First birthday for Maggie’s Lanarkshire

Maggie’s Lanarkshire was opened by golfer Colin Montgomerie in September last year, and named in honour of his late mother, Elizabeth.

Since then there have been more than 3500 visits to the Centre, which is in the grounds of Monklands Hospital.

Lorrie Forsyth, Centre Head at Maggie’s Lanarkshire said: “It is wonderful to be celebrating Maggie’s Lanarkshire’s first birthday.

“The people of Lanarkshire have truly made the Centre their own and I am delighted we have been here to offer a warm Maggie’s welcome to men and women of all ages affected by cancer.

“Every year our Maggie’s community develops and grows, but as always the kitchen table and our evidence-based programme of support are at the heart of all that happens here.

“I am incredibly proud to be Maggie’s Lanarkshire Centre Head and I look forward to welcoming many more people to our Centre in the years to come.”

On Wednesday (September 9) the day of the birthday,there will be taster sessions from 10am until 2pm which include mindful walking, Tai Chi and complementary therapy appointments (these need to be booked in advance).

Everyone is welcome to come along and there will be cake cutting at 2pm.

Ruth Zokas, fundraising organiser said: “We are looking forward to our birthday and we have organised a drinks reception on Thursday to thank our supporters and volunteers for their support over the last year.

“If anyone would like to get involved with our birthday celebration but is unable to attend then they can organise their own event such a coffee morning. We have materials and information to help them with their fundraising.”

It costs £416,000 a year to run Maggie’s Lanarkshire and the charity relies on voluntary donations to meet that cost and to develop its unique, high quality programme of support.

Emotional support might involve a one-to-one or group session with a clinical psychologist, stress reduction and relaxation workshops, or art therapy and creative writing courses.

Practical support might include advice about benefits and eating well; specialist support for managing hair loss and skin care during and after treatment – courses such as Getting Started, for people who are newly diagnosed; or Where Now? for those adjusting to life after cancer.

Social support comes from the people who work in and visit Maggie’s Centres, the supportive community around each kitchen table of people who understand what it is to be living with cancer.

The charity’s aim is to make the biggest difference possible to people with cancer and their family and friends.

The Elizabeth Montgomerie Foundation, created by Colin in memory of his mother, contributed more than £1.2 million to the cost of the build. Grant-making charity Walk the Walk also contributed £250,000 to the building of the Centre.

To find out more about Maggie’s Lanarkshire and to see how the Centre supports people with cancer across Lanarkshire you can visit the Centre in person or get in touch on 01236 771199 or [email protected]