Hammond’s special suit for cancer sufferers

British drysuit outfitter Hammond has dispatched a very special shortie drysuit just in time for Christmas.

The Kent-based family-run company makes a special line of drysuits for adults and children who suffer from leukemia.

catheter is inserted into the chest, and it cannot get wet

The problem is that part of the treatment for this terrible disease involves wearing a ‘Hickman Line’, a catheter inserted directly into the chest.

This is bad enough by itself, but the Hickman also cannot get wet, making swimming and water sports strictly off-limits for those who wear one.

However, Hammond Drysuits produces a special line of latex suits, adapted specifically for this purpose.

The latest child-sized suit has just been dispatched in time for Christmas to Aoibheann’s Pink Tie (pronounced Aveen’s) – a charity based in Ireland which supports families of children battling cancer.

Hammond Drysuits has been working closely with Aoibheann’s Pink Tie since July of this year.

Founder and Chairman of Aoibheann’s Pink Tie, Jimmy Norman, says: “Being able to swim again has literally brought tears of joy to many families. When my own young daughter needed Hickman Line treatment, I remember thinking I would have paid thousands for her to have one last swim.

“When we found out about Hammond Drysuits’ Shorties, we decided to hold a raffle each month: we put the names of children who have been diagnosed as needing the Hickman Lines for a year or more into a draw. So far, we have helped around 30 children. These suits are simply brilliant and I won’t be happy until every child in Ireland who needs one has one.”

He continued: “Chris Hammond and his team have been unbelievably co-operative. It’s incredible to think Chris designs the suits himself.”

The Aoibheann’s Pink Tie charity relies entirely on donations and fund raisers. To contribute or read more, visit www.aoibheannspinktie.ie.