Speech delivered by The Queen during a visit to Maggie’s Cheltenham, to celebrate the charity’s 30th anniversary

Ladies and gentlemen, as the proud President of Maggie’s, it is a huge pleasure to be back with you at the Cheltenham centre - as Laura reminded me it was 16 years ago, I opened it - to celebrate the 30th anniversary of this remarkable charity. 

My first visit to a Centre was in June 2008, in Edinburgh. I remember being slightly nervous as we approached the Western General Hospital, anticipating a rather formal, clinical atmosphere. But when I arrived, I was surprised and delighted to find a bright, peaceful place, with inspiring people full of stories about the difference that Maggie’s had made to them and to their families. Shortly after this, Dame Laura Lee asked me to become their President, which I accepted with alacrity – one of the easiest decisions I have ever made! Now 18 years and 27 centres on, I cannot help but look around and reflect how proud Maggie would be to see her incredible legacy. 

I first met Maggie many years ago, in the Swinging Sixties, when I ventured into her beautiful and cool boutique, AnnaCat. I remember her then as being warm, funny and generous. And it was with those characteristics that she confronted her cancer diagnosis in 1988, at the age of 47. 

She understood – for herself and for others – the importance of feeling in control, rather than a helpless victim. She knew how vital it is to have access to information about treatment and the various options available. Above all, Maggie was convinced that people living with cancer crave a beautiful, comforting environment as they face the unknown; a place where they needn’t pretend to be fine; where they can receive expert support, sympathy and a cup of tea – and where laughter can come as naturally as tears, because sometimes that’s what’s wanted. 

Maggie never claimed to know everything. As she wrote in her article, “A View From The Front Line”, “I am down here in the war zone, trying to figure out my map”. But, in preparing the blueprint for that first centre in Edinburgh, she did more than she could possibly have imagined for all who find themselves in the “war zone” of cancer, trying to figure out their map. 

I should like to end by expressing my heartfelt thanks to the whole Maggie’s community. To Maggie’s children, Lily and John, who have done so much to continue their mother’s legacy. To Dame Laura Lee, a powerhouse if ever there was one! I try to keep up with the ever-increasing number of Maggie’s Centres being built around the country, but she works at such a speed that I spend my time playing catch-up (I doubt I ever will)! And to your supporters, members of staff and all your brilliant volunteers – thank you for all that you do to ensure that visitors to your centres are able to find what Maggie called, “the joy of living”.