A cancer support service in Oxford is set to mark its 10th anniversary with a 10km walk next month.
Maggie's Oxford, based in the grounds of the Churchill Hospital, has been offering free advice and support to people with cancer and their loved ones since 2014.
Over the past decade, the centre has supported 117,000 people, representing around 50 per cent of the local cancer population.
The centre has also helped people to claim more than £15.7 million in benefits to ease financial stress.
Its centre head, Claire Marriott, said: "Sadly we know that more people are facing a cancer diagnosis than ever before.
"There are almost three million people in the UK living with cancer, with this set to rise to four million by 2030.
"Hearing the words ‘you have cancer’ can turn your world upside down, and we’re determined to support even more people who hear those words in the years to come.
"We’re incredibly proud to look back and see the difference we’ve made in the past decade, but we’re planning for the future as well."
To commemorate the 10th anniversary, Maggie’s is organising a 10km walk in Britwell Salome, near Watlington, on Sunday, October 20.
It is open to everyone, and there is a £10 registration fee, with a family ticket available for £30, covering two adults and two or more children.
After the walk, participants can enjoy food, drink, and a trail for children at the finish line.
Maggie’s said it "invites everyone to join in the celebration and help ensure that we can continue providing vital cancer support to the local community".
Ms Marriott added: "We hope you’ll join us for this momentous walk, and help us ensure we’re here for people with cancer and their loved ones for many years to come."
Gemma, who was diagnosed with stage 4 cancer in 2022, has been supported by Maggie's since her diagnosis.
She said: "What is nice from a patient perspective is that nobody in Maggie’s is trying to fix you or give treatment or do anything that isn’t possible, so it is realistic, but they offer emotional support and they do it face to face which feels so much more personal.
"It is always okay to present the emotions of angry, sad, frustrated because that’s what cancer does, and you can do that safely at Maggie’s."
Maggie’s Oxford, which is funded entirely by public donations, said it is "so grateful" for the support, adding it "hopes to serve the community for many more years".
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