Hospital's new cancer centre to open this month

The building is on Billing Road on the estate of Northampton General Hospital

A new branch of a national cancer care charity will open at Northampton General Hospital this month.

The Maggie's centre will offer practical, emotional and financial support for people with cancer and their families and aims to be a "safe space" for its users

It expects at least 15,000 visits a year and will open on 20 October to the public.

Jodie Mutch, fundraising manager for Maggie's Northampton, said: "We really fell very lucky and blessed to get one in Northampton, it is something the county needs."

The centre was designed by Stephen Marshall Architects, with a garden from landscaper Arne Maynard

Planning permission was granted in 2020 and work began in the middle of last year.

There will be resources to help patients get ready for cancer treatment, side-effects, after-treatment and how to cope with advanced cancer.

Ms Mutch said: "It's just opposite oncology, so when people have had treatment, a diagnosis or unexpected news, anybody can just walk in.

"There are no referrals needed, people can just come in and get expert cancer support."

Diana Russell drove racing cars, including this 1922 Leyland Eight

Fundraising for the project was given a huge boost in 2022 after racing driver Diana Russell left a legacy of £2.43m to the cancer centre.

Russell was a member of the Phipps brewery family, based in Northampton, and was a familiar figure on racing circuits in the 1960s and 1970s.

She also owned a vintage car showroom in Northampton.

The centre is being named The Diana Russell Building in her honour.