Since Maggie’s opened its first centre in 1996, the charity has developed a programme of support that is proven to help people with cancer, as well as family and friends, take back control.

Maggie’s expert staff include psychologists, cancer support specialists and benefits advisors and the majority of funding comes from voluntary donations.

We were delighted that RN Veteran and Reservist Will could join our team meeting to share details of his day job and the incredible support Maggie’s offers to people with cancer and their loved ones. They recognise that dealing with a cancer diagnosis within military families creates further challenges and considerations. Read more about their support in centres across the country: https://www.maggies.org/. If this resonates with you or someone you know, please spread the word. 

Mark’s Story:

Royal Navy Marine, Mark Robers (43) has completed what for most is the ultimate challenge.  Earlier this year, Mark set himself the – some might say – super-human goal of cycling from Joan O’Groats to Land End,and throwing in the UK’s highest mountains – hiking Ben Nevis, Scafell Pike and Snowdon. For most adventure seekers it would be one or the other but for Mark it was the entire challenge and not satisfied with that, he set himself the goal of completing this in 10 days and named it jogle3peaks.

Mark, a Scottish marine based in Portsmouth, is no stranger to adventure and, some might say, danger. But this was the ultimate challenge even for him.  When Mark set his sights on this at the beginning of the year, he was taking part with his partner and his hero, Claire and they were to be joined by her son, Stanley (12) along the way.  Having begun the training, Mark experienced the most tragic loss.  His partner Claire very tragically died leaving all those who knew her deeply shocked and saddened. For Mark, the challenge grew momentum through grief, and it felt that each mile cycled, and each step climbed Claire was very much in the forefront of everyone’s mind – their memories of an incredible woman sustaining them through every moment of each day.

Mark said “The loss of Claire is monumental – so huge it seemed to dwarf the jogle3peaks itself.  I knew immediately that I wanted to continue in her memory as Claire was an instrumental part of us setting the bar so high on this challenge.  I couldn’t let her down and so I was driven forward to complete this cheeky wee fundraiser in memory of Claire.  It was an honour that her son Stanley cycled 10 miles every morning for 4 days and his resilience, courage and his banter kept me energised along the way.  What a strong, caring and incredible young man he is”. 

Mark has so far raised over £10,000 for three wonderful charities, rallying support from so many of his friends and family, and also Claire’s.  Mark and Claire had chosen to support Maggie’s as a much-loved aunt of his was, then, being supported by the cancer specialists in the Maggie’s Centre in Glasgow.  Sadly, Mark’s aunt passed away during his training, but she was delighted to have known he’d chosen Maggie’s.  Mark, himself, has been supported by the Royal Navy Royal Marines Charity and wanted to pay back from the help he has had. The third charity to benefit is Who Dares Cares as they support the Armed Forces and Blue Light Services – Claire was herself in the police service for many years. 

Maggie’s Southampton, based in the grounds of University Hospital Southampton, sees up to 100 visitors a day from across the southern counties, and provides free, practical, psychological, and social support for people with cancer and their families.

Will Ham, Centre Fundraising Manager at Maggie’s Southampton said:

“We’re so inspired by Mark and Stanley’s incredible challenge, and by everyone who joined them. Their courage and commitment remind us that strength comes in many forms, and thanks to their amazing fundraising, we can continue to be there for people with cancer and their families, offering expert support when it’s needed most.”

If you would like to find out more about this incredible fundraiser, please go to: https://givewheel.com/fundraising/7161/jogle3peaks/

To find out more about Maggie’s Southampton please visit the centre at University Hospital Southampton, 101 – 103 Tremona Road, Southampton, SO16 6HT or get in touch on 023 8212 4549 OR southampton@maggies.org

To find out more about fundraising for Maggie’s Southampton contact the centre on 023 8212 4549 or visit www.maggies.org