Macmillan Cancer Support facts for kids
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| Formation | 1911 |
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| Founder | Douglas Macmillan |
| Founded at | Castle Cary, Somerset, United Kingdom |
| Type | Charitable organisation |
| Purpose | Provide specialist health care, information and financial support to people affected by cancer and their families. |
| Headquarters | 89 Albert Embankment, SE1 7UQ |
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Region
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United Kingdom |
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Key people
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Revenue (2014)
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£218.4 million |
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Staff (2022)
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1,687 |
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Formerly called
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Macmillan Cancer Support is a large charity in the United Kingdom. It helps people who have cancer and their families. They offer special health care, information, and money support. Macmillan also helps with the feelings and everyday problems cancer can cause. Their main goal is to make life better for everyone in the UK affected by cancer.
Contents
How Macmillan Started
Macmillan Cancer Support was started in 1911 by a man named Douglas Macmillan. He began the charity after his father died from cancer. He wanted to help other families facing the same challenges.
Changing Names Over Time
When it first began, the charity was called the Society for the Prevention and Relief of Cancer. Over the years, its name changed a few times to better describe what it does:
- In 1924, it became the National Society for Cancer Relief.
- Later, it was known as Cancer Relief Macmillan Fund.
- Then, it changed to Macmillan Cancer Relief.
- Finally, in 2006, it became Macmillan Cancer Support. This name shows that the charity is all about supporting people with cancer.
Working with Other Groups
Macmillan Cancer Support works with other groups to help more people. For example, they joined with a charity called Cancerbackup in 2008. Cancerbackup used to give out lots of information about cancer. By working together, Macmillan can offer even more help and information.
How Macmillan Helps People
Macmillan Cancer Support offers many ways to help people affected by cancer. They provide different kinds of support, including practical, medical, money, and emotional help.
Information and Support Centres
Macmillan has local information and support centres across the country. These places are where people can go to get answers to their questions about cancer. They can also find support groups where they can talk to others who understand what they are going through.
Getting Information
It's important for people to understand cancer. Macmillan provides information in many ways:
- They have a website with lots of helpful details.
- They offer free books and other materials that explain cancer.
- There's a special phone line where people can call to get support and information.
- They have over 170 local services where people can get help in person.
Financial Support
Cancer can be very expensive for families. Macmillan has special advisers who can help people understand what money support they might be able to get. This can help with things like bills or travel to appointments.
Fundraising Events
Macmillan Cancer Support raises money through many fun events each year. This money helps them provide all their services to people with cancer.
World's Biggest Coffee Morning
One of their most famous events is the World's Biggest Coffee Morning. This event started in 1990. People host coffee mornings with their friends, family, or at work, and everyone donates money. It has raised a huge amount of money over the years to help people with cancer.
Other Big Events
Macmillan also hosts other popular fundraising events:
- Brave the Shave: In this event, people shave their heads to show support for those with cancer and raise money.
- Go Sober for October: People give up alcohol for the month of October to raise money and challenge themselves.
These events help Macmillan continue their important work of supporting people affected by cancer across the UK.
See also
- Cancer in the United Kingdom
