Maggie's Centres Charity Partner of the freshnlo Pedal for Scotland

'So what exactly do you do at Maggie's?'

That's a question we're asked a lot. You can't miss our centres, beautifully designed and conveniently located on hospital grounds across the country. And there's no entrance policy - anyone affected by cancer can come in.

But what happens inside?

Complementing major NHS cancer centres across the country, Maggie's provides a unique approach to cancer that, at its simplest, can be described by 'calmness, clarity and a cup of tea.' Calmness comes from the relaxing atmosphere inside our centres. They're warm, friendly, informal places, full of light and open spaces, and with a big kitchen at their heart. They provide a refuge from the stress of dealing with hospitals, waiting rooms, and sometimes even the overbearing concern of friends and family.

 "Maggie's is a haven of peace. The relaxed atmosphere means you can talk about anything, you can cry, but you can also laugh."       Jim Carr, Maggie's Fife 

Clarity comes from the experts who work at Maggie's. We'll listen to your questions and your concerns and provide useful, practical information. Whether you want to speak one-to-one or go to a workshop on anything from benefits advice to nutrition, we'll help you take a big deal like cancer and break it down into smaller, more digestible chunks. 

"Maggie's turned what seemed to be the overwhelming into the manageable."  Claire Wilson, Maggie's Edinburgh

Because Maggie's is a place where you can feel at home along with other people who are experiencing cancer or who have experience of cancer. Other people who are happy to chat if you want, or leave you alone if you want. Come in, put the kettle on and spend some time reading or thinking or sitting with others who know what you're going through. 

"The best feature is a large communal table which fosters a spirit of togetherness and community. Not forgetting the excellent tea and biscuits."  Rob Elliott, Maggie's Cheltenham 

So calmness, clarity and a cup of tea - that's what we do.  That's the Maggie's approach to cancer, an approach that we want to continue to improve and grow to make the biggest difference personally at a scale that can make the biggest difference nationally. 

Charity Partnership Maggie's are delighted to be the Charity Partner for the freshnlo Pedal for Scotland 2012.  This event is so important to Maggie's and has raised almost £500,000 in the last 3 years which has allowed us to continue to support anyone who is affected by cancer through our Maggie's Centres.

With the vital funds raised by our freshnlo Pedal for Scotland cyclists over the years we have been able to build and run centres to help those affected by cancer, like our new Maggie's Gartnavel Centre in Glasgow.

We've got great plans to make this the biggest and best year yet and would love for you to be part of it. We don't ask for a minimum sponsorship but just that you raise as much as you can, because we believe that every donation makes a difference! 

We'll provide you with a fundraising support pack, training guides, newsletters with top tips and dedicated support and encouragement on the day.  We'll even be there to welcome you at the finish line to the Maggie's tent for a well deserved massage!   To join Maggie's Cycling Team call us on 0300 123 1801 or email pedal@maggiescentres.org.