Today (Tuesday, 15th November) is a day of national significance for Maggie’s across the UK, as Maggie’s mark the 15th anniversary of the opening of their first centre – Maggie’s Edinburgh.

The general public are being encouraged to come along to the anniversary celebrations at the Edinburgh Centre to meet the Maggie’s team, take part in taster sessions of classes, and, of course, for birthday cake.

The success of Maggie’s Edinburgh sparked huge growth for the cancer caring charity, which now has 15 centres either open or in development across the UK. From the Highlands to London, Maggie’s have helped thousands of people find clarity and calmness in the isolation of their cancer journey through a bespoke and specialised programme.

Renowned sportsmen are offering their support to the celebrations, with Scotland Rugby player Chris Paterson donating his no: 15 jersey; Scottish Internationalist Nick De Luca donating a signed top; Hearts FC donating John Sutton’s no: 15 jersey. Hibs FC players donating no:1 and no:5 tops and coming along on the day.

Maggie’s CEO, Laura Lee, said: “This is a momentous day for Maggie’s across the UK as we celebrate 15 years and 15 remarkable centres. Our main focus today is at our fantastic centre where it all began – Maggie’s Edinburgh. I can hardly believe that it is over 15 years ago when Maggie looked out the window of the hospital to the abandoned stable block and devised the plan of homely uplifting centres that would offer the space, the skills and the support needed to empower people to live the best life possible with cancer. I feel extremely privileged to have been able to take forward Maggie’s vision, after she sadly passed away in 1995, with Maggie’s friend and the architect Richard Murphy transforming the stable block into the warm and inspiring Maggie’s Edinburgh Centre that it is today. I would like to take this opportunity to reflect on the past 15 years and thank everyone who has helped Maggie’s, from fundraisers to volunteers to the media – I, and the thousands of people whom our centres have supported, are extremely grateful. It is an exciting time for Maggie’s, and, as we mark our 15th year, I also want to take the time to look ahead with great optimism and hope as we grow our network of centres across the UK and internationally.”

Events have been taking place throughout the year to acknowledge the 15th anniversary year, including: an architectural exhibition of models of each of the Maggie’s Centres at the V&A in London, which is currently displaying in The Lighthouse, Glasgow; Apex Hotel rallied employees to reach a fitting fundraising target of £1515.15; a Rat Pack Dinner Dance, at the Balmoral Hotel for 260 people; Arran Aromatics releasing a special edition candle for to mark the anniversary year, and much more.

Maggie’s Edinburgh Community Fundraiser, Marion Taylor, said: “I have been so pleased with how individuals and organisations have creatively come up with fantastic fundraising opportunities to mark this important year for Maggie’s Edinburgh. Our centre relies on the support from the public to continue to provide this vital service free-of-charge to all. There is still plenty of time to get involved with this significant year for Maggie’s. Whether it is signing up for a £15 a month regular gift; asking for donations towards Maggie’s in lieu of a birthday or anniversary celebration in your own life; recruiting 15 friends to like our facebook and twitter pages; or coming along to one of our welcome events to hear more about what we do. All levels of support are much appreciated and I can help you choose the right way to mark Maggie’s Edinburgh’s anniversary to suit you. Get in touch on 0131 537 3135 or email marion.taylor@maggiescentres.org.”

Programme of activities for Tuesday, 15th November:
• 10am – 30-minute drop-in relaxation session
• 10.30am – 30-minute drop-in relaxation session
• 11am – Tai Chi session with expert Laurent Haquin
• 12pm – Chance to meet Kellie Anderson, Nutritionist, Trish Sully, Art Therapist and Valerie Gillies, Professional writer who takes the Creative Writing course as well as the whole of the Edinburgh team over soup.
• 1pm – Birthday cake and a thank-yous
• 3pm – Activity session with personal trainer Michael Smith who takes the exercise part of the ‘Where Now’ course
• 4pm – Readings by Angus Ogilvy and Valerie Gillies who are part of our creative writing course as well as chance to hear Fraser Drummond on the saxophone

...ENDS...

For more media information please contact Tricia Crosbie on 0141 225 0082 / tricia.crosbie@maggiescentres.org

Pictures courtesy of Thomas Haywood Photography.

Notes to Editor:

Up and coming events in Edinburgh to get involved in for Maggie’s:
Challenge Scotland, starting at Inverleith Park, Edinburgh, on Sunday 4 December. Event for all the family where you can choose to run 5km or walk 1, 2, 3 or 6 miles (there is a toddler’s walk where children can meet Santa).

Christmas Fete at Maggie’s Edinburgh on Sunday 27 November from 11am – 3pm. Glass of mulled wine and a mince pie while you wander through the centre and look at various stalls. Stalls include home baking, Raffle, sale of Christmas Cards, books and tombola.

Maggie’s 15 Centres either established or in development:
• Maggie’s Edinburgh (designed by Richard Murphy)
• Maggie’s Glasgow (designed by Page \ Park)
• Maggie’s Dundee (designed by Frank Gehry of Gehry and Partners)
• Maggie’s Highlands (designed by Page \ Park)
• Maggie’s Fife (designed by Zaha Hadid of Zaha Hadid Architects)
• Maggie’s London (designed by Richard Rogers of Rogers Stirk Harbour + Partners)
• Maggie’s Cheltenham (designed by Sir Richard MacCormac CBE of MJP Architects)
• Maggie’s Gartnavel (designed by Rem Koolhaas of OMA)
• Maggie’s Nottingham (designed by Piers Gough of CZWG Architects)
• Maggie’s South West Wales (designed by Dr Kisho Kurokawa of ArBITAT Architects)
• Maggie’s Oxford (designed by Chris Wilkinson of Wilkinson Eyre Architects)
• Maggie’s North East (designed by Ted Cullinan of Edward Cullinan Architects)
• Maggie’s Lanarkshire (designed by Neil Gillespie of Reiach and Hall)
• Maggie’s Aberdeen (designed by Snohetta)
• Maggie’s Online Centre, available 24/7