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A pioneering centre that provides care and support to cancer patients and their families has officially opened its doors in Swansea.
Maggie's South West Wales was opened by the First Minister of Wales Carwyn Jones, footballer John Hartson, His Excellency the Ambassador of Japan Keiichi Hayashi and architect Kisho Kurokawa's family, in a ceremony at Singleton Hospital to celebrate its completion.
The new facility will offer a range of services such as support groups, one-to-one counselling with clinical psychologists, nutrition workshops, relaxation sessions and creative arts therapy. It replaces a temporary facility in the hospital grounds.
The centre has cost £3 million, with the Welsh Government providing £1.5 million. The permanent centre has been designed by the famed Japanese architect Kisho Kurokawa.
The first Maggie's centre was opened in Edinburgh 15 years ago after being founded by Maggie Keswick Jenck who died of cancer, shortly before the first was completed.
The First Minister said: "15 years ago this year the first Maggie's centre opened a long way from here, providing hope, support and guidance to those whose lives were for ever changed after they were diagnosed with cancer. I am delighted that we are now welcoming this pioneering approach to cancer care here to Swansea. The support and guidance that will be on offer here will provide new hope to those who thought there was none, in the proud tradition of the Maggie's charity.
"Around 6,000 people are diagnosed with cancer in South West Wales each year and this centre will be valuable place of comfort and support to those affected by the disease."
(CD)
