Two related events are due to take place in Brighton today (Tuesday 18 March).
They promise to make a difference to the lives of people with cancer – and their families – for many years to come.
The first is a ceremonial turf-cutting to mark the start of work on building the new Sussex Macmillan Cancer Support Centre.
The £6 million building is going up in Bristol Gate, opposite the Sussex Cancer Centre where thousands of patients are currently treated each year.
The second event is being held at the American Express Community Stadium – or the Amex – in Falmer. Macmillan Cancer Support is hosting an event with a dual purpose.
On the one hand it will be a celebration of the success so far of the campaign to raise money for the cancer support centre. Donors will be thanked.
But it will also be the start of a big push to raise the final £1.27 million needed before the support centre can open next year.
Macmillan already profits from a link with the Amex thanks to the thousands of Brighton and Hove Albion fans who enjoy a pint on matchdays.
The Lewes brewery Harveys supplies Albion Ale to the stadium, with the charity receiving 5p a bottle.
Macmillan is working on the cancer support centre with the Sussex Cancer Fund.
The two charities have committed to putting up most of the £6 million cost of building the support centre.
But the land and £400,000 is coming from Brighton and Sussex University Hospitals NHS Trust, which runs the Royal Sussex County Hospital and the Sussex Cancer Centre.
The cancer support centre has been designed with input from people who have been affected by cancer themselves.
Patients and carers will be able to use the centre for specialist cancer information and advice, practical support, dietary advice and physical activity support.
Counselling will be available as will complementary therapies and advice about welfare benefits.
Patients who have lost their hair will be able to have wigs fitted. And they will be able to receive advice about skin and hair care.
It is lovely that this plot is going to be an amasing centre for people suffering with cancer.
I lived in Rosaz House from age 9 to 17 when it was a childrens home. I have incredibly fond memories,I will be sorrry to see the building go but am delighted that the plot will be used for such a worthy and much needed facility.
Kim
It is lovely that this plot is going to be an amasing centre for people suffering with cancer.
I lived in Rosaz House from age 9 to 17 when it was a childrens home. I have incredibly fond memories,I will be sorrry to see the building go but am delighted that the plot will be used for such a worthy and much needed facility.
Kim
I am in remission from head and neck cancer and am trekking Jordan in October to raise funds for the new Sussex MacMillan Cancer Support Centre. I and my fellow trekkers are hoping to raise enough money to pay the running costs of the new centre in it;s first year. If anyone would like to support me please click on the attached link! Every donation, no matter how small, would be greatly appreciated.
http://www.justgiving.com/owner-email/pleasesponsor/Fran-Playford
I am in remission from head and neck cancer and am trekking Jordan in October to raise funds for the new Sussex MacMillan Cancer Support Centre. I and my fellow trekkers are hoping to raise enough money to pay the running costs of the new centre in it;s first year. If anyone would like to support me please click on the attached link! Every donation, no matter how small, would be greatly appreciated.
http://www.justgiving.com/owner-email/pleasesponsor/Fran-Playford