Boost for new cancer support centre in Cardiff

Plans for a new cancer support centre in Cardiff have been given a £1 million boost, thanks to the generosity of players of People’s Postcode Lottery.

Staff from cancer support charity Maggie’s were given the good news during a surprise visit from People’s Postcode Lottery ambassador Matt Johnson to the current interim centre, Maggie’s Cardiff.

The funding, which will go towards the charity’s £5 million campaign to build the new centre, was raised entirely by players of People’s Postcode Lottery and awarded by the Postcode Earth Trust.

Maggie’s plans to build the new centre in the grounds of the new Velindre Cancer Centre and hopes it will open in 2026/2027.

The charity is moving alongside cancer services to be close to where people with cancer are treated. It is hoped the new centre will support at least a quarter more people with cancer, as well as family and friends, than currently visit the interim centre. In 2022 the interim centre supported people more than 7500 times.

Plans will also make the new cancer support centre an even more integrated part of the local community by involving local people in the design and build.

Sustainability will also be at the heart of the design for the new centre, providing a blueprint for future centres.

Maggie’s Chief Executive Dame Laura Lee said: “I still can’t quite believe that the players of People’s Postcode Lottery have given us a cheque for £1million! I have to pinch myself to believe that we can now start making our new purpose-built Maggie’s in Cardiff a reality. I really didn’t think when I woke up this morning that today was going to be so special.

“We are moving because it is important for us to be close to cancer services in the new Velindre Cancer Centre so people with cancer, as well as family and friends, can visit us for support easily while visiting the hospital for treatment.

“Our current centre was always designed to be an interim measure and the new purpose-built centre is an opportunity to reach even more people living with cancer and will also have a strong focus on sustainability.

“To have the support of players of People’s Postcode Lottery to do this is just incredible.

“To date, Maggie’s has received over £22.8 million thanks to the generosity of players and their continued support has allowed us to support hundreds of thousands of people across the UK at what is possibly the hardest time of their lives. A huge thank you to all the players for making this happen.”

Maggie’s Cardiff at The Chris McGuigan Building, designed by Biba Dow and Alun Jones of Dow Jones Architects, opened as an interim centre in 2019.

Biba Dow and Alun Jones of Dow Jones Architects will also design the new purpose-built centre.

Clara Govier, Managing Director, People’s Postcode Lottery, said: “Our players have a very special relationship with the amazing Maggie’s team. They have been supporting the charity since 2008 and I am so proud that funds raised by them will go towards the building of this inspiring new centre in Cardiff and help continue to make a positive difference for people living with cancer.”

Anna McMorrin, MP for Cardiff North, said: “I am absolutely delighted by this funding announcement to Maggie’s in Whitchurch. Maggie’s offers outstanding support and care to patients and their families throughout Cardiff North and beyond during their most difficult of times. It is an invaluable asset and I’m thrilled that the People’s Postcode Lottery recognise this too by raising these funds.”

Since Maggie’s opened its first centre in 1996, the charity has developed a programme of support that is proven to help people with cancer, as well as family and friends, take back control. There are now 24 centres across the UK.

Maggie’s professional staff include psychologists, cancer support specialists and benefits advisors and the majority of funding comes from voluntary donations.