Town council supports garden at Maggie’s cancer centre Northampton

Maggie’s is a national cancer support charity and the Northampton centre, which opened in October at the Diana Russell Building, is the 27th in the UK. The centre provides free emotional and practical support to people with cancer, along with their families and friends, and has been thoughtfully designed to offer a calm and uplifting space.

Recognising the importance of beautiful surroundings and biophilic design principles to aid treatment and recovery, Maggie’s works with leading architects, garden designers and interior designers to create bespoke centres of excellence that seamlessly link warm and welcoming interior clinical spaces with inviting and accessible gardens.

The Mayor of Northampton, Cllr Jane Birch, said: “Maggie’s provides invaluable support for people affected by cancer and we are pleased to help this significant local project.

“Unfortunately cancer touches many families, so this contribution will benefit the wider community, by providing a calming and relaxing space for contemplation and conversation.”

The garden is open to families, patients and staff and was created by internationally recognised garden designer Arne Maynard. It is framed by mature trees and a strong hedge line to create a sense of safety and enclosure, with winding paths, sheltered nooks, open spots, seating and a large water feature.

Once established, newly planted herbaceous beds will bring movement, colour and changing interest through the seasons, inviting visitors to wander, pause or simply breathe.

Centre Head at Maggie’s, Northampton, Wendy Lilley, said: “In the book ‘A View from the Front Line’ by Maggie Keswick Jencks, Marcia Blakenham’s chapter describes how ‘Maggie’s wouldn’t be Maggie’s without the garden. It has a key role to play in making your visit to Maggie’s transformational.

“At Maggie’s, the building and garden have been designed together. The garden is not just an extra, the two complement each other and work together to maximise calmness for all who visit.

“I would like to say a big thank you to Northampton Town Council. This contribution has enabled us to provide a special space for visitors to our centre for years to come, so they can spend some time outdoors, to enjoy the beautiful sights, sounds and smells of the garden.”

Centre Fundraising Manager Jodie Mutch, added: “The garden at Maggie's Northampton will be a peaceful sanctuary - a carefully curated blend of maturity and new life that wraps the centre in calm from the moment you arrive.

“This very kind contribution from Northampton Town Council has allowed us to complete this wonderful space where nature offers comfort, privacy and hope in equal measure.”