New cancer support centre in North Wales 'tops out'

21.03.2025

A new cancer support centre in North Wales has celebrated its ‘topping out’ - a traditional ceremony to mark the completion of the highest part of the building.

The Maggie’s centre is being completely commissioned, designed and funded by the Steve Morgan Foundation. The support centre is built in the grounds of Glan Clwyd Hospital in Bodelwyddan, Denbighshire and marked the milestone by nailing a ceremonial bough to the roof.

Dame Laura Lee, Chief Executive at Maggie’s said: “We are delighted our North Wales centre has ‘topped out’, meaning support for people living with cancer in North Wales is a step closer.

“Without the Steve Morgan Foundation’s incredibly generous support in commissioning, designing, building and funding we wouldn’t have been able to bring Maggie’s to North Wales and for that I am so grateful.

“The Steve Morgan Foundation has committed to building three new Maggie’s centres – including the one in North Wales – which is a truly phenomenal act of philanthropy.

“I am greatly looking forward to continuing to work with the Steve Morgan Foundation, and Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board to open our new centre later this year.

“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 to 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.”

The Steve Morgan Foundation has provided £4million to build the centre in North Wales and has already commissioned, designed, built and funded Maggie’s, Wirral which officially opened in the grounds of Clatterbridge Cancer Centre – Wirral in September 2021. In 2023 the centre provided more than 17,500 support sessions to groups or individuals living with cancer.

Read More: Maggie's, North Wales | Maggie's

A third Maggie’s centre in Liverpool - to be built within the grounds of the New Royal Liverpool Hospital next to the new Clatterbridge Cancer Centre – Liverpool – is also in the development stages thanks to the Steve Morgan Foundation.

Steve Morgan, Chairman of the Steve Morgan Foundation, said: “We are delighted to be helping Maggie’s bring its vital cancer support to the people of North Wales, ensuring they will have the warm, welcoming and free expert support of a Maggie’s centre right on their doorstep.

“Our collaboration with Maggie’s is one of the strongest examples of our philosophy of ‘disruptive philanthropy’. It highlights the Foundation’s ability to ‘give’ well, by harnessing our expertise, practical support and commercial experience to maximise the impact of our financial support.”

Glan Clwyd Hospital is managed by Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board and is home of the North Wales Cancer Treatment Centre.

Deputy Chair of Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board, Gareth Williams, said: “This is a really significant day for Maggie’s, North Wales, our Health Board and the Steve Morgan Foundation.

“We are delighted to be working with such notable partners on a facility which will complement the charities we already work with - and will no doubt enhance the emotional care, support and wellbeing of cancer patients, their families and friends. Adding the expertise and knowledge Maggie’s bring, for the benefit of our population, is something we should celebrate. Today brings Maggie’s, North Wales a major step closer.

“Of course, this would not be possible without the generosity, resource and experience of the Steve Morgan Foundation. There’s surely no greater philanthropic act than providing a place of safety, support and comfort to those who are often going through their most challenging life experiences.

“I, my fellow Board members and our colleagues across the organisation look forward to the doors opening for everyone later this year.”

Maggie’s, North Wales, expected to open in late 2025, will be the third Maggie’s in Wales, with Maggie’s, Swansea opening in 2011 and Maggie’s, Cardiff opening in 2019. These two centres supported people with cancer, as well as family and friends, more than 19,000 times in 2023.

We are hopeful that the Steve Morgan Foundation's generous support will attract other donors and the support of the local community to help us raise the £1 million we need to open the new centre.

Maggie’s has 30 years of experience and expertise providing free cancer support and information in centres across the UK. Built in the grounds of NHS cancer hospitals, the centres are warm and welcoming and are run by expert staff, who help people live well with cancer.

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