My Story

Why Maggie's?

When I was diagnosed with breast cancer in Nov 2013, my life suddenly became filled with a series of hospital appointments. At one of those first appointments one of the nurses encouraged Dan and me to go to the Maggie's centre based at Addenbrooke's. How grateful I am they I did! Maggie's was a little oasis of calm and caring on my hospital days. I could go and have a cup of tea and a chat, talk about the procedures and treatments, discuss my worries, or simply sit quietly. As my treatment progressed, I was able to attend sessions to help me deal with the side effects and had counselling to help me come to terms with the changes I had undergone. Whenever I went to Maggie's, I always came away feeling better. The calm environment and knowledgeable, sympathetic staff and volunteers always improved my mood and my day. 

In April 2024 I will reach the milestone of 10 years cancer-free. The London Marathon, for me, is the ultimate challenge. I have chosen to run for Maggie's to give back to a community that supported me so much and to help keep this support going for people who receive a cancer diagnosis. 


Maggie's is a fantastic charity close to our hearts, set up to support people and families suffering with the effects of cancer, as well as championing quality architecture for their centres. 


Maggie's Centres offer practical and emotional support to people with any type of cancer, at any stage, for free. They receive no government funds and rely on the generosity of their supporters. They focus on the things that really make a difference, such as financial worries, housing, help with managing stress and anxiety as well as side efforts of treatment and they offer family support. They offer this through 1-1 support or group sessions. 


There are 24 centres in the UK and 4 in London, welcoming 100+ visitors into each centre every day"