Mannin Cancer Help Centre officially opened by Lieutenant Governor

'It changes everything' for cancer patients on Island

A custom-built cancer support centre had its official opening this week (Tuesday 1 September).

The Mannin Cancer Help Centre has been open and functioning since 5 January, but last night saw a plaque unveiled by the Lieutenant Governor, Sir John Lorimer, in front of staff, charity representatives and distinguished guests.

Funded by Mannin Cancers and the Manx Breast Cancer Support Group, the state-of-the-art facility was fundraised for and built at a cost of £2.5m.

It's open five days a week and is designed to be a 'calm and supportive environment' for not only people living with cancer, but their families and loved ones too.

The centre is operated by Mannin Cancer Help, a charity set up to run the building, with trustee Karen Wagstaffe serving as Centre Manager.

The charity works alongside Macmillan Cancer Support, Minds Matter and Manx Care to offer help and support to everyone impacted by cancer.

And the positive result is already evident - since it opened back in January, the numbers through the door have increased by about 88 percent. 

"It's everything. It means everything that somebody can come out of probably the worst appointment of their life and walk into this building." - Julie Stokes MBE

The centre now hosts monthly support group meetings for many groups, from Breast Buddies to Gynae Gals to Prostate Pals.

The team says they hope to increase their support groups to include as many cancer types as possible. 

Julie Stokes MBE is the chairman of Mannin Cancer Help.

She told Manx Radio the support for the project has been 'amazing', and seeing the building in operation has 'gone beyond' any of their expectations:

(Mannin Cancer Help Patron Professor Robin Davidson addresses the gathered crowd as charity Chairman Julie Stokes MBE, Centre Manager Karen Wagstaffe and Sir John Lorimer watch on.)

Alongside a speech by the Lieutenant Governor, Mannin Cancer Help Patron Professor Robin Davidson also addressed the gathered crowd.

He praised the hard work of everyone involved in bringing the site to fruition, including those who have donated to Mannin Cancers and the Manx Breast Cancer Support Group over the years.

Speaking to Manx Radio, Professor Davidson said the centre has been a 'long time coming' and will make a huge difference for cancer patients on the Island, where we statistically see a higher impact psychologically, as often patients have to travel off-Island for treatment:

(Official plaque as unveiled by the Lieutenant Governor.)

One of the strengths of the new centre is its position on the Noble's Hospital site, directly opposite the main entrance.

It means more joined up support services for patients who may have received difficult news.

Manx Care's Interim-Chief Executive, Chris Stockport, told Manx Radio the healthcare body doesn't know what they would do without the facility anymore:

You can hear all those interviews in full in our latest Newscast, available now: