Every year, over 300,000 people are diagnosed with cancer in the UK, facing tough questions, exhausting treatment and difficult emotions. These challenges affect not only those with cancer, but their family and friends, too.

 

The first Maggie’s Centre opened in Edinburgh in 1996 and since then Maggie’s has continued to grow, with 24 Centres at major NHS cancer hospitals in the UK and 3 abroad. Maggie’s programme of support has been shown to strengthen the physical and emotional wellbeing of people with cancer and their families and friends.

 

Maggie's Oxford is a purpose-built Centre in the grounds of the Churchill Hospital in Headington and is a warm and welcoming place where anyone affected by cancer can access friendly and professional support on a drop-in basis, completely free of charge. It is a place to find practical advice about benefits and eating well; a place where qualified experts provide emotional support; a place to meet other people or simply to sit quietly with a cup of tea. WalkWithMe's team member Clare Foster is a member of the Fundraising Board at Maggie's Oxford which is a great link with the charity.

 

Maggie’s is needed now, more than ever

 

Throughout the pandemic, Maggie’s have continued to provide much needed support for people with cancer and their loved ones. Claire Marriott, Centre Head and Clinical Psychologist says “every day we hear from people who have experienced undeniable trauma, stress and fear because of the impact coronavirus has had on their treatment, quality of life and emotional and psychological wellbeing. Here at Maggie’s we will continue to provide the best possible care and support to people with cancer”.

 

Why Maggie’s needs your help

 

Social distancing measures meant that Maggie’s planned programme of community and events fundraising was dramatically reduced in 2020 and 2021. With your help, Maggie’s can continue to be there when people need them the most.

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“We're absolutely thrilled to have been chosen by the WalkWithMe team, and are looking forward to seeing people take on this incredible challenge for Maggie's Oxford. Our centre is funded entirely by voluntary donations; we don't receive any government or NHS funding so we really do rely on the support of events like these to keep our Centre going. Thank you to everyone involved for helping us to help more people affected by cancer."

Claire Marriott,

Centre Head at Maggie's Oxford