Maggie’s in Northampton has celebrated a construction milestone with a traditional ‘topping out’ ceremony to mark the completion of the highest part of the building structure.

The centre, which is being built in the grounds of Northampton General Hospital, marked the milestone by nailing a ceremonial bough to the roof.

The centre, designed by renowned architect, Stephen Marshall Architects, with a garden concept by landscaper, Arne Maynard, is expected to offer expert psychological, emotional, and practical support to people with cancer, as well as their families and friends, by the end of 2025.

Maggie’s chief executive, Dame Laura Lee DBE, who attended the ceremony, said: “Topping out brings us one step closer to Maggie’s Northampton opening and offering support to people living with cancer from across the East Midlands.

“Maggie’s is there for everyone who needs it, and we are free, with no appointment or referral necessary.

“We know this makes a huge difference to helping people cope with their diagnosis – from getting ready for cancer treatment, help with potential side effects, support after treatment, providing benefits advice, or coping with advanced cancer.

“I am so grateful to be here and to everyone who has made this happen.”

University Hospitals of Northamptonshire NHS Group medical director, Hemant Nemade, adds: “I’m really pleased to be here today and see the progress of Maggie’s Northampton.

“It has been a long time coming, but it will be a wonderful addition to the support we are able to offer our cancer patients and their families.

“Cancer services in Northampton are constantly evolving because the demands on our services are increasing year on year – we are seeing 15% more every year and, while our dedicated team of professionals are doing their best to give patients the very-best experience, we welcome the additional support Maggie’s will bring. Not just additional support services, but a wonderful space for patient and family members to use, away from the busyness of our clinical areas.”

Also in attendance at the event was lead cancer nurse at Northampton General Hospital, Liz Summers, who has been unwavering in her support of bringing a Maggie’s to Northampton and has worked alongside teams across Northampton General Hospital and Maggie’s over the last 12 years.

She said: “12 years ago I’d never heard about Maggie’s centres – I was told how Maggie’s makes a difference for those affected by cancer, and I thought, I’ve got to get me one of them.

“And here we are, 12 years later, standing and looking at our Maggie’s. It’s just beautiful and unbelievable. And what an amazing facility and environment it is going to be for all those affected by cancer.

“Every week we see families that are going through the most-difficult time in their life, and to know they’ll be a Maggie’s centre that can help them as part of their journey is just wonderful.”

Planning permission for the centre was officially granted in 2020. And, once open, the centre will work closely with staff at Northampton General Hospital to ensure the 150,000 people in the East Midlands area living with cancer, and their families and friends, will be able to access support.

It is expected that the centre will support approximately 15,000 visits a year.

Fundraising for the facility was given a huge boost in 2022 thanks to a generous legacy of £2,425,000 from Northampton businesswoman, Diana Russell.

She was a female racing driver well known on the racing scene in the 1960s and 1970s.

And the new centre will be named The Diana Russell Building in her honour.