Each of our offices choose a local charity to partner with, and our Manchester office has chosen to support Maggie’s, a charity that offers aid to those who are diagnosed with cancer, and their loved ones.
Our senior manager Lynne Nicoll pushed for Maggie’s in particular, as she lives opposite where the charity is based as a branch Christie’s Hospital and has seen the great service they provide. Also, to some extent, cancer is something that has affected everyone, with 1 in 2 people dealing with cancer throughout their lifetime, whether it’s through family, friends, or colleagues, so it was an easy choice for the office.
At Maggie's Manchester, cancer patients and their families can get free one-to-one help and information from their professional team or join groups and activities that are right for them. Patients are also given the opportunity to meet people who understand what they're going through or even just take a moment to gather their thoughts.
Our charity lead for Manchester, Alex Tresnan, connected with Maggie’s and a representative came into the office to meet everyone, explain the work they did and give packs to help promote the charity within the office, such as collection boxes, T shirts and bags - and a list of their fundraising days.
There has been a huge benefit of working with a local charity as along with fundraising the office can also physically support Maggie’s. Recently, six employees went to the Maggie’s centre to do some gardening, maintaining the grounds under the instruction of Maggie’s own specific gardener. This garden is central to the work Maggie’s does, so it was rewarding to be able to support them in this way.
Throughout the year Manchester will be getting involved with Maggie’s through various charity days, such as doing a 5 kilometre charity walk beginning at the centre in Didsbury, and they are also planning to walk the three peaks.
“Partnering with a charity fosters new and meaningful connections, as ultimately, it brings the office together having one end goal for everyone – raising as much money as possible in support of Maggie’s. Maggie’s interaction has been brilliant, they’re always on the other end of the phone or an email, and we’re looking forward to our continued partnership with them.”
Alex Tresnan, Manager