Three people are standing. A person with short brown hair wearing a black and white patterned dress is speaking into a microphone. To their right is a person with short hair who is wearing a brown cardigan and brown dress. They are smiling. Next to them is a person with dark hair and a blue dress. They are also smiling.

The joy of giving: our supporters

Giving is very personal. Our supporters share their experience of giving to Macmillan and the impact it has made.

The Sir Robert Ogden Charitable Foundation

The Sir Robert Ogden Macmillan Centre

For over 50 years, Sir Robert Ogden played an integral role in helping Macmillan transform cancer care in Yorkshire. Alongside his wife, Lady Ogden, his vision and commitment have enabled thousands of people living with cancer and their families to receive the care and support they need during some of the most difficult times in their lives. His legacy will continue through The Sir Robert Ogden Charitable Foundation, which together with Macmillan, built The Sir Robert Ogden Macmillan Centres in Harrogate, Leeds and Northallerton. 

“There is nothing more fulfilling in life than being able to help not only the ones you know or the ones around you, but to be able to help people beyond. Helping others in need, whether that’s by dedicating your time or donating funds to a cause you really believe in, brings the most profound happiness in the purest sense. I feel not only humbled and privileged to be able to help others, I feel happily obliged to do so.” 
Sir Robert Ogden CBE Hon LLD, 1936-2022

Macmillan nurses talking to someone at the Macmillan centre reception

“I am immensely proud of my husband’s philanthropic achievements. The Sir Robert Ogden Charitable Foundation shall continue his legacy during my lifetime and beyond, keeping alive his philanthropic work and partnership with Macmillan for many years to come. The Sir Robert Ogden Macmillan Centres in Leeds, Harrogate and Northallerton are examples of the power of philanthropy, and everyone can be part of it. Independently of the size of your donation, each individual gift makes a chain for good, and together, can change the lives of so many in need. Be part of this force for good, be a philanthropist with your time or any size of donation. As my husband used to say, ‘It is not the having, it is the giving.’”
Lady Ogden

 

Paul Thompson

A group of 4 people. 2 of them are standing on either side of 2 people sitting in chairs. The person sitting in the purple chair is Paul Thompson.
Paul is sitting in the purple chair. He is pictured with Macmillan employees.

"For those of us that can, I believe that it is important to help others who are not in such a fortunate position."

"Following a cancer diagnosis in 2011, I had 7.5 weeks of radiotherapy as part of my treatment. During that time the hospital had a cake sale for Macmillan with plenty of information about the charity. From that my involvement began.

"Subsequently, the fundraising team contacted me to see if my sister and I would support the Macmillan Horizon Centre Appeal. My donations have continued annually since then. Sadly my sister died in 2017 but left a legacy to Macmillan.

"For those of us that can, I believe that it is important to help others who are not in such a fortunate position. A very good way to help cancer patients is to support Macmillan. I will continue to do so while I can, and have made provisions in my will for when I die."

The Thompson Family Charitable Trust

"As a family, we have had the pleasure of supporting a wide array of leading charities over a number of years. Macmillan plays a vital role in ensuring people have the support they need during the toughest moments of their life. We are incredibly proud to be long-term supporters of their life-changing work."

The Richard Oatley Foundation

By providing funding to Macmillan, we continue Richard's approach to life - to help people in whatever way they need.

The Richard Oatley Foundation supports causes that make a difference to people living in Somerset and Wiltshire. It was founded by Richard Oatley, who was affected by cancer a number of times during his life and wanted to support charities tackling cancer.

The Foundation funds charities that focus on these three key areas in cancer:

  • research
  • treatment
  • patient support.

Kevin Butcher from the Richard Oatley Foundation said: "The first two are perhaps the most obvious areas to support, but the third may not be on people's radar unless they have experienced cancer support first hand or for a family member.

"The Foundation is largely inspired by the work that Macmillan in helping people to live as fully as they can."

One area of Macmillan's work that the Richard Oatley Foundation support is our Macmillan Nurses. Kevin said: "They are the front line and it is difficult to think of Macmillan without them. Being able to fund nursing positions, in the knowledge they will be sustained long term by the NHS, is central to our strategy."

Another area that the foundation supports is our Macmillan Grants. Kevin said: "By being able to fund grants for people in our local area, the Foundation is able to support and invest at the most fundamental grass roots level. The grants are vital to individuals and their families during periods of extreme challenge." 

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Ways you can give
Our philanthropy team are committed to helping you to maximise the impact of your support. We will work with you to find a way to give that fits your goals and expectations.
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Exclusive events
We host exclusive philanthropy events to bring people together. You'll have the opportunity to learn about our work, network with others, and find out how to make an incredible impact. 
Discover more about philanthropy at Macmillan

Get in touch with the Philanthropy team

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