State-of-the-art cancer centre opens its doors
A NEW state-of-the-art cancer support centre has opened its doors at the Royal Oldham Hospital.
Maggie’s Oldham will offer practical and emotional support to people living with or affected by the disease, as well as their families.
It is the 21st centre of its kind in the UK and comes a year after the Duchess of Cornwall officially opened Maggie’s Manchester at The Christie Hospital in April 2016.
According to the charity, the new centre – known as The Sir Normal Stoller Building after the businessman’s generous donation – is expected to have more than 10,000 visits a year.
As well as help and support, it will also offer benefits advice, nutrition workshops, relaxation and stress management, art therapy and yoga. Maggie’s Oldham was officially opened by Sir Norman Stoller, who is not only principle donor and founder of The Stoller Charitable Trust, but has also battled the disease himself.
He said: “There are many things that we at The Stoller Charitable Trust are very ●●At the opening of Maggie’s Centre at the Royal Oldham Hospital are (from left):Sir Norman Stoller, Coun Shadab Qumer (Mayor of Oldham), Sobia Arshi (Mayoress of Oldham), Laura Lee (Maggie’s CEO) Lucy Steed-Fassett (girlfriend of architect Alex de Rijke), Charles Jencks and Alex de Rijke proud of, but our involvement in Maggie’s is a good example of the things that we are most proud of. I am humbled to see a Maggie’s at The Royal Oldham Hospital become a reality.
“We are absolutely delighted to have helped to bring this centre to Oldham, where I started my business and spent my working life.
“As I personally have had cancer, I recognise the real need for cancer support and it is pleasing to know that Oldhamers will now benefit from this centre as well.”
The facility has been designed by acclaimed architects dRMM and was developed by Maggie’s working in partnership with The Pennine Acute Trust to enhance the cancer care and support already on offer.
Sir David Dalton, chief executive at The Pennine Acute Hospitals NHS Trust, added: “It makes me really proud to see the magnificent new Maggie’s Oldham building standing in the grounds of The Royal Oldham Hospital, enhancing the services we offer. The building is not only architecturally stunning in design, it is also a wonderful new haven for the people of Oldham and their families who are affected by cancer.
“On behalf of our staff and the people of Oldham, I would like to thank Maggie’s and Sir Norman Stoller, whose kind donation funded the building, along with the architect dRMM.”
Maggie’s relies on voluntary donations.
To find out more about Maggie’s Oldham, the programme of support provided, opening hours or to plan your visit and get involved with fundraising visit www. maggiescentres.org/ oldham.