New Maggie's centre opens in Northampton

Maggie’s opened its 27^th centre in the grounds of Northampton General Hospital on Monday, with thousands of people across the East Midlands set to benefit from its wide-ranging support.

Maggie’s provides free practical, emotional and psychological support to people who are living with cancer, as well as their family and friends. From benefits advice and mental health support to help with exercise and nutrition, Maggie’s has a wide range of help available for people impacted by cancer.

Cancer support across the East Midlands

Our Chief Executive, Dame Laura Lee DBE was there to open the latest Maggie’s centre.

Dame Laura said: “I am delighted to be here today to open our new centre in Northampton.

“We have been working with Northampton General Hospital NHS Trust for many years to bring our professional support to people living with cancer from across the East Midlands and I am delighted we are now open for people at what is possibly the hardest time of their lives.

“Maggie’s is there for everyone who needs it, and we are free with no appointment or referral necessary. We know this makes a huge difference to helping people cope with their diagnosis - from getting ready for cancer treatment, help with potential side effects, support after treatment, benefits advice or support coping with advanced cancer.

“I am so grateful to be here and to everyone who has made this happen.”

Helen Forskitt, her husband and daughter sought support from Maggie’s in Nottingham after Helen’s son Zac was diagnosed with two rare cancers in quick succession.

Helen spent three months staying in Nottingham during Zac’s treatment, 70 miles from where they lived in Northampton. Sadly, Zac died in 2016, just six months after he was diagnosed.

Helen said: “Zac used to say to me, ‘Mum, go to Maggie’s.’ At the time, I used to think he just wanted a break from me, but looking back, it was more than that. He knew we both needed space, and he wanted me to be somewhere safe. He knew that if I went to Maggie’s, I’d be okay. He knew where I was, and that I’d be looked after.

“To have a Maggie’s in Northampton now is just wonderful.”

Healing architecture and stunning design

Recognising the importance of beautiful surroundings and biophilic design principles to aid treatment and recovery, Maggie’s works with leading architects, garden designers and interior designers to create bespoke centres of excellence that seamlessly link warm and welcoming interior clinical spaces with inviting and accessible gardens.

The Northampton centre, which was granted planning permission in 2020, has been designed by renowned architect, Stephen Marshall with a garden designed by internationally recognised garden designer Arne Maynard and interior design and decoration by Tricia Guild OBE.

Stephen Marshall, of Stephen Marshall Architects, said: “I really hope everyone enjoys our building. It has been a privilege to design a Maggie’s centre and I have never forgotten that the end result is to create a space which will contribute to the care of people living with cancer when they need support.”

It is expected that the centre will support approximately 15,000 visits* a year. There are 150,000 people in the East Midlands area living with cancer.

Laura Churchward, UHN CEO said: “We are pleased to officially welcome Maggie’s to Northampton General Hospital and to witness the opening of the new centre today.

"The services and compassionate care provided by Maggie’s will be a tremendous support to individuals and families across Northamptonshire and beyond. We hope the centre will guide them through their cancer journey in a unique and comforting environment.

"It is a privilege to see the centre open, surrounded by the dedicated individuals who have worked tirelessly with Maggie’s to champion and advance this project. Their passion and commitment to supporting patients and their loved ones is outstanding.

We hope Maggie’s Northampton will provide warmth, support and comfort to those with cancer and their loved ones for years to come”.

The legacy of Diana Russell (née Phipps)

Fundraising for the new centre was given a huge boost in 2022 thanks to a generous legacy of £2,425,000 from Northampton businesswoman Diana Russell (née Phipps).

Diana, a member of the Phipps family, owned a vintage car company and was a female racing driver well-known on the racing scene in the 1960s and 70s. The new centre is named the Diana Russell Building in her honour.

Diana’s son, David Russell, travelled from the United States to attend the opening.

He said: “It is an honour to be here today at the opening of the Maggie’s cancer support centre that my mother’s legacy has helped make a reality.

“For the centre to be named after her is something which makes me feel incredibly proud, and it is wonderful to know that this beautiful building will now be here to support thousands of people living with cancer from across the region for many years to come. I know my Mum would be very pleased.”

Maggie’s would like to thank all the generous individuals, trusts and foundations who contributed to the project and who joined the charity for the ceremony.

How Maggie's can help

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.

• Just come in 
• Call us on 0300 123 180 or arrange a callback
• Email us at enquiries@maggies.org 
• Our phone lines and centres are open  Monday to Friday, 9 am to 5 pm

*visits refers to support facilitated by our programme staff and includes face to face; on the phone and online