New Macmillan Cancer Support Information Centre opens at Chelsea and Westminster Hospital

Photo: Macmillan Information and Support Centre Manager Alison Boyd and Larry Lamb (credit: Macmillan Cancer Support)

Gavin and Stacey actor Larry Lamb cut the ribbon and officially opened Chelsea and Westminster Hospital’s brand new Macmillan Cancer Support Information Centre last week.

The 71-year-old star is a keen supporter of Macmillan, and was impressed when visiting the centre, which offers a vital drop-in service for anyone affected by cancer, providing cancer information and emotional support in a relaxed, comfortable environment. 

A complementary therapy service, including reflexology and aromatherapy massage, is also available, as well as a counselling service for people living with cancer and carers.

Larry said: “I’m thrilled to be invited to open Chelsea and Westminster’s refurbished Macmillan Information Centre. This was my local hospital, and I had a very dear friend who was supported by Macmillan in his final years, and my brother is being supported now, so it’s a cause that means a lot personally. 

“For me, it is an honour and a pleasure to be able to do anything to help Macmillan Cancer Support, because it’s a charity that helps so many people and it lets me help the helpers.Centres like this one make a real difference to people diagnosed with cancer and their families who are looking for information and support.” 

Photo (l–r): Macmillan volunteers Mathumetha Rabaratnam, Fatima Naithsayn, Samantha Williamson, pictured with Larry Lamb, centre, and Macmillan Information and Support Centre Manager Alison Boyd, far right (credit: Macmillan Cancer Support)

Macmillan Information and Support Centre Manager Alison Boyd says: “One in two people are likely to get cancer in their lifetime and we're here to help everyone with cancer live life as fully as they can, providing physical, financial and emotional support. Also, for us as a team, it’s about being there in a moment with someone or a family, and supporting them in the way they need, trying to make a stressful and difficult time that little bit easier.

“We couldn’t do it without our professional, fantastic volunteers, who offer their time free of charge to a cause and service that they believe very strongly in, and I know that I am hugely grateful for that.”

On average the centre now supports up to 1,800 visitors a year. Alison adds: “Whilst that sadly reflects the commonality of cancer as a disease, it also reflects how much need there is for centres like ours.”

Pippa Nightingale, Chief Nurse at Chelsea and Westminster Hospital NHS Foundation Trust added: “Our partnership with Macmillan is hugely important as it allows us to work together to enhance the quality care our staff give to our cancer patients and their families.”

Located on the lower ground floor in the outpatient atrium, the Macmillan Cancer Information and Support Centre is open five days a week, between 9am–4pm.

• To find out more, call 020 3315 2386 or email chelwest.macmillan@nhs.net.