Multi-million-pound cancer centre to offer emotional and social support on NGH grounds from 2025

Cancer charity Maggie’s, which currently has 26 centres set up across the country, is opening their 27th on the grounds of Northampton General Hospital by the end of next year.

In the East Midlands, more than 26,000 people are diagnosed with the disease every year – and the need for emotional, practical and psychological support has never been greater.

The charity, which opened its first centre in 1996, is at the forefront of understanding how to help people live well with cancer.

The Northampton centre, like the 26 others, will be a welcoming space that allows visitors respite from hospital and encourages them to live life to the full in spite of the fear that a diagnosis can create.

The premises will be located just 100 metres from NGH’s oncology department, and will support anyone with cancer across the county, North Buckinghamshire and the wider region.

It will offer one-to-one and group support, workshops, specialist courses and a diverse timetable of activities, such as yoga, tai chi, art therapy and nutrition sessions.

The space, with indoor and outdoor areas for conversation, relaxation and reflection, is expected to receive 20,000 visits every year.

There will be no charge, and visitors can attend without an appointment or referral. The centre team, including oncology nurses, a clinical psychologist, a benefits advisor and cancer support specialists, will be on hand.

The centre will be named after Diana Russell, a well-known racing driver from the 1960s, who donated around £2.5 million to the project in her will in 2022. She has been described as a “shining star” for making the centre a reality.

Councillor Alison Eastwood, vice chairman of West Northamptonshire Council and Conservative representative for the Silverstone ward, is a patron of Maggie’s.

She used to volunteer in London around 15 years ago, before joining the late David Laing’s board when she became a councillor at the last local elections.

Cllr Eastwood and David had a big involvement in raising the £5 million needed for this project over the last eight years.

Her hope is to create as much awareness of the centre ahead of its opening in 2025, as it will cater for diverse communities across the region.