin on July 4 for a cushion-making workshop from 10am to 4pm.

And on June 6, the cancer support group will have a stand at the Arc shopping centre in Bury.

The group are also looking for donations for cushion materials and funds to help promote the cushions and group.

Anyone who would like a cushion or a pattern or wants to get involved should call 07852 345963 or email thewscsg@gmail.com