CANCER sufferers gathered to ‘hug’ a care centre in Oxford to mark the launch of a new fundraising day.

Maggie’s Cancer Caring Centres are introducing a new event to their fundraising calendar – Love Maggie’s Day.

Organisers want people across the county to dedicate Friday, March 26, to do something they love to help raise the £3m needed to build a permanent Maggie’s Centre Oxford, at the Churchill Hospital in Headington.

The charity provides support to cancer sufferers and their friends and families.

Whether it is a dress-down day at work, a game of five-a-side football, a tea party or a spring clean, anything to support the charity is welcome, organisers said.

There are six permanent Maggie’s Centres in the UK – Edinburgh, Glasgow, Dundee, Highlands, Fife and London.

So far, £1m of the £3m needed to complete the Oxford project has been raised.

Organisers have not set a specific target for the day in March but hope as much money as possible will be raised this year so work to build the centre can start as soon as possible. They are hoping to be able to have the new centre ready in 2012.

Last year, more than 4,500 people were supported by the charity’s staff in Oxford, who currently use a portable building.

Maggie’s Oxford centre head Liz Minton said: “We’re greatly looking forward to building work starting on our permanent, purpose-built centre, which will be able to welcome more people and offer many more services.

“Love Maggie’s Day is the perfect opportunity for us to let people know what’s happening with Maggie’s in our region.

“A wonderful aspect, which I have found while working at Maggie’s, is that the local community have a strong feeling of ownership for their Maggie’s Centre – many hold a strong sense of pride for our centre, which brings hope to so many.

“The inaugural Love Maggie’s Day will provide a great opportunity for you to celebrate Maggie’s Oxford and for us to thank you in return.”

Christine Walker, 61, of Cleveland Close, Kidlington, was diagnosed with cancer in 2002 after doctors found a tumour in her breast.

She took part in the ‘hug’ on Friday, and has pledged to help raise money for the centre in March.

She said: “I was directed to Maggie’s after I was diagnosed with cancer, because I needed a cup of tea and time to think. They were very welcoming and let me talk and they didn’t pry.

“I’ve been going there a lot and I’ve used their classes and therapies. I’ve done relaxation classes, aromatherapy, reflexology, dietary advice and at the moment I’m doing a yoga class.

“I’m now well but the psychological side is always difficult to cope with.

“When you’re first told, you’re so scared that you don’t think straight and you get a woolly brain. Maggie’s picks up on that and helps you put your life back in perspective.”

For more details see maggiescentres.org/ lovemaggiesday or call 0300 123 1801