Monday 28 April 2025
From left to right: Lily Jencks, Lorna Moran, Karen Verrill and Dame Laura Lee DBE
Additional space at our centre in Newcastle has opened to allow more space to support people living with cancer from across the North East.
Our Newcastle centre, which is in the grounds of the Freeman Hospital, marked the moment with an official opening.
Guests included Dame Margaret Barbour, patron for Maggie’s in the North East, and Newcastle Fundraising Board Chair, Lorna Moran who has been at the forefront of fundraising from before the centre opened in 2013.
Lily Jencks, daughter of our founder Maggie Keswick Jencks, was also in attendance.
Dame Laura Lee, our Chief Executive, said:
I am delighted to be here today to officially open the annexe to our Newcastle centre, and celebrate being able to expand our programme of support for people from across the North East living with cancer.
"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 in helping people cope with their diagnosis - from getting ready for cancer treatment, help with potential side effects, support after treatment, providing benefits advice or coping with advanced cancer.
"I am so grateful to be here and to everyone who has made this happen, particularly Lorna Moran.
In 2024, Maggie’s Newcastle supported nearly 16,000 visits from people in need of support but now that number is expected to rise. Of the nearly 16,000 visits in 2024:
Of the remainder, we delivered specific sessions including:
The majority of our funding comes from voluntary donations, and in particular from the community of the North East.
Karen Verrill, Maggie's Newcastle Centre Head, said:
Ever since we first opened, we have seen a huge demand for our expert cancer care from people living with cancer from across the North East. I am delighted this incredible annexe will now allow us to do more for people living with cancer at what is possibly the hardest time of their lives and we are so grateful to the community of the North East for their continued support.
Dame Margaret Barbour added:
I am delighted that the new annexe at Maggie’s Newcastle is officially open. The additional space will allow Karen and the team to do more to support people living with a cancer diagnosis across the region.
"The Barbour Foundation was set up to help support organisations and charities in the North-East and has supported Maggie’s Newcastle since it opened in 2013.
"We look forward to continuing to support the centre and see the impact the additional space has for those facing a cancer diagnosis.
31-year-old Raz was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL), and shortly after proposing to his fiancée Kathryn from his hospital bed in Carlisle, they sought support at our Newcastle centre at Freeman Hospital.
There, they met Karen Verrill, who provided invaluable guidance during an overwhelming time.
Maggie’s offered resources on everything from emotional support and counselling to practical help with financial matters.
Karen’s expertise reassured Raz as he navigated his diagnosis.
Now in remission, Raz reflects on how Maggie’s helped him through the uncertainty, and he and Kathryn are looking forward to planning their wedding as his health continues to improve in time.
The centre’s annexe has been designed by renowned architect Cullinan Studio, with a garden from landscaper Sarah Price that was funded by the National Garden Scheme.
Our original Maggie’s centre in Newcastle, also designed by Cullinan Studio, opened in May 2013.
It was expected the centre would be visited 4,000 times in the first year, but after only a few months people had been supported 6,000 times.
Lucy Brittain, Project Director at Cullinan Studio, said:
Through the design of the new annexe, we have had the opportunity to visit Maggie’s Newcastle regularly over the last few years, and experience how the centre has influenced people’s lives since 2013.
"We have been inspired by stories from visitors on how the building has played a crucial role in their wellbeing.
"We have been equally inspired by the staff working at Maggie’s, with the fantastic centre head, Karen, telling us how the building lifts her spirits each day, to enable her to have the strength to support the numerous patients who benefit from the centre.
We would like to thank all generous individuals, trusts and foundations who contributed to the project, and who joined us for the ceremony.
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.
There are men’s support groups on offer, as well as specific cancer type groups, exercise, nutrition and one to one support with a psychologist.
If you or anyone you know has cancer, they can just come into any of the centres, there is no need for a referral or appointment.
To find your nearest Maggie's centre, enter your postcode or town below.
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