Parliamentary reception set out Maggie’s plans to grow
Monday 22 June 2026
Sharon Hodgson MP, Minister for Public Health and Prevention, with Dame Laura Lee DBE
Maggie’s hosted an MP reception in the House of Commons to mark 30 years of cancer support and to set out the charity’s plans for growth.
Facilitated by Carolyn Harris MP, a long-time supporter of Maggie’s, the event welcomed MPs from all parties to hear about the life-changing impact of the charity and our ambitions to be at all 60 major cancer hospitals in the UK.
The event was opened by Sharon Hodgson MP, the Minister for Public Health and Prevention, who spoke about the importance of the care provided by Maggie’s and the commitment of the government to ensure everyone impacted by cancer can access expert emotional and practical support at every stage.
Dame Laura Lee DBE, Chief Executive of ҹɫֱ²¥, went on to thank attendees for their support and highlight ways in which MPs can help Maggie’s achieve its aim of ensuring nobody faces cancer alone.
Growing need for cancer support
With one person now being diagnosed with cancer every 80 seconds, the need for Maggie’s support is greater than ever.
Dozens of MPs also had the opportunity to speak to centre visitors who are living with cancer and who have benefited directly from coming to Maggie’s. They spoke openly about their experiences of cancer and how support from ҹɫֱ²¥ has helped them cope with the challenges of a diagnosis.
The parliamentary reception aimed to further raise awareness of Maggie’s among MPs and to highlight how ҹɫֱ²¥, with 27 centres around the UK, benefits not only individuals with cancer and their families, but the wider NHS and economy too.
The government acknowledged the significant role Maggie’s plays in cancer care through its decision to launch the national cancer plan at the Royal Free centre in February.
The plan itself reflected many of Maggie’s own ambitions, including ensuring that everyone has the support they need to live well both with and beyond cancer.
Dame Laura Lee DBE said: “For 30 years we have been at the forefront of providing vital support to people diagnosed with cancer, and their family and friends.
“It was wonderful to mark this moment in parliament alongside both new faces and long-term supporters of our work, all of whom play a pivotal role in helping raise awareness of Maggie’s and ensuring we can support as many people as possible through an incredibly challenging time.”
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Everyone with cancer deserves a place like Maggie’s. We want to continue to grow so that we can support everyone impacted by cancer in the UK.
It costs nothing to come into one of our centres - but it takes your kind donations to keep us free of charge for everyone living with cancer and their family and friends.
Become a Friend of ҹɫֱ²¥ by donating, fundraising for us or getting involved, and help Maggie’s to be here today, tomorrow and always.