Significant progress made on new cancer centre

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

Significant progress has been made on a cancer centre due to open at the end of the year, those behind it have said.

The Maggie's centre, being built at Northampton General Hospital (NGH) will offer free psychological, emotional and practical support to people with cancer and their families.

Planning permission was granted in 2020, and five years later, the completion of the highest part of the building has just been celebrated.

Maggie's chief executive, Dame Laura Lee, DBE, said: "We are one step closer to opening and offering support to people living with cancer from across the East Midlands."

It is expected that the centre will support approximately 15,000 visits a year

The centre will be free, with no appointments or referrals necessary, and was expected to support approximately 15,000 visitors a year.

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

Dame Laura said: "We know this makes a huge difference to helping people cope with their diagnosis.

"I am so grateful to everyone who has made this happen."

Once open, the centre will work closely with the staff at the hospital to ensure the 150,000 people in the East Midlands area with cancer, and their family and friends, will be able to visit the centre for support.

'Huge boost'

Fundraising for the project was given a huge boost in 2022 after racing driver, Diana Russell, left a legacy of £2,425,000 to the cancer centre.

Diana 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.

Diana Russell drove racing cars, including this 1922 Leyland Eight