Maggie's Legacy

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First centre in England to open in Hammersmith

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A state-of-the-art building which will provide a sanctuary in the grounds of Charing Cross Hospital for cancer patients is to open on April 24.

Designed by Hammersmith-based architects Richard Rogers Partnership, Maggie's London will be the first Maggie's Centre in England.

Maggie's Centres were the vision of Maggie Keswick Jencks when she herself was treated for cancer. She recognised the difficulties of accessing information and ongoing support which help people to cope when faced with a diagnosis of cancer.

Maggie’s Centres are intended to be housed in beautiful buildings and gardens that patients can visit as often as they liked, and where they find expert medical advice as well as "practical, psychological and emotional support".

Charing Cross Hospital in Hammersmith sees over 6,000 new cancer patients every year.

The centre will be offering, free of charge, a programme of drop-in and pre-booked psychological and emotional support and information for anyone affected by cancer.

There will be an open afternoon on Thursday 24 April and the official launch of Maggie's London will be on Tuesday 29 April 2008.  The centre will open to the public in May.

Its architects describe the pavilion shaped building as “unique and uplifting” and say it “will offer a calm, home-from-home sanctuary a step away from the hospital.” 

Landscape designer Dan Pearson is creating a special garden both around the Centre and within its courtyards.

This will feature silver birches to screen the garden from noise from the nearby Fulham Palace Road, as well as winter jasmine and magnolias.

 

April 4, 2008