Maggie’s Centre opens, thanks to MoonWalkers!

Wow – look at this amazing building! This is the new Maggie’s Centre at the Forth Valley Royal Hospital in Larbert, which was officially opened earlier today. Walk the Walk is the principal funder of this fabulous centre, through money raised by our incredible Walkers at The MoonWalk Scotland. 

We’re so proud of each and every one of you for making this new centre a reality. A huge Thank You! This is the second Maggie’s in Scotland for which Walk the Walk has been the principal funder, after Maggie’s Glasgow five years ago. Maggie’s Centres make such a difference, providing free practical, emotional and social support for local people with cancer and their family and friends. 

We’re also very honoured that the new building has been named after our inspirational Founder and Chief Executive Nina Barough! It was a huge and wonderful surprise for Nina when the plaque was unveiled earlier today! The new building will be called “Maggie’s Forth Valley at The Nina Barough Building”. How great does that look? 

Nina said: “This is such a magnificent day for Maggie’s, because they’re able to bring their service to Larbert and I think very quickly people here will wonder how they managed without it! It’s also a fabulous day for Walk the Walk, our MoonWalkers and everyone who has contributed. To see their efforts manifested into something tangible is breath-taking. This is also one of my most favourite Maggie’s – the tranquillity, the loch and the building nestled amongst trees with a beautiful outlook.

As an organisation, Walk the Walk can now pass the baton on to Maggie’s to help the many thousands of people coming through the doors. It’s not about me, but it was a huge honour and surprise to find out that the centre is named after me and I’m still a bit discombobulated!” 

The former First Minister of Scotland Lord Jack McConnell was also on hand to open the centre, alongside Nina and the Maggie’s Chief Executive Laura Lee. And of course we were delighted that a number of our fantastic Walkers, Volunteers and Supporters were able to join in the celebrations too, with a few decorated bras on show! City Cabs’ new MoonWalk taxi also made an appearance!

Since 2006, The MoonWalk Scotland has raised an unbelievable £19.6 million, with most of the money raised staying in Scotland, to help improve the lives of those with cancer now. The new Maggie’s in Forth Valley will help so much, providing visitors free access to a hugely varied programme of support, including drop in cancer support, one-to-one psychological sessions, benefits advice, nutrition workshops, relaxation and stress management, art therapy, tai chi and yoga. 

None of this would have been possible without you. To help us keep on making a difference, sign up now for The MoonWalk Scotland as a Walker or Volunteer and join us on Saturday 10^th June!