Maggie’s is marking a decade of providing expert support to thousands of people impacted by cancer across Greater Manchester.

The charity, located on the site of The Christie, in Withington, held a special event to mark the anniversary which was attended by the Mayor of Greater Manchester, Bev Craig, senior NHS leaders and people who have been supported by the centre over the last 10 years.

Maggie’s Manchester first opened in 2016 and there have since been almost 180,000 visits to the centre, with tens of thousands of people helped to navigate the challenges of cancer. By the end of 2026, this figure is projected to surpass 196,000.

The building, designed by renowned architect Sir Norman Foster, offers a welcoming and safe space for anyone impacted by cancer, including families and friends, to seek support or simply find a moment of calm.

During the celebratory event, the Mayor spoke with people who have accessed support from the centre over the last ten years, including Joanna Parker, who was diagnosed with Hodgkins Lymphoma when aged 30.

Joanna said: “I’m in my early 30s and found it challenging, especially during chemotherapy sessions. I was the youngest there. Going to Maggie’s has allowed me to meet all sorts of people from different backgrounds and ages. And even though I’m on the younger side, I’ve never felt like I’ve been singled out. Everyone is accepted at Maggie’s.

“I would say to everyone who is going through cancer to take the leap and go to Maggie’s. It was a bit daunting when I first walked in, but they offered kind words, a cup of tea and a hug that made me feel better.”

Mayor of Greater Manchester, Bev Craig, said: “Over the last ten years Maggie’s has become a vital service for people in our city-region who have been impacted by cancer.

“It was brilliant to hear directly from Maggie’s centre visitors today, who were so open about their own experiences of cancer and who personally expressed why Maggie’s is so needed in Greater Manchester. It is important Maggie’s continues to grow and as many people as possible can access the expert support they need, from psychological care to financial advice, helping more people to live well with and beyond cancer.”

Maggie’s is here for anyone impacted by cancer, no matter the type or stage. The centre offers a range of support including benefits and financial advice, one-to-one emotional and psychological support, group sessions and workshops, nutrition advice, gentle exercise classes and practical tips to help manage stress and anxiety.

By the end of 2026 Maggie’s Manchester is projected to have supported a total of 196,361 centre visits since opening. A survey of 170 people who visited the centre, conducted over May and June this year, found:

99% of people said they felt satisfied with the support they received
99% of people said they felt more confident to speak with family and friends about cancer
97% of people said Maggie’s helped them prepare for cancer treatment.

Robin Muir, Centre Head of Maggie’s Manchester, said: “We are so grateful the Mayor of Greater Manchester joined us in marking a decade of Maggie’s in the region, and to all of our centre visitors who came to show their support and share how Maggie’s have helped them.

“The thousands of people we have supported over the last decade goes to show how vital Maggie’s is to people impacted by cancer in Manchester. We’re continuing to grow and adapt our programme to suit local needs, including introducing Getting Started sessions for people beginning chemotherapy or immunotherapy, and launching a new Young People’s Cancer Support Group this month.”

Roger Spencer, Chief Executive of The Christie NHS Foundation Trust, said: “For the past 10 years, Maggie’s Manchester has provided a welcoming and supportive place for people affected by cancer, complementing the care patients receive at The Christie.

“We see every day how important it is that people have support beyond their clinical treatment, whether that be practical advice, emotional support or simply somewhere they and their loved ones can take a moment away from the hospital environment.

“This is an important milestone, recognising everyone who has contributed to Maggie’s Manchester over the last decade.”

Maggie’s Manchester is located a short walk from The Christie on Kinnaird Road, in Withington. The centre is open Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm.

No appointment or referral is needed, and the support is always free.