Oa Hackett: Gifts that give back

A graduate of ARU, Oa was diagnosed with breast cancer at the age of 28. She went on to found the Little Lifts charity, with the belief that small gestures can make a big difference in the lives of those facing cancer.

Here is Oa's story.

Oa Hackett is an inspiring example of how personal experiences can fuel impactful social change.

As the founder of Little Lifts, a charity supporting people undergoing breast cancer treatment, Oa has combined her passion, creativity, and resilience to create an organisation that has transformed the lives of over 14,000 individuals. Her work, which began as a grassroots initiative, has been nationally recognised and reflects the spirit of volunteering and service to others.

Practical and emotional support

Oa's journey into volunteering was born from her personal battle with breast cancer. Diagnosed at the age of 28, she discovered a profound gap in emotional and practical support for patients undergoing treatment. Determined to make a difference, Oa founded Little Lifts in 2017 as a volunteer-driven initiative to provide curated boxes filled with practical items and comforting gifts to ease the burden of treatment.

Little Lifts ensures that every individual, regardless of their background or circumstances, receives the same level of care and support.

The power of community

Starting from her local community, Oa worked tirelessly as a volunteer to establish partnerships with NHS trusts and cancer centres. Her leadership inspired a network of volunteers who now help distribute Little Lifts boxes across multiple regions in the UK. Oa’s ability to inspire others to join her cause has been instrumental in scaling the charity’s impact, ensuring that every box is not just a gift but a message of care and solidarity.

Despite limited resources in the early days, Oa built a sustainable model that integrates volunteer contributions at every level, from assembling the boxes to managing logistics. Her innovative approach of working closely with healthcare providers has ensured that the boxes are seamlessly delivered to patients during their treatment, bridging a critical gap in care.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, when access to hospitals became restricted, Oa adapted the charity’s operations to continue reaching patients safely. This underscored her commitment to ensuring no patient feels unsupported, regardless of the circumstances.

A point of light

Oa has received the British Citizen Award for Services to Healthcare, and the Prime Minister’s Points of Light Award. She has also been named one of Norfolk’s Most Inspiring Women, in recognition of her role as a changemaker and leader in her community.

These honours reflect not only her personal achievements but also the collective success of the Little Lifts community.

Through Little Lifts, Oa has directly improved the lives of thousands – and created a legacy of collaboration, compassion and community support.

Oa studied for a Certificate of Higher Education (Charity and Social Enterprise Management) at ARU. In 2025, she won the Alumni Voluntary Service Award at our annual Alumni Awards.