Tuesday 12 August 2025
A new centre of expert cancer support is coming to the home of Maggie Keswick Jencks, founder of Maggie's.
NHS Dumfries and Galloway has announced they have the ‘green light’ to plan a Maggie’s cancer care centre in Dumfries.
Maggie’s can now move forward with plans to bring their professional programme of support to Dumfries and Galloway, the home of their founder Maggie Keswick Jencks.
Dame Laura Lee DBE, Chief Executive of Maggie’s, said: “I am delighted we now have the green light to plan a Maggie’s centre in the grounds of Dumfries Royal Infirmary.
“This centre has been in development with the NHS Dumfries and Galloway for a long time, so it is wonderful to now be able to look forward to a time when people living with cancer, as well as family and friends, many of whom currently visit centres in Glasgow and Edinburgh for support, have our expert support closer to them.
“Of course, we also know that there’s something special about having a centre here because we know how fondly our founder Maggie Keswick Jencks is remembered.”
The planned support centre will be built in the grounds of Dumfries and Galloway Royal Infirmary.
The Dumfries and Galloway region sees approximately 1,200 new cancer diagnoses every year.
NHS Dumfries and Galloway have welcomed the outcome. It follows conversations with Maggie’s exploring the best means of serving a region which is largely rural, with a population spread across a large geographic area.
Having delivered the news of progress at NHS Board on Monday, Chief Executive Julie White said: “I am delighted to be working with Dame Laura and the team at Maggie's to deliver on the proposals to establish a Maggie's service for the people across our communities in Dumfries and Galloway, and that Maggie’s can now take forward plans for their programme of support.
“We know the support that this approach can bring, and conversations have been focused on ensuring it benefits people across our region.
“Although the centre will be constructed in Dumfries, Maggie’s appreciates that we are a remote and rural area and are supportive of an approach serving the region in its entirety.
“This was very much welcomed at our Cancer Steering Group, as was Maggie’s openness to working with third sector organisations who provide support for illnesses other than cancer – indicating there may be opportunities for them to also make use of the new facility.”
Julie White added: “NHS Dumfries and Galloway is facing significant financial challenges, but this new Maggie’s centre is set to be taken forward by the charity – with the NHS Board providing the land where it will be constructed over the coming years.”
Maggie Keswick Jencks was a writer, gardener and designer from Holywood, Dumfriesshire. When she was 47, Maggie was diagnosed with breast cancer, and five years later, in May 1993, she was told that it had returned.
Maggie and her husband, Charles Jencks, a renowned cultural theorist, landscape designer, and architectural historian, discussed the need for somewhere 'better' for people with cancer to go, outside of but near to hospitals.
Together they designed the blueprint for the centres. The first Maggie's opened in Edinburgh in 1996.
Today, Maggie’s has nearly 30 years of experience providing free cancer support and information. By the end of 2025 there will be 27 centres across the UK and a growing international network.
Support includes sessions with cancer support specialists, psychologists and benefits advisors for people with cancer, as well as family and friends.
Whatever kind of cancer, whatever stage you're at, Maggie's is here with you.
Our expert staff are here to listen to your concerns and find the help you need wherever you are – over the phone and online.
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