Plans for a new cancer support centre in Cardiff have been given a £1 million boost, thanks to the People’s Postcode Lottery.

Staff from cancer support charity Maggie’s were given the good news during a surprise visit from People’s Postcode Lottery ambassador Matt Johnson.

The funding, which will go towards the charity’s £5 million campaign to build a new centre opening in 2026/27, was raised entirely by players of People’s Postcode Lottery.

It is hoped the new centre will support at least a quarter more people with cancer, as well as family and friends, than currently visit the interim centre. In 2022, the interim centre supported people more than 7,500 times.

The charity plans to make the centre an even more integrated part of the local community by involving local people in the design and build.

Maggie’s Chief Executive Dame Laura Lee said: “I still can’t quite believe that the players of People’s Postcode Lottery have given us a cheque for £1million! I have to pinch myself to believe that we can now start making our new purpose-built Maggie’s in Cardiff a reality. A huge thank you to all the players for making this happen.”

Since Maggie’s opened its first centre in 1996, the charity has developed a programme of support that is proven to help people with cancer, as well as family and friends, take back control.  There are now 24 centres across the UK, and last year alone the charity had nearly 300,000 visits.

Maggie’s professional staff include psychologists, cancer support specialists and benefits advisors and the majority of funding comes from voluntary donations.

Clara Govier, Managing Director, People’s Postcode Lottery, said: “Our players have a very special relationship with the amazing Maggie’s team. They have been supporting the charity since 2008 and I am so proud that funds raised by them will go towards the building of this inspiring new centre in Cardiff and help continue to make a positive difference for people living with cancer.”

Photo Credit: Katie Barrett Photography