The new Macmillan Cancer Information and Support Centre, which is being built as part of the new Milton Keynes Cancer Centre, is to be named after Irene Croswell.
Irene, who was a local resident, was an active campaigner for improved services for cancer patients and a former trustee of Macmillan Cancer Support. She died from cancer in April 2017 aged 64.
Lynda Thomas, Macmillan’s chief executive, said, “It is so fitting for us to name this new information and support centre after Irene, a true friend of the charity who worked tirelessly and selflessly to support people with cancer.”
Irene's association with Macmillan began when she lost her husband to cancer. A tireless fundraiser, Irene headed up an appeal which raised £1.2m in 2003 to build a cancer treatment centre at her local Milton Keynes hospital.
Over the succeeding years she gave generously of her time, knowledge and enthusiasm and continued to fundraise for the charity. Irene was appointed to the Macmillan Council in 2005, one of 50 senior volunteers who helped shape Macmillan’s future direction. Then in April 2014 she was appointed to the charity’s board of trustees.
On hearing the news about the naming of the centre, Irene’s friend Rosalind Ainscow, said, “I am thrilled for Irene, but immensely sad she died of cancer before she saw her dream of an all-encompassing cancer service in one building for MK come true. She raised so much, inspired so many and these amazing Macmillan and cancer facilities will inspire others to continue her legacy.”
One of Irene’s long-time friends, Jules White, added, “To have the centre named after her is truly wonderful. It is a great tribute to her dedication and hard work for Macmillan and her legacy lives on and I know she would be so very proud.”
Irene’s niece, Natasha Akathiotis, added, “As a family we were immensely proud of her many achievements including being instrumental in the fundraising for the first Macmillan unit in Milton Keynes. Irene would be overwhelmed with such an honour and delighted that her legacy of supporting those living with cancer continues.
"She was immensely passionate about her work with Macmillan. When diagnosed with cancer herself she was devastated that she could no longer help others, so it is such an honour that her legacy of helping others can continue through the new Irene Crosswell Macmillan information and support centre.”
The new Irene Croswell Macmillan Cancer Information and Support Centre will provide a welcoming and relaxing environment for people affected by cancer and includes:
• A large an open plan space where people can browse a well-stocked library of cancer-related information and receive advice from cancer information support staff and volunteers while having a cup of tea or coffee
• Three quiet rooms for counselling and private discussions
• A large meeting room to be used for group work, patient support groups and activities
As well as vital information on all aspects of cancer and cancer care, the centre will aim to meet the all-round needs of people living with cancer – physical, emotional, practical and financial as well as information.
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