Maggie’s were in contention for the Top Tier award of a donation of up to £500,000, against two other organisations – Bright Ideas Trust and Columba 1400. 

Each of the three organisations in the Top Tier category performed an excellent presentation to the panel of judges yesterday afternoon to outline exactly how the funds would develop an innovative aspect of their organisation.

Representatives from Maggie’s outlined their aim to use the money to develop their recently piloted Online Centre.  Their presentation also included a short film, which featured interviews of people affected by cancer who are currently benefiting from the Online Centre.  The judges then faced the difficult decision of choosing a winner.

Later that evening, an awards ceremony was held at Christ Church Spitalfield to announce the winners in the closely contended categories.  Columba 1400, which provides leadership development experiences for young people in Scotland who have faced such challenges as homelessness, addiction, poverty and growing up within the care system, was named as the winner of the Top Tier category.

A Maggie's Spokesperson said: “Maggie’s were honoured to be a finalist at this year’s BOS Social Entrepreneur Awards.  The competition was tough, with each of the finalists worthy of the award and funding.  It was great to be able to present our case to a panel of highly experienced and influential judges and the feedback we have received has been very positive.  We will continue to develop our Online Centre, which will help more people than ever before to access professional support to live with, through and beyond a cancer diagnosis.”

Maggie’s Online Centre takes Maggie’s programme of support into the homes of every person in the UK who has internet access, helping to lesson the isolation and despair that a cancer diagnosis can bring. It provides a place for people to visit to seek professional support on areas such as nutrition, benefits and relaxation; chat with others within common interest groups; write a blog and much more.  Maggie’s Online Centre is unique from other charities online communities in that it offers private live weekly support group sessions facilitated by a Clinical Psychologist.

The Social Entrepreneur Award was open to Not for Profit organisations whose primary purpose is to further social or environmental goals, and those who operate for non-commercial purposes and social benefit. Such organisations cover a vast spectrum, ranging from Charities, Churches and Social Groups, to Public Sector organisations, Schools and Universities.  For more information visit www.bossocialawards.co.uk.