Cancer support centre launches fundraising campaign

TAKING shape . . . Maggie's at the Royal Oldham Hospital

THE scaffolding is up and the structure of the vital new Maggie's cancer support centre is taking shape.

Now the charity is launching its fundraising campaign calling on businesses, residents and community groups to begin fundraising to allow the centre to provide free practical, emotional and social support for people with cancer and their family and friends.

Currently under construction within the grounds of the Royal Oldham Hospital, the innovatively-designed building will be known as Maggie's Oldham, the Sir Norman Stoller Centre in honour of Oldham-born Sir Norman and The Stoller Charitable Trust which donated £3million to fully fund the centre.

Laura Tomlinson, centre fundraising manager at Maggie's Oldham, said: "We're really excited to be bringing Maggie's to Oldham, our doors will open in summer, 2017.

"Each year, we expect to be welcoming 10,000 people affected by cancer and their family and friends to our centre.

"At Maggie's, people will be able to find the support they need to help them cope with living with cancer whether that means seeking practical advice on anything from benefits to healthy eating, taking part in stress management or relaxation classes, spending time one-to-one with a psychologist or just having a cup of tea at our big kitchen table with people who understand what they are going through without having to explain."

The centre has been developed by Maggie's working in partnership with the Pennine Acute Hospitals NHS Trust, which runs the Royal Oldham, to enhance the cancer care and support already on offer in the area.

Visitors will be able to access Maggie's evidence-based programme of support, including psychological support, benefits advice, nutrition workshops, relaxation and stress management, art therapy, tai chi and yoga.

On average, it costs around £590,000 to keep a Maggie's open for a year.

Laura added: "Maggie's relies entirely on voluntary donations, fundraising and gifts in wills so by getting involved you can help us to make sure that the invaluable support the Maggie's Centre will provide is available to anyone and everyone who needs it in Oldham and the surrounding areas.

"We can't do this without your help so please get in touch and get involved today!"

She added that people can get involved in a variety of ways including fundraising activities at work or in community groups and by taking part in a sponsored personal challenge (such as marathon running, cycle races or endurance swimming) for Maggie's Oldham.

Individuals can also put on their own fundraising event or volunteer their time at Maggie's fundraising events.

The centre, which was given planning permission in December, last year, is the charity's second in Greater Manchester and follows the opening of Maggie's Manchester, The Robert Parfett Building, at The Christie Hospital in Withington earlier this year.

IT features a unique design by acclaimed architects dRMM and gardens by Jinny Blom Landscape Design and aims to provide an "oasis of calm" with the design incorporating nature, light and homely atmosphere.

For more information about getting involved contact Laura via email at laura.tomlinson@maggiescentres.org or call 07584-518 266.

To find out more about Maggie's Oldham, the programme of support the centre will offer or to get involved with fundraising visit www.maggiescentres.org/oldham.

Follow Maggie's Oldham on Twitter @maggiesoldham and Facebook via www.facebook.com/maggiesoldham.



Below are some examples of how the funds we raise are used to make the biggest possible difference to people living with cancer and their family and friends at Maggie's Centres.

1. £3 pays for tea for a day, so people can sit together at our kitchen table and find strength in sharing their cancer experiences.

2. £10 pays for a beanie hat for someone attending Talking Heads, a workshop offering advice and support to cope with hair loss.

3. £15 pays for one person to attend a nutrition workshop, exploring different food and providing inspiring recipes to help people eat well and feel better during cancer treatment.

4. £30 pays for an hour of immediate advice and support for someone just diagnosed with cancer with a cancer support specialist.

5. £40 pays for an hour with a benefits adviser to help someone access financial support they might be eligible for and offer help with the application process.

6. £50 pays for an exercise class for up to 10 people to help build strength and confidence during cancer treatment and afterwards.

7. £65 pays for a family to receive one-and-a-half hours of support from a psychologist, helping them to find a new approach to living after losing someone with cancer.

8. £75 pay for a creative writing workshop for up to 10 people to explore what they're feeling about their cancer experience.

9. £100 pays for a two-hour Managing Stress session for up to 10 people, exploring ways to relax and find calmness in day to day life when dealing with the challenges of cancer.

10. £300 pays for a cancer support specialist to provide immediate advice and support for the 100 visits welcomed at a centre each day.

It costs around £2,400 to keep a Maggie's Centre open for a day, around £12,000 to keep it open for a week and around £590,000 to keep Maggie's open for a year.

*Costs are calculated on average costs across all Maggie's Centres in operation.