With the coronavirus lockdown set to continue for at least three weeks, self-isolation leaves many members of the community vulnerable.

People with medical problems or undergoing long-term treatment may be disproportionately affected by the government’s measures, which is why it’s crucial that patients can access all types of support.

Maggie’s, a service run from The Royal Marsden specialist cancer unit’s site, supports cancer patients and families via phone, email, and online.

It has helped support people like Graham, who lost his wife Siobhan in November 2019, following five years of treatment for breast cancer.

He said: “Maggie’s has always been there for me and Siobhan from the beginning.

“I don’t think we would have been able to have survived emotionally for as long as we did without them and I’m so glad they are still there for me now in this time of isolation.

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Graham has been supported by Maggie's for more than 5 years

“It feels good to be able to talk and get everything off my chest. Speaking to them is the calmest I feel when I’m not at Siobhan’s grave. I just couldn’t cope without them.”

Maggie’s at The Royal Marsden further enhances the world-leading treatment and care offered by The Royal Marsden. The centre offers a programme of support that is proven to help people with cancer and their loved ones take back control.

It is open to all cancer patients and friends and family of patients who are receiving treatment at The Royal Marsden or anywhere else in the region.

Maggie’s at The Royal Marsden Centre Head, Bryn Thomas, said: “It is really important that people know they can ring or email us, we can offer support for anything including treatment concerns or money worries or just simply listen to how they are feeling.”

You can call Maggie’s at the Royal Marsden on 020 3982 3141 or email them at maggies.royalmarsden@maggies.org. All support has always been and will continue to be free.

Maggie’s at The Royal Marsden relies on voluntary donations to be able to offer this high quality, professional support and like many has been affected financially by the current situation. Please support us if you can during this difficult time.

To find out more about how you can help, visit: royalmarsden.org