More than 30,000 people have visited Maggie’s Glasgow since it opened in 2002, with 12,000 people visiting this year alone. Despite the high number of visitors, Maggie’s staff recognised that many people were missing out on their vital service due to transport barriers.

A pilot transport project has been set up between Maggie’s and Community Transport Glasgow (CTG), offering a pick up and drop off service from people’s front doors to Maggie’s. The service will operate on an approximate 40-mile radius of Maggie’s, taking in patients in Greater Glasgow, Argyll, Lanarkshire and Inverclyde.

Maggie’s Glasgow Centre Head, Maureen Fee, said: “People undergoing treatment for cancer may not be able to drive and journey times for those using public transport can be long and arduous, especially if already weakened by cancer or treatment side effects.  As well as this, the cost of transport can be prohibitive. We don’t want anyone to face barriers in accessing our service, which is why we are now taking Maggie’s right to people’s front doors.” 

One Maggie’s service user, who was forced to stop visiting the centre due to mobility problems, spoke of her joy on the launch of the bus service.

Grace Bennett, a senior citizen from Helensburgh said: “When I was undergoing treatment for cancer the real turning point for me was walking through the door at Maggie’s – it was like walking into a different world. I got so much out of coming here that I wanted to continue after treatment but then I badly injured my ankle, which greatly restricted my movement. It was upsetting that I couldn’t make it anymore, but that’s all changed now that this fabulous door to door bus service is up and running. If I had to get here myself, I would have to walk, get a train, get a bus and then walk some more. It just wouldn’t be feasible.”

People wanting to visit the centre can call a CTG operated phone line 0141-330-4526 to book a place on the bus.

Graham Dunn, spokesman for CTG, said: “There are huge issues in relation to transport in Glasgow and CTG plays a key role in delivering accessible, affordable transport provision to the communities of Glasgow who struggle to access mainstream transport.  This exiting project will hopefully assist the people who want to visit the Maggie’s Centre but have been unable to due to transport constraints the opportunity to access the range of support services that are on offer.”

For more media information contact Tricia Williams on 0141 341 5678 or email tricia@maggiescentres.org

NOTES TO EDITOR

The bus service operates from Mondays to Fridays from 10am – 3pm and out with these times for certain sessions at Maggie’s.

Driving the CTG bus is dedicated driver, Tracy Johnstone, who has also undergone a Maggie’s induction course and is aware of the needs of people using the service.  CTG also operate Dial a Bus.

Over 1 in 3 people will develop cancer in their lifetime. Maggie’s Cancer Caring Centres aim to equip people with the tools to build a life beyond cancer.

Maggie’s Centres offer a programme of information, psychological support and relaxation to people with cancer, their friends and families. 

There are currently five existing Centres - Edinburgh, Glasgow, Dundee, Fife and the Highlands. The Centres are located in the grounds of hospitals and work in complement to the physical treatment patients are receiving within the NHS.