Building Hope: Built environment leaders raise £350,000 for Maggie's

Leaders from across the construction and property sectors gathered at St Paul’s Cathedral on Thursday 21st May for the Building Hope Spring Gala Dinner in support of Maggie’s.

The event raised £350,000, with all proceeds helping to fund Maggie’s nationwide network of centres, which offer vital support for people living with cancer and their family and friends.

Sir Robert McAlpine sponsored the event alongside Clipfine, Ruddy, Stanhope and William Hare. Sir Robert McAlpine has supported the charity for more than 15 years, contributing to the delivery of 10 of its architecturally significant centres.

The evening brought together professionals from across the built environment to help ensure as many people as possible can benefit from Maggie’s free expert support.

Hosted by Kevin McCloud, best known for Channel 4’s Grand Designs, the programme featured performances from vocal ensemble Agape and prize-winning organist James Orford, alongside a live auction led by Duncan Moir.

Thirty years on from the opening of its first centre in Edinburgh, Maggie’s now operates 27 centres across the UK, all funded through voluntary donations and charitable giving.

Ed McAlpine, Chairman of Sir Robert McAlpine and Chair of the Building Hope Spring Gala Dinner Steering Committee (left of picture), said: “The property and construction industry is at its best when it comes together with purpose, heart and endeavour to leave a lasting impact. Every contribution made, large or small, helps Maggie’s continue its extraordinary work, ensuring that people living with cancer and their families receive the practical, emotional and psychological support they need.

"It costs nothing to walk through Maggie’s doors, but it takes all of us to keep it that way. My thanks go to our event sponsors for their tremendous support, and to my fellow committee members for their creativity, ingenuity, and hard work.”

Maggie’s Chief Executive, Dame Laura Lee, DBE (centre right of picture), said: “This evening truly is a celebration of the community of construction professionals who come together to make a ‘Maggie’s’ possible through the brilliant work that they do. We are incredibly grateful to everyone who has supported the Building Hope Spring Gala Dinner, from sponsors and organisers to every individual who has contributed.

“The funds raised will directly support our centres, helping to ensure people with cancer, as well as their family and friends, have the support they need when facing the enormous challenge of a cancer diagnosis. Thanks to the collective effort of everyone here tonight, we can continue to be there for people, free and for however long they need, at possibly the hardest time of their lives.”

Maggie’s is celebrating 30 years of providing free cancer support and information through its centres across the UK. Located alongside NHS cancer hospitals, the centres offer a welcoming environment where expert staff help people live well with cancer.

To find out more about how you can support Maggie’s by visiting their website.