First Glimpse of Maggie's Cancer Caring Centre

Maggie’s Aberdeen has taken a step closer to becoming a reality. The initial design will be submitted for planning permission on the 14th of December. Aberdeen City Council will now spend 8-12 weeks deliberating over the design of the Maggie’s Centre at Foresterhill before coming to a decision on granting permission.

The Centre has been designed by Oslo based architectural firm Snohetta. Maggie’s Aberdeen will continue Maggie’s legacy of bringing contemplative architectural to hospital sites and providing the all important right environment for Maggie’s to facilitate their programme of emotional and practical support to anyone affected by cancer.

Laura Lee, Maggie’s CEO, said:  "We are so pleased that the application is now under consideration by the council.   The design for Maggie's Aberdeen is really striking and encapsulates the Maggie's brief in providing a space that is homely and full of warmth, whilst sparking curiosity and imagination from its visitors. This is a building that will first and foremost provide the ideal environment for people facing cancer in the region to gain support, whilst also greatly contributing to architecture within the region. Monty’s Maggie’s Appeal has inspired a fantastic response from the community and I look forward to entering 2012 with such a tenacious and supportive team.”

Most visitors to Maggie’s have received a cancer diagnosis which has left them in shock and often unable to digest anything their doctor said to them after the word ‘cancer’.  Architecture plays the important role at Maggie’s of evoking curiosity, drawing visitors inside and then helping them feel relaxed and at home.  By being interesting yet calm, the buildings allow visitors to feel less anxious and shocked, more open and able to take in new information and make good contact with others.  This allows visitors an opportunity to begin to consider their future options and opportunities for information and support through Maggie’s. Maggie’s Centres also support health professionals by providing positive environments within which to welcome and console, inform, listen and be alongside those living with cancer.

Over 3,000 people are diagnosed with cancer in Grampian each year and Aberdeen is currently the only NHS cancer site in Scotland not supported by a Maggie’s Centre. NHS Grampian recently invited Maggie’s to establish a Centre in Aberdeen in order to plug a gap in cancer care provision for patients and families.

Richard Carey, NHS Grampian CEO, said: “What great progress for Monty’s Maggie’s Appeal to have reached this important stage in development. The initial design manages to be both stunning and modern whilst appearing welcoming at the same time. It will certainly be an exciting and most worthwhile building to have on our Foresterhill site and for the people of Grampian.  This is a centre that will be greatly utilised by all in the region affected by cancer and it’s great to take a step closer to that reality.”

The Appeal has enjoyed outstanding support from all parts of the community. It was launched in July 2010 and hopes to reach the half way mark of £1.5m in early January.

Colin Welsh, Chairman of Monty’s Maggie’s Appeal Committee said: “This is a real milestone for us and a time to thank all of the donors who have supported the Appeal over the last year when all we had to talk about was the concept of the Centre. I also want to commend all the local companies who are giving services free of charge. We are hoping that being able to see what the building will look like and where it will sit, will give our appeal further momentum.”

Specialist Cars, along with other brands withing the John Clark Motor Group have been raising funds throughout 2011 to bring the Maggie's Centre to Aberdeen and will continue to do so throughout 2012.  Specialist Cars has held varoious findraising events throughout the year and has some exciting plans to raise more money throught next year.  Customers visiting the Aftersales department can also donate £1 on their servicing invoice to Maggie's.

For more information about Maggie's please visit their website: www.maggiescentres.org