A NEW cancer support centre in Bodelwyddan has broken ground. 

The Maggie’s centre will be completely commissioned, designed and funded by the Steve Morgan Foundation, which has provided £4million to build the centre, and is being built in the grounds of Ysbyty Glan Clwyd.

It will provide free practical, psychological and emotional support for people with cancer, as well as their family and friends, from across North Wales, a region which sees 4,800 people newly diagnosed with cancer every year. 

It is expected that the centre will be open by the end of 2025.

Samantha Price, 31, from Flintshire, was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2023, and has been supported by the Maggie’s centre in Wirral.

She said: “I first heard about Maggie’s when my breast care nurse mentioned it to me after my mastectomy, because I was struggling a lot with everything that was happening to me.

“I went along to Maggie’s, Wirral as that was the closest centre to me. I sat with one of the cancer support specialists and I instantly felt comfortable and just poured my heart out.

“I felt a sense of relief getting my feelings and emotions out. I have been going back ever since and met some great people there.

“At Maggie’s, you are able to be yourself with no judgment, and feel less alone.”

Dame Laura Lee, chief executive at Maggie’s, said: “We are delighted to have broken ground for our centre in North Wales.

“Without the Steve Morgan Foundation’s incredibly generous support in commissioning, designing, building and funding we wouldn’t have been able to bring Maggie’s to North Wales, and for that I am so grateful.

“The Steve Morgan Foundation has committed to building three new Maggie’s centres – including the one in North Wales – which is a truly phenomenal act of philanthropy.”

A third Maggie’s centre in Liverpool, to be built within the grounds of the Royal Liverpool University Hospital next to the new Clatterbridge Cancer Centre, is also in the development stages.

Steve Morgan, chairman of the Steve Morgan Foundation, said: “We are delighted to be helping Maggie’s bring its vital cancer support to the people of North Wales, ensuring they will have the warm, welcoming and free expert support of a Maggie’s centre right on their doorstep.”

Carol Shillabeer, chief executive of Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board, said: “I am delighted Maggie’s, with the generous help of the Steve Morgan Foundation, has chosen North Wales as the next destination for its network of support centres.

“We are all aware of the work the charity does to support those with cancer, those who have had cancer, their families and friends.

“I am sure this will be a well-used and valued addition which will complement other charity work which takes place, as well as the North Wales Cancer Centre here at Glan Clwyd Hospital.

“It will provide another layer of support for people across the whole of our region.

“Today’s groundbreaking is a significant milestone. I look forward to seeing the final result of all the hard work to come, when the doors open next year.”

It is hoped that the Steve Morgan Foundation's support will attract other donors to help raise the additional £1m needed to open the new centre.

Support at Maggie’s centres is always free, and an appointment or referral is not needed.