The Trust was pleased to support the construction of the brand new Maggie’s cancer support centre based at the Christie Hospital. Maggie’s is a light, bright and airy space designed by Lord Norman Foster, set in a peaceful gardens designed by Dan Pearson. This is one of a network of 30 centres that delivers on the wisdom about cancer care originally shared by Founder Maggie Keswick Jencks: “Above all what matters is not to lose the joy of living in the fear of dying”.
The Centre was formally opened in April 2016, and has been making a significant impact on the lives of people affected by cancer since then. Anyone affected by cancer can visit Maggie’s, with no appointment or referral, and find emotional and practical support – or simply someone to talk to – from the trained staff.
In its first year, over 20,000 people visited the Centre, which has a large kitchen table at its heart. Around it, supportive relationships and friendships form between visitors, and with the small staff team. People are encouraged to openly and honestly share their experience, their fears and their aspirations for the future. Alongside this crucial social support, people can access specialist services, social activities and creative networks relating to stress management, benefits advice, rehabilitation and life beyond cancer.