Maggie's Fife launches £20,000 fundraiser after income drops 25% due to pandemic

It is asking supporters across the region to help bridge the hole left by the cancellation of a host of events this year.

The centre's doors remain very much open, but the £20,000 appeal will ensure it continues to offer vital support to people living with a cancer diagnosis, and their families and loved ones.

There was an incredible response to an appeal by our Maggie’s in Spring when the impact of the pandemic first hit, and it hopes Fifers will again dig deep to help a centre which they have taken to their hearts.

Maggie’s supported over 5000 people during the pandemic, and its team worked hard to maintain contact online and on the phone until they could re-open the doors in June.

The centre also became a drop-in hub for frontline health staff as they worked round the clock to care for people in need of treatment at the adjacent Victoria Hospital in Kirkcaldy.

It logged almost 5800 visits during that three-month hand over to NHS Fife.

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Alison Allan, centre Head said: “Maggie’s, like many charities has faced the wide-ranging challenges that the Coronavirus pandemic has brought.

“Since returning to the centre at the end of June, our doors have been open, and we have been able to welcome visitors for booked appointments once more.

“In all, we have supported over 5000 people throughout the pandemic and expect to secure in excess of £3m in benefits for those in need of financial assistance”.

Maggie’s team has also been on hand throughout to offer support to people with cancer and their families.

They were able to provide help as many battled with increased anxiety because of the effects of social isolation, concerns about treatment, or money worries.

Unable to see people face to face, the centre continued its support on the phone, through email and via Zoom - even running its groups and courses online.

Adam Kent fundraising manager said: “Everything that we provide at Maggie’s is completely free, and we raise the funds we need to do this through the kindness of the many individuals and or organisations who fundraise to support our work.

“The reality is though, that this year, despite incredible backing from the local community, the cancellation of most of our fundraising events will see a projected drop in our income here in Fife of 25 per cent.”

He added: “We’re so grateful to all those who have supported us through this tough year, including those who helped us reach our initial £15,000 target when this campaign launched back in the Spring.

“We need your help this Christmas, so that we can do what we do best. Please do whatever you can by donating today and help us reach our next target of £20,000”.

Maggie’s Fife is part of a network of 23 centres across the UK which provide free support to people with a cancer diagnosis.

https://www.justgiving.com/campaign/MaggiesFife

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