Centre Ambassadors

Bami

Swansea

A lot of people from my community will not ask questions. In a place where you’re already a minority, and there’s nobody who looks like you, it’s very easy to think that doctors aren’t going to listen to you anyway. I saw it happen with my sister.

Because you’re not listened to, properly listened to, it crushes your self-esteem. My heart broke for my sister. It made her feel so much worse. She had to fight for so much more. The barriers we had to push through in order to even speak about what was happening were enormous.

I’m passionate about: the beautiful buildings, advocating for better outcomes for minority ethnic patients, psychological support, and cancer in the family.

"I cannot think of my recovery without thinking of Maggie’s."

Earl

Nottingham

After I was diagnosed with cancer, I knew I would need a toolbelt of advice that would be readily available for me to access. My toolbelt would contain answers to technical questions, help with understanding my treatment, practical advice, and wellbeing tips.

Most Fridays, I’m at Maggie’s attending the Men’s Group…the way I see it, that group is my toolbelt!

I’m passionate about: supporting others to express themselves in the Men’s Group, the importance of face-to-face support, why family members shouldn’t be overlooked, and spirituality and faith.

"I think Maggie’s should be part of mainstream cancer care… It’s the glue that holds it all together."

Eloise

Wirral

I believe that Maggie’s centres should be open and accessible to everyone, regardless of age, background or culture, and that the people who come through the doors of the centre should have a say in shaping the services that they access.

I knew that I could be my authentic self in my centre, whether I needed to laugh, cry or just take some time to reflect alone.

I’m passionate about: support for all the family, finding friendship and normality, support as self-image changes, and having a laugh, no matter what.

"Cancer support needs to be person-centered, and available to everyone."

Emma

Manchester

I first came to Maggie’s after picking up a leaflet at the hospital during one of our many, many appointments there. It sat in my bag for ages, getting crumpled until one day, I plucked up the courage to just go in.

We were on a rollercoaster that felt really fast and overwhelming at times. I needed a bit of calm, and a place to talk about me. As a carer I felt overlooked in the cancer world, and so really appreciated having somewhere for me too.

I’m passionate about: talking to children about cancer, bereavement support, psychological advice, and carers being acknowledged.

"Without the foundations of support from Maggie’s, I would have crumbled. I would have felt quite lonely, despite being surrounded by lots of lovely people."

Lesley

Edinburgh

It’s amazing how Maggie’s can support the family in all sorts of different ways. My husband has been, and my daughter too.

One day, I will take the boys down to see Maggie’s. It doesn’t necessarily need to be a sit down and serious conversation. It will just be to say that this is an amazing space for you to come and talk about how you’re feeling, when I’m here and when I’m not here.

I’m passionate about: raising awareness of clinical trials, support for children and all the family, finding and supporting others in similar situations to you, secondary cancer, emotions and talking to children about cancer.

"A diagnosis like this, you either take it to your bed, lie down and just give up, or you try to find a way through the fog, which is what I did. With support, I have managed to make something of it."

Lucy

Barts

People run marathons for many reasons. My first marathon was a bucket list, my second marathon was a desire to do better. The last one I ran was the deeply personal one.

It was a personal and emotional tribute to my wonderful husband, who was also a brilliant, son, brother, uncle, nephew and friend. It was also a thank you to Maggie’s. Cancer is also a marathon. And Maggie’s supported us all the way.

I’m passionate about: raising awareness of the brilliant support Maggie’s provides, cancer in the community, and finding meaningful fundraising challenges.

"On the day my husband Andy died, my name was drawn to run the London Marathon for Maggie’s Barts."

Mandi

Forth Valley

When you see other people like you, your mindset starts to change. I remember seeing Lesley from Maggie’s Edinburgh in a few things, magazines and videos. She was in a very similar situation to me, except her diagnosis was a year before.

I saw her, and how she was going on and on with a really good quality of life. And I just thought, “Well, this could be me”. I went from being petrified to a position of hope. To being positive. I started giving myself small challenges, little milestones to reach and make.

I’m passionate about: raising awareness of secondary breast cancer, how helpful Benefits Advice can be, one-on-one sessions with the psychologist, talking about death and dying, and getting the most out of life.

"If I hadn’t had psychological support and financial advice, I wouldn’t have lived the life I have."

Ollie

Newcastle

I was diagnosed with cancer a year after leaving school, but it was when treatment finished that I needed support most. There’s not really a plan that helps you slowly prepare for life, especially at that age; I had so many questions buzzing around in my mind.

Support from a Cancer Support Specialist helped me clear my head, and showed me what I needed to do to be happy again.

I’m passionate about: support for young people, opening up about mental health, how the building alone can change how you feel, and the big outdoors.

"I’m so happy to be part of something so amazing that can help to inspire others."

Su-a

Edinburgh

I was caring for my husband during his cancer. It was just very helpful to be able to talk through the concerns I had, whether emotional, like coming to terms with his diagnosis, or practical, like making sure that his medication was right. Andy was very clear about all the things I could expect, and just gave me a lovely and relaxed platform to speak and be listened to. I ended up going every week.

I’m passionate about: fundraising for Maggie’s, the importance of psychological guidance, long-term support, and all things cello.

"That psychological support was absolutely fundamental to my needs. I don’t know what I would have looked like at the other end if I hadn’t have had it."

Jo

Royal Marsden

I was diagnosed with cancer 17 years ago with cancer for the first time. When my cancer came back, I was horrified and I thought my perfect life was over. I was pointed towards Maggie's and it became my sanctuary. Through it all, I realised I still have a life to live and a lot to offer.

I’m passionate about: raising awareness of secondary breast cancer with patients and medical staff alike. Spreading the Maggie's ethos - caring and support for all affected by cancer.

"At Maggie’s I can speak freely and openly with like-minded people about our physical and emotional wellbeing, about our hopes and dreams."